THE NATION THURSDAY 11, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

‘Ekiti Dep Governor got best treatment’

NEWS

Page 9

•Burial April 26 •Colleagues visit Fayemi

Boko Haram kills five teachers, seven others NEWS Pages 6 & 10

•Buhari backs amnesty for sect

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2455 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Alleged N46b fraud: EFCC arraigns perm sec, others Trial begins June 3 Accused’s aides assault journalists From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a suspended Permanent Secretary, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, and six others, for allegedly stealing N46 billion from police pension funds.

The seven suspects appeared before Justice Hussain Baba of an Abuja High Court on an amended 18 counts charge of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy involving N46 billion.

One of the suspects, who was absent during the previous arraignment, Mrs. Uzoma Cyril Attang, had her plea taken yesterday.

Supporters of one of the suspects manhandled some photographers who attempted to take her photograph after the proceedings.

According to the EFCC, “Attang, who was absent in court when the others were first arraigned, was in charge of the police pension fund when N7.8 billion was stolen through 10,863 cheques.”

“She was also discovered to have personally signed 1,042 cheques to the tune of N1, 141,309,080.25.

“Investigation revealed that Mrs. Attang used several companies to defraud the Police Pension Office,” the commission said.

Some of the companies, which she allegedly used, are: Royal Diadem Business Logistic Limited, Amazing Grace Property Development Company, Enyiuzo Ventures Limited, Status Symbols Rentals Limited, Status Travels and Tours Limited, Quillponte and Anifon Nigeria Limited.

Other accused persons, besides Kigo and Attang, are Esai Dangabar, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula, Continued on page 6

•Mrs. Onyegbula stepping out of the court...yesterday

•Mrs. Onyegbula covering her face...yesterday

•Mrs. Onyegbula covering her face...yesterday

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

INEC prepares for 2015 with 18 directors

W •Prof. Jega

ITH the appointment of 18 directors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is getting set for the 2015 elections.

The newly appointed directors are Ngaladar Shettima( Borno)-Security Directorate; Arabambi A.D.(Osun)Voter Education, Public Relations and Gender; Mrs. S.G. Ibrahim (Gombe)-Finance and Account; F.E. Tobi (Delta)-Audit; Moses Udoh (Akwa Ibom)-Estate, Works and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Transport; U.F. Usman (Kebbi)Administration; Isa Lawal (Plateau)Procurement; Ismaila Mayi Kaura (Zamfara) - Stores Directorate; and Bala Shittu (Kaduna)-Election and Party Monitoring.

Others are: Chidi Nwafor( Anambra) - ICT; Okey Ndeche Okechukwu (Anambra) - Planning and Monitoring; Akem Emmanuel (Benue) - Voter Registry; Irene Ngozi

Oghuma(Delta)-Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); Isiaku A. Gali (Yobe) - Commission’s Secretariat; Oladimeji Kayode O.(Lagos) Electoral Operations; Ogakwu C. Augusta (Anambra) - Legal Services; Osaze O. Uzzi(Edo) - (International Cooperation and Protocol) and Musa Hamidu Adamu(Bauchi) HRM Directorate.

The appointments were based on merit and the federal character principle to reduce geopolitical and

ethnic politics, which could distract the commission from conducting free and fair elections, it was learnt.

Also, some directors, who were involved in past controversial polls in some states in 2007 have been redeployed.

INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega decided to reshuffle the 67 directors he inherited from his predecessors to conduct credible elections in 2015.

It was gathered that after a Continued on page 6

•20 EXPECTANT TEENS HELD IN ANAMBRA P53 •16 FEARED KILLED IN TARABA P59

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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NEWS

Presidency

•Senate President David Mark, assisted by the Papal Nuncio, Arch Bishop Augustine Kasugga, and the Bishop of Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi to cut his 65th birthday cake in Otukpo, Benue State.

The Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati, yesterday replied critics of the Presidency following the arrest of editors of Leadership over a report on alleged plot to crack down on opposition leaders

O

• Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda (middle), cutting the tape to inaugurate the District Head Of Lame's house in Toro Local Government Area of the state...on Tuesday. With him are Care-taker Chairman, Toro Local Government Area, Mr Aliyu Ibn-Idris (left) and District Head of Lame, Alhaji Mohammed Maidawa.

•Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio presenting a plague to the National President, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, Mr. A. L. Yar'Adua, who visited the Governor's Office, Uyo.

UR attention has been drawn to a statement by the Leadership Newspaper titled “Statement on the Arrest and Detention of LEADERSHIP journalists” (April 10), the latest episode in the matters arising from the same newspaper’s publication of an alleged “Presidential Directive” which we have had cause to disavow because the basis of the storyproved to have been a dubious ‘bromide’ containing nothing more than “a mishmash of carefully arranged and concocted lies, presented to the public as evidence of a document emanating from the presidency.” Yet, the Leadership newspaper insisted that “it stood by its story.”

As a responsible government committed to providing good governance and protecting the rule of law, the rebuttal from the presidency was appropriate; yet its symbolism runs far deeper. It ordinarily ought to have motivated all concerned with or related to the process and issues contained therein, particularly the publishers and editors,to double check their claims, and where errors had been made, to quickly retract the story. This would have been in line with the ethics of professionalism, good conduct and unbiased reporting.

This approach reflects the crucial role of a bridge which a best-practice media performs, in the management

• President Goodluck Jonathan (right), Vice-President Namadi Sambo (third left), Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Aji Goni (left) , Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (second lefrt), at the Federal Executive Council( FEC) meeting in Abuja...yesterday.

of the civil engagement between elected officials and the citizenry.Underpinning this social contract is the principle that the freedom of expression goes hand in hand with great responsibility. Given the Leadership Newspaper’s insistence that it stood by its story, questions are automatically raised about professional ethics and the social responsibility of the media, which certainly, by the rules and codes of practice of the various media associations in the country do not accommodate the publication of falsehood,or inciting material, or the abuse of the media’s constitutional mandate.

The circulation of a fictitious ‘presidential directive’ that seeks in the main to cause civil strife, engender a breakdown of law and order, and negate the values of our democracy is a very grievous act indeed that should not be ignored. At its core, such a disruptive act erodes the ethos of governance and professionalism and naturally stirs up those entrusted with the protection of law and order; as it should also, every responsible citizen, interest group and the entire media. In that regard, President Jonathan did not have to issue any orders before

Test-tube baby pioneer Edwards dies at 87

T •Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, receiving a document from the Contact Committee Chairman, National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Prof.

Razaq Abubakar, during NBAIS meeting with the minister, in Abuja.... yesterday.

HE IVF pioneer Professor Sir Robert Edwards has died after a long illness. He was 87.

Sir Robert, who won the Nobel prize for medicine in 2010, started work on fertilisation in the 1950s, and the first so-called test tube baby, Louise Brown, was born in 1978 as a result of his landmark research.

Since then, five million IVF babies have been born worldwide.

Sir Robert co-founded the world’s first IVF clinic, Bourn Hall, with obstetrician and gynaecologist Patrick Steptoe in his home town of Cambridge in 1980.

He was knighted in 2011, a year after being awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.

A spokesperson for Cambridge University yesterday said: ‘It is with deep sadness that the family announces that Professor Sir Robert Edwards, Nobel prizewinner, scientist and co-pioneer of IVF, passed away peacefully in his sleep on 10th April 2013 after a long illness.’

The statement added that he would be ‘greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues’, adding that ‘his work has had an immense impact

throughout the world’.

Test tube miracle Louise, 34, today paid tribute to Sir Robert, saying he had become an honorary member of the family, attending her wedding and visiting regularly.

She said: “I was really sad to hear the news today. I have always regarded Robert Edwards as like a grandfather to me.

“His work, along with Patrick Steptoe, has brought happiness and joy to millions of people all over the world by enabling them to have children.

“I am glad that he lived long enough to be recognised with a Nobel Prize for his work and his legacy will live on with all the IVF work being carried out throughout the world.

“The thoughts of myself and my sister Natalie, who was also born through IVF, are with his family at this sad time.”

Sir Robert and his Cambridge University colleagues succeeded in fertilising the human egg in 1969.

This laid the foundations for the clinical application of IVF at Oldham and District General Hospital, where Louise Brown was born.

The team conducted their research in the face of hostile opposition from church leaders and governments, and sceptisim

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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NEWS

replies critics over Leadership ‘ Why shouldn’t journalists normally cooperate with the police in this instance? We believe that it has to do with the fundamentals of professional ethos that make journalists operate with a different set of loyalties and a different set of outcomes

those who have as much constitutional responsibility as the media; that is, the police, see the need to act in the public interest.

Without holding brief for the law enforcement and security agencies, such a publication, like all others that threaten our democracy and undermine law and order, become the duty of the Police as an institution to investigate.The Leadership newspaper should see this as an opportunity to co-operate with the police as required by the laws of the land.

The Police have not done anything outside the law. The trite rule is that nobody is above the laws of the land. It is also within the powers of the Police to invite persons for questioning and to conduct investigations, which is what they have done so far in “The Leadership case”. Or are the editors of the Leadership newspaper insisting that they are above the laws of the land?

This administration believes in and has demonstrated its commitment to press freedom times over. The Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) was signed by this President into law and under this government the Nigerian print and electronic

media has grown in number, reach and in terms of freedom to practise. It will be disingenuous to suggest that there is a clampdown of any sort or an attempt to stifle the press.

Why shouldn’t journalists normally cooperate with the police in this instance? We believe that it has to do with the fundamentals of professional ethos that make journalists operate with a different set of loyalties and a different set of outcomes.

Yet,there should be no contradiction under normal circumstances where the pursuit of peace and democracy deepening is concerned. This should ordinarily have been an opportunity for the ‘media’ to help our democracy by collectively rejecting the publication of pure falsehood.

As recently as March 12, 2013 in the United Kingdom, detectives working with the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Elveden, an on-going British police investigation into corrupt payments to public officials, placed two journalists under covert surveillance by police investigating corruption and bribery allegations against journalists.

This process was considered a crowding out of press freedom with a number of people settling for an open invitation by the police for questioning, as was done in previous invitations with regards to Operation Weetingcovering investigations of The News of the World which led to numerous arrests, detentions and eventual convictions.

The developments at The News of the World, which centre around the resort to illegal means to obtain and/ orpublish otherwise dubiously obtained information led to the setting up of the Leveson Inquiry, a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the British press.

The Inquiry published the Leveson Report in November 2012, which reviewed the general culture and ethics of the British media, and made recommendations for a new, independent, body to replace the existing Press Complaints Commission, which would be recognised by the state through new laws. Some of the changes recommended include sweeping measures that will allow

This is a very sad day indeed and our thoughts are with Bob’s family and friends as well as our many colleagues who worked with him over the years.

He will be greatly missed and his contribution to humankind is unmeasurable The late Robert (right) and the first test-tube baby during the 25th anniversary of the IVF

from scientific colleagues.

They struggled to raise funds and had to rely on private donations, but despite these drawbacks, found a way to fertilise human eggs outside the body.

Sir Robert was born in Batley, Leeds, on September 27, 1925. He was educated at Manchester Central High School be-

tween 19361944, before serving in the Army in Palestine, Jordan and Egypt.

In 1951, he gained a Bachelor of science degree from the University of Bangor, Wales, and went on to obtain a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1955.

He leaves his wife Ruth, five

daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Leading scientists today paid tribute to Sir Robert. Professor Peter Braude, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kings College London, said: ‘Few biologists have so positively and practically impacted on humankind.

‘

police officers to demand information from sources; rights for police to seize materials from the press, changes that may force journalists to reveal whistleblowers’ identities; and other rule changes that may define freedom of speech. To show the extent of an ordered approach, part 2 of the inquiry has since been deferred until after criminal prosecutions regarding events at The News of the Worldare concluded.

In Nigeria, the place of our media is well regarded by the government and its freedom within the law, is regarded as sacred. The Nigerian media is self-regulated and is required to abide by defined codes of ethics. The incident with the Leadership newspapers is not an attempt by the government to muzzle a critical bridge in the societal value chain.

Rather, it reflects the professional gaps that need to be bridged within the profession as the media continues to play its very crucial and necessary role in nation-building.

This development therefore offers the media an opportunity for intro“Bob’s boundless energy, his innovative ideas, and his resilience despite the relentless criticism by naysayers, changed the lives of millions of ordinary people who now rejoice in the gift of their own child.

He leaves the world a much better place.”

Early efforts failed due to flawed hormone treatments. In 1977 the pair tried a new procedure, which avoided hormone treatments and instead relied on precise timing. On July 25 the following year, Louise Brown was born.

Anna Veiga, chairman of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, said that quite apart from his astonishing achievements, he would be remembered for his kindness: ‘We will remember him for many reasons, but mostly for his sympathetic ear, his constant encouragement and of course his remarkable achievements in human biology.

“Without Bob’s scientific foresight and care for the infertile couple, the treatments of assisted reproduction would never have gained the universal acceptance they have today.”

Mike Macnamee, chief executive of Bourn Hall, described Sir Robert as ‘one of our greatest scientists’: “His inspirational work led to a breakthrough that has enhanced the lives of millions worldwide. For me personally, Bob was a great mentor, colleague and friend. It was a privilege

spection, one that requires an emphasis on the responsibility of a media house as regards issues of ethics and professionalism; and extends in the main to how such a media house builds corporate governance rules to ensure that reckless, unfounded and grossly misleading publications have no place in the esteemed profession and outputs from its stable.

Nigerians fought so hard to end an era whereby serious attempts were made to muzzle the media and our recent history will attest to the heroic role played by the media in our emergent democracy. We intend for that to continue and welcome unfettered contributions, investigations and accountability audit of those holding public office today and tomorrow.

What must not be encouraged is voodoo journalismor the deliberate and malicious attempt to use a medium that is designed to inform to now take on the inglorious task of being a mouthpiece for a narrow agenda based on disinformation, deliberate scaremongering, civil society baiting and the offer of media platform(s) to those hell-bent on causing disharmony through well-woven conspiracies.

This government is proud of its record on press freedom, its relationship with and promotion of access for the media and civil society. The publication of a spurious document and the alarmist approach to the routine invitation extended to the Leadership journalists should of itself provide proof of a choreographed attempt to deliberately cast the administration in bad light; especially given the synchronized communications from the newspaper, the Action Congress of Nigeria, and others.

Once again, we urge the Nigerian public and the media to pay careful attention to those who parade themselves under different garbs and push forth information intended to subvert the cause of peace and order. The Nigerian government remains a committed advocate of a free but responsible media that can and should hold the government to account even as it seeks to educate and inform the citizenry for whom we are all responsible. This is the social contract we are all agreed to, for and on behalf of the Nigerian public. to work with him, and his passing is a great loss to us all.”

Professor Lisa Jardine, chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) which licences IVF clinics and research, said: “It is with great sadness that we have heard about the death of Professor Sir Robert Edwards.

Many thousands of families have benefited directly from IVF since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978.

Dr Allan Pacey, chairman of the British Fertility Society which represents IVF clinics, said: ‘This is a very sad day indeed and our thoughts are with Bob’s family and friends as well as our many colleagues who worked with him over the years.

“He was a giant in our profession and many people, public and professionals alike, owe him a great deal.

His work transformed our view of infertility from something that must be endured to a potentially treatable medical condition.

“He will be greatly missed and his contribution to humankind is unmeasurable.

“It is heartening to know that he received due acclaim for his work during his lifetime. The BFS considers his legacy to match that of Darwin, Curie and Einstein for their respective fields, and hopes his memory will live on for many years to come.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

NEWS INEC prepares for 2015 with 18 directors

Alleged N46b fraud: EFCC arraigns perm sec, others

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Sani Habila Zira and Christian Madubuike.

The 18-count (amended) charge is punishable under sections 97 and 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspects had earlier been arraigned alongside convicted pension thief John Yusuf before Justice Mohammed Talba.

However, as a result of that uproar that greeted the sentence meted out to Yusuf, the EFCC withdrew the trial of the remaining suspects from Justice Talba.

Justice Talba sentenced Yusuf to two years imprisonment, but gave him the option of a N750,000 fine.

The sentence infuriated many and drew uncomplimentary remarks both from within and outside the country against the judiciary.

The development caused the trial of the alleged pension thieves to be re-assigned to Justice Hussain Baba.

Count one of the amended charge alleged that the suspects conspired between January 2008 and June 2011, to do an illegal act, to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of N20.155 billion, an offence punishable under Section 97 of Continued on page 60

•The accused in the court…yesterday

•Mrs. Onyegbula and her supporters quarrelling with photojournalists...yesterday

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Families of slain policemen prevented from seeing bodies

F

AMILY members of some of the 12 policemen killed by unknown gunmen in Bayelsa State were prevented from seeing their bodies yesterday.

They had thronged the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, where the remains of 10 of the slain police are being preserved.

They were turned back by policemen keeping surveillance.

The recovered bodies were said to have been burnt beyond recognition.

One of the victims, who was said to be a bachelor, Lucky Ebebi, 31, a corporal, hailed from Esama, in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

He served the police for seven years.

Lucky’s elder brother, Victor, who led five members of

From Bisi Olaniyi, Yenagoa

the family to the morgue, wondered why the policemen did not allow the relatives to move close to the mortuary.

Victor lamented that his younger brother, who he described as a “jolly good fellow”, died unmarried and without leaving behind a child.

Victor described the incident as pathetic, even as he expressed optimism that Lucky might later rejoin the family alive.

Omire identified the slain policemen as two inspectors, four Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and six constables.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday continued to comb the creeks of the oil-rich state for the remains of two policemen. It also intensified the

manhunt for the killers of the officers, who were ambushed last Friday.

The Executive Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL), Anyakwee Nsirimovu, urged the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, to either resign or be sacked immediately.

He accused Omire of dereliction of duties and not acting on intelligence report that the 50 policemen on escort duty might be attacked or ambushed by aggrieved Niger Delta militants.

Nsirimovu, in a telephone interview, said the fate that befell the policemen, who were killed on the waterways of Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, could have been averted, if the police chief was alive to his responsibilities.

He wondered the rationale behind the deployment of 50 policemen in Azuzuama for the burial of the mother of an ex-militant leader, Kile Torughedi.

Torughedi (aka Young Shall Grow) is a Special Assistant to Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson on Maritime Security.

According to the activist, there was no way the militants could have planned such attack without the police commissioner knowing, saying he ought to have been more proactive.

Nsirimovu also wondered where other security personnel were when the militants took away the bodies of the officers from the waterways to the bush, where they were burnt and mutilated, with their arms, ammunition and Continued on page 60

c o m p r e h e n s i v e professional auditing by Jega and all the National Commissioners, 18 of the 67 directors were found fit for the vision of the new INEC administration.

The other 39 directors will be administrative secretaries in all the 36 states and the FCT or at the Electoral Institute of the commission.

A source close to the reorganisation said: “The restructuring was borne out of the need to make the commission more effective to be able to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

“If you remember, the INEC chairman has always said the vision of this leadership is to make the commission the best electoral management body in Africa. This is part of the measures being put in place achieving that.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “There is spread, everybody is taken care of.

“The exercise is based strictly on merit while also bing mindful of the Federal Character Principle. It has been carried out for the commission to be neatly streamlined. No more overlap of functions, no more duplication.”

Buhari backs amnesty for Boko Haram From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

•Gen. Buhari

N

ATIONAL leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Maj-Gen Mohammadu Buhari has backed the planned amnesty for Boko Haram, the fundamentalist sect whose insurgency has

claimed more than 1000 lives.

He urged Nigerians to embrace whatever solution that would bring peace to the country.

Gen. Buhari, who was his party’s candidate in the 2011 presidential election, described as a good thing the committee raised by the Federal Government to examine all requests for amnesty for members of the sect, which is against western education.

Speaking with reporters at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, Gen. Buhari said the terms of reference given to the amnesty committee remained unknown to him, He said if amnesty was Continued on page 60

U.S.’ position on pardon remains unchanged, says official

I

F the Federal Government was expecting any retraction of the United States (U.S.) comment on the Dipreye Alamieyeseigha pardon, it may have been disappointed.

The US said yesterday that its position on the issue remained unchanged.

The Political Counselor, Embassy of the United States Mr. Gregory Lawless, at a teleconference on US-Nigeria Binational Commission in Abuja, said: “The situation has not changed.”

The US, he said, has put the issue behind it, and it is carrying on with its relationship with Nigeria.

“We have a very mature relationship. So, we can recognise our differences and opinions on issues. We are moving on; we have a lot of things to

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

do.”

Lawless, who also spoke on the proposed amnesty for Boko Haram members, said: “We are a working group as government of Nigeria embraces a more holistic approach to the issue of violent extremism, whether it is in the North or other areas. We think it is a positive development.

We will work with Nigeria government as it develops its own policy approach to counter violent extremism.

“We provided lessons learned from our post-September 11 experiences in an effort to strengthen Nigeria’s community engagement and strategic communications efforts.

“We offered to help Nigeria develop an intelligence fusion

centre to improve their intelligence, analysis and dissemination efforts, although Nigerian officials are still deciding their scope and mission requirements for such a centre.”

Besides, Lawless said his country “is also committed to partner with Nigeria to enhance regional maritime security and to reduce the inflow of small arms and light weapons”.

On the achievement of the Bi-National Commission, Lawless said it had successfully integrated civil society into the electoral process prior to the 2011 elections.

He also noted that the commission, among other things, had been able to sustain and elevate dialogue with energy sector officials on energy policy reforms to increase invest-

ment.

US and Nigeria, Lawless said, have also agreed to explore a partnership with the Nigerian Army to build its civil affairs capacity, to build trust between Nigeria’s citizens and the military.

The Energy and Investment working group has focused primarily on reform of Nigeria’s power and hydrocarbon sectors.

“We have been heartened by Nigeria’s ongoing progress on comprehensive power reform incentivises for private investment in infrastructure to address massive power shortages,” Lawless said. He added: “The United States is providing policy support to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic agricultural policies. The United States supports efforts to ex-

pand agricultural lending and otherwise improve private agriculture sector growth.

“We agreed to collaborate further to build on Nigeria’s amnesty programme by advancing economic development and environmental protection of the Delta.”

The U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission is a high-level forum for advancing issues of mutual concern. Inaugurated in April 2010 by the former US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, the Commission’s five working groups meet regularly to focus and deepen engagement on issues concerning governance, energy, security, agriculture, and the Niger Delta.

The Working Groups in-

clude: Good Governance, Transparency, and Integrity; Regional Security Cooperation, Energy and Investment, Food Security and Agriculture as well as the Niger Delta.

The groups are responsible for establishing benchmarks for transparent and inclusive elections, including registering voters, appointing electoral commission leaders, and allocating independent election funding.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11 , 2013

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NEWS

Fed Govt approves N2.12b for 33.5m voter cards

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HE Federal Government yesterday app r o v e d N2,117,500,000.00 for the printing of 33.5 million permanent voter cards.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over

by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku said the approval was given after consideration of a memo by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

According to him, printing of the 33.5 million cards is the second phase of the project.

The printing of 40 million cards in the first phase has begun , it would be ready by June, Maku said.

The minister, who was accompanied to the briefing by the Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i and Women Affairs and Social Development counterpart, Hajiya Zainab Maina, said the permanent voter cards would only be used for about 10 years after which it will be replaced by the na-

CJN hailed over comment on judiciary

•Education Minister not aware of plans to scrap NECO, JAMB From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tional identity cards.

He said: “Council deliberated on a number of issues today and one of it is the disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega that INEC is gradually moving towards the adoption of the expected National ID card which will be used as document for voting in future elections.”

“Prof. Jega disclosed this today while answering questions on the memo for the printing of 33.5 million voter cards. According to Jega, the nation must be prepared towards adopting the National ID card for future elections.”

“The idea of having a national identity card and a separate voter cards will simply be duplication and waste of resources. To this end, INEC has adopted a new card that

will last only for about 10 years. The presumption is that the present permanent voter cards that is going to be issued

by INEC might be used for 2015 and possibly 2019 general elections.”

Maku went on: “As the nation is preparing that every Nigerian has a national identity card, INEC is preparing that at the expiration of the issued voter cards, the national identity card that is in process will now be the document that every Nigerian will use to vote in all elections in the country.”

“So, today Council considered the memo brought by INEC to print 33.5 million additional cards and we look at the proposal. These cards unlike the previous ones will have the biodata of the holder.”

“Following the successful conduct of the nationwide voters registration in 2011, the commission proposed to print 73,500,000 permanent voter cards to replace the temporary

cards issued during the voters registration exercise. There is need to print and issue the remaining 33,500,000 permanent voter cards in this second phase.”

“After deliberations, Council approved the contract for the second phase of the printing of 33,500,000 per voter cards at the rate of N65 per card in favour of Messrs ACT Technologies Limited in the sum of 2,117,500,000.00 only with a completion period of six months,” he added.

At the briefing, Prof. Rufa’i said she was not aware of any Federal Government’s plan to scrap the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

According to her, the Council yesterday approved Institutionalisation of six-level National Vocational Qualifications Framework in Nigeria and the placement of the National Vocational Qualifi-

cations in the scheme of service.

She stressed that Nigeria cannot underplay the place of skilled and competent workforce as she aspires to become a major player in the world economy.

“The phenomenon of Vocational skills framework has been embraced by many countries as a vital scheme to enhance development of competent workforce and ensure that qualifications for occupations are flexible, transparent and accountable,” she said.

Hajiya Maina, who presented the Women Affairs’ Ministry’s performance and challenges in 2012 to the Council, said many achievements were recorded last year.

Apart from achieving 35 per cent affirmative action for women, she said that 31 per cent of judges, 26 per cent of permanent secretaries in the country and 11 Nigerian ambassadors serving abroad are women.

N38b loan deal: EFCC summons House of Reps Clerk

T

HE Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Com mission (EFCC) last night summoned the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Sani Omolori, in respect of a N38billion loan

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

deal during the tenure of exSpeaker Dimeji Bankole.

Omolori is expected to appear for interaction between today and tomorrow.

A source said: “The invitation is in respect of the ongoing trial of Bankole. Omolori is expected to assist the commission on some issues.

“The same Clerk had appeared before the EFCC in 2011

when he admitted that he had advised House leadership against taking the loan.

“I think he is wanted by the EFCC on the details of his meeting with 37 wise men who endorsed the loan.”

By Eric Ikhilae

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GROUP, Lagos Col lectives (LC) has praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar for her “fair assessment of the state of the nation’s judiciary”.

The group, in reference to Justice Mukhtar’s speech at a workshop for judges in Abuja, said the CJN’s posture was an indication that she would sanitise the court system.

LC, in a statement by its Chairman, Prof Tejumade Akitoye-Rhodes said: “Justice Aloma-Mukhtar has demonstrated she is an emblem of sincerity, a shining heroine of principled articulation that must be encouraged and strengthened to stay the course and remain firm in her conscionable pursuit of justice and the fairness doctrine in our Judiciary.

“Justice AlomaMukhtar, is gradually building for herself a reputation for forthrightness, the instinctive cadence for truth, the bold unstinting candor for saying it the way it is. This natural genuineness of purpose is indeed rare in our nation today,” Akitoye-Rhodes said.

“At a time when false and fraudulent actors bestride the leadership of our nation, speaking from both sides of the mouth, defending the indefensible, sullying and distorting the moral fabric of our Republic, Justice Aloma-Mukhtar is an emblem of sincerity, a shining heroine of principled articulation that must be encouraged and strengthened to stay the course and remain firm in her conscionable pursuit of justice and the fairness doctrine in our Judiciary,” it said.

Court dismisses Oyinlola’s application From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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ORMER Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has again lost a judicial battle to reclaim his seat as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A Federal High Court yesterday in Abuja threw out his application for a stay of execution of the court’s judgment which sacked him.

The court, presided over by Justice Abdul Kafarati, on January 11, held that Oyinlola was not fit to occupy the position of National Secretary of the party after a Lagos Federal High Court cancelled the zonal congresses which produced him.

The suit was filed by the Ogun State chapter of the PDP. In his ruling yesterday, Justice Kafarati declared that the judgment which sacked Oyinlola was a declaratory order, which cannot be stayed.

He also upheld PDP’s argument that there was nothing to stay, as the judgment had already been complied with.

Justice Kafarati said: “The judgment of 11 January, 2013 is declaratory in nature, a declaratory judgment is not capable of being stayed.

“It is not every ruling or judgment of the court that can be stayed.

“The judgment of 11 January 2013, being declaratory, cannot be stayed.

“Order 4 had already been executed as the applicant had already been removed from office as the National Secretary of the PDP. “There is nothing to stay.

“The application for stay of execution lacks merit and is hereby dismissed.”

Oyinlola, through his counsel, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, asked the court to stay the execution of the judgment and return him to office.

The ex-governor had claimed that the court did not ask the PDP to remove him from office.

But the PDP insisted that it acted in line with the judgment of the court by removing Oyinlola.

PUBLIC NOTICE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okegbenro Odunayo Muyibat now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adedeji Odunayo Mary. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE •A crowd waiting to buy kerosene at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) Mega Station on Abiola Way in Abeokuta...yesterday.

PDP: we’ve resolved our differences

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has de clared that the disagreements between members of the National Working Committee (NWC) had been resolved.

The crisis pitted the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur against members of the committee.

Rising from its weekly NWC meeting yesterday, the members passed a vote of confidence in Tukur, saying that the leadership remained one indivisible team that will henceforth speak with one voice.

National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, who

•Passes vote of confidence in Tukur From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

briefed reporters after the meeting, thanked members for what he described as their overwhelming support for the chairman and his team.

He said the NWC had no issues with any arm or organ of the party and that the leadership was in total support of every action taken by President Goodluck Jonathan on party and other issues.

According to him, the NWC would remain focused in the running of the affairs

of the party, as prescribed by the constitution and report to the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Metuh also declared that the party resolved that the party’s March 24, 2012 national convention remained valid, saying that the convention was held in accordance with the party’s constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act. By this declaration, the party may have decided to ignore the letter by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the convention that brought the

current crop of leaders into office was flawed.

“The NWC has endorsed the leadership of the party led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. We support him and we believe in his ideas and his agenda aimed at moving the party towards a successful election in 2015.

“We are also in support of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan because his administration is working according to the manifesto of the PDP”, Metuh added.

Eleven of the 12 members of the NWC attended the meeting.

This is to inform the general public that the title documents in respect of property situated at No. 25, Fagbenro Square, Off Randle Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, belonging to Madam Eunice Nihilola Agbeke has been stolen. Take Notice that nobody should transact any dealings whatsoever on the property. Whoever does so is at his/her own peril.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Mr. ISREAL ADEKUNLE OLUBUNMI wish to affirm to the general public that the woman who claims to be Mrs. FUNKE ISREAL is not my wife, that my wife is Mrs. TEMITOPE ISREAL. Offa community RCCG community, Afao-Ekiti community and general public.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP I, Mr Nick Onyebuchi Omoeye of 71A Lafiaji Way, Dolphin Estate Ikoyi. Lagos hereby notify the general public that I have applied to the LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of a property at Block 52 Flat 1 Kosofe Road Dolphin Estate, Ikeja, which was originally allocated to Nnenna Usman. I have made series of efforts to contact Nnenna Usman the Assignor from whom I brought the property, but all efforts have proved abortive. I hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims that may arise if my application is granted, and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same.

LSDPC, Nnenna Usman and the General public, please take note.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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NEWS

Lawyer ‘brutalised’ by police demands justice

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WO Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Richard Ogunwole and Bandele Aiku, have offered to represent the lawyer that was allegedly brutalised by the police in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last Wednesday, in court.

Three lawyers representing the Ibadan chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will join them. They are S. Akinyele, Tunji Ogunrinde and Oluwaseun Abimbola.

They will represent the victim, Mr. Joshua Olaniyan, in court, when he sues the police.

Olaniyan, who heads a popular law firm in Ibadan, R. O. Ogunwole Chambers, was allegedly assaulted by the police at the Kajorepo Divisional Police Station.

Narrating his ordeal to reporters, he said he was beaten, tortured and stripped naked for telling the police that his client forgot his waybill at home and for bringing the document.

Olaniyan said he went to the police station located on IwoRoad to secure the release of his client’s vehicle, which was impounded by the police at a road block on the Ojoo Expressway because the driver failed to produce the waybill.

He said he went there with the manager of the company, who the police allegedly chased away when they started “brutalising” him (Olaniyan).

The lawyer said: “When we got there, a police officer, an acquaintance of mine, took me to the Station Officer (SO), Etim Ebighe. The SO took me to the office of the OC P and G. “When I got there, I met three people, two men and a woman, discussing. One of them,

•Two SANs, three lawyers to represent victim

‘

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Stephen Owolabi, introduced himself as the OC P and G and I introduced myself as the bakery’s legal adviser and one of its nominal directors.

“I explained my mission to him. It was while doing this that the lady interjected and started asking me a series of questions sporadically. One of the questions she asked was why the consignment of sugar had no waybill.

Even though I did not know she was a police officer at that time, I still took the pains to explain to her civily, as is my nature, that it was an oversight which had been corrected.

“She shouted me down, saying the trailer that brought the sugar from Lagos should have given the bakery (Fortunate Bread) the waybill it (the trailer) used.

“I explained to her that Fortunate Bread was not the only customer the trailer supplied sugar to and that the waybill issued in Lagos was meant to cover the itinerary of the trailer. I explained further that what obtained where there was a need to transfer some of the goods supplied in the manner at hand was for Fortunate Bread to issue a waybill to cover the transfer of sugar from Ibadan to Ilorin.

“At this point, the other gentleman joined the woman in haranguing me. I got confused and did not know who to direct my explanation to, so I asked them pointedly to allow me discuss with the OC D and G, who I believed was in charge of the matter.

“The gentleman, who I later learnt to be the Divisional Crime

I refused and they started hitting me.

In the process, my trousers were removed and my drawers torn. When I saw that my manhood was no longer safe, I agreed to make the statement.

Officer (DCO), then informed me that the three of them were superintendents of police and could jointly handle the issue.

“Infuriated by my refusal to buy her argument that there should have been multiple waybills issued from Lagos, the female officer, Sola Olanrewaju, who I later learnt was the Divisional Transport Officer (DTO), told me the police would have to investigate the matter further and ordered me out of the OC P and G’s office.

“I obliged and left. When I got to the counter/reception area, the manager asked me what transpired and I told him laconically to come with me and that the police wanted to conduct an investigation, which would ultimately lead them to our office.

“On hearing this, the SO, who was seated in the reception area, stood up angrily and claimed that what I said was extremely rude. Speaking loudly, he said he doubted the veracity of my claim to be a lawyer and that if I was truly one, I must be a useless lawyer.

“I was about to tell him that I felt highly insulted by his innuendo when I was slapped severally from behind. When I finally succeeded in turning towards the direction of the at-

’

tack, I discovered that my attacker was the lady who ordered me out of the OC D and G’s office.

“When she still made attempts to attack me, I raised my hands up to protect my face. This defensive posture of mine incensed the policemen in the reception area and they all descended on me with blows from their fists, feet and cudgels.

“After some time, I decided to make some phone calls, so that people could know where I was and what was happening to me.

The first phone number that came readily to my mind was that of Barrister S. S. Akinyele, whom I spoke with for less than five seconds before a policeman slapped me and asked me what gave me the effrontery to place the call.

“The policeman seized my phone, checked my contacts and started reading my messages.

When I protested that it was an invasion of my privacy, I was hit with a cudgel. At this point, it dawned on me that my life was in danger and I shouted out to the manager, who was standing at the entrance of the police station watching helplessly as I was being mauled, to come to my rescue. My shouts of ‘Ismaila, maa je kan pa mi (Ismaila, do not let

them kill me) made the policemen look in his direction and they attempted to seize him, but he ran for his dear life.

He said: “They took me to a dark, uncompleted section of the station and told me to make a statement. I refused and they started hitting me. In the process, my trousers were removed and my drawers torn. When I saw that my manhood was no longer safe, I agreed to make the statement. While I was doing this, the policemen made jest of me, calling me a fake lawyer and every derogatory word that came to their minds.

“Some knocked me and others slapped me. Some tugging at my neck tie and others did whatever they felt like to me. I was extremely thirsty and requested for water, but all my entreaties fell on deaf ears. When I got to the part where I had to give my bio data and wrote that I had an LLM (Master of Laws) from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, my interrogator held my hand and ordered me to stop writing ‘rubbish and lies’.

According to him, a fake lawyer like me could not have obtained an LLM. He called out to his colleagues to come and see a fake lawyer who has the guts to claim that he has an LLM. “He allowed me to continue and when I got to the part where I had to narrate what transpired between the female officer, he slapped me for referring to her as a ‘lady’. According to him, it was rude and unprofessional for me to call a SUPOL a lady. When I explained to him that even female judicial officers were sometimes referred to as ‘My Lady’, he laughed out loud and said I was

•Olaniyan

indeed a fake lawyer.

“According to him, he frequently went to the court and had never heard any female judicial officer being addressed in such manner. At that point, the psychological and physical trauma I had undergone made me draw a comparison between my travail and that of our Lord Jesus Christ before he was eventually crucified.”

Olaniyan was released after the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who arrived around 7pm and some lawyers.

He said the DPO urged him to accept the apologies of the policemen and woman that brutalised him and lay the matter to rest.

But Olaniyan said he would seek redress in court. He has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission. With the support of the NBA, he plans to sue the police.

Police spokeswoman Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanafor said: “The matter has been resolved. The lawyer was full of praises for the senior police officers, who intervened and resolved the matter.

We have our internal cleansing mechanism, through which we resolve cases like this and the matter has since been resolved.”

Olaniyan said he has no intention of dropping the case.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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NEWS

‘Ekiti Deputy Governor got the best medical care’ •Olayinka for burial April 26 •Amosun, Ahmed, Dankwambo, others commiserate with Fayemi

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HE remains of the late Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, will be interred on April 26, the state government said yesterday.

The week-long activities for her state burial will begin on April 22.

Mrs. Olayinka (52) died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on Saturday after a long battle with cancer.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, the funeral will be held in Ekiti and Lagos states.

Also yesterday, the Forum of Deputy Governors in Nigeria thanked the Ekiti State Government for giving the late Mrs. Olayinka the best medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad.

The representatives of the forum, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure (Lagos) and Chief Segun Adesegun

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti and Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

(Ogun), yesterday visited Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The forum said it was proud of the deceased’s contributions to the success of the Fayemi administration.

It thanked the late Mrs. Olayinka’s family and the state government for supporting her throughout her illness.

Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire said: “Your government has been wonderful in taking care of her. She received the best of treatment. She was very courageous and hardworking. She lived a fulfilled life. You and your wife were very supportive to her and we cherish your good working relationship.

“We are pained as her colleagues and I am particularly pained as a woman. We have

comfort in the Lord Jesus Christ that she will continue to rest in peace.”

Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr.Jonah Otunla; Senators Babafemi Ojudu (Ekiti Central), Olu Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) and Anthony Adeniyi (Ekiti South) and Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, who was represented by a delegation led by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Jallo Ibrahim, also visited Fayemi.

Amosun described the late Mrs. Olayinka as a daughter of Ogun State, having married an Egba man, Mr. Lanre Olayinka, an architect.

He said Ogun State shared the pain of her death, adding that nobody expected Mrs. Olayinka to die so soon.

Urging Fayemi to remain

strong, Amosun said: “We should console ourselves that in the 52 years she spent with us, she did well. In the last six to seven years that she found herself in politics, she joined the struggle to reclaim the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN’s) mandate.

After the mandate was retrieved, she served the people diligently. She is our wife and we share in your grief.”

In the condolence register, Amosun wrote: “Our wife, sister, adieu. You served the good people of Ekiti State selflessly. The ACN family will surely miss your commitment. The nation will miss your charm and laughter. May the good Lord grant you eternal rest and comfort your aged parents, your husband, children and the government and people of Ekiti and Ogun states.”

Ahmed said: “It was a

huge shock because she was full of life and energy, but death is an inevitable end we all have to pass through. It came at a time when we need her most, but I know God will strengthen you (Fayemi) and give you the wherewithal to manage the affairs of the state.

“We are also pained that she has aged parents. May God give them the strength to bear this loss.”

In the condolence register, Ahmed wrote: “Our dear sister, you have paid the supreme price. However, you have lived a life worthy of emulation. May God grant you eternal peace.”

Dankwambo said: “Nigeria has lost a gem, a great personality, whose services are still needed. God knows why he took her home. Death is an inevitable end and while we all mourn her, we know that death is a gain to her.”

Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, in her condolence message, said: “Indeed, the news got to me as a cruel, rude and painful shock. When I visited and prayed with Mrs. Olayinka barely 24 hours before her death, there was nothing to suggest that she would be leaving the earth so soon.”

The Ekiti State Muslim Community, led by the Grand Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the state, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere Bello; the state chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Prince Nathaniel Uzoma; the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), led by Pastor Ola Adejubee and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ado-Ekiti branch, led by Mr. Omodele Adewumi, also visited the governor.

Tribunal to rule on Agbado-Okeodo council poll today

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HE Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal sitting at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, will today rule on the appeal filed by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) against a verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT).

LASIEC is challenging the judgment of the EPT, which nullified the commission’s declaration of the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Augustine Arogun, as the winner of the chairmanship election in Agbado-Okeodo Local Government.

The EPT declared the candi-

By Joseph Jibueze

date of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Busari Akande, winner of the poll.

The Justice Opeyemi Okeled appeal panel, was supposed to give its verdict yesterday, but shifted it till today.

The tribunal also adjourned judgment till April 17 in the councillorship tussle in Ward E, Ikoyi-Obalande Local Government Area.

The appeal was filed by Mr. Bisi Anibaba against Mr. Emmanuel Omoaigberadion and 23 others.

Justice Oke said the judge assigned to write the judgment was in Abuja on an official assignment.

•From left: Muyiwa; his wife, Oyindamola; Mrs. Tokunbo Ige; Mr. Gbenro Fagbola and his wife, Funsho, son, Kayode and daughter, Ayotunde at the service...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

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PUBLIC NOTICE NEW DAWN OF GLORY MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission,Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. Pastor. Ezekiel .O. Smith 2. Mrs. Margaret .M. Smith 3. Pastor. Tunde Olakunbi 4. Mr. Olalekan Smith 5. Mrs. Olufunke Ajao 6. Oluwatoyin Smith AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To promote kingdom values among youths.

Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General,Corporate Affairs Commission, Garki, Abuja within twenty-eight (28)days from the date of this publication.

Signed PASTOR EZEKIEL .O. SMITH (President) Zone 5, Road 5, House 14, Oluyole Extension Ring Road, lbadan

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UYIWA Ige, the son of the slain former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, yesterday spoke of his mother’s death - 10 years after.

Justice Atinuke Ige died of heartbreak, the young Ige said.

His mother died three years after her husband was killed by gunmen at their home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on December 23, 2001. His killers are yet to be apprehended.

Muyiwa, who is the Osun State Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, said his mother would not have died, if the agents of darkness had not struck.

He said she was full of life until her husband was killed.

Muyiwa spoke yesterday in Ibadan at the 10th Memorial Service and Book Presentation in honour of his mother.

The service was held at the St Annes Church, Molete. It was followed by the book presentation at the Vale College, Ibadan yesterday.

Muyiwa said: “My mummy would have been alive till today if not for the heart break she suffered as a result of her husband’s death, but we thank God that she lived a

•‘There should be no amnesty for killers’ From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

fulfilled life. The attendance here today is a clear testimony of what mama stood for. She stood for hardwork, courage, justice, integrity, goodness and love. That is why we are here to remember her.”

Hundreds of well wishers, friends and relatives attended the events.

Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, at the service, said: “The late Justice Ige was a woman of great courage, a good mother and builder of womanhood.

She will forever be remembered for her good attributes.”

The governorship candi-

date of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said: “She was amiable, passionate, kind, loving and was always encouraging the younger ones to be up and doing in their professions.

The officiating priest, Venerable Gabriel Daramola, said the late Justice Ige contributed immensely to the development of the state and Nigeria, adding that she left legacies that would not be forgotten in a hurry.

He prayed God to continue to grant the family the spirit of discernment.

Ven. Daramola decried the nation’s security challenges

and kicked against amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

He said if amnesty is granted to killers, it should be extended to kidnappers and their victims compensated.

Also present were Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; top officials of the Osun State government; former Vice-Chancellors of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professors Olufemi Bamiro and O.O. Oyediran; Prof.

Muyiwa Awe and his wife, Bolanle; Akeredolu’s wife, Betty; Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sumonu and members of the Bar and Bench, among others.

Ondo tribunal resumes sitting

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HE Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure will resume today, following the Court of Appeal’s directive that it should hear the petition of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

CPC’s petition was struck out by the Justice Andova Kaka’n-led tribunal on the grounds that it lacked merit.

•Panel to hear CPC’s petition From Damisi Ojo,Akure

The Court of Appeal ruled that by dismissing the CPC’s petition before trial, the tribunal denied the party fair hearing.

It ordered the tribunal to relist the petition for hearing.

The CPC’s petition was

consolidated with that of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The ACN and the PDP are set for the adoption of their final written addresses, as all parties, including the respondents, have filed their final written addresses.

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THE NATION THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2013

NEWS

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole addressing an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) campaign for the April 20 local government elections in Otuo, Owan East Local Government .

Protesters demand Maina’s reinstatement

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CORES of supporters of the embattled Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, yesterday disrupted traffic flow at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, when they protested at the Office of the Head of Service (HOS).

They called for Maina’s reinstatement.

The protestors, comprising civil society groups, market women and youth groups, said the HOS needed to respect a court ruling, which ordered that Maina be reinstated.

Comrade Ngozika Ihuoma, leader of the demonstrators and the Executive Secretary of Legislative Watch, told reporters that

Abuja

the protest was to push for Maina’s reinstatement as chairman of the PRTT. Besides, he said, it was to draw attention to the fact that since last November, when the HOS usurped the payment of pension of federal retirees, the process had become “unwieldy with backlog of pensions”.

Ihuoma said the Federal High Court, Abuja, on March 27, did not only vacate the arrest warrant issued by the Senate against Maina but also directed that he be returned to continue with his task at the PRTT. He said: “This is not a protest march. Rather, it is a solidarity protest for

Abdulrasheed Maina, over the March 27 court judgment in his favour.

“We are here today from over 10 civil society groups, market women and youth associations to urge the Head of Service to fast-track Maina’s return to office.

“We cannot continue to claim to observe the rule of law but fail to obey court rulings on very fundamental issues such as this.

“The PRTT, as you know, has done well. But some people, out of their own personal score, have set out to derail the process of streamlining federal pension.

“But thank God, the courts saw through it and have ruled favourably on the suit brought by Maina.”

The protestors later moved to the Federal High Court, where they protested the HOS’ non-compliance with its judgment.

Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar from arresting Maina.

The court made the order after it vacated the warrant of arrest the Senate issued against him.

The Senate had declared the ex-pension boss wanted, following his alleged refusal to appear before it to explain his alleged complicity in the illegal diversion of funds meant for pensioners.

Alleged $620,000 bribe: Farouk, Emenalo seek to quash charges

HE former Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Farouk Lawan and the committee’s Secretary, Boniface Emenalo, yesterday urged an Abuja High Court to throw out the charge of receiving $620,000 against them.

The accused are on trial for allegedly receiving the cash from businessman, Femi Otedola, to influence the report of the committee in favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited, one of Otedola’s companies.

Their counsel, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), argued that the court ought not to have granted the application for leave to prefer the charges because the prosecution failed to provide the materials needed for the judge to exercise his discretion to grant the application.

After listening to the arguments for and against the application to quash the charges, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi said he would deliver a ruling on May 2.

Tarfa, while substantiating his application to quash the charges, urged the court to discharge the accused since no prima facie case had been made against them.

The senior lawyer averred

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From Gbenga Omokhunu ,

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

that the foundation of the case against the accused was not legally laid.

He said the prosecution failed to comply with the provisions of Section 155 (1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires that statements of witnesses be attached to the application to prefer charges.

Although the trial was scheduled to begin yesterday, Tarfa insisted that the court must first hear and determine the application to quash the charges.

He said the application to quash the charges also challenged the jurisdiction of the

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saba, the Delta State capital yesterday, witnessed a clash between operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and officials of the State Task Force on Traffic Control attached to the Ministry of Transport.

The Nation learnt that four traffic officials were injured during the fracas.

Some motorists in Asaba have condemned the uncivillised behaviour of the

court to conduct the trial.

The prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application, which he described as a ploy to waste the time of the court.

Awomolo said the Supreme Court had held in several earlier cases that the purpose of seeking the leave of court is to ensure that frivolous criminal charges are not filed and not to allow the accused to see the details of the charges against them.

He said the charges remained valid, adding that non-attachment of witnesses’ statements did not vitiate the

legality of the charges.

Lawan and Emenalo are on trial for allegedly violating the provisions of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act. In an affidavit, Chidi Amaeze averred that investigation into the criminal case had since been concluded.

Lawan had repeatedly denied Otedola’s accusations, saying he collected the $620,000 as evidence to expose the businessman’s attempts to bribe him.

Lawan and Emenalo have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have since been admitted to bail by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi.

Jonathan approves Solarin as NMC DG

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Prof Adewale Solarin as the Director-General of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Sheda, Abuja.

The appointment, which is for a single term of five years, came via a letter dated April 8, entitled: “Re: Appointment of Prof. Adewale Solarin as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja.”

The letter was signed by the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I,

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike, Abuja

and sent to the new NMC chief.

The appointment is for a single term of five years with effect from March 31.

Until the appointment, Solarin was the Acting Director-General of the NMC. He became a professor of Mathematics in 1997 and has trained and mentored several academics.

Solarin has been the acting Director-General of the NMC since last June before his elevation by the President.

No Ogoni state, no oil exploration

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HE Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has vowed that if the government does not create an Ogoni state and clean up the land, there will be no resumption of oil exploration in the area.

The Chairman of MOSOP Kingdom Coordinators Forum, Frank Jonah, yesterday said Ogoni oil will no longer be available for states which produce virtually nothing, while Ogoni people languish in abject poverty.

Jonah lamented that the

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

health situation in Ogoni is terrible as the death rate has increased and the people’s resources taken away.

“If they want us to negotiate, let them create a state for Ogoni as a matter of urgency and necessity, then we can talk. And even if we have to agree on oil resumption after our demands are met, we will not accept Shell back to Ogoniland,” Jonah stated.

Enugu to renovate hospitals

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HE Enugu State Government has approved N1.5 billion for the renovation and upgrading of its seven district hospitals.

The Commissioner for Information, Chuks Ugwoke, announced this while briefing reporters at the end of the State Executive Council meeting yesterday.

He said the hospitals are located at Udi, Awgu, Enugu

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Ezike, Ikem, Agbani, Nsukka and Polyclinic Enugu.

Ugwoke said the renovation which would be done through direct labour and in phases, would include construction of new hospital complexes in all the hospitals, renovation/construction of laboratories and mortuaries, as well as gate houses, boreholes, fencing and staff quarters.

SSS, Delta traffic officials clash From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Task Force officials as they have often attacked motorists in a bid to enforce traffic laws.

Recently, a motorist was chased into the premises of a private transport company by men of the Task Force.

The motorist afraid he was about to be kidnapped, raised an alarm, which attracted law enforcement agents.

Sporadic shooting took

place resulting in a melee as innocent bystanders scampered for safety.

It was gathered that the victims were detained by the SSS, but later released and taken to the hospital for treatment.

It was gathered that trouble started when a senior SSS official allegedly contravened traffic laws at the Government House Road, Asaba.

Sources said the Task Force officials accosted the suspect,

who introduced himself as an SSS official but his explanation was disregarded.

The task force officials allegedly manhandled the SSS official and seized his car keys .

It was further gathered that the SSS official mobilised men from the Command Headquarters and trailed the Task Force officials to a nearby eatery.

An eyewitness said when the Commissioner, Ben

Igbakpa, visited the SSS Headquarters, SSS officials shot sporadically into the air, prompting a response from Igbakpa’s security detail.

The Task Force officials allegedly regrouped and stormed the SSS office to demand their colleagues’ release, but the ensuing confusion led to another round of shooting.

Igbakpa confirmed the incident, adding that the matter has been resolved.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Following the approval of Federal Executive Council, we have concluded arrangements to commence the construction of not just one, but five brand new world class international airport terminal.

- Ms Stella Oduah, Minister of Aviation

Nigerians spend N2.14trn on calls, SMS

By Lucas Ajanaku

• Minister of Communications Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson

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ITH a total sub scriber base of 113.2 million, it is estimated that Nigerians may have spent no less than N2.14 trillion on phone calls and sending short message

service (SMS) between January, 2011 and December, 2012.

Acording to a report released by FBN Capital Research yesterday, the operators see more opportunities in the provision of data services to the subscribers and are investing to tap into the new cash cow of the telecoms sector..

“Nigerians spent an estimated N2.14trillion ($13.7b) on calls and text messages between January, 2011 and December, 2012, but the operators see a lucrative future in the supply of data services.

MTN has said that its data sales doubled in 2012, albeit from a low base. “A pick-up in the sale of smartphones has helped, and their pricing has become more competitive,” the research fidnings noted.

Statistics from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), showed that the number of active telecoms lines increased by 19.0 per cent year-on-year (y/y) in January to 113.2 million. “This rate of expansion compares very favourably with annual demographic growth, which the United Nations estimates at 2.4 per cent and the Federal Government of Nigeria at more

than 3.0 per cent. The operators have not exhausted the pool of potential new subscribers, judging from the current teledensity rate of 68.5 per cent on an estimated population of 167 million.

“We cannot quantify the incidence of the user with several handsets, but we can say that it is generally driven by poor quality service. It should decline with the planned introduction of number portability if we treat at face value the confidence of some operators on the basis of their investments that they will take business off their competitors,” the report averred.

Sector analysts, say data sales will be constrained by

T

T

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N10.6 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $48b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

user expereince of data subscribers in the country has not been palatable because of the absence of infrastructure to move the dormant bandwidth from the seashore to where they are needed.

“Most consumers are yet to feel the impact of the promised improved broadband services which provided the rationale for the huge investment to land submarine cables on Nigerian soil. The major reason for this being the paucity of access to infrastructure for the distribution and last mile portion of service provision from existing infrastructure owners to end users.

Power supply to hit 4,000MW today

Naira strengthens on dollar sales HE naira reached the highest in more than five weeks after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold the most dollars in nine months at auctions this week.

The currency gained for the first time this week, adding 0.2 per cent to attain N157.40 per dollar, the highest since March 4, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $300 million at its auction yesterday, bringing sales this week to $600 million, the most for the twice-weekly sales since July 4. The regulator sells the United States currency to keep the naira within a three per cent band around N155 per dollar.

“The naira exchange rate reflected the boost in Central Bank supply this week,” Tunde Ladipo, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagosbased Valuechain Investment Limietd, said.

flaws in the broadband infrastructure, and the high cost for the operators of right of way (RoW) procurement and building approvals from multiple regulatory and revenue collection agencies of government.

Despite the landing of submarine cables, like MainOne, Glo 1 and the West African Cable Systems (WACS), heavily funded by MTN, the user experience in data has been provocative. Owners of these cable companies complain of dearth of middle and last mile infrastructure to take the bandwidth from the shore to the end users.

An official of MainOne, Kemi Adeyanju, said the end

• The President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Adedoyin Owolabi, hugs the President of the Associaton of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Hajia Maryam Ladi Ibrahim, during a visit by the ICAN President to the ANAN Secretariat in Lagos...yesterday.

Shell begins inventory preparatory to clean up of Ogoniland

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Com pany of Nigeria (SPDC) Limited Joint Venture, has commenced an inventory of its assets in Ogoniland in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), report. As part of the report, SPDC JV was required to conduct a comprehensive review of its assets in Ogoniland and develop a decommissioning plan.

In a statement issued by its Corporate Media Relations Manager, Tony Okonedo, Shell said it held engagement and consultations with the communities after which the asset inventory commenced with bush clearing in the fourth quarter of last year. The assets being identified include flowstations, compressor and gas plants and pipelines. Seven fields have so far been covered.

“I wish to make clear that the exercise is not an attempt

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

to secretly resume oil production in Ogoniland,” the SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, said.

“The intention is to determine the state of our facilities since we suspended operations in the area in 1993, and determine how best to decommission them. We are grateful for the co-operation of local government councils and the communities, including traditional rulers, and are working to complete the exercise later this year,” he added.

According to the UNEP report, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell should pay for the remediation of the degraded environment of Ogoniland and the oil producing community in Rivers State.

UNEP indicted SPDC, NNPC/Shell Joint Venture,

after its assessment of the environmental impact of oil spills in Ogoniland and recommended the remediation of the environment by the Joint Venture Partners.

A top official of the Petroleum Ministry, who spoke in confidence, noted that as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote and ensure pollution-free environment in line with UNEP’s specification, the NNPC/Shell Joint Venture, and other stakeholders are ready to bear the cost of the clean-up.

An official of partnership said the joint venture would bear 80 per cent of the total cost of the clean-up, while 15 per cent of the cost would come from the ecological fund, and the remaining five per cent would be borne by the nation’s refineries.

He said all arrangements are in top gear, adding that the affected organisations will commence action following the Presidential assent of the 2013 budget.

HE Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo yesterday said that although power supply dropped to 3,300mega watts this week, it has already gone up to 3400MW by yesterday and is expected to hit 4000MW today.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, he explained that the reduction was due to the shutdown of gas supply by Chevron Nigeria Limited to Omotsosho and Orulunsogo power plants, adding that the shutdown of the plants was due to the routine maintenance by the oil firm.

He said the shutdown resulted in a decrease in power supply to 1,112MW, explaining that the routine maintenance and the occasional unavoidbale power outage was to have a safe restarting for the power lines because of their age.

But after the maintenance, he said there has been a gradual increase in the supply of power since Monday, adding that the situation is expected to improve.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

His words: “A few days ago, precisely on Friday last week, Chevron shutdown its gas plants for maintenance purposes. And our own technical crew knew about the shutdown. And what you do to ensure that damages are not done, is to begin shutting down before you lose the gas.

And once the routine maintenance is also done and completed, the process of restarting will take sometime to do.

“And that is why between two and three days, we lost as much as 1012metric tonnes of gas, that is why Omotosho and Ororunsogo were forced to shutdown because there was no gas supply. Right now we have over 3,300mw. “ Nebo urged Nigerians to “bear till the nagging problems are taken care of.”

He said the Federal Government has been holding cordial meetings with the labour representatives of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

INDUSTRY

MAN: multiple tax, epileptic power killing real sector

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OCAL manufacturers are finding it difficult to reach their optimal level because of multiple taxation and irregular power supply, their umbrella body has said.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the local manufacturers could not compete with their foreign counterpart until those problems were addressed.

MAN Chairman in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, Elder Jackson Iniobong said poor and high cost of power supply and multiple taxation were having negative effects on local manufacturers.

He said: “For us to be able to manufacture and compete with our foreign counterparts, we must work on our power problems, because it is really getting expensive to produce due to the power component, since virtually everything depends on power.

“Again, source of capital is another issue because we don’t have much access to long term capital, which is what keeps manufacturing industries on as the financial system only favours trade than manufacturing.

The local content policy is a good one as it will help local industries to grow,” he said.

On the patronage of made-in Nigeria products, he said:” I am aware that the Federal Government is doing a lot by way of advocacy so that locally made products will be patronised” “You know the individual consumers have their preferences but we are looking more for public sector consumers, because government or the public sector is the greatest consumers of any such product anywhere in the world”, he added.

In Nigeria the bulk of the money is in the public sector so if the public

•NACCIMA seeks trade monitoring in West Africa sector doesn’t patronize what we produce then you can be sure that you are going to have some difficulties because the essence of production is for consumption, but if you produce and you are not sure of who is going to patronize or consume it then you have a problem in your hands because you could have your warehouse filled with goods that may not get to the consumers. We are more concerned that the government at the local level is not taking up the fight. They don’t seem to show much interest with regards to patronizing locally made products. We still have a lot of importation by government while local manufacturers are looking for who to sell their goods to.

“The Federal Government needs to come up with a compulsory policy to make sure that state governments patronize made in Nigeria products except when the production capacity is not available.

“We still have a long way to go as regards that. Government needs to create more awareness and we also (in the manufacturing sector) are doing a whole lot by persuading government to patronize our goods and we have been having meetings with government at the federal level”.

The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called on the Federal Government to monitor unrecorded trading between Nigeria and its neighbours.

Its Director-General, Dr John Osemede, said there were so many unrecorded businesses going on at the borders that the nation is not officially aware of.

He added that such unrecorded businesses cause a shortfall in annual revenue due to the country.

He listed some of businesses to include smuggled items, some of which are on the Import and Export Prohibition List of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Isemede said monitoring of the businesses would enable the government to make proper account of the trading and increase the capacity for export promotion through entrepreneurship.

“There are about one million Nigerians living and trading around the major borders in Nigeria and doing businesses. The Federal Government needs to have a record of the businesses because some of them are illegal businesses,” he said.

He advised the government to make solid minerals an alternative revenue source to reduce the reliance on oil.

• From right: Ibru, Ogunpehin and Vice President, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande at the presentation.

Akpabio seeks to make Akwa Ibom fishing hub A KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has sought the support of the Nigerian Export Pro-Council (NEPC) in making the state a fishing hub.

He wants the council to partner the state in making it a fish exporter.

Akpabio spoke when the Chairman, NEPC Governing Board, Mrs. Grace Clark visited him in Uyo, the state capital. He said he had directed the Commissioner for Industry to work with the council on a major programme for a fish revolution in the state.

The state, he said had an international airport to support agricultural produce, which could be exported from there to other parts of the world, adding that with the utilisation of the airport, agricultural produce would exported in real time.

Akpabio said: ‘’I want to thank you for what you have done in the export sector- for promoting exports. I thank you for identifying areas of comparative advantage

that my state seems to enjoy in the export sector. I will work with you to create employment opportunities. ‘’We have developed infrastructure that will support the industrial revolution that is expected in the state. We need to develop infrastructure to support industries that will generate products for exports.

We believe we can generate employment and revenue for every sector in Nigeria. That is why the Federal Government is cooperating with us to open a deep seaport at Ibaka’’.

Replying, Mrs. Clark said the council would soon begin the training of craftsmen in raffia abound in the state. empower women which and also to generate more revenue for the state.

In other development, Akpabio has urged the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority in Onne, Port Harcourt,

Rivers State, to maximise the potentials of hydro-carbon to diversify the economy.

Speaking when the authority’s Chairman, Dr. Chris Asoluka and Managing Director, Mr. Victor Alabo, visited him in Uyo, Akpabio said there was need to diversify the nation’s monolithic economy.

He said: “Akwa Ibom is successful today because I was angry in transforming the state. So, you must do like wise by getting angry in order to turn a hydro-carbon economy to a successful economy by setting a standard and be committed in the oil and gas sector.

“I believe development must be sited everywhere in the country and not based on ethnic/tribal or political considerations but rather let us site industries where the economic scales are sighted and do things right to fix the country”.

Replying, Asoluka said the authority would do more for the country through the oil and gas sector.

Embrace corporate governance, LCCI tells members

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on its members to consistently uphold high ethical standards, integrity and good corporate governance in business practice.

Its President, Mr Goodie Ibru, who spoke at the award of certificates to 79 new members, said the Chamber was committed to those.

He said values, adding that since inception, no member of the Chamber had been involved in any unscrupulous business.

The LCCI chief urged members to pay adequate attention to the in-

tegrity of their business transactions and practices.

He emphasised the code of business ethics to which members subscribe to and warned that a breach of the tradition of integrity would be viewed seriously and be visited with appropriate sanctions.

“The Lagos Chamber has gone a long way to build its present image and credibility through the vision, selfless services and integrity of its illustrious founding fathers and their worthy successors. It therefore behoves us as inheritors of this glorious and enduring legacy, to keep the flag flying at all times,” Ibru said.

He added that the solid minerals sector has the potential of become a major alternative revenue source that could rescue the government from the current economic challenges.

He said the sector contributed to the country’s foreign exchange earnings between the 60s and 80s and urged the government to pay the desired attention to it.

“The revenue Nigeria will derive from solid minerals will compete favourably with what it is currently obtaining from petroleum, if the sector is fully developed.

“Government, in principle, has identified seven critical solid minerals that will attract its attention, but unfortunately, budgetary allocation to the ministry is always going down.

The Mineral Development Fund, which has been enshrined in the Minerals and Mining Act, has not been established. Besides, critical infrastructure to mining sites is not developed.

“Solid minerals need sustainable investment for a period of time to be fully developed. It took South Africa about 15 years of steady investment. India’s potential was realised after years of steady investment,” he said.

Isemede said NACCIMA would support the government on the exportation drive.

According to him, for you to talk about export, you need to change the orientation of Nigerians from import-based to export-based.

“We import many things into the county, including matches, pens, and fruit drinks. These are things we can produce here and even sell to other countries. “We need to get our industries working; for the textile industries to work, we need to go back to agriculture.

“We need to plant wool and that will take some time; it is not magical. “The government has begun to bail out many moribund industries by pumping money into them. All these will soon yield results,” he said.

He appealed to the new members to assist in sustaining the Chamber’s high-level services through prompt payment of their subscription and levies.

Vice President of the Chamber and Chairman of the Membership and Welfare Committee, Dr. Wole Ogunpehin, disclosed that since its inception in 1888, the chamber had been very selective and careful in its membership admission process, in order to preserve its enviable image.

He called for high quality representation of member-companies at meetings and other activities of the Chamber.

Cocoa producers target 500,000t

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HE Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) will shore-up its volume of production from 250,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes under the second phase of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, its National President, Mr Sayina Riman has said.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Riman said the cocoa sector would produce 500,000 tonnes of cocoa due to the new hybrid cocoa varieties recently released by Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).

He said the new varieties would start bearing fruits after two years and that it would have optimum yield after three years.

Riman also the association will establish a credible and reliable database of the activities of cocoa stakeholders.

“Cocoa Association of Nigeria is working hard to establish a credible and reliable database of all cocoa stakeholders across the value chain.

“We are already working on capturing data from the grassroots;

that is one of the major aspects we are working on right now that is going to be a transforming one for the agricultural sector.

“Why we have not put all our matters on the net is because we are coming with a model that is scientifically proven. That will definitely be what will be sustainable in the industry.

“We are going to capture from producers; who I call the farmers, the middlemen within the trade sector and the merchants who are the bigger traders.

“We are going to warehouses and collateral agents; we are going to exporters; we are going to researchers; we will go to importers of Nigerian cocoa and most importantly, we are going into processing,” he said.

Riman said with the agenda, the Nigerian cocoa sector would revive its position as the largest cocoa producing country, as it was in the recent past.

He said the country had lost its place to Cote d’Ivoire in global cocoa production and now occupies the fourth position.

‘We’re committed to safety’

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HE Managing Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Abdullahi Sule, has reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining safety, in line with international best practices.

Sule, who spoke at the inauguration of the firm’s N20 million cloakroom in Lagos, said the factory, as part of its requirements for obtaining the full safety management system certification this year, is improving on its hygiene and safety standards.

He said the company has obtained

its International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certificate in 2010.

“Since the factory was built, we have been using a distribution of cloak rooms scattered around the factory. But part of improving our hygiene and meeting safety standards, is to ensure that we keep the cloak room far away from the factory, and this is what we have just achieved now.

“This factory being the second largest refinery, is a huge one, but what we lack is space.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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Office of the Registrar

RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT 25TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF THE RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NKPOLU-OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT The Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt wishes to announce that the 25th Convocation Ceremony of the University for the Award of Higher and Bachelors' Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Prizes to deserving graduands shall hold on Saturday, 27th April, 2013 at the University Convocation Arena.

Those involved in the Convocation are graduates of the University who completed their programmes in the 2011/2012 academic session.

The programme of events for the Convocation is as indicated below. All graduands are hereby advised to note the events and ensure that they participate in all activities. Those who wish to check their names on the list of graduands should please log on to the University Website, www.ust.edu.ng.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR THE 25TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY

S/N

DATE

TIME

EVENTS

VENUE

1

Sunday 21st April, 2013

10.00am

Interdenominational Church Service

Chapel of Redemption, RSUST

2

Monday 22nd April, 2013

9.00am 4.00pm

Opposite Maracana Field - Collection of Gowns, B rochures and Faculties /Departments Vice-Chancellor's Lodge Scrolls

3

Tuesday, 23rd April, 2013

9.00am 4.00pm

Convocation /Arena - Collection of Gowns, B rochures and Faculties/Departments Scrolls

Wednesday, 24 t h April, 2013

10.00am

4

3.00 pm

4.0 0p m

5

Thursday 25 th April, 2013 2.00 pm

E xhibition

A mph itheatre

Children's Choreography Presentation (S taff School)

RSUST Football Pitch (By the Convocation Arena)

• Nov elty Ma tc h – UWA Vs UST Female Students Team & UST V s Foreign Students Team Convocation Lecture: To be delivered by P rofes sor E lochukwu Amuchaezi Topic : The P roblem of Pa rty P olitics in Nigeria

6.00pm

Graduands' Night

6

Friday 26 th April, 2013

6.00 pm 6.00pm

Coc ktail Party

7

Saturday, 27 th April, 2013

9.30am

Convocation

Signed:

D. C. ODIMABO (MRS.) Registrar

RSUST Football Pitch (By the Convocation Arena)

Am phithea tre

Opposite Maracana Field Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge Convocation Arena

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Empty threats?

• MEND’s killing of 12 policemen has exposed the government’s impotence

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OBODY is really in charge around here now. This must be the conclusion by majority of the citizenry after last Saturday’s killing of 12 policemen. The militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), recently threatened it would unleash reprisal attacks and it carried one out in style last weekend, leaving the Federal Government and its security agencies utterly shamefaced, and the populace aghast.

MEND’s warning came after its leader, Henry Okah, was tried and jailed in South Africa last month. Okah had been facing trial for the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja, in which 12 people died and tens of others were injured.

MEND, which is perhaps the most enlightened and most organised of the motley group of militant cells that burgeoned in the Niger Delta creeks in the last decade, had warned that a series of attacks codenamed Hurricane Exodus was to begin at midnight last Friday.

The attacks were to be repercussion for what it considers Federal Government’s ignoble role in Okah’s trial and conviction. It also gave notice that the attacks will be sustained until the government tenders an unreserved apology to it and initiates a dialogue as it is currently carrying on with the Boko Haram sect.

The security agencies stationed in the Niger Delta region, especially the Joint Task Force (JTF) had quickly dismissed the warning, asserting that it had a structure in the area capable of countering any breach of peace and security.

Last Saturday, exactly one day after the expiration of its notice, MEND struck on the creeks of Azuzama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Fifteen armed policemen in a boat who were mem-

bers of the JTF on duty in the area were ambushed and, according to report, a gunfight ensued; 12 were killed while three escaped.

MEND immediately owned up to committing the criminal act, even though the police authority chose to live in denial by insisting that the attack and killing were not by MEND but aggrieved former militants. Meanwhile, the bodies of 10 of the 12 policemen were recovered on Tuesday.

MEND’s release after the attack was at once audacious and bone-chilling. It reads in parts: “For dismissing Hurricane Exodus as an “empty threat” by the Nigerian security forces, heavily armed fighters from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), at about 17:00Hrs., Saturday 06, April 2013, intercepted and engaged government security forces in a fierce gunfight lasting over forty (40) minutes at Azuzama, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

“The clash which happened in the river left over fifteen (15) security forces dead as we also lost two fighters in the battle.

“We hope this encounter will serve as a lesson for the Joint Task Force (JTF) from making careless utterances that cannot be backed as we remain resolute in our resumption of hostilities…”

What this episode reveals as we have said again and again, is that Nigeria’s security initiative remains primordial, shambolic, reactionary and undergirded by brute force. The dire lack of intelligence has been exposed over and over again, such that every inch of the country seems vulnerable and every ragtag group would beat our security agencies even after giving notice of attack.

We note that it is not by chance that MEND chose to strike in the president’s home state, Bayelsa; it is a show of the ultimate affront to

our sovereignty. And their picking on the members of the JTF is at once a mind game as well as a war game calculated to expose the inefficiency of the task force. The killing of the 12 policemen, who ironically, were reported to be on duty guarding an ex-militant burying his father, brings to the fore, the farce of an amnesty granted to the Niger Delta militants. Daily, we are reminded that militancy, terrorist acts, criminality and brigandage remain the order of the day down in the creeks. It is still a jungle out there.

May we remind that paying criminals to make peace and rewarding murderers and terrorists for the sake of peace betokens impotence of leadership? As government currently pursues amnesty for Boko Haram terrorists, let it draw a lesson from the Niger Delta scenario and realise that peace can never be purchased, it is achieved. Indeed, only exemplary leadership can achieve peace.

‘The killing of the 12 policemen, who ironically, were reported to be on duty guarding an ex-militant burying his father, brings to the fore, the farce of an amnesty granted to the Niger Delta militants.

Daily, we are reminded that militancy, terrorist acts, criminality and brigandage remain the order of the day down in the creeks. It is still a jungle out there’

Goodbye NECO, UTME • We welcome the decision to scrap the two bodies

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DUCATION is one sector of the national life that has received due and undue attention in the past few years.

Sound education is generally seen as the passport to good life, panacea to national ills and tonic for development. However, mass failure at external examinations, especially at the secondary school level, has been the subject of many summits, conferences and inquiries.

Last year, a Presidential Committee on Rationalisation, Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies was set up primarily with a view to reducing the cost of governance.

The committee, headed by former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, has now submitted its report, recommending the scrapping of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) being conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

‘In any case, the fact that JAMB was doing a poor job has been eloquently demonstrated in the conduct of post-JAMB examinations by the various universities.

We urge the Federal Ministry of Education to quickly work out the modalities for giving effect to the decisions without sacrificing the national interest and throwing workers into the already saturated employment market’

It is our view that NECO that was introduced by the Abdulsalami Abubakar administration in 1999 has failed to live up to the expectation of candidates and the public. It was established to challenge the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and thus offer options for candidates seeking qualifications for the tertiary institutions. Indication that it could fail in performing that task came very early as nearly all the candidates who sat the NECO papers in 2000 and 2001 passed. The results flew against the grain of observation by stakeholders that the quality of education in the primary and secondary schools had declined sharply in the past two decades.

Promptly, universities’ vice-chancellors rejected the results for the purpose of admission. It took a directive from the then Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, to force ‘successful’ candidates on the universities.

We support the plan to scrap NECO because WAEC is time-tested. Established in 1952, it has gained both national and international recognition. It has faced challenges, including leakages and inefficiency, but these have not affected its credibility as candidates, parents and institutions see the council taking steps to combat the problems.

There have been fears that money spent on NECO could have been wasted, but the Federal Government has promised to get the staff absorbed by WAEC, with a view to strengthening the sub-regional body. This is commendable as the council would need more staff to cope with the demands of conducting the Junior School Certificate Examination (JSCE), the National Common Entrance Examination into the unity colleges, the examination

to select students for the Federal Academy, Suleja, that has been conducted exclusively by NECO for about 14 years.

The sub-regional examination body could also learn from NECO’s use of technology to cut the time for processing the tests.

Besides, in the interest of students, it has been suggested that WAEC may have to conduct the SSCE examinations three or four times a year, in order to afford opportunities for more candidates to gain the much sought after qualification.

The UTME has obviously outlived its usefulness. It was introduced to check the growing disdain for polytechnics and colleges of education by candidates who could not secure places in the universities. It took on the unwanted task of centrally placing candidates in all universities in the country. Neither UME, introduced at the establishment of JAMB, nor UTME, has worked in the interest of university education in the country.

There can be no justification for one body to recruit students for all universities- federal, state or private. Each institution, as was the case before 1978, should device means of recruiting its students, subject only to minimum standards that the National Universities Commission and or JAMB may set. In any case, the fact that JAMB was doing a poor job has been eloquently demonstrated in the conduct of post-JAMB examinations by the various universities.

We urge the Federal Ministry of Education to quickly work out the modalities for giving effect to the decisions without sacrificing the national interest and throwing workers into the already saturated employment market.

The North Korea conundrum

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BAMA is reacting prudently. But Pyongyang’s belligerence doesn’t bode well for arms control.

The Obama administration is reacting responsibly to a series of provocations from North Korea, shoring up defenses while seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis. But even if North Korea is deterred from attacking South Korea or U.S. forces for the foreseeable future, the defiance it has demonstrated in the last several weeks renders more elusive than ever achievement of the administration’s ultimate goal: a Korean peninsula without nuclear weapons.

Last month the U.N. Security Council — including China, North Korea’s longtime patron — approved new economic sanctions after North Korea conducted a third nuclear test. Undeterred, the North announced Tuesday that it would restart a plutonium reactor it shuttered in 2007.

The immediate concern for the United States and South Korea is a cascade of statements and actions by North Korea that threaten the military and political status quo on the Korean peninsula. North Korea insists that it’s responding to a threat posed by U.S. military aircraft that took part in recent training exercises; the real explanation for its bellicose actions is the ongoing campaign to deprive the North of nuclear weapons.

The North has declared that it is entering a “state of war” with the South and has barred South Korean employees from an industrial park jointly operated by the two Koreas. As for the United States, the regime has announced that its military has been authorized to respond to U.S. aggression with “smaller, lighter and diversified” nuclear weapons. On Thursday, South Korea’s defense minister said that the North had moved to the east coast of the country a missile with a “considerable” range.

Though few experts actually believe North Korea has any intention of attacking U.S. interests or South Korea, the U.S. responded by deploying two missile defense warships in the Pacific Ocean and will position missile defense systems in the U.S. territory of Guam. Such measures are prudent. Korea’s Kim Jong Un has only been in power for a little more than a year, and it would be irresponsible for the Obama administration to ignore his bold threats.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration is attempting to enlist China in an effort to calm the situation, enforce the sanctions and up the pressure on its North Korean ally. That’s the best option, to be sure; China, after all, keeps Kim’s regime afloat with food and energy supplies. Unfortunately, similar entreaties by this and other American administrations have proved largely unsuccessful over the years because China has many strategic reasons to continue to support the status quo.

Even if the current crisis is brought to a quick end, it demonstrates how determined North Korea is to establish itself as a nuclear power, an ambition that if accomplished could lead not only South Korea but Japan to consider acquiring nuclear weapons. That is why the United States must continue to try to engage North Korea in an agreement in which it would trade its nuclear program for aid and normal relations.

Unfortunately, the events of the last few weeks suggest that there is little interest in such an agreement in Pyongyang.

Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Attainment of a malariafree world remains a vision.

An estimated two billion people (more than 40% of the world population) live in areas with malaria risk. The global annual incidence of malaria is estimated to be between 300-500 million clinical cases, with a death toll of between two to three million. About one million deaths among children under -five years are attributable to malaria, with sub-Saharan Africa having more than 90 % of the total malaria incidence and mortality.

Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria and it has continued to be a major challenge to our healthcare delivery system. Malaria problem in our country is compounded with misdiagnosis and empirical treatment. Lagos state has its own fair share of the disease burden. The topography and ecological features of the state, the abundant coastal features, rapid urbanization and inadequate drainage systems are some of the major factors that contribute to all year transmission of malaria in the state. But the state through its Directorate of Disease Control is doing all it can to invests heavily toward reducing the burden of the disease.

Investments in malaria control in the state have created unprecedented momentum and yielded remarkable returns in the past years,

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Malaria control: The Lagos example particularly in the scale-up of insecticide treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticides, and prevention of malaria during pregnancy.

In 2012, the state distributed a total of 135, 950 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs) kits to aid diagnosis of malaria cases, while a total of 1, 035,194 of ACTs and 9,000 ampoules of injection artesunate were distributed for the treatment of uncomplicated and severe malaria cases respectively.

Promotion of the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Net (LLIN) is another approach been used to rapidly reduce transmission of malaria to the lowest possible level in the state by reducing vector-human contact. Routine distribution of LLINs is on-going at all public facilities for pregnant women and infants. This approach is meant to protect pregnant women and their new-born children from the ill effects of malaria and thereby

contribute to reduction in maternal and infant mortality.

Pregnant women are routinely given Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT 1, IPT 2 and IPT 3 for HIV positive clients).

As part of its strategy to tackle malaria using research, in Ocober 2008, a body known as the Lagos State Malaria Research, Technical and Advisory Committee was inaugurated with members drawn from teaching hospitals, research institutions, Colleges of Medicine, Ministries, Parastatals and the Development partners. It is cheering to note that some of the researches conducted by this body have brought out key findings which have been used to guide policy decisions and programme designs.

In the effort to reduce malaria in our country, everyone is a stakeholder. Just as the government at all level has the responsibility to strengthen the health system, indi-

vidually and as a group the citizens also have a big stake. We have the responsibility of protecting our children and family from malaria by using Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), draining of stagnant water or water collection points, and keeping our environment clean. Insecticide Treated Nets have the benefits of reducing man-mosquito contact thereby helping people sleep well and stopping transmission. The ITN usage is also effective against other insects including bedbugs, cockroaches and lice.

Complete elimination of the malaria parasite (and thus the disease) would constitute eradication.

While eradication is more desirable, it is not currently a realistic goal for most of the countries where malaria is endemic but we can all play a role in reducing it.

• Rasak Musbau Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Prophet Obadare: A tribute IR: Death came calling on Thursday, March 21 and took away the great man of God, Prophet Timothy Obadare of the Christ Apostolic Church at the ripe age of 85. Like many saints before him, Obadare had the privilege of passing peacefully to eternity having diligently served his Lord for over eight decades and his reputation was without a blemish.

A powerful preacher of the words of God, Obadare did not leave this world without great achievements that will continue to speak after him.

He had no doubt left some indelible footprints in the Nigerian Pentecostal sand of history. Obadare bestrode the Nigerian evangelical landscape like a colossus, enthusiastically spreading the good news for the

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greater part of his life. A close follower of the legendary Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, he was passionately committed to his itinerant evangelism which he so much loved and which took him to many towns and cities in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Obadare was a crowd puller, a giant of the gospel and a powerful speaker any day. He was blunt and pungent. No colouration. No ornamentation. No gimmick. No abracadabra. No window-dressing. And no sweet tongue to tantalize the audience or listeners so that they could drop big offerings or come to the revival the next day. Though selfeffacing and unassuming, his Master- Jesus- advertised him to the people and popularized him even be-

yond his own imagination.! He simply preached and great miracles followed. He brought many souls to God through his sound exposition of the scriptures. Apart from the physical miracles, the fire power of the living words of God emitting from his mouth touched people’s minds who publicly confessed their sins, renounced their hitherto evil deeds, turned to God and immediately began to live as responsible citizens in the society.

On issues directly touching on the peace of the nation, Obadare never took a Sidon look. Though apolitical, he was very sensitive to the yearnings of the homeless and the hopeless whom he helped with his prayers and he was always concerned whenever the corporate

peace of the nation was being threatened.

Surely, this prayer legend of a man, Obadare, will be missed by his many admirers. But we can give glory to God for a life well spent by him and for his great achievements on earth and his glorious transition to eternity. A great prayer legend is gone. The highly gifted and electric firebrand evangelist is gone. The undisputable man of miracles is gone. A truly committed and dedicated labourer in the vineyard is gone. The dynamic, fearless and prolific winner of souls for Christ is gone. Continue to rest on the bosom of Abraham.

• Elder Isaac Fayemi, Apata, Ibadan.

Adieu, Funmi Olayinka

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IR: I lost a friend, a sister and a compatriot.

She fought bravely to defeat cancer. She fought till the end. She kept insisting she would use all the power her God had given her to fight this monster and emerge victorious.

We lost an asset. A consummate administrator, an unparalleled image-maker. She gave a good face to Ekiti State. Radiant, brilliant, selfconfident,- a quintessential Ekiti woman.

Without hesitating, she left her plum job in a bank and dove into the murky waters of politics. In less than 48 hours after she accepted to partner Dr. Kayode Fayemi, she blended into the crowd and the folks who abused her a few hours earlier were now the ones who were carrying her bag around the state. From her I learnt quite a lot of lessons.

Not yet a tribute today. That will come later for this soft but yet steely woman. Rest in peace, Adunni.

I will miss you. Kayode and Bisi Fayemi will miss you. The womenfolk, as well as the men, will miss you. Ado Ekiti will miss you. Ekiti State will miss you. E11 will miss you. ACN will miss you. Afenifere Renewal Group, of which you are a pioneering member, will miss you.

Most importantly, Lanre, your gentle husband will miss you.

Yeside and her sisters will miss you.

Papa and Mama Famuagun and the entire Sasere clan will miss you.

I will forever cherish my association with you. I will never regret bringing you into politics. You never for once disappointed even when it appeared all hope was lost. You gave the struggle all that you had. You never wavered! You were courageous! You were full of hope and kept reassuring me that all would be well even when I had to apologise to you at those low moments for bringing you into the rough and uncertain career of politics.

Funmi, you remain my hero!

• Senator Babafemi Ojudu Abuja

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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COMMENTS

A hegemon in a peripheral region: The future of Nigeria’s foreign policy - 2 HE fact of Nigeria being a hegemon in this sub-region is therefore firmly established and based on economic and demographic factors. There are other factors that add to the weight of Nigeria as a hegemon in the West African sub-region. Its location in the mid-Atlantic and also at the geographical heart of the continent guarding the waters of the West Atlantic and the South Atlantic adds to the country’s importance.

But globally, Nigeria is in a peripheral region. This is simply because in terms of global trade, the entire African continent south of the Sahara currently contributes roughly about two percent to global trade. In 1984, sub-Saharan Africa’s contribution to global trade was about six percent, but by 1998, it had dropped to two percent. Recently, this trend is reversing as Africa’s GDP grows at an average of between five percent and six percent from 2002 to 2008.

But in spite of this, Africa’s gross contribution to world economy is still abysmally low; and most of Africa’s contribution to global trade is in form of low agricultural raw materials and minerals; and Africa’s contribution is largely shared between the oil producing countries of Nigeria and Angola and the mineral-producing countries of Southern Africa including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s role as an important member of the UN is epitomized by its large contribution to peace-keeping operations globally. It is these facts that have sometimes made Nigeria and others to suggest that as the pre-eminent black African country, Nigeria should have a permanent seat in a reformed and representative United Nations Security Council (UNSC) whether a restructured UNSC would ever happen remains a moot question.

South Africa for economic reasons as the largest economy on the African continent and Egypt for geo-political and strategic reasons see themselves equally worthy of representing Africa’s interest. If Africa wants to have influence in the rest of the world, it would have to concentrate on rapid economic development for which its vast natural resources entitle her. What is good for Africa is also good for Nigeria. Nigeria’s wealth is largely due to the fact of its possession of huge hydro-carbons deposits which are wasting assets and which by best estimate may last for another 40 years. There is therefore a need for a total restructure of the Nigerian economy to anticipate what would happen in the near future. The future may not even be as distant as the next 40 years. The determination of the western countries to reduce energy dependence has led to significant technological breakthrough in automobile and mechanical engineering. Automobiles of the future may not be powered by hydrocarbons, but by alternative energy sources that may be friendlier to the environment and therefore preferable. The United States that takes about 60 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil exports is now aggressively

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N his lifetime, the late Dr Tai Solarin was a thorn in the flesh of the military junta. Just like the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), he stood up to the military whenever he thought it was overreaching itself. Then something happened in 1992 or thereabout.

There was this rumour that the American Ebony Magazine carried a story about some millions of dollars stashed abroad by the late Mrs Mariam Babangida..

The rumour was so rife that everywhere you turned to you were hit by it. Expectedly, the security agencies were interested in getting to the root of the matter. How did the rumour emanate? Is it true that Mrs Babangida kept such mind-boggling amount abroad? The security operatives invited some people, including the late Solarin for questioning. Instead of a discreet investigation, they went public, at a stage, with the probe all in their quest to put the late Solarin in his place.

Those who watched the crude grilling of the late Solarin on air by a faceless inquisitor will not forget the bitter enterprise in a hurry. To the faceless man’s questions, the late Solarin kept saying that he heard people discussing the issue inside the bus and decided to call on the government to do something about it. The interrogator was not satisfied. The only thing he was interested in was to discredit the late Solarin in the eyes of viewers. His intention, which was obvious, was to prove that the late Solarin was a liar and rumour purveyor. In all this, the press was not caught on the wrong foot because it knew where to draw the line between rumour and what to publish as news.

The faceless voice was unsparing in his attack on the late Solarin : ‘’A man of your calibre...your education; you heard such rumour in the bus and you are spreading it...’’

Whenever the late Solarin tried to respond, the inquisitor did not allow him because his brief was to rubbish the renowned educationist and humanist before the public. He

pursuing oil exploration and exploitation at home as well as development of huge shale gas deposit in continental North America. In the last four years of Barack Obama’s administration, the United States has reduced energy imports by 50 percent and President Obama says he is determined to further reduce energy imports in order to free its foreign policy from influence of energy exporters to the United States.

This is of course directed at the Arabs and the Middle Eastern countries, but Nigerians should also take a cue from it. The Nigerian oil industry faces a difficult 2013 as shale oil in the United States takes an increasing share of the North American market. According to the Togo based Ecobank, Nigeria’s crude oil export to the U.S may fall by 25% from 800,000pd in 2012 to as low as 580,000pd in 2013. There are already signs of stress in the fact that there is a drop in commitment of oil lifting for February and March. The coming into the market of other West African new oil producers and the return of Libya’s oil production is making the premium grade of Nigeria’s ‘Sweet crude’ unattractive economically compared to the cheaper “sour crude” oil grades available in the international market.

The decline in oil influence may gradually be noticeable even in West Africa where for years Nigeria’s oil diplomacy has been very effective. In the past, Nigeria sold crude oil to most West African countries with a payment schedule of 90 days. Countries like Togo, Ghana, Mali, for example, were sometimes tardy in meeting their financial obligations to Nigeria, and sometimes their indebtedness had had to be written off in the interest of regional cooperation and support of fellow Africans whose common denomination was poverty. But in recent times, almost every West African country has now discovered oil at different stages of crude oil exploration and exploitation. This of course should lead to greater wealth in the sub-region and less dependence on Nigeria’s oil largesse, but increased wealth if well managed should lead to increase in regional prosperity and trade. Nigeria has the largest industrial and manufacturing complex in the sub-region and with increased wealth in the region should come the expansion of the manufacturing and industrial complexes in Nigeria all things been equal.

There is a nexus between foreign and domestic politics. A country that is strong at home would be influential abroad. Domestic strength largely depends on economic and political stability. Therefore for Nigeria to crave continued influence in the sub-region, it must do something about its economy. The credo of economic diversification should not only be the belief of Nigeria’s political leadership. It should be seen as a necessary imperative and desirable practical politics. Deliberate efforts must be made to support small-scale industries or enterprises which in order climes not only

create wealth, but also generate huge employment. In order to strengthen its economy, Nigeria must embrace market economy as much as possible while not completely removing the role of the state in Jide investing in critical arOsuntokun eas that may not be attractive to private investors. The environment must be made friendly for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) while we must clean up the corruption in the capital market to permit inflows and investments with special focus on infrastructural development, construction of power plants for the enhancement of electricity generation, mining, health sector, agriculture and agro-allied sectors.

Nigeria’s population is young and needs to be employed and unemployment is becoming a security issue in the country. In an age of knowledge-based industrial and economic development, it has become critical for Nigeria to produce the right calibre of man-power to drive the economy. When I was ambassador in Germany from 1991 to 1995, the then German Chancellor Herr Helmut Khol created what was called a Ministry of the Future and put a young and cerebral academic to run it. This ministry was given a huge budget and it was asked to recruit young scientists to dream dreams about the future. It is not surprising that Germany’s stature as the pivot of the economy of Europe has not only been confirmed but enhanced especially in the face of virtual permanent recession of most of the economies in the European Union. Nigeria can borrow a leaf from the German experience and invest in knowledge through building first class institutions and support research and development. This can be achieved not by the number of the establishment of unplanned universities but by strengthening the existing ones. The Universities and Research Institutes must also demonstrate competence and dedication so that the outcome of their research can be harnessed for Nigeria’s industrial development. Academics must be courted and cultivated so that they become critical stakeholders in Nigeria. The present situation where Nigerian parents spend close to 160billion naira annually on their children studying in other West African countries because of incessant strikes at home derogates from leadership role of Nigeria in the sub-region.

Decree 4 by other name failed woefully in his mission because in such matters, the highly perceptive public knows who or who not to believe.

Despite its might, the military did not try to regulate rumour mongering because of the Ebony incident.

Twenty-one years down the line, some people are trying to mystify rumour mongering and confer it with the status it does not deserve.

Their action is directed against the press which needling in recent times the Bayelsan government and its overlord in Abuja have not been comfortable with. There is more to the plan of the Bayelsa State government to outlaw rumour mongering than meets the eye. I don’t know what the government intends to achieve with the law in a state where poverty walks on four legs. Is this the law the people need? The answer is NO. The best that Governor Seriake Dickson can do for his people is to come up with laws that will lead to the improvement of their lot. Laws that will make it easy for the poor man’s child to access good education, potable water and state-of-the-art health facilities. What does he want to do with an anti-rumour law, which main target are journalists? Before he thinks he has ingeniously come up with a law that will deter journalists from plying their trade, let me quickly remind him that journalism does not thrive on rumours.

It is the larger society that engages in such past time. And with due respect, His Excellency too is no exception. Can he swear that he never engaged in dem say, dem say before, to borrow his words.

Dickson is, however, not the original owner of the words, dem say, dem say, I no see I talk. This is a catch phrase among the populace whenever they suspect that someone likes gossiping a lot. If you ever watched the Village Headmaster those days, you will get what I am talking about.

Amebo, a character in the series, is a good example of dem say, dem say. In our society, we have many people like that. They tell you stories which are hard to believe, but then you are at liberty to ignore them and go your own way. With Dickson’s proposed law, the governor is saying we should no longer ignore such people, but send them to jail. I hope he has enough prisons to keep the dem sayers when the time comes. As I mentioned earlier, journalists do not engage in rumour-mongering. We speculate. But since there is a thin line between rumour and speculation I fear that many of us may run foul of the Dickson law when it comes into effect.

Rumour is like gossip or hearsay which is passed from hand to hand and may not be true. Speculation involves speculating and guesswork.

Journalists worldwide write speculative reports even when they are sure of their facts in order to protect the source of their story. This is the gamut of the matter and therein lies the threat in the planned Dickson law. When the Buhari/Idiagbon regime promulgated Decree 4 in 1984, its intention was clear - to gag the press. Even when the press published the truth, it still went in for it.

Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, the two bruised faces of the draconian law, were imprisoned by the late Justice Olalere Ayinde for publishing a true but speculative report about ambassadorial postings.

The truth of the report did not avail them in the circumstance. The judge saw what the reporters wrote as rumour because the postings had not been announced before the story

was reported. If the press has to wait on the government before doing its work, then it will be left with carrying only press releases from the office of its spokesman. The press cannot afford to do that if it wishes to remain relevant and continue to serve the people. Does Dickson think he can succeed where the military failed? Why is he so much interested in this dem say law rather than thinking of how to improve the lot of his poverty-stricken people. Hear him at the inauguration of the Public Information Management Committee in Yenagoa on March 21 : ‘’A bill seeking to make malicious rumour mongering and misinformation of the public a punishable offence has become imperative in view of the ever-increasing rate of rumour-mongering and its attendant consequences on individuals and the state in general...of course, we are aware that the existing laws provide for offences such as criminal defamation of character and so on. But we are going to come up with a legislation to punish dem say, dem say people’’. May God help him.

But before he derails, may we advise him not to embark on this unfruitful venture because it will rub off on him in a way that he may not like at the end of the day. es, people may be goading him to go on with the law because as they may tell him, ‘it will be the best thing to happen since the creation of the state’, but they will not take the flak with him when the heat comes. Such people have started already. For instance, the committee chairman, Chief Spero Boma-Jack, has pinpointed the

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‘Isn’t it an irony that Dickson wants to militarise our democracy when generals who used the same trick yesterday but failed are today champions of democratic tenets?’

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

dem sayers. In response to Dickson’s speech, he said : ‘’People who do so (dem sayers) are those who have the opportunity to hear from the horse’s mouth but choose to make insinuations that contradict government’s good intentions and policies’’.

Whether you do good or bad, people will always talk, but does that make what they say an offence punishable under this proposed law?

There is no benefit to be derived from this planned law and the earlier Dickson realises this, the better for him and his administration.

There is no need wasting tax payers’ funds on a legislation that will not put food on their tables. What Bayelsans need is succour from their years of suffering, shattered dreams and dashed hopes, not a law which will not serve any useful purpose.

Isn’t it an irony that Dickson wants to militarise our democracy when generals who used the same trick yesterday but failed are today champions of democratic tenets? It is not too late for him to retrace his step before he finds himself on the wrong side of history. It is unfortunate that some of our colleagues even see anything good in this mischievous proposal. It will soon dawn on them that they are being used to justify the need for this bad and offensive legislation.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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COMMENTS CONOMICS and government are like two sides of a coin. The former, whether couched in flowery epithet as ‘law of demand and supply’, capitalism or globalization, is nothing but a label for the first law of the jungle, concerned in the main, with the survival of the fittest at the expense of the weak. The later as an impartial arbiter, strives to check the recklessness and greed of man by moving society away ‘from the jungle also known as the ‘state of liberty and license, of enmity and destruction’, to that of peace and safety’ where the privileged who have taken more than their disproportionate share of the national resources and the less privileged can jointly live in harmony.

Whenever there is disharmony and anarchy in any society, such as we have had in the US, Europe, Argentina, and Brazil in recent years, it is often as a result of the failure of government.

Our current descent into anarchy characterized by law of the jungle is the result of failure of our successive government and their economic policies dating back to the Babangida era.

Babangida and his economic wizards -Kalu Idika Kalu, Olu Falae imposed the Structural Adjustment Program {SAP} which we were then told had no alternative. Its effects which include the collapse of our manufacturing sector and massive devaluation of our naira from about one naira to one pound in 1981 to today’s N260 to one pound sterling have been duly documented elsewhere to warrant repeating here. The common link between Obasanjo, his Okonjo-Iweala/Chukwuma Soludo team and President Goodluck

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‘N200m deposit can only come as products of corruption from government agencies. The strategy therefore is that the young girls are let loose on government revenue agencies that have been alleged to sit on collected revenues for few months before transferring such funds to the Federation Account.

The government in the interim is faced with cash flow problems’

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Nigeria’s descent into Hobbesian state Jonathan and his Okonjo-Iweala/Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.team is their disdain for contrary views and their insistence that our only pathway to economic growth and development is wholesale adoption of economic laws long discarded in most western countries where every government adopts a mixture of capitalism and socialism as an ideological orientation?

Many well informed Nigerians as well as newspapers through editorials campaigned vigorously for a place for small banks in an economy many others insisted mega banks were no answer to inefficiency and corruption. Every contrary view to Soludo’s selective perception was treated with disdain. As Sanusi, Soludo’s successor has now pointed out, mega banks were avenue for mega corruption by players in the economy who obtained non performing loans and bank owners who fraudulently used depositor’s money to acquire private jets and properties all over the world.

Sanusi, the new government economic wizard on his path expended N620b tax payers’ money to bail out the mismanaged banks. A few months later, the banks were sold at give away prices to those who were alleged to have contributed to the misfortune of the banks. Three years on Nigerians, are yet to be told by government the impartial arbiter how much of the tax payers’ N620 billion bailout had been paid back by the affected banks. And as part of the nation’s serial jeopardy, Sanusi’s policy led to the loss of close to 50% of the work force in the banking sector But elsewhere such as Europe and espe-

EDNESDAY, February 13, was another red-letter day in the history of Ogun State. It was the beginning of another epoch, when the state turned a new page in its quest to raise the standard of living of its people.

If anyone had forecast as at 1960 when agriculture accounted for 92.7 per cent of our foreign earnings that a time would come when food would become a major problem in Nigeria, he would have been advised to go for a psychiatric test. In the same vein, if a prophet had predicted as at 1980 when one US dollar was less than one naira and a pound sterling exchanged for about a naira that a time would come in Nigeria when a dollar would exchange for 150 naira and a pound for 250 naira, or that the time was near in Nigeria when those at home would live on abroad, importing everything, including chewing sticks and bottled water, he would literally have been tied to the stake, stoned to death or sent to the guillotine for summary execution.

But the reality of our situation now stares everyone in the face. Prices of foodstuffs keep on skyrocketing thus increasing the cost of living and lowering the standard of living of the majority of Nigerians.

At least, it is not contestable that we spend N1billion daily on importation of rice from the strategic reserves of India and Thailand… I had thought Thailand was even far below us in the 60s while India was our contemporary, just like Brazil and Malaysia. In the same strain, over N50billion is being spent annually to import frozen fish even though we have the capacity to produce enough to meet our needs.

We cannot pretend not to have missed it at a particular point in time.It is generally agreed that the economic managers of the oil era should have expended the petro-dollars on mechanized farming and in opening up the rural areas through provision of roads, railway, electricity, potable water, etc.

It is not disputable that investment should have been made in agro-processing industries so that the value chain offered by mechanized agriculture (tillage, harvesting, marketing, storage, sales),especially in the area of employment, should have been fully exploited.

Nor is it open to debate that farm products such as pineapples, plantain, banana, tangerines, oranges, pepper, etc, ought not to rot away anymore in Nigeria, especially during their seasons, just because we have no means of preserving or processing them into finished products that can be used locally and the excess sent abroad for foreign currencies.

Indeed, that Nigeria blew the opportunity of an agrarian revolution that would have made the present generation live in abundance is widely acknowledged.

But we have passed the era of lamentation. What we need now is action.

cially in the US where banks and manufacturing industries attracted government bail outs, they were in fact designed to enable people keep their jobs. And unlike here where our rulers have refused to talk about the status of the taxpayers money, it is common knowledge that some beneficiaries of bailout in the US including the City Group have paid back, while those that have started making profit are buying back government shares at a profit.

Similarly, unlike in the US where automobile industries that benefited from government bailout are not only making giants steps in terms of growth but also in reducing unemployment, we chose to ignore our automobile support companies like Michelin and Dunlop that have today joined the importation train bringing tyres from China and South Africa. We are today the world biggest importer of used and substandard tyres. Our market is so big that it has been said used tyres manufactured as far back as 2004, are shipped into Nigeria from Ghana and South Africa. While the nation imports products of labour from other nations, our university trained engineers roam the streets.

As part of our nations’ serial jeopardy, Sanusi’s policy of high interest rate in order to control inflation has driven the banks to embark on a mad rush for revenue mobilization. Our 19 and 20-year old girls are sent to the streets by the banks and directed to raise N200m monthly to keep their jobs. Scandalized by the callous act by the banks, David Mark the Senate President not too long ago called our attention the possible psychological, and emotional trauma these innocent

young girls are subjected to so early in life.

N200m deposit can only come as products of corruption from government agencies.

The strategy therefore is that the young girls are let loose on government revenue agencies that have been alleged to sit on collected revenues for few months before transferring such funds to the Federation Account. The government in the interim is faced with cash flow problems. The House late last year raised queries as to why budgets were not being implemented despite the evidence that showed revenues in excess of the budget were raked in by government monthly.

As part of our serial jeopardy, even when the banks got the deposit, the mobilized funds are still not given as loans to the manufacturing sector that are in a position to create jobs. They are instead diverted by the banks to buy government bonds at next to nothing interest rate. Of course this is a natural response to government policy of controlling inflation by keeping interest high.

But except perhaps government economic wizards, who does not know that the main source of inflation is the more than 50% of the nation’s resources the federal government that lacks the capacity to fight its known corrupt PDP members controls? Of course we can add as source of inflation the governors’ security votes, the lawmakers out-ofthis-world earnings, the unearned five percent allocation to traditional rulers who lose the moral right to checkmate the local council officials who share their councils’ allocations.

An analysis of the current year budget will show at a glance, the bizarre appropriations to various bodies with duplicated functions.

Why is it impossible for instance to insist that the EFCC survive on 20% of funds collected from indicted governors, bankers, oil fraudsters and PDP stalwarts?

A government whose leading members share our national patrimony has been rendered impotent when the governed engaged themselves in a war of attrition – kidnapping, armed robbery, importation of fake products including drugs all in pursuit of of individual needs and greed. And these of course include such needs as security, electricity, water, comfort and a secured future for our children to protect them from being assaulted and debased by predators that abound in the jungle. In the absence of government that can act as impartial arbiter or as in our own case where President Jonathan’s PDP administration is in acquiescence with privileged few who do not give a damn about Nigeria, the law of the jungle reigns supreme.

Agriculture revolution: The Ogun example

By Soyombo Opeyemi February 13, was the day the loud silence of 33 years in the agriculture sector was broken in Ogun State. In one iconic gesture, 86 pieces of multi-million naira land clearing and preparation equipment were launched by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. It was the first time since the creation of the state in 1976 that such quantum purchase would 4 take place at one fell swoop. The farm machinery include CAT bulldozers, 30 MF 275 Xtra tractors,33 Baldan Disc Ploughs,15 Baldan Disc Harrows, 2 Baldan Rotary Slashers and 2 Baldan 4 Row–Planters.

In effect, the inauguration of these implements marked the setting-out of Ogun State on the road to mechanized agriculture. With these machines, about 80 per cent of the burden of farming has been lifted off the shoulders of farmers. Indeed, the third cardinal programme of the Senator Amosun-led administration is Increased Agricultural Production leading to Industrialization. This can only be achieved by supplanting subsistence farming with mechanized agriculture. The era of using cutlasses and hoes should gradually give way to the use of ploughs and harrows.

At any rate, the farming population is already aged and farm labourers are difficult to come by these days, hence the rising cost of food in the country.

On the inaugurated equipment, Amosun had this to say: “We appreciate the need to make these implements easily accessible to our farmers. Towards this end, I wish to announce that the rate for hiring them has been subsidized so as to create a relief to our farmers. Operation and maintenance arrangements have also been made with the equipment suppliers to make the scheme sustainable.”

Some of the steps taken so far by the administration to revive agriculture and renew the interest of our youths in the sector include the following.

Resuscitation of Farm Settlement scheme with the commencement of a Model Farm Estate in Owowo, in Ogun Central. The first set of participants willbe admitted this year.

The samewill be replicated in the other two senatorial districts of the state.

Complete rehabilitation of the moribund three government owned fish farms located at Ilaro, Odeda and Ikenne. Production activities have since commenced on these farms.

Restoration of the state government Central Feed Depot at

Kotopo in order to stabilize the cost of livestock feeds in the market.

Disbursal of agricultural loans to over a thousand farmers under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme. The state is about to commence the next phase of the scheme.

And to further prove that Ogun is not toying with the idea of reclaiming its glory in the agriculture sector, any genuine investor, local or foreign, interested in agriculture will have a discount of 80 percent on land acquisition.

The state has keyed into the Growth Enhancement Support scheme of the Federal Government, which “seeks to lift 20 million farmers from the six geo-political zones out of subsistence to self-sufficiency.” Indeed, Ogun State is collaborating with the Federal Government on all fronts to revamp agriculture in the country, including the realisation of its promises to the state, viz. establishment of three large processing rice mills to process the highly nutritious Ofada rice, upgrading of 33 SMEs to produce high quality cassava flour and establishment of one large scale high quality cassava flour plant of 240 metric tonne per day.

This writer is particularly upbeat about the Model Farm Estate initiative of the Amosun administration. Just like the model schools and roads, the model farms will be of the Ogun Standard, which sets benchmarks for others.

As someone who not only practised agriculture in the secondary school but literally grew up in the farm, I knew the regrets in those days included lack of electricity, modern farmstead, potable water, access roads - which implied that we had to carry heavy baskets of farm produce on our heads and trekked kilometres to get to the market. Of course, we didn’t find all that funny at all; and we had to till the land with hoes and cutlasses…in addition to the burden of being cut off from civilisation! It’s not surprising that none of my generation returned to farm, including those who secured degrees in agriculture despite the interest of some of us in farming…

All that will now change in Ogun with the desire of the current government to revolutionize the sector. With other laudable schemes in the pipeline, including encouraging all year-round farming through the use of irrigation and total exploitation of the value chain provided by commercial agriculture (the governor keeps harping on this ‘value chain’), there is no doubt that it’s just a matter of time before Ogun takes its pride of place in agriculture in the country.

• Opeyemi is Special Assistant on Media to Governor Amosun

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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NIGERIA

pulls out of 2014 CHAN

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THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

INSIDE

‘I’m leaving UI better than I met it’ IMMEDIATE past ProChancellor and chairman of Council, University of Ibadan, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has described his tenure as worthwhile, pointing out that he is leaving the institution better than he inherited it in 2009.

-Page 37

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The fate of over 100 government agencies, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) is hanging in the balance. A panel has recommended that they be scrapped or merged to cut costs. Will government uphold this recommendation? KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, MEDINAT KANABE and SEUN OLALUDE report.

Millions for edu. game

FOUNDATION for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD), a Lagos-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), has given out nearly one-million naira to students in secondary and tertiary institutions who featured in an education quiz game.

-Page 39

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

‘My close shave with death’ HE was on his way to Sokoto State for the National Youth Service. He was in an upbeat mood with his colleagues who were also heading for the Seat of the Caliphate for the same purpose. They were all looking forward to a fulfilling service year.

Oluwaloseyi Babaeko graduated from the Local Government Studies Department of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State last year -Page 29

•Above and inset: Candidates during past UTMEs

What fate awaits UTME, NECO? I ‘ ‘ S it true? This has been the question on the lips of many since the news broke of the planned scrapping of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) by the Federal Government.

The Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies recommended that 114 agencies, among them UTME and NECO, be abolished, merged or reverted to their parent ministries.

According to the report, if UTME and NECO and others are scrapped, the government would save about N862 billion between 2012 and 2015 in operations cost.

Media reports said after the abolition of UTME, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would act as a clearing house for institutions which will conduct entrance examinations for candidates by ensuring standards and checking multiple admissions.

Though the Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the story as a rumour, saying there is no Whitepaper yet on the report, university administrators, parents, teachers, students, educationists and others are worried.

They are anxious about the government implementing policies that

Why did government propose its scrapping in the first place? It is because it was later found out that there is no correlation between students’ performances in UTME when placed side by side the post-UTME universities conducted to again ascertain students’ validity

The two are established for a purpose. The two have created jobs for many.

If UTME is scrapped, the institutions will be too powerful, brilliant brains may not be given admission to favour the rich ones. UTME gives equal right to both the rich and the poor to be admitted

could affect the education system.

Many are divided on whether NECO, which conducts the National Common Entrance Examination and Basic Certificate Examination Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) for Federal Government Colleges and JAMB which coordinates the UTME should continue to function the way they do. While some say they should be scrapped, others recommend that their duties be modified to serve Nigerians better.

When he chaired the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), former Vice-

Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Prof Is-haq Oloyede, advocated that universities be allowed to examine their students.

He, however, argued that the UTME is still relevant. In a chat with The Nation on Tuesday, Oloyede said while universities should screen their intakes, UTME should serve as a first level screening to trim down the number of candidates.

He said: “JAMB itself was created by the universities not by government and that was why the ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin was the first chairman of the board

’

’

of JAMB. Our position is not that there should be no qualifying national examination. Our position is the autonomy of the universities to screen their intakes. What we are saying is that there should be layers of screening. The national exam will first weed them out. If anyone does not pass the first examination, then he has no business with the second screening.”

Oloyede faulted the non-release of the Oronsaye report, noting that if released, Nigerians would be able to advise the government better.

“Unfortunately, if you don’t have facts about an issue you will just be commenting blindly. If that report was available on the internet, we would have known what the committee considered in reaching its conclusions and we would have been able to give informed comments which can help government reach more equitable decision,” he said.

Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Dr A.A. Lawal urged the government not to scrap the two examining bodies.

The bodies, he says, play an important role of conducting standardised examinations.

“We strongly believe that JAMB and NECO have roles to play in standardising examinations, that is why we would not subscribe to • Continued on page 26

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EDUCATION

Online quiz earns FUNAAB student surprise prize

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•Mr Fisayo Soyombo, Editor Flair Nigeria presenting a Samsung Galaxy to Miss Oyagbami • Continued from page 25

those bodies being scrapped,” he said.

Allowing institutions to conduct their own entrance examinations has some merit, according to Prof Ayo Olukoju, Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos. He said under such regime, candidates would have more choices of institutions as they could take entrance examinations of many schools and be admitted to as many. Also it would be an advantage if they had to miss one because they could make it up with others, which is not possible with the UTME which holds once in a year.

“The plus side is that the students have a number of more choices. If they are not chosen here they can be chosen elsewhere. Nigerian universities were able to whether the storm in the 70s when they conducted entrance examinations.”

On the down side, he said the cost of admissions would be much more, since the process would be lengthier.

He said: “The first reaction is to say that since there is no white paper on the issue, there is nothing definite yet. If there is no UTME, students will start travelling all over the country which would multiply cost. Also the admissions process will be protracted unduly as we would have to wait for all the institutions to conduct their examinations.”

The high cost of admissions is one of the 10 reasons Mr Ike Onyechere, founding chairman of Exam Ethics Marshals International, headquartered in Abuja, says JAMB should be scrapped. In a letter to the Federal Government entitled: “Still on the need to scrap JAMB”, Onyechere said candidates spend as high as N136,000 on forms, travel expenses, lobbying and other sundry matters.

The letter reads: “Exam Ethics Marshals International estimates the cost of seeking admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions at N136,000 per candidate on the average. This includes the cost of UTME and post-UTME forms, cost of scratch cards, cost of travelling and hotel accommodations, etc, etc. The convoluted UTME admission process opens parents and students up to all sorts of extortion rackets: payment for sighting of scripts and results, payment for change of admission letters, change of course letters, late admission letters. Extortion rackets associated with postUTME include payment of fees for: ‘admission processing’; ‘accreditation’; ‘result reconciliation’; ‘clearance’; ‘opening of departmental and faculty files’ etc. In fact the cost can be as high as N500,000 depending on the course and the institution of choice e.g Medicine and Law.” While it costs a candidate so much to seek admission in Nigeria, in neighbouring Ghana, where universities conduct their own entrance examinations, Onyechere said it costs only N12,000, which is 20 times less.

The Vice-Chancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Prof Samson Adenola Ayanlaja, wonders why the controversy over the government’s plan. According to him, if the government which put up the parastatal decades ago now finds it irrelevant, then its action is justifiable.

Ayanlaja recalled how JAMB came under fire in times past, saying: “Why did government propose its scrapping in the first place? It is because it was later found out that there is no correlation between students’ performances in UTME when placed side by side the post-UTME universities conducted to again ascertain students’ validity. So, if the panel set up by gov-

ISS Ireyimika Oyagbami, a postgraduate student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on Monday received a Samsung Galaxy SIII for emerging winner of the February edition of a monthly quiz organised by an online news portal, Flair Nigeria.

Receiving her prize at Flair Nigeria's office in Lagos, Ireyimika, whose discipline is Environmental Management and Protection, said her victory at the contest was sheer luck.

"I only 'liked' the Flair Nigeria page on Facebook by accident. It was a mistake. I didn't plan it," she said.

"In fact, I even ignored the questions when I saw them on the Flair Nigeria website. I continued overlooking it until a friend said they were cheap questions. That was when I took a second look, and then decided to answer them. Thereafter, I forwarded it to my sister to apply, too."

What fate awaits UTME, NECO?

•Oloyede

•Olukoju

ernment which comprised responsible decision makers came to the conclusion that it (UTME) should be scrapped based on the information they had gathered, then I have no objection to that.”

He said if UTME must be scrapped, tertiary institutions should be allowed to test-run the new measure to see how it works before anything is done.

“Universities have been conducting postUTME for some years now to reassess candidates’ validity and the results have been laudable. So, I don’t think the issue of whether they will abuse it (conducting qualifying exams) or not should not arise now. Let’s get to the bridge first before we cross it. If, in future, the process is abused, I believe all vice-chancellors will come together to make necessary amends.”

Sixtus Charbel Esinulo, a student, whose sister is writing the Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE), welcomed the idea of scrapping the UTME, saying it would enable students gain admission easily. He added that it will also make Nigeria meet international standards when it comes to admitting students into universities.

“JAMB frustrates students too much. I pray that they keep to their word,” he said.

There are other candidates who agree with him.

Akomolafe Isaac, who is sitting for this month’s UTME, said it should be scrapped from the admission process because in the country of nations only Nigeria operates under a controlled admission board. He said scrapping UTME means there would be a decrease in special centres which makes students lazy.

Another candidate, Endurance Adu, said he supports the scrapping of UTME because it does not help the admission process.

“Some people have written JAMB so many times without success. Some of them become hopeless and even reject admission offers later in life because of their age. Some pass UTME and post-UTME but cannot get admitted without bribing the officials.” He said it would improve the rate of reading.

A parent, Mr. Adewumi Bamigboye, believes that the UTME is a waste of money and time because of the post-UTME. His words: “UTME should be scrapped, I see it as a waste of money and time to parents and students. No matter the score of a student, the institution will still conduct its own entrance examination so what is the essence. I only pity the staff in UTME offices. UTME limit student’s ability to try many entrances into institution; once you pick an institution as your first choice and it fails that is the end for that year but this new introduction, applicants can try different institutions.”

A teacher, Mr Oladunjoye Oluwagbemiga, said scrapping NECO and UTME will lead to other problems.

“The two are established for a purpose. Can someone tell me their negative impact, though NECO needs to be re-organised. The two have created jobs for many, what will be the fate of the staff. If UTME is scrapped, the institutions will be too powerful, brilliant brains may not be given admission to favour the rich ones.

UTME gives equal right to both the rich and the poor to be admitted,” he said.

If at all anything should be scrapped, Dickson Aneke, coordinator, Apex Brilliant Academy, Isolo, said it should be the post-UTME, noting that the reasons given for scrapping of UTME are not genuine.

“They said that the credibility of JAMB is

‘JAMB itself was created by the universities not by government and that was why the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin was the first chairman of the board of JAMB. Our position is not that there should be no qualifying national examination. Our position is the autonomy of the universities to screen their intakes. What we are saying is that there should be layers of screening. The national exam will first weed them out’

The published writer then forgot about the entry, thinking it was a hoax.

"I didn't open my email box for a week.

When I did, the last message I expected to see was a mail or anything else from Flair Nigeria.

"When I eventually saw it, I was in school that day, and I just went all over the department, shouting and hugging everybody. I told everyone who cared enough to listen that I had won a Samsung Galaxy SIII." Clutching the mobile device with excitement, the winner of Heinrich Boll Foundation's 2011 national writing contest promised to announce the authenticity of the contest to everyone around her.

"I will go back to school to show this phone to everyone I told about the win," she added.

"Believe me, I will be visiting Flair Nigeria's website every day to see if I can answer the quiz every month." under threat. If they leave the exam in the hands of the school, it will become too expensive. The post-UTME should be scrapped instead because they are not doing what it was created for,” he said.

Another UTME candidate, Adekunle Michael, said if UTME is stopped, corruption will prevail. “Students wont need to read; they will just go to the school, bribe and get admitted,” he said.

Like JAMB/UTME, NECO also has protagonists and antagonists. While some say it should continue to exist because it gives candidates a second chance if they fail the SSCE conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), others believe NECO should be scrapped because its certificate enjoys less patronage than that of WAEC. Bamigboye is for NECO’s retention because “it gives opportunity to students who did not perform well in WAEC to put in their best.”

Prof Olukoju agrees, saying: “The rule of choice still applies. I support that NECO should be allowed to conduct examinations.

Given that WAEC is a regional body, Prof Oloyede said NECO can serve Nigeria.

Prof Oluwole Familoni of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said while he is indifferent to the scrapping or not of NECO, the examining body should not continue to conduct the Basic Education examination since the certificate is not actually in demand.

“At the JSS level, if you look at Lagos and some other states, they conduct the basic education examination. And then NECO does the same thing. What are they doing with the certificate? Nothing,” he said.

Those calling for NECO’s scrapping do so because of concerns that the certificate is inferior to WAEC, though the examinations are the same.

Samson Lucky, an SS3 pupil of Abesan Senior High School, Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, is one of those that think NECO is of no relevance.

His words: “NECO should be scrapped, it is local unlike WAEC. We didn’t want to pay for the NECO form but we were forced to; it is not relevant, it is not recognised and it is unacceptable internationally. I want to study in Ghana after my SSCE so I can’t use NECO. WAEC is enough. If I’m allowed, I wouldn’t write NECO.” Regarding NECO, Onyechere questioned the veracity of the body’s statistics.

He said: “In its 2000 and 2001 examinations, NECO announced a pass rate of 100 per cent.

All candidates passed all the papers they entered in the two years. This was greeted with a national uproar because of the abnormality. In the June/July 2007 examinations, NECO announced that 987,395 candidates out of 1,015,561 that sat for the examinations passed. That is 97.2%. pass rate (Daily Trust, Friday, October 12, 2007). By November/December 2008, the pass rate declined to 27.74% (Daily Trust, March 24, 2009). In the June/July 2009 result, it further went down to 10.53% (The Punch Wednesday, October 7, 2009). And for November/December 2009, we came down to a pass rate of 1.80% (The Nation, March 17, 2010.) Note the steady decline in pass rates. From 100% in 2001 to 97.2% in June/July 2007 to 27.74% in Nov/Dec 2008 to 10.53% in June/July 2009 and then to 1.80% (almost zero) in Nov/Dec 2009. Is it possible for Nigeria to move from being a country of geniuses to being a country of complete idiots within a space of 10 years? Is cooking of pass statistics downwards NECO’s answer to rising public opinion that its examinations are “easier” and “cheaper” than that of WAEC?”

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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EDUCATION DAAR Communications launches education bouquet •Partners Rivers State govt

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• Children of Goldenline International Schools fill the bottle during the maiden Inter-house sports competition of their school held in Ajah, Lagos.

Anti-graft corps induct CU VC

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HE Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Prof Charles Korede Ayo and other principal officers of the university have been inducted as patron and members of the National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC), Ogun State Chapter.

The principal officers were decorated and presented with some membership materials by the State Co-ordinator, Mr Idris Abu, when the group visited the university last Tuesday.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Abu stated that the law establishing the body allows it to induct people of like minds to fight corruption in the country.

He explained further that Covenant University's good name and image makes it attractive to

establish a good relationship with her and enlist staff and students into the corps.

Mr Abu added that NAVC is an arm of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) established to enlist people of like passion to fight corruption.

He said NAVC is present in the 36 states of the Federation with State coordinators managing their affairs.

Responding, Prof Ayo expressed delight to be a part of rediscovering the integrity of Nigeria and redeeming her lost glory.

Considering the challenges of underdevelopment in the country, he stated that this can be traced to corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of our nation and continent.

He highlighted transparency,

accountability and probity as vital ingredients needed in the development of any nation and added that it is not only when one perpetrates evil that he is involved in corruption but the refusal to do the right thing.

Other Management staff inducted include, the Registrar, Dr Ubong Ntia; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Dr Taiwo Abioye; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof A. A. A. Atayero, Director, Financial Services; Pastor Deji Okubanjo, Director, Centre for Systems and Information Services; Mr Bayo Ajala, Director, Centre for Learning Resources (CLR); Dr Chris Nkiko, Senior Assistant Registrar (VC's Office); Mr Kalu Okwuagwu, Senior Assistant Registrar , Registrar's Office; Mrs Christiana Olaoluwa.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

NEW innovation by DAAR Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television (AIT), will become a part of the learning process in Rivers State primary and secondary schools.

Chairman of Daar Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi introduced the DAAR Education Service (DES) Solutions to the Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi last week as a platform for improving learning outcomes.

He said: "The reason we ventured into education services was because of the poor performance in public examinations. Students' poor performances is attributed to teachers' method of teaching, students' attitudes and unavailability of basic educational materials like textbooks. The DES Solution is aimed at transforming classrooms, empowering teachers and captivating students by leading the way in providing high quality, dynamic, educational video content to school districts large and small, rural and suburban and everything in between."

He said the DES consists of 22 channels dedicated to primary and secondary school instructional lessons based on the Nigerian curriculum. Each channel is dedicated to specific year groups and course options in senior secondary schools.

Dokpesi added that DES content

is produced using the best lesson plans and teaching resources to deliver exemplary lessons on every topic in every subject for Primary 1 to SS3 classes.

He also said the DES offers a dedicated 24-hour professional development channel to improve the knowledge and pedagogical skills of teachers in line with international best practices.

Lauding the initiative, the Commissioner said the state government has upgraded facilities in many schools to plug into the DES learning platform.

"Education is the number one priority of the Rivers State Government and we are ready to partner with any organisation that shares the same vision with us. This innovation will be an alternative way of learning.The state has all the facilities (security, ICT, power) for a smooth installation of the DES across the model schools," she said.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Dr Richard Ofuru said that DES Solutions would particularly be useful for schools in the hinterland.

"The DES Solution is coming at the right time as we have move to the digital era. It will be a very good teaching aid that will make the pupils to assimilate and understand easily. Installing the DES Solutions in rural schools will attract teachers to teach in such areas," he said.

•Dame Lawrence-Nemi

•Dokpesi

Faith-based varsities help students fear God RESIDENT of the church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) Rev. Dr Soja Bewarang has said apart from bridging the wide gap in admission of the Nigerian secondary school leaver, universities set up by churches will help in instilling the fear of God in the youths who are leaders of tomorrow He said the number of universities in Nigeria including the private ones are not adequate to cater for the candidates who come from secondary school yearly.

The cleric made the remark while addressing journalists on the proposed Kal Kum University (KKU) to be established by the

P

From Yusuf Aminu Idegu, Jos

church. Bewarang said: "The pressure of admission on public university has made it imperative for COCIN to establish one. COCIN church has over 100 secondary schools in Plateau State alone. These schools turn out thousands of university candidates every year.

"Apart from filling the vacuum created by inadequate universities in the country, universities created by churches will instill the fear of God in our leaders of tomorrow, which is what is lacking in public universities.

“The youth need to be trained on morals, sense of truth fear of God and submission to leaders. By so doing

we will be adding to quality to human resources."

The COCIN president said the university, which is preparing its facilities ahead of take off later in the year, will seek funds from well wishers.

"The Kal Kum University will take off before the end of this year when all the buildings at the permanent site are completed because we will not start on temporary site, we are not in a hurry and we have the capacity. We are organising an endowment fund this month to source for money for the smooth take off of the university before the end of the year," he said.

•From left: CEO, Main One Cable Funke Opeke; Director, Quality Assurance, National Universities Commission Prof Chiedu Felix Mafiana; former Cabinet Minister of Education, Ghana Prof Dominic Fobih and Moderator Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, at the Education Colloquium on "Nigeria Tertiary Education in Crisis: The Way Forward", one of the activities marking the 30th anniversary celebrations of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

Security retreat for schools holds in Ghana

N

IGERIAN security experts will join the Inspector General of Police in Ghana, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, to speak at a security retreat holding at the Ramada Coco Beach, Hotel, Accra, between the 14th and 18th of this month.

The International Executive Management Retreat on Security Awareness and Emergency Preparedness for educational institutions in Africa is being organised by the Exam Ethics Marshall International to help prepare manage challenges of insecurity.

Others who will join Alhassan who will delivers the Keynote Address, include: Prof I.S. Williams, Faculty member of the National Institute for Strategic Studies; Prof A. Ekoko, former Vice-Chancellor, Delta State University and a former faculty at the Nigeria Defence College, and Prof E.O. Aliemeka, Faculty member of Nigeria's National Institute For Strategic Studies.

Others are: Dr. U.K Brown of Liberia; P.K Krampar of Ghana.

A statement signed by the founding chairman of the group, Mr Ike Onyechere noted that the Retreat will

focus on: "critical security lessons from attacks on staff, students and facilities of educational institutions across the world; security and emergency preparedness against kidnapping; hostage taking, terrorist activities and bomb threats; critical factors for improved security of staff and students; governance, leadership and policy issues in security of educational institutions in Africa; security survey and diagnostic audit procedures to identify risk factors in educational institutions; etc".

The retreat being, coordinated by MJ One Security Consultants and POTOMAC Consulting International in conjunction with Exam Ethics Marshals International, is expected to be attended by Heads of education ministries and agencies; Governing Councils of tertiary institutions; education committees of legislative houses; Vice-Chancellors; Provosts; Rectors; Chief Security Officers and other principal officers of educational institutions from across Africa.

Educational institutions in Nigeria including IBB University, Minna and the Imo State University, Owerri have already registered to attend the retreat.

29

Ten bag First Class as varsity graduates 5,503

A house divided against itself Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Emmanuel Olele, 500-Level Petroleum and Gas Engineering, is popular at the Delta State University (DELSU) because of his dancing skill.

Nicknamed Masi, the dancer surprised his colleagues when he won the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award for Best Academic Student. He also got scholarships from the Delta State Government and an oil company. He told PHILIP OKORODUDU (500Level Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering) how he achieved the feat.

‘I do things at the right time’

•Emmanuel

•See page 30

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

As he left for Sokoto State for the National Youth Service, Oluwaloseyi Babaeko, a graduate of Local Government Studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, was looking forward to a fruitful service year. Then the unexpected happened. He and others were robbed by herdsmen in Kebbi State. Since then, things have not been easy for him. The Corps member shares his ordeal with HANNAH OJO (English, OAU).

‘My close shave with death’ •Corps member relives encounter with death

H

E was on his way to Sokoto State for the National Youth Service. He was in an upbeat mood with his colleagues who were also heading for the Seat of the Caliphate for the same purpose. They were all looking forward to a fulfilling service year.

Oluwaloseyi Babaeko graduated from the Local Government Studies Department of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State last year He was happy when he was mobilised for youth Service, having spent about six years for a four-year programme, a delay caused by strikes.

The story changed when Oluwaloseyi was Sokoto-bound.

The vehicle he was travelling in was attacked by Fulani herdsmen.

The two rear tyres of the bus suddenly burst while on motion; the vehicle skidded off the road and landed in a pit on the Kebbi highway.

As he crawled out of the mangled bus, Oluwaloseyi discovered that he had a fractured leg and a dislocated hip. Others in the bus, including youths also going to Sokoto for service, sustained injuries.

Recounting his experience, Oluwaloseyi said: “The accident occurred on July 3, last year. I left Lagos the previous day for Sokoto State where I was posted for service.

We were attacked by some Fulani herdsman in Kebbi at 4am. The attack was unexpected. The driver

•Oluwaloseyi

had lost control of the vehicle and the two tyres burst. The bus swerved into the bush. I had a fracture on my limb and a dislocation on my hip.”

Writhing in pain for two hours, Oluwaloseyi, who described the accident as “a close shave with

death”, said it was by divine intervention that the injured passengers were rescued by policemen, who came to the scene.

He said:“When the police came to the scene two hours later, we were taken to a hospital in Kebbi State for first aid treatment after

which National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials transferred us to Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State.”

The accident did not stop the Fulani heardsmen from robbing the •Continued on page 30

•Suspended student wins union presidency-P32•World Bank supports education with $450m-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Sexual Out harassment, with rape and our Agbo Agbo varsities •aagboa@gmail.com 08052959489 (SMS only)

I

N July, last year, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) invoked its statutory mandate derived from Section 6 (b)-(d) of its enabling law to undertake a comprehensive Systems Study and Review of the Nigerian University system with the principal aim of identifying and correcting corruptionprone processes. The commission said then that its intervention was specific and did not conflict with the regulatory, supervisory and/auditing roles of the Visitor, Ministry of Education, Councils and indeed the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the ICPC, it is inundated daily with petitions from students, staff, unions, and other stakeholders alleging all manner of corrupt practices and abuses in most tertiary institutions. The petitions, it said, highlight flagrant abuse of processes in students’ admissions, examinations, appointments and promotion of staff, manipulation and falsification of academic records, such as transcripts, sexual harassment and victimisation of applicants, students and staff, syndicated plagiarism, delay or non-payment of gratuities and pension to pensioners, non-adherence to bidding processes in the award of contracts, bastardising accreditation processes through deception, running unapproved Study Centres, affiliates and programmes, establishing and operating un-approved and, consequently, illegal universities, etc.

Armed with these allegations, the commission embarked on a pilot study using the University of Nigeria Nsukka (July 22, 2012), Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye (August, 2012) and the American University of Nigeria, Yola.

(Sept.2012) as study institutions. They were selected to reflect Federal/State/Private University as well as North/West/East characteristics.

The report of that pilot study was released last month and it was damning, not that most Nigerians are not aware that such things are happening in our ivory towers, but that it is

now official through a study is quite instructive.

It is disheartening, to say the least, that some university teachers in Nigeria have sunk into the shameful abyss of moral decadence, becoming sex bullies and perverts as a result of their unbridled lust for the female undergraduates they are paid to teach in the first place. I’ve heard in certain quarters that these lecturers shamelessly see female undergraduates as part of their “fringe benefits” and “being at the right place at the right time.” In this regard, therefore, this is one report that should not be allowed to gather dust in one bureaucrat’s office but should be acted upon speedily by the concerned authorities in order to arrest the grave situation in the university system.

So, what’s so special about the report in which about 49 other routine infractions were identified? I’ll leave it to the ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, to tell us: “We have uncovered many corrupt practices in our universities. Sexual harassment seems to rank extremely very high among corrupt practices uncovered in our universities.

Our report is based on the quantum of petitions we have received on this corrupt practice. We’re emphasising this because sexual harassment has to do with the immediate challenge we need to address.”

The sale of examination questions, inducement to manipulate awards of degrees, direct cheating during examinations, deliberate delays in the release of results, victimisation of students by officials and lack of commitment to work by the lecturers are also high on the list of unacceptable misconducts on campuses. It is quite disheartening that the citadels of learning have become safe havens for sex perverts, yet we want to compete with and be rated high with serious and focused universities globally!

I’ve argued in this column in the past that education is one of the bedrocks for developing a strong character and that universities are set up

to push the frontiers of knowledge, transform people’s lives and contribute to the health and wealth of nations through their deep involvement in wider society and the economy through incisive research. But, the critical question to ask is: where are Nigerian universities in all of these sterling values? Serious scholarship, as far as I’m concerned, took flight from the early 1990s. It did not come as a surprise to me when the World Bank argued that “universities in Africa in particular were adding too little to economic prosperity and producing too many unemployable graduates with academic skills for which there was little demand.” This also explains why our tertiary institutions are lagging behind in the global rankings of universities. The disastrous consequences of the rot are very clear for all to see.

If we look back to contemporary history, we’ll find out that the role of education and human capital in driving economic and social development cannot be overestimated. Education is at the forefront of fundamental transformation of many societies, such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, among others, in the last two decades. A university therefore signifies a centre of the highest academic endeavour. But, in Nigeria, the activities of randy lecturers demanding sex for marks instead of researching are eroding the quality of scholarship and perverting standards of moral values.

We should stop fooling ourselves here; the standards in our universities will not improve without tighter regulation and stricter enforcement of rules. Did it surprise anyone when the authorities of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) recently expelled five students after a disciplinary committee found them culpable in a case of rape on the campus? Besides losing their studentship, the five expelled students, Babalola Adedotun Kolawole, a 300 Level Psychology student; Omoteye Olalekan Olamide, a 300 Level Psychology student; Bamigboye Biola Moshood, a Pre-degree Social Science student; and Adekunle Lateef Omogbemileke, a 300 Level Accounting student, will also be put on trial, as they have been dragged before the court for the crime. This is commendable and will serve as a deterrent to others.

It was reported that the students were arrested on March 7, through the concerted efforts of EKSU security men, the police and youths from Iworoko Ekiti, a neighbouring town, and were subsequently made to face the disciplinary committee headed by Professor W. O. Adebayo that tried them and found them guilty. At least, this is one

‘My close shave with death’ •Continued from page 29

injured passengers. The robbers dispossessed the accident victims of their valuables, including money.

“One of the Fulani men held a local gun while the others were armed with machetes and daggers.

They were about six in number.

One of them was speaking smattering English and others spoke Hausa. They ordered us to bring out our personal effects, despite that we were in pains. They didn’t show pity for us. They took our money and left,” Oluwaloseyi said.

Oluwaloseyi was redeployed to Lagos State the next day on health grounds but he could not go immediately because of his fractured limb. He needed an operation to correct the bone dislocation. After three weeks of delay, Oluwaloseyi left a federal hospital in Gwagwalada, Abuja for surgery at Camek Orthopaedic Hospital, Gwarimpa to bond the

•Oluwaloseyi on hospital bed

fractured bone. He was in the hospital for close to six months after the surgery.

His tribulation did not end there.

Eight months after, Oluwaloseyi is still contending with a broken limb. He cannot walk without crutches, although his dislocated hip joint has been fixed.

“Fixing my hip joint dislocation was a difficult task. I had to resort to unorthodox means. I was already making plans for a hip transplant in India before somebody told us we could do it at Favour’s Clinic, Makurdi,” he said. Oluwaloseyi was supported by his brother, Mr Steve Babaeko, a businessman, Mr Godwin Oriaku and his wife, Joy Oriaku, who are his in-laws.

Last December, he left the clinic to resume his youth service at Onigbongbo Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Corps member said he had written the directorate of NYSC to refund the money he spent on treatment and for his unpaid seven months

allowance.

On the lesson learnt from his ordeal, Oluwaloseyi said: “I have since discovered that Nigeria is not a country that is worth dying for. If it were to be in a sane society, the head of NYSC would have visited us in the hospital. All the treatment I underwent, I paid for. No help came from the NYSC, yet I had the accident when I was going for orientation to serve my country.

This is sad.”

Oluwaloseyi, enjoined prospective Corps members not to be discouraged by his ordeal.

“Whatever is bound to happen will happen. I will not say that anybody posted to the North should not go.

I have forgiven the Fulani men because they are ignorant. The Hausa people are not bad because I got my admission to study in OAU through a Hausa man,” he said.

Oluwaloseyi said he would be returning to hospital for another surgery on his leg in July after he would have completed his service.

case of rape that was not filmed and posted on youtube as has now become the norm of some of our irresponsible youths.

So, how do we retrace our steps to the road of moral uprightness and scholarship? The answer is simple: purposeful leadership. I’m of the opinion that seasoned administrators should be preferred when choosing vice-chancellors and any found wanting should be held responsible for violation of cherished values on their campuses. Student unions in the schools must also be properly re-constituted, not the current bickering in NANS. The unions and university authorities must work in concert to identify victims of sexual harassment and encourage them to speak out so that the raunchy lecturers would be named, shamed and disciplined.

The vice-chancellors must do more to end this theatre of the absurd in our ivory towers. If the VCs are blameless, why is it that disciplinary action is seldom taken against the lecherous lecturers going about campuses demanding sex before awarding grades to students? It will not surprise me that some of the petitions sent to the ICPC that initiated the study might have been sent to the VCs, who for fear of “tarnishing the good name of their institutions” may inadvertently be shielding culprits from punishment.

Parents too have a crucial role to play in ending these corrupt practices. Apart from monitoring their children and wards, they must follow up every reported act of sexual harassment by lecturers against their children with the authorities of the concerned schools and the law enforcement agents. The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities should not be seen as always being at loggerheads with the government and fighting only for the financial benefits of its members, it should also be instrumental in identifying the debauchery in their midst.

Have we fallen so low not to realise that universities stand for good values, a place where the innate abilities of students are to be developed? So, how can our youths attain academic excellence when their lecturers are more concerned about defiling and fleecing them? This is also the time for soul searching and re-examination of the system of admission to Nigerian universities. A system that encourages admission racketeering produces unserious students who are willing to do anything – like bribing lecturers with money or sex and engaging in cult activities – to obtain degrees. I’ll advise that governments and the education authorities empower governing councils and senates of universities to act on the ICPC report in the shortest possible time.

‘I do things at the right time’ •Continued from page 29

W

HEN did you start dancing?

I started when I was 10 years old. I saw it as ability but some of my family members believed it is hereditary.

When people said it is hereditary, do they mean that your parents are dancers?

Yes. Every member of my family is a good dancer. The talent runs in our blood.

How did you meet members of your crew?

I met all of them on campus. They are students of DELSU. We are like minds that have a passion for dancing. So, we came together and formed a group.

Does your group perform outside the campus?

We are not limited to Delta State alone. We do go for shows in neighbouring states and universities, places like in Benin and Port Harcourt. We have also performed in states in the eastern part of the country.

It surprises everyone that a dancer can also be a recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s scholarship. How did you achieve it?

Well, I worked towards it. Without being proud, I think my brilliance put me in such position. I won the Delta State University Scholarship Scheme, which is otherwise known as VC Scholarship Award, in April 2010. I am proud of the achievement because many people would have thought that being a dancer; somebody like me should be seen as an unserious student.

How do you combine dancing with your academic work?

I must say that it was not an easy thing because both activities can never

be mixed. But then, I believe that God gives me the grace to strike a balance between the two. Let me say I the basic thing I needed to do the two activities without one affecting the other is time management. I set limits, which means that I do what ought to be done at the right time.

Tell us about DELSU Idols?

It is not different from the idols programme being done everywhere. The idea is all about gathering students with the desire and passion for singing to compete in a musical reality show on campus irrespective of what they are studying. Basically, we have one audition, three evictions and one grand finale. The audition is an avenue to give those that bought the forms a chance to show their talents, after which we ensure that the best among them qualify to the grand finale.

People would have thought your academic performance would be affected by being involved yourself in many extracurricular activities. How did you manage it?

As I have said, it has to do with time management. I let the school pass through me just as I am passing through the school but I don’t allow the social aspect of my life to affect my studies. Education is a must for me.

Who is your role model?

It is my father, Mr Richard Ilobah Olele. He has always encouraged me to become a successful person in life.

How did you come to be known as Masi?

Masi is the name I use for my social activities and other activities that are not in line with academics. The nickname was given to me during my stay in Zaria, Kaduna State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

•Titus

•Jeff

•The contoversial union’s secretariat....under construction

It has been one controversy or the other since the inauguration of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Benue State University. MSONTER ANZAA examines some of the scandals rocking the union.

I

T has been 10 months since the inauguration of the present Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Benue State University (BSU). But they have been months of unease for the executive.

The executive is led by Jeff Mngu, a 400-Level student of Accounting. The union parliament is headed by Titus Hindan, a 400Level student of Sociology.

Almost immediately the executive’s tenure began, the SUG was enmeshed in administrative crisis.

Some contentious issues resulted into a struggle in the union. Despite the crisis, the union leaders believe that they are doing well.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the crisis caused by the deduction in the constitutional take-off grant for running of the parliament. According to Innocent Okwori, 200Level Medicine and member representing the Faculty of Basic and Allied Medical Sciences, a part of the house grant was diverted by some union officials. He said the take-off grant was N450,000, but only N200,000 was released to the house.

Samuel Korzerzer, member representing the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, said: “Some principal officers, who went to the Dean of Students Affairs office for another thing discovered that the amount released was actually more than the N200,000. We confronted the president and the secretary-general but they were trading blame

A house divided against itself between themselves.”

Titus denied that the take-off grant was diverted, saying the problem was caused by communication gap between the parliament and the executive.

He said: “I don’t think the takeoff grant was diverted by the executive. Though none of us knew that the money was supposed to be N450,000. The president only released a part. When members discovered that the executive did not receive all the money due to the House, tension built up. I met with the president and he told me that the union had financial challenge. He promised to pay as soon as some money was remitted into the union’s purse. I can say that it was not a diversion.”

Jeff said: “We went to the Bursary unit and discovered underestimation of the money meant for the house. There was an error in the addition of figures and when it was corrected, the remaining part was released. If I diverted the money, I would have been removed as president.”

After the take-off grant controversy, the union ran into a budget row. A member of the parliament said he could not remember if the House ever debated or approved any budget from the executive.

The member said when the budget

was presented to the parliament, the principal officers claimed there was no money to make copies for members for consideration.

“The only time they (executive) came to us was when they came to present their committee members. Another time was when we summoned the President, Secretary-General and Director of Welfare. None of us except the principal officers ratified any budget.

How was the budget approved?” he queried.

Titus admitted that the parliament did not approve the budget.

He said: “When the House wrote the executive for the budget, they were delaying the process. The president kept shifting date.

Later, he brought me part of the budget while the executive was working on the other part. The budget was still being worked on when the crisis began. We went on break, hoping that when we resume, we will consider bills pending before us. We could not do so and there was no iota of truth in the fact that principal officers ratified the budget.”

But as far as the President is concerned, he sent a budget to the parliament for consideration.

“They received it. I gave them a budget personally. When I came in, I discovered that my tenure

was very short, so I used my resources to put together a budget and sent it to the Speaker. Later, the parliament wrote to me that they needed allowance to deliberate on the budget and I gave them, but since then, I have not received any reply from them. So if they are saying that I did not send them a budget, it is left to them. But I believe they cannot deny the fact.”

The Speaker of parliament was having trouble at every sitting.

Members quarrelled over the sharing formula for the take-off grant balance. According to one of them, members had expected the money “to go round”, but the Speaker and the Clerk, Terfa Ingbiankyor, allegedly took out huge sum and claimed it would be lodged into the parliament’s bank account. “We were not satisfied with how they spent the first part of the money. So we tried to call the Speaker for a brief informal meeting to iron out the differences. Before then, he went behind to call some members and tried to induce them with money, which they rejected,” a member said under anonymity.

The Speaker and the Clerk were later asked to convene a sitting but they allegedly refused.

After Titus was asked severally to convene parliamentary meeting without doing so, members gathered and elected Tony Onazi, a Law student, as Acting Speaker.

In the meeting presided over

by Tony, Titus and the Clerk were impeached for failing to respect the parliament’s decisions. Fighting back, the impeached officials reported the development to the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Armstrong Adejo, claiming that they were removed through an alien constitution.

Samuel said: “When we met with the Dean, he asked us which constitution we used and we showed him. The Dean said the constitution was not recognised by the union but we told him that Titus gave us the constitution. Titus denied before the Dean that he gave us the constitution. We were going to use the old constitution to continue with the procedure, but the Deputy Speaker intervened and called an informal meeting during which we demanded a refund of the money Titus mismanaged. When that was done, we upturned the impeachment and recalled the Speaker.”

Titus denies the charges, saying in all processes, the constitution should take its course. Another allegation the Speaker faces is that, he single-handedly approved the union’s secretariat project. But Titus said a good number of the parliamentarians consented to the project to continue.

Students battle high rent Students of the Ibrahim Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, are complaining about the high rent in the institution’s host community. Will their challenge end soon? YINKA OLATUNBOSUN (300-Level Chemistry) asks.

A

GOOD hostel and potable water aid learning. But these are not the things students of the Ibrahim Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, relish for now. For the students living in Lapai and its neighbourhood, the money being paid on house rent and other services is hurting their parents’ pockets.

Lapai is one of the smallest local government areas in Niger State but the rent for accommodation is killing. For cramped rooms in a rustic environment, students pay high rent to the landlords and caretakers.

Over the years, house rent has been the major challenge for many students because the institution does not have adequate hostel accommodation.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the Federal Low-cost Housing area known as Students’ Village in Lapai, students expressed displeasure over the way some house owners frustrated them with an increase in the rent of rooms unfit for the habitation. The area is mostly populated by students of IBBU. The other neighbourhood where students reside is the State

•Occupants of this off-campus hostel pay high rent yearly

Low-cost Housing area. Here, rent is considerably high because of the comfort.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that in Students’ Village, houses built with mud bricks without bathrooms and kitchens go for as high

as N25,000 per year. The cost of a standard room built with conventional bricks goes for N80,000 in the same area.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Students called to chamber

T

HE Lord Denning Chamber of Justice, a students’ chamber in the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), has held its Call to Chamber ceremony and award night. The event, which was well-attended by students, was held at BK House, Calabar.

The guests and students were clad in black and white attires, the ceremonial colours of lawyers.

Declaring the programme open, the chairman of the occasion, Magistrate Ekong Imona, extolled the virtues of Lord Denning, who he said stood for honesty and godliness and morality in his legal dispositions.

Imona, a magistrate with Cross River State judiciary, enjoined members of the chamber to imbibe and emulate the sterling qualities of Lord Denning, stressing that with such a mindset there would be hope for the nation.

In his speech, the Chief Principal Advocate (CPA) of the chamber, Divine Greatness, 500-Level Law, was

•Students voting during the exercise

Suspended student wins union presidency

S

IX years ago, Chris Taiwo was placed on suspension by the authorities of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, after he lost bid to be elected as president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

During the election held last week, Chris emerged leader of the union.

In the build up to the poll, aspirants thronged the campus and off-campus hostels with their supporters sharing posters to canvass for votes.

They also stationed billboards at strategic places for awareness.

The election was held simultaneously in the six faculties on the Ogbomoso campus and also at the College of Health Sciences, Osogbo.

Security personnel including Man O’ War and cadets were drafted to maintain peace during the process. Red Cross officials and LAUTECH Road Safety Corps were on hand to ensure smooth process.

To ensure the best got elected, the Union of Campus Journalists organised a debate for the aspirants. On the election day, members of the electoral commission with Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sulaiman Gbadegesin,

LAUTECH

moved round the campus to monitor the election.

The process was marred by low turnout of students. When the election ended, collation exercise could not follow immediately because ballot boxes were being transported from Osogbo. Students and observers besieged the convocation ground, the venue of the collation.

Around 11:30 pm in the evening, the results were announced.

Chris was returned as the president-elect. In 2007, he was suspended because of the controversy that trailed his defeat in union election.

He, however, wrote another entrance exam and was re-admitted into his former department.

He also lost the union election last session but re-contested and won last week. As his name was announced as the winner, his supporters shouted “Abraham Lincoln of LAUTECH”.

Declaring the winner, the chairman of the electoral commission, Dr Siyanbade Adewale, said Chris gar-

•Chris

nered 1,992 votes to defeat his close rival, Bolanle Sherrifdeen, who polled 1,473 votes.

Others elected include Calista Atanye, Vice-President 1, Emmanuel Fadeni, Vice-President II, Sheriffdeen Hamzat, General Secretary, Adeboye Kuta, Assistant General Secretary, Abdulrasheed Adewale, Financial Secretary, Kayode Alabi, Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Kolawole, Welfare Director, Ayoola Badmus, Sports Director and Abayomi Adams, Social Director.

The elected officials have since been sworn in. Chris pledged not to renege on his campaign promises.

•Kim (left) presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries, Samuel Olabiyi. With them is the VC, Prof Bello

T

delighted by the large turnout of members and guests to the occasion.

He said the programme was predicated on the need to orientate budding lawyers on the implications of plea bargaining in our criminal jurisprudence.

Barrister Ozimco Ozimco, while administering the oath of allegiance on inductees, challenged the new members to hold on to the tenets of the legal profession.

No fewer than 40 Law students were called to the chamber in the ceremony.

The highpoints of the occasion was awards presentation to members and guests as well as fund raising to cater for the financial needs of the chamber.

An inductee, Usani Yemiode, said: “Being called to chamber and bar will enable me to learn the procedural aspect of the law to complement what I am being taught in the classroom.”

From Dhikru Akinola and Oluwatomilola Boyinde

•Leaders of the chamber displaying their plaques after the award

‘Be diligent and honest’

N

O fewer than 5,176 students admitted into the degree programmes of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka took the oath of matriculation in a ceremony held at the Faculty of Social Science (FSS) auditorium.

Also, 2,482 were admitted for Diploma and sandwich programmes.

The oath was administered by the Registrar, Mr Udjo Ejiro.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, congratulated the freshers for successfully scaling through the screening hurdle. He told the students that they

T EN students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) benefited from the scholarship scheme of LG Electronics in a programme recently held in the institution. Each of the beneficiary whose high Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) qualified them for the scholarship, went home with $1,500 cheque to aid their education.

During the presentation which took place in the LG Laboratory on the campus, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahman Bello, said the electronics firm started the scheme four years ago to rededicate students towards excellence.

While acknowledging that education remained the bedrock of any developed economy, the VC

From Joy Rilman UNICAL

LG’s scholarship for students From Funke Ayoola LAGOS

charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money and urged other students to work hard to achieve the feat.

In his speech, Managing Director, LG Electronics West African Operations, Mr Deog Jun Kim, said education is the best legacy they could inherit. Promising that the gesture would be extended to other institutions, Kim admonished students to always be hungry for knowledge to be successful after their degree programmes.

Some of the beneficiaries included

Omotola Ajayi, 400-Level Electrical Engineering, Samuel Olabiyi, 400Level System Engineering, Chibuikem Obiji, 400-Level Mechanical Engineering, Chinyere Okoro, 400-Level Mechanical Engineering, and Oluwadara Awe, 400Level Oluwadara.

Others are Gbenga Taiwo, 500Level Mechanical Engineering, Olamide Folarin, 500-Level Mechanical Engineering, Rukayat Odubanjo, Mechanical Engineering, Oladele Adeyeye, 500-Level System Engineering, Samuel Ekwo, 500-Level System Engineering.

From Philip Okorodudu DELSU

were lucky to be admitted out 49, 000 applicants that applied to the institution.

He therefore enjoined the freshers to be diligent and honest in their academic pursuit, urging them to obey the rules and regulations of the school and desist from vices inimical to the peace on campus.

Gloria Ogona, a fresh student of Medical Biochemistry, said: “Having been admitted into the university of my dream, I will try my best to graduate with good result.”

The ceremony took place simultaneously in the three campuses of the university.

Embrace dialogue, VC tells union leaders

HE Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof Oluwafemi Mimiko, has urged leaders of the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) to always embrace dialogue and not violence in demanding for students’ welfare from the management.

The VC gave the charge after the union leaders were sworn in at a ceremony held in the school’s Multipurpose Hall. The VC said problems confronting students’ unionism in any institution could only be solved on a negotiation table if union leaders cooperated with management.

He noted that the election which ushered in the new leaders was a demonstration of the commitment of his administration towards the leadership training and development of youths. He praised students for ensuring peace during the election.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale, charged the union executive to see their election as a call to duty and not an opportunity to harass and molest students.

“Be aware of the challenges ahead and maintain the integrity of the uni-

From Imoleayo Oyedeji AAUA

versity. Also help us maintain strict adherence and compliance to the rules and regulation of the university, especially in the students’ use of identity card and dress code,” she said.

Responding, president of the union, Julius Adeniyi assured the management of the union’s readiness for collaboration to ensure smooth running of the school’s academic calendar. “The union is ready to collaborate with the management to ensure there is no hindrance in the running of the academic calendar,’ he said.

Julius sought the cooperation of the students towards achieving the union’s goals, urging them to stand for the vision of his administration.

Other members of the union include Oluwaseun Emaye, Vice President, Samuel Oyegoke, General Secretary, Olajide Akinnibosun, Assistant General Secretary, Oladeji Bamishile, Welfare Director, Tolulope Betiku, Sport Director, Femi Nejo, Social Director, Olanrewaju Aiyelero, Treasurer and Ofunime Aiyegunle, Public Relations Officer.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

33

CAMPUS LIFE Don’t associate with cultism, freshers told

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HE secret of the success of Ekiti State University (EKSU) lies on the strong desire to always keep up high academic standards and moral probity, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Aina, has said.

He made the statement during the matriculation ceremony held for freshers admitted into the institution through an affiliate programme with Adeniran Ogunsaya College of Education, Otto-Ijanikin, Lagos State, last Saturday. According to the VC, the freshers must maintain such high academic standards and moral probity.

Prof Aina, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Olugbenga Aribisala, warned that under no circumstance should any student be involved in examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse and vices that could jeop-

•The scene of ‘crucifixion’ of ‘Jesus’ being acted by the students

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From Philips Ogbaje MAUTECH

honour for him to be cast in the play.

“Playing the role of Jesus gave me the privilege of experiencing firsthand what Jesus went through for our salvation, though I know that what I went through is nothing to compare to what Jesus suffered. The experience has made me to be humble and appreciate what it took Jesus to save mankind and to strive to improve on my life as a Christian daily,” he said.

The president of Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), MAUTECH chapter, Everest Mpari, 300-Level Urban and

Regional Planning, who played the role of disciple, said the Good Friday was significant in the life of every Christian especially Catholics, saying that the day marked the beginning of the last three days of the Lenten period.

“The resurrection of Christ is the most important event of Easter.

Without resurrection, there will be no victory over death without which there will be no hope of salvation; this is the essence of Christianity,” he added.

Andrea Dama, 400-Level Crop Production, said she learnt the virtues of humility and simplicity from the sufferings of Christ as displayed in the drama.

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HE Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Saint Paul Parish of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has officially welcomed freshmen into its fold. The event, which took place at NFCS secretariat, featured drama, quiz and song rendition.

Speaking, Prof Maurice Ebong told the freshers to manage their time effectively and to always place God first in all their activities, saying education without God remained invalid.

The president of Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Chief Christopher Umoh, urged the stu-

HE World Bank will support Youth Empowerment, Social Support Operation (YESSO) and education in Nigeria with $450 million, the Country Director, Ms Marie-Francoise MarieNelly, has said. She said the amount would bring the aid of the bank to Nigeria to the tune of $1.452 billion.

She said: “We already have $1.2 billion in aid to Nigeria. We have $750 million in health, $275 million in education and $200 million in social protection. In health, we have eradication programmes for diseases such as polio, malaria and HIV/AIDs and we are trying out new project on health in Ondo, Adamawa, and Nassarawa states on result based financing for health services.”

She added: “In education, we have two projects in Lagos where

•Members of the club with their patrons posing before the digital clock tower

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FTER years of changing batteries and manually adjusting the analog clock tower in the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), the Junior Chamber International (JCI) has acquired two digital clocks for the clock tower, which is located at the centre of the institute.

The clocks were inaugurated during a ceremony attended by the Director of Engineering, who represented the Principal of the institute, Dr. K.I Idehen, Chief Librarian, Dr Evelyn Dudu, the Students’ Affairs Officer, Elizabeth Udisi, and a senior lecturer of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering department, Mr Abdulhamid Musa.

From Princewill Jacob PTI

Members of the club were also in attendance.

Idehen praised the efforts of the students, urging them to continue to render service to humanity. He also encouraged the club’s members to sustain their excellent leadership skills and selfless service throughout their life time, saying such gesture was what the nation needed to move forwards.

The club’s Director of Projects, Blessing Abebe, said that members were committed to make the institution grow faster. He thanked the management and students for supporting the initiative of the club.

From Sam Ibok and Raymond Ekemini UNICAL

dents to be committed Catholicism.

The NFCS president, Bro Mekwuye Kanayo, advised the new entrants to be good ambassadors of the church.

After the programme, the students were taken on tour of the university and some places in the state. Akpan Emmanuel Benedict, 100-Level Animal Science, said he was very excited with the manner the freshers were welcomed by the fellowship.

World Bank supports education with $450 m

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Club donates digital clocks to institute

ardise their academic pursuit in the university.

The Provost of the College, Bashorun Wasiu Olalekan, echoed the Vice-Chancellor’s warning in his address. He said students must behave well on campus according to the matriculation oath they had taken.

He, however, called on governments to increase funding for tertiary institutions to promote excellence.

At another ceremony held in Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe, Prof Aina, who was represented by Prof Olugbenga Aribisala, urged the students to maintain the culture and tradition of EKSU, stressing that any violation of the matriculation oath would be met with serious sanctions.

Fellowship welcomes freshmen

Catholic students relive Jesus’ crucifixion TUDENTS and the Catholic community of Saint Vincent de Paul Chaplaincy, Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola re-enacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to mark Good Friday and Easter celebration.

The play dramatised how Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and how he suffered as he was being led to Golgotha. A crowd of Christian students and non-Christians gathered to see the drama as early as 8am on the football pitch, which is close to the university main gate.

Peter Oko, 500-Level Biochemistry, the student-catechist of the Chaplaincy, who played the role of Jesus in the drama, said it was a

From Damilola Olayemi EKITI

From Damilola Olayemi REDEEMERS

we are strengthening secondary schools and improving the quality of education. The third category is the social protection where we look at the social infrastructure in communities.”

Also, Mrs Ritva Reinikka, Director, Human Development Group of Africa Region of World Bank, said many projects needed to be done in Nigeria in terms of human development. She said the bank needed to support the government to maintain growth and equitable distribution of resources to achieve progress in areas such as child mortality, maternal death and education.

Reinika called on the education stakeholders, ministers and commissioners to fashion out ways to handle the issues.

ESSAY CONTEST FOR UNDERGRADS The Nation CAMPUSLIFE in collaboration with Blantyre newspaper, Malawi, AfricanLiberty.org and Network for a Free Society, is calling for entries into an essay competition. Details are as follows: Question: Nations which are economically free out-perform non-free nations in all indicators of well-being. Discuss.

Eligibility: All students in any tertiary institutions (university, polytechnic, college of education and vocational school) in Africa.

The format of the text should be in MS word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested student should please request for the background material from Adedayo Thomas at

adedayo.thomas@gmail.com, Wale at campusbeat@yahoo.com and Brian Ligomeka at bligomeka@bnltimes.com.

On the first page of the completed essay, please write your full name, department, year of study and name of institution.

Also include your email address and GSM line.

Send your entries to adedayo.thomas@gmail.com.

Entries will be received between March 28 and June 11, 2013. Entry sent after the deadline will not be accepted.

Announcement of winners: July 18, 2013. All participants will get a free CD of “Ideas for a free society”, which contains 100 textbooks on various field of studies.

Prizes: 1st - $1,000 and scholar-

ship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 2nd - $700 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 3rd - $500 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 4th - $300 and scholarship to 2013 Student and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Kenya from August 8- 11, 2013 5th - $100 We have eight consolidation prizes of $50 each.

34

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

•Cross-section of the graduating students at the ceremony

•The Chancellor, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa, the Rebuja of Osooro land, congratulating Modupe during the programme

The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), has held its fourth convocation. Ten of the graduating students bagged the First Class, Imoleayo Oyedeyi (400 Level Mass Communication) writes.

Ten bag First Class as varsity graduates 5,503

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EN students have bagged First class degrees at the fourth convocation of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

No fewer than 5,503 students participated in the convocation held for the 2010 and 2011 sets.

Four persons were conferred with honorary degrees.

The convocation took off with a lecture delivered in Yoruba by the renowned author, Prof Akinwunmi Ishola. The lecture was held in the expansive multipurpose hall.

In his address, the institution’s Visitor, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State described beneficiaries of the honorary degrees as worthy citizens of the country.

He promised the First Class graduates immediate employment in the civil service.

On the achievements of his administration, Mimiko said: “As a

government, we have taken the challenge of reviewing our educational policies and instituting programmes with a view to rescuing our society from its comatose state. We also address unemployment, extreme poverty, crime and insecurity challenges.”

He praised the school’s management for constantly reviewing its curriculum and establishing academic centres to produce self-reliant graduates that would meet the needs of the society. He urged the school to ensure that sustainable structures were put in place to fasten the realisation of a 21st century university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko, said the ceremony was an opportunity to appraise how far the university has kept faith with its mission and vision.

“The scheme has also helped us to stay focused, improve on our operations and delivery capacity

in all respects and enable us to attract positive attention in the Nigerian educational landscape. The convocation is aimed at delivering sustainable progress even within the context of very difficult global environmental situation,” he added.

He said his administration would deepen the integrity of academic programmes, sharpen the effectiveness of internal operations and expand the parameters of the students support services and infrastructural landscape.He said: “We seek to hone the capacity of our staff, deepen our engagement with society and broaden the reach and breadth of our commitment to internationalisation with a view to making our university more relevant and competitive. All these we did in the context of a well-calibrated institutional reform programme, which focused on attainment of global best prac-

tices in higher education administration.”

The highpoint of the ceremony was the conferment of degrees on the graduands and the presentation of cash prizes ranging from N10,000 to N100,000 to the best among the students.

Retired Bishop of Akure Bolanle Gbonigi was honoured with the university’s Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for being a fearless crusader of justice, public accountability and social development.

Other beneficiaries are Prof Toyin Falola, Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his generosity to the institution, and Maj-Gen Olufemi Olutoye (rtd), Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his commitment to the upliftment of Nigerian communities.

Before the ceremony, Mimiko commissioned six projects and pledged more support for the in-

stitution. The projects are the University Staff School, a guest house, gymnasium, the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge, a 500-capacity lecture theatre, a 300-capacity twin lecture theatre, U-block comprising five classrooms among others.

The governor said: “The interesting thing about your projects here is that they are delivered on schedule and the quality of work done is very impressive. For us as government, the investment we are making in this university is based on our fundamental belief that human capital is the most important variable in all endeavours.”

With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.69, Mr Adu Oluwatayo, emerged the overall best graduating student. He graduated from Education Management in 2009. Also, Modupe Ogunleye emerged the best graduating student in 2010 with a CGPA of 4.62.

They were posted to do their teaching practice in some secondary schools in Osun State. After the exercise, Education students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, returned with mixed feelings. WILBERFORCE AREVORE (400-Level Language Arts) writes.

Catching fun while teaching

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T was celebrations all the way at the Faculty of Education of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State last week as 300-Level and 400Level students rounded off their six-week teaching practice. The students returned to a warm reception by their junior colleagues.

The exercise, which started in February, was part of the requirements for students to get the Bachelor’s degree in education. Perceived as a platform for breeding future teachers, Education students must participate in teaching practice twice before completing their programme.

The teaching practice started with an orientation seminar before the participants were sent to some secondary schools in Osun State. At the orientation, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof P.O. Jegede and members of the Teaching

•Some of the trainees after their return

Practice Committee dwelt on the ethics of teaching. After the programme, the students were posted to secondary schools in Osogbo, Ilesa, Ipetumodu, Origbo and Modakeke, among others.

Those posted to remote villages saw their postings as punishment.

The lucky ones thanked providence for being posted to schools within Ile-Ife environs. Ten participants each were sent to govern-

ment-owned schools in the state.

The students elected a leader to serve as an intermediary between them and the schools to which they were posted.

Three weeks into the exercise,

things took a dramatic turn when the management asked students to vacate their halls of residence on break.

Most of those affected by development, were Education students in remote villages. The students were demoralised, with many saying the authorities did not care about their wellbeing.

Despite that, the trainees waited to finish the teaching practice. Supervisors from various departments in the Education Faculty were dispatched to schools where students were doing the exercise.

Some trainees had bitter experiences with their supervisors, who penalised them for not embracing the dress code of the teaching profession. Others were sanctioned for conduct against the ethics of the profession.

During the last week of the exercise, the trainees held debate and quiz contests for pupils. Also, they played novelty football matches to mark their departure from their schools.

A trainee, Damilola Tunji-Ajayi, 300-Level Social Studies Education, said: “Although, it is the first time I participated in teaching practice, it was all fun throughout. Seeing pupils everyday for six weeks and getting to stand before them to teach them were fun. I look forward to the next teaching practice.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

35

CAMPUS LIFE

Bombs, blood and brotherhood

By Gilbert Alasa

B

LOOD is the basis of existence. Without it, humanity will be dead wood. For ritualists, blood is the source of quick wealth they desperately seek. In Christendom, blood served as atonement for man’s eternal doom.

It is the crux of covenants, the object of circumcision and proof of virginity. Without blood, death knell tolls the end of our existence.

Since blood is our common denominator, it follows then that humanity is inevitably linked to a common origin; a fraternity that is embedded in creation. Despite this

L

AST year, the nation was awash with an offensive video of the raping of a young girl by a group of boys in the eastern part of Nigeria. The clip was virally duplicated on social media. It is unclear whether the video was uploaded by the rapists themselves to prove a point or somebody else stole it from them to impress his friends. But the motive of the action was very clear: to devour and embarrass their victims.

Expectedly, many people thought the mindless rapists would be duly punished considering the hoopla the clip generated. Alas, till today, the culprits are still walking freely on the streets and possibly, another group of innocent girls would have fallen victims to the carnal iniquities of these perverts.

It should be noted that the gangraping clip is just one of the many sins of rape being committed in our society daily. Given our cultural background, Nigeria is a society that prides itself as being morally

irrefutable tie, our society suffers the worst of cruelty and barbarism.

Humanity is denied the “commodious living” as envisaged by Thomas Hobbes.

So, one is tempted to ask: what happened to our common humanity as we continue to chronicle gruesome savagery in our society?

I am compelled to raise this question given the violence that is fast becoming our second nature as a people. Every day, we are treated to the news of bloodbath and gory narratives of carnage and assassination.

Blood flows like a stream daily on the streets; smoke fills the dry sky. We have seen promising youths become target of bloodthirsty criminals, who throw bombs and fire bullets at will.

Some die in active service to their fatherland, others are caused to die in the line of duty. We have witnessed defenceless worshippers mowed down while answering the call to revere their Creator.

We have seen innocent children and parents blown to piece for a struggle they knew nothing about.

We are witnessing the re-enactment of the Hobbesian state of nature in which disorderliness becomes the order. It is the sort of absurdity a character, Beranger, could not fathom in Eugene Ionesco’s classic Killer without reason.

Such upheavals fan the embers of fear. Winston Churchill tells us that fear subverts an adversary. It also thwarts the thinking faculty.

That is why anything happens in an atmosphere of fear. Everywhere, people are scared of the possibility of a bomb being detonated by some misguided fundamentalists.

Parents and guardians are uncertain of the safety of their wards.

Citizens tremble in this web of panic. Even security houses shudder in trepidation. In this theatre of fear, our government must realise the cost of human life.

Now, as the nation treads the path of war, we must admit that amnesty will never lead us to Canaan. No doubt, it could produce a placebo effect. When the amnesty balm is applied, we would see masked criminals queuing up in false penitence. But the action could only breed a colony of unrepentant devils. A fellow who has got accustomed to carrying gun or wielding dangerous weapon won’t be in a hurry to be born again, except by divine intervention.

The allure of easy money, myriad of women and the “spoils of war” would be difficult to replaced with amnesty package.

Otherwise, we risk spending a chunk of our national revenue

funding a hollow, manipulative scheme. The Wall Street Journal reported that Nigerian government allegedly spent a whopping $450m on amnesty for Niger Delta militants. Now, it wants to be the turn of faceless Boko Haram sect, how much would that cost the tax payers?

Aside remedial measures, we need to undertake some introspection. Why is terrorism growing in Nigeria? How have we come to be likened to the torrid planes of Bagdad and Somalia? Are we the only country that possesses the black gold? How long shall we continue to finance militancy and religious extremism under the guise of amnesty?

Whatever turns out to be the answer, we must realise that no society rises above the value of its people. A government that fails to empower its people would see the people empowered against the government. That is the case of Nigeria. People live at the mercy of the law of averages. For about three decades, Nigeria earned over $300 billion from crude oil sales. Yet, poverty and unemployment still battle the soul of the nation amidst the fleet of private jets of the affluent. No society develops in that way.

Niger-Delta militancy is rooted in the excesses of military and political class in the wake of the Itsekiri-

Society’s attitude to rape

By Damilola Olayemi and religiously upright. Statements, such as: “I am a Christian”, “I am a Muslim” and “No, this is abomination”, now show the extent of our hypocrisy as a people.

Our society is always very quick to make illogical judgments based on moral uprightness and religious decency it claims to uphold, yet this faulty belief in morality has not been brought to bear in many rape cases pending in court.

I must say that our society is unreasonable, wicked and heartless in the way it treats rape victims. If a girl is raped in Nigeria, nobody will be concerned about the victim’s health and mental state. A few would call for punishment of the rapist, but majority want to know “what kind of clothes the girl was wearing when they raped her?”,

“what was she doing outside her parents’ house at that ungodly hour?”

These questions are asked in order to pass judgment on the rape victim and not to help her or to call for sanction for the rapist.

Our educational institutions are not left out. The managements’ attitude toward a rape victim mostly can be described as adding salt to a festering injury. Lecturers to castigate such person to compound her psychological hangover from being raped. It will cost anyone nothing to cheer up a rape victim.

But, reverse is the case. Nobody wants to befriend the person. This is very bad.

People need to know that rape is not synonymous with Nigerian society; it happens everywhere. A few months ago in India, there were three reported cases of gangraping, and it is getting serious by

the day as a British tourist was nearly raped in her room last month in India. Just like in Nigeria, young girls or women are not safe or protected from being rape everywhere in the world, which is a sad reality despite extant laws to tackle this crude behavior of some libidinous men. However, antirape regulations are laws without force.

When a girl is raped, what the society cares about is finding a reason to condemn the girl and not the culprit. Then the rapist is given a chance to defend himself and insult his victim by saying: “It is not my fault, she seduced me.” Sadly, the society will accept the reason of the rapist and make him look like the victim. The girl will be treated like a human from another planet.

In my opinion, there is no excuse for rape, even if the victim is a sex

Urhobo tussle of yesteryears. In African folklore, an irresponsible father invariably incites the children against himself. That is the cause of fury in Nigeria. It seems like the kind that was prevalent shortly after the fall of Rome.

We find it in homes and offices.

We find it everywhere. When this sort of rage reaches its crescendo, we have a ready army of kidnappers, mobs, robbers, thugs and untamed vandals to take over.

We need what French novelist Balzac called “cautious prudence” to handle this situation. The solution does not lie in stuffing the bank accounts of these boys with amnesty largesse. The problem will neither be solved by earmarking stupendous allocation for security nor in labeling the extremist Boko Haram as a faceless group. It is far from condemning violent attacks on television stations and newspaper pages.

The answer is found in courage and sacrifice. It lies in responsive leadership, respect for the rule of law, discouragement of corruption and assurance of the people’s wellbeing. In the dictum of philosopher John Gray: “It is not the love for domination that makes people violent but the need for safety.”

Gilbert, 400-Level, Foreign Languages, UNIBEN

worker. As long as rapist forcefully has a carnal knowledge of his victim, such person has committed crime against the woman. The society needs to show the level of disapproval it shows towards armed robbery to the issue of rape too.

Our apathetic attitude may have been the reasons many rape cases are forgotten after the uproar that always greet the crime. Society, instead of supporting the bruised victims, compounds the tribulation of the victims.

There is this saying that goes thus: “If you see a problem, do all within your power to find a solution to it, because if you ignore it, it will not just affect you alone but the society to at large.” Even though it is not your sister, child, sons, daughters, or mothers, who may have been raped today, you cannot be so sure of tomorrow.

Damilola, 400-Level Mass Comm., REDEEMERS

The effect of divorce on children

By Oluwajimi Ogunloye

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IVORCE is one of the problems facing the family unit in the society, today.

People have different views on the effect of divorce on children. But not a few analysts believe that when a couple opts for divorce, the effects of such undertaking on them and their children have always turned out to be negative.

The term “divorce” came from the Latin word “divortere”, which means to turn different ways or separate. Divorce is the termination of marital union, cancelling of legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, which result from the decision of a husband and wife not to live together again.

It is very easy to say: “I will divorce you” but it’s not easy for a husband and wife to decide to end an age-long and established relationship. Before a couple approaches the court to dissolve their marriage, they would have spent adequate time trying to solve differences.

Reasons for divorce include adultery, negligence, abusive treatment and infidelity in marriage. However, education is an essential balm, which cures the disease of ignorance, superstition and fear. It is a right, which every human being must enjoy, irrespective of religion and gender. Thus, it is necessary for divorced parents to see that their children are educated.

However, in most cases, divorce

affects children’s education negatively. This is because children continue to feel they are being rejected and betrayed by their parents. It results to emotional problems that can make them join bad gangs. Such children’s performance in academic work will be discouraging compared to that of children from undivided homes.

Most children from divorced families are emotionally and psychologically unstable; they don’t concentrate in the class much less participate in activities that can make them secure and happy.

They will always be angry, although they may not express the anger.

Other effects of divorce on children include anxiety, low self-esteem and impulsion. They join bad gang to beat and bully their colleagues because they lack basic home training. Cases abound where children from broken homes are sent home or suspended from school because of their anti-social behaviour.

Also, divorce affects children differently depending on their

gender age and stage of development. Girl from broken family, at first, are always quite and calm but later, they change their behaviour when they join groups or reach a stage of puberty.

When they notice that they are growing breast, hips and buttock, they tend to disrespect their mother or father depending on the one, who they stay with. Boys also display such behaviour when they assume puberty.

When both genders are admitted into higher institution, the attitude and behavior grow to another level. The male tends to mingle with “big boys” (euphemism for cultists) on campus, thereby improving on his anti-social behaviour. The female also tends to participate in cultism too but engage in prostitution and show her disdain towards education.

The children will fail to achieve what their parents have planned for them when they are together.

They will end up engaging in vices that will create more problems for the society. Nobody

needs to tell us that such children, who exhibit the traits of failed marriage, will end up creating broken homes for their children.

However, this is not to say that the problem is inherent in all broken homes.

According to Mrs Ketumi Adams, the effects of divorce destabilises children psychologically, spiritually, educationally and otherwise. A child from a home that both parents are still together upholds norms and values that are considered morally right in the society. But some of these single-parent children don’t have respect for values. They tend to do things without thinking about the effect on others. They also lose interest in marriage because they never benefited from it, having been denied parental care, which they need in order not to be found on the bad side of the society. This is why divorce must be discouraged in our society.

Oluwajimi, HND II Mass Comm., Bida Poly

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

36

CAMPUS LIFE

Fellowship fetes freshers

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TUDENTS of Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC), University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, have welcomed new members into the fellowship.

The event, which was held in New Science Lecture Theatre last Sunday, was attended by the officiating minister of the church, Rev Ikechukwu Eliaki, and leaders of the fellowship, who were led by the president, Ifeanyichukwu Egbumnu, Happiness Amarachi, Vice President, Precious Ifeanyi and Sanmi Fasomo.

Welcoming the students, Rev Eliaki advised the freshers to hold on to God throughout their stay on campus and in the fellowship.

From Sam Ibok UNICAL

Ifeanyichukwu, 400-Level Economics, advised the freshmen to manage their time and remain committed to their academics pursuit without neglecting the fellowship activities.

Chuba Obianuju and Obinna Muoghalu, both in 100-Level Physiology told CAMPUSLIFE that they were happy to be admitted into the fellowship and promised never to turn away from the path of God. The programme featured drama presentation by the fellowship drama group, quiz competition, music rendition and cutting of cake to welcome the freshmen.

•The freshers cutting the cake during the programme

College begins degree programme

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HE Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State has commenced programmes for degree certificate. Parents, guardians and students trooped to the ceremony organised by the management of the college to mark the feat.

According to the college’s Director of Degree and Diploma Programmes, Dr J.A. Durojaiye, the degree programme, which is affiliated to the University of Ibadan (UI) is to begin with courses such as Education and Christian Religious Studies, Education and Islamic Studies, Educational Management, Guidance and Counselling, Human Kinetics, Primary Education Studies, Education and Mathematics Education, French Education and English Language and Special Education.

The Provost, Dr Emmanuel Adeniyi, tasked pioneer students on excellence. He said the college was poised to handle the affiliation status with a greater sense of responsibility, adding that the college would sustain the standard for which its affiliate partner was

From Oludare Odewenwa and Tolulope Ajobiewe OYO

known.

He told the degree students to shun cultism, examination malpractice and vices that could terminate their academic programmes.

The UI’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Olayinka Idowu, congratulated the college for the achievement, assuring the management and students that the UI’s standard would be employed to teach the programmes. He said graduates would also get certificates bearing the premier university’s emblem.

The ceremony was ended with drama, songs and cultural dance performances by students of Theatre Arts and Music.

Also at the inauguration programme were principal officers of the college including Mr D.Y. Akinyemi, Deputy Provost, Mrs V.O. Atoyebi, Registrar, Mr A.A. Akinlabi, Bursar and Mr O.A. Adebimpe, Librarian.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

Students battle high rent •Continued from page 31

In the State Low-costs Housing area, a selfcontain room costs between N60,000 and N100,000, depending on the available facilities such as separate bathroom, toilet, kitchen and borehole. Two-bedroom flat costs between N100,000 and N140,000 in Lapai, an area students described as rural.

The off-campus residents complained the costs are exorbitant, saying what they were after was to find a place they could sleep, since the school could not provide hostel accommodation for them.

Minna, the capital of Niger State, and Bida, a developing town, equally host higher institutions. Findings showed that, unlike Lapai, rents in both Bida and Minna that host federal institutions, are relatively less.

Moreover, there are standard houses in those cities.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the former president of National Association of Sience Students (NASS) in the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), Oluwaseun Amure, said rent in Minna was affordable.

“Here in Minna, houses are not as costly as we have in Lapai. I have had opportunity to

visit Lapai several times and I saw the situation there. In fact, I pity those students who stay off-campus. Although we have areas that are very expensive in Minna too, but you cannot just compare it to Lapai where landlords charge high rent for mud houses,” he said.

A female student residing in the State Lowcost Housing area wondered why landlords in Lapai built incommodious blocks of rooms on a plot of land. She said some houses were also built under high tension wires.

Another student, who pleaded for anonymity, said the prevailing heat being experienced nationwide has compounded the challenge of students residing in cramped offcampus hostels.

Students called on the Niger State government to assist the institution by building more hostels to accommodate them. They also appealed to the Ministry of Land and Housing and the Niger State House of Assembly to curb the excesses of the landlords and caretakers.

A staff of the institution, who did not mention his name, said IBBU management was doing its best to work out affordable accommodation for all its students.

Five dismissed for forgery

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N its bid to ensure academic discipline, the Governing Council of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has formally announced the dismissal of five academic staff and the demotion of 10 others.

A statement issued by the Secretary to Council and Registrar of the institution, Dr Julia Omang, stated that four of the dismissed staff were involved in plagiarism, while one was a case of financial misappropriation.

The demoted staff allegedly published their works in fake journals and proceeded to submit same to get promotion.

The staff dismissed for plagiarism are Dr Azubuike Iloeje and Dr Maurice Bisong of the department of English and Literary Studies, Mr Oden Ubi, department of Marketing and Dr Paulinus Noah, department of Linguistics and Communication Studies. Dr

From Damilola Olayemi CALABAR

Damian Agom was sacked for salary overpayment, which enriched him to the tune of N7,268,044.95 over a period of 11 months.

The 10 academic staff demoted included Dr Asuquo Akabom, Dr Sunday Effiong and Dr C. O. Udoka, all of Accounting department, Prof Molinta Enendu, department of Theatre and Media Studies and Dr E.S. Akpan of Banking and Finance, Dr A.I. Afangideh and Dr Francis Okpiliya of the Department of Geography and Environment Science and Dr K.B.C Ashipu of the Department of English and Literary Studies.

Besides their demotion, they are to refund all monies earned from their unmerited promotion and are barred from promotion for the next six years.

•A Yoruba movie actress, Ayo Mogaji (in blue shirt), with members of the African Liberty Organisation during the organisation’s outreach programme held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

37

EDUCATION

Twice monthly ‘outing days’ for Wellspring students

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S 86 new students took the matriculation oath of the Wellspring University located at Evbounanosa village in Edo State last Saturday, the ViceChancellor, Prof Godson Chukwuyem Igborgbor, urged them to take note of the activities' time-table the institution had structured for them.

The students, admitted into the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and College of Social and Management Sciences, were warned about flouting these laid down rules and procedures.

For instance, Igborgbor told them that sporting activities and clubs meetings were allowed only on Wednesdays and weekends, while they would only be allowed to attend their personal needs

• Ekpenisi (in suit) flanked by Prof Igbongbon (left) and other principal officers of the university From Osagie Otabor, Benin

outside the campus on two specified Saturdays in a month.

Advising them to be of good conduct, he said: "You have reached the age of personal responsibility.

Acts of restiveness on the part of

in and out of the classroom."

He also advised the students not to waste the opportunities provided for them at the institution.

The VC, who praised pioneer students of the institution, said modalities were being put in place

to improve on infrastructural development.

Edo State Commissioner for Tertiary and Higher Education, Ekpenisi Omorotiomwan promised to partner with the institution in the quest to boost the educational sector in the state.

Autonomy, teachers hinder college's accreditation A

‘I’m leaving UI better than I met it’

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MMEDIATE past ProChancellor and chairman of Council, University of Ibadan, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has described his tenure as worthwhile, pointing out that he is leaving the institution better than he inherited it in 2009.

Thanking the Federal Government for giving him a chance to serve, Olanipekun remarked that the during his time, the environment was improved, academic and administrative mechanisms restructured, while an administration of integrity was instituted.

"We are leaving UI a far better place than we inherited it," he said with confidence.

Olanipekun added that the transparency of his administration can survive any probe as everything was done to genuinely improve the university.

He said: "Through our goodwill, the sweat of our labour, personal sacrifices day in day out, we have been able to uplift this great university. Several vistas have been opened. We have enacted a regime of administration of leadership by example. And, as Samuel in the Bible, I will like to say as I leave, whose cow have I stolen? Did I steal UI's money? Did I introduce any contractor to UI? Did I take bribe from anyone?

"I challenge anyone to come out with evidence if I stole any money or participated in the award of contracts. Instead of taking from UI, the records are there to show that I added as I believe it is more blessed to give than to take. In everything I did in UI, I never compromised the interest of the university. Even

students or any other acts of vandalism will not yield any good dividend.

"While management will continue to improve on facilities and services, we have also instituted administrative structures to guide and monitor your conduct

•Olanipekun

those who disagreed with me will never tell you that they disagreed with me because I attempted to steal money. They will tell you that I refused to compromise the best standard of the university."

Olanipekun boasted that he did not allow anybody to submerge the culture of due process, pointing out that private and public universities now take cues from the template he established in terms of appointment of principal officers.

On some of the challenges he faced, the legal luminary said the university system had its own dark side.

"Human beings are very complex, particularly Nigerians. If some people in the ivory tower could be fighting over some unsavoury practices we are fighting in the larger society, I wonder what they would do when they have opportunity to lead Nigeria!"

The legal icon submitted that Nigeria would be better if leaders will, at the end of their tenure, will turn to the led and ask anyone to come forward and provide evidence if they stole money when they were in office, adding that accountability is central to national development.

S the Provost of the Anambra State College of Health Technology (ASCOHT), Obosi, Dr Maurice Chuks Agu administered matriculation oaths on 300 fresh students last Saturday, he urged Governor Peter Obi to facilitate the institution's autonomy and employ more teachers.

Though he praised Obi's support and provision of learning facilities to the college, he lamented that lack of autonomy and employment of permanent lecturers were hindering the institution from securing final accreditation from various accreditation bodies.

He said the government has provided the college with a functional library, well-equipped laboratories, extra classrooms, and hostels among others.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Responding, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawrence Ikeakor, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr Austin Nnalue, congratulated the students for scaling the admission process and assured them that the school will continue to get response from the government on their problems admitting that there is a great need to get capable hands that will keep up the number of intakes in the school.

"Government is making sure that the resources required for final accreditation is in place, you will definitely get response from the government," he assured.

Nnalue, who praised the students for their good conduct, disclosed to their delight that the college has reached an understanding with the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri to admit suitable graduates for degree programmes.

Addressing the students, the Provost urged the students to use their time wisely and shun all forms of anti-social vices as the college does not tolerate such.

Agu further implored them to always explore legitimate ways of expressing their feelings without recourse to violence and destruction of public property.

Some of the students expressed happiness that they were lucky to be among the 300 students admitted out of more than 2,000 applicants.

Chevron gives AutoCAD studio to YABATECH

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N AutoCAD studio with modern equipment and software has been handed over to the Yaba College of Technology by Chevron Nigeria Limited for use by members of staff and students of the School of Engineering.

The studio is furnished and equipped with 21 computers uploaded with software accessories and facilities for engineering drawing and computer aided designs.

The Rector of the institution, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo in her welcome address, praised Chevron for the gesture, adding that its purpose was to improve the standard of teaching and learning in the college along contemporary trends.

She said the studio will provide the opportunity for the students to acquire the requisite computer skills

and knowledge that would enable them hold their own in a progressively dynamic and competitive technological environment.

Dr Ladipo added that the studio would help the students acquire the requisite technical skills which are of paramount importance to the achievement of the Federal Government's Vision 20:20:20 and transformation agenda for the nation's tertiary institutions to produce graduates with skills and competences relevant to the socioeconomic and technological development of the society.

On its part, she said YABATECH provided structural rehabilitation of the studio as well as electrical networking to demonstrate its commitment to the project with the hope that it will herald a new dawn of collaborative partnership. "l look forward to a bright future

• Dr Ladipo

that would see a greater number of our graduates finding ready and useful employment at Chevron after passing through relevant courses tailored for this purpose," she said.

The Rector added that the College is eager for the take off of the second phase of the collaboration that would further cement the relationship between the oil company and the nation's premier tertiary institution.

Akpabio seeks Nigeria-Ghana varsity in Akwa Ibom

G •Akpabio

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio has called for the establishment of NigeriaGhana University in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio made the call when the Ghanaian President, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, visited him in his office in Uyo, the state capital.

He said the establishment of such university would strengthen ties between both countries, adding that many Nigerian children

attend universities in Ghana.

Akpabio praised the Ghanaian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution, saying his government is negotiating with a Ghanaian ICT expert to replicate same in his state.

He enjoined Akwa Ibom businessmen to partner their Ghanaian counterparts, saying: “Let's integrate the economies of both countries for growth.”

Akpabio described Mahama as a man of humble disposition and simplicity, saying these are qualities that endeared him to the Ghanaian electorate.

The governor thanked him for visiting Akwa Ibom, saying it was a good way of deepening the relationship between both countries. He added: ''We are brothers. Akwa Ibom people are praying for you. And we hope

Ghana will attain greater heights because you represent that hope.”

Mahama said when Akpabio visited him in Ghana, he came with a bag containing pictures of “Uncommon Transformation.”

He said the governor’s development projects bore testimony to what leadership could do to Africans, adding: “I am impressed by what I have seen so far.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

38

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

AAUA FILE AAUA, others for FG's PC scheme THE Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology as one of the 12 pilot universities to benefit from the Personal Computer Ownership Scheme (PCOS).

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Rotimi Ajayi, said one state and one Federal university were selected from each of the six geo-political zones of the country.AAUA and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) were selected from the Southwest. The scheme, which allows a student to own a laptop computer with a payment duration of 12 to 18 months, will accommodate only 100 to 300 level students.

A statement by the university's Chairman, PCOS Committee, Mrs. R.T. Olotua, enjoined eligible students to contact her office at the Information Communication and Technology Application Centre, ICTAC, and the Dean, Student Affairs, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale, for more information.

Interested and eligible students have also been directed to visit www.cosportal.com to subscribe.

VC admonishes students on vices THE Vice-Chancellor Prof Femi Mimiko, has admonished the fresh students of the university to be civil and shun any form of vices that could hamper their studentship.

Mimiko gave the admonition last Monday at a three-day orientation programme organised by the university for the new students.

He said: "Civility is the golden rule in the university system.

Deadline is sacrosanct. Shun all forms of anti- social vices and you must do everything possible to keep focus on your academic pursuit, which is the core reason you are here."

The VC, who congratulated the new students on their admission, noted that the programme was inevitable as it would provide basic information that would help integrate them into the university system.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rotimi Ajayi, encouraged the students to see themselves as agents of change and be in constant search of knowledge so as to key into the university's vision and mission.

APPROACHING DEADLINES Utrecht Excellence Scholarships for International Students Bachelor/Master Degree Brief description: The Utrecht Excellence Scholarship offers a number of outstanding prospective students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a selected number of fields at Utrecht University.

Host Institution(s): Utrecht University, Netherlands Field of study: International Bachelor's programmes: •Economics and Business Economics •Liberal Arts & Sciences at University College Utrecht International Master's programmes offered by the following Graduate Schools: •Graduate School of Geosciences •Graduate School of Humanities •Graduate School of Law, Economics and Governance •Graduate School of Life Sciences •Graduate School of Natural Sciences •Graduate School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Number of Awards: Approximately 55 scholarships are available.

Target group: Outstanding prospective students including international students applying for one of the aforementioned programmes (see above).

Scholarship value/inclusions:

Selected students are awarded a scholarship up to 28 350 euro per year.

Important Note: Students should be aware that the grant is NOT a full scholarship. It is necessary to find additional funding to be able to finance study and stay completely. As one of the requirements for being granted a residence permit in the Netherlands, students from abroad must prove to the IND (immigration and naturalisation office) that they have sufficient financial means.

Eligibility: The applicant must meet the eligibility criteria in order to be considered for this scholarship. The applicant should: •Not have the Dutch nationality; •Hold a non-Dutch secondary school diploma; •Have been admitted to an International Master's programme within one of the Graduate Schools mentioned above, the Bachelor's programme in Economics and Business Economics or to University College Utrecht; •Hold a relevant Bachelor's degree (for a Master's programme) or secondary school diploma (for a Bachelor's programme), or an equivalent thereof; •Be able to comply with the conditions to obtain a Dutch visa (if applicable); Failure to meet one or more of these criteria automatically means the student is not eligible for this scholarship.

Scholarship Criteria: Eligible candidates are selected for a scholarship on the basis of the following criteria: •Their academic

excellence and promise in the proposed field of study; •The academic quality and results of the preceding education, as evidenced, for example, by grades, test scores, publications, letters of recommendation; •The quality and relevance of the motivation letter (academic content, intercultural and communication skills, personal motivation); •The quality and feasibility of the financial plan in the application; •The quality of the application itself (completeness, accuracy, consistency).

Application instructions: It is not possible to apply for the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship. You must have been admitted to selected International Master's or Bachelor's programmes (see above) to be considered for the scholarship. From the list of admitted students, the Selection Committee of the programme will select eligible candidates on the basis of the selection criteria mentioned above.

Prospective Bachelor's students in Economics and Business Economics who wish to be considered for the scholarship should apply for admission before 1 April. Prospective Master's students who wish to be considered for the scholarship should apply for admission before 1 December.

Website: Official Scholarship Website: http://www.uu.nl/ EN/informationfor/internationalstudents/ financialmatters/grantsandscholarships/ utrechtexcellencescholarships/Pages/default.aspx

Proprietor seeks support for education

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HIEF Learning Officer, Kith and Kin Educational Schools', Kaoli Olusanya, has charged governments at all levels to collaborate with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to fund education more adequately. He was speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Factor Magazine lecture which was delivered by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun State.

At the occasion held at the Ikorodu Town Hall last Thursday, Kaoli Olusanya, described the publisher of the magazine, a product of our public school system, whose uses, prose, style of writing, with clarity of thinking, analysis and presentation.

Olusanya emphasised the need for vigorous capacity building for teachers to equip them with professional skills required in the 21st century education. According to him, it is the available quality and quantity of our human resources that is key to developing Nigeria and not necessarily the quantity of bricks and mortar that is poured. He said calling for a state of emergency of the education sector may not be too much a remedy to address its decadence.

Pretending to address the problem with the regular budgetary provision and regime of administration may be

• Mrs Bolanle, one of the former Council members (left), receiving an award from Mrs Akran.

like postponing the evil day, Olusanya added.

He recommended that the government should take a cue from the Singapore take-off development approach under Lee Kuan Yew. Olusanya also advised youths to engage themselves in constructive enterprise as their contribution to building a virile nation.

• From left: Mrs. Adekemi Sanni receiving her certificate from Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi while Special Adviser on Project, Mrs Olubukola Obadimeji (right) watches during the graduation of Mrs Florence Ajimobi ICT Centre, to mark her 54th birthday. The event was held at former Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI, IBADAN

AOCOED fetes retired Provost, Council members

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HE Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos, Mr Wasiu Olalekan Bashorun, has described his predecessor, Mr Hakeem Olatokunbo Ajose-Adeogun, as an accomplished administrator who linked the past 55-year-old institution with the present.

He made the remark at a valedictory session held in honour of Ajose-Adeogun and four former members of the Governing Council at the college premises last Wednesday.

Said Bashorun: 'I will like to use this opportunity to publicly thank you, Mr Hakeem Olatokunbo Ajose-Adeogun for nurturing and leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service and accomplishment worthy of emulation by the college community."

The honoured former council members are Chief labi IsholaLemomu, Alhaji Salia Fagbenro, Mrs. Bolanle F. Ajani and Mrs Ibironke Adeseye, who all disengaged having completed two terms in the Council.

“Mr Ajose-Adeogun initiated projects which he completed, and left some behind not for lack of will power but because the projects has

By Adegunle Olugbamila

to follow execution schedule. His administration was so effective that he could be described as a bridge builder between the past and the present administrations."

He also likened Ajose-Adeogun as a 'good listener', 'scholar of repute' and 'silent achiever'.

Chairman, Governing Council of AOCOED, Mrs Victoria Adedamola Akran, relived with nostalgia, the contributions of the four former council members and AjoseAdeogun. Mrs Akran said the quartet brought their wealth of experience to bear on the board, thus enhancing and enriching the policy formulation for the college for the period they served.

The college orator who also represents the college community on the Governing Council, Mr Samuel Akindele, and the Registrar, Bola Disu poured encomiums on the five.

Mr Disu, also a lawyer, testified to Ajose-Adeogun's administrative acumen, adding that he worked relentlessly to improve the academic qualities of the college.

The AOCOED Management presented parting gifts, which included plaques. Other members of the community also did same.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

EDUCATION Command School, Jos alumni celebrates three generals

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•Mamuzo Ogbeta (right) presenting a cheque to Akogun.

Foundation splashes millions on education game

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OUNDATION for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD), a Lagos-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), has given out nearly one-million naira to students in secondary and tertiary institutions who featured in an education quiz game.

The last set of recording for the game show held at the Dream Factory studios, Alausa, saw Glory Okpara and Emmanuel Onwubuariri winning the secondary school category, winning together N300,000 Jide Odi from Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Jimoh Abubakar Sadiq from Lagos State University, and Anthony Onyeahialam from University of Lagos, also emerged winners in the three sets of recording for tertiary institutions with N550,000 won.

My Education Quiz Play (MEQP) is a televised quiz show initiated for

By Yemisi Awe

students in Senior Secondary Schools category, as well as tertiary institutions to earn money that will empower them enough to see their dreams of quality education accomplished. MEQP airs on a local television station Murhi Television (MITV), Alausa, Lagos every Saturday.

The MEQP project director, Mr Godfrey, said the participants' performances are indication of brighter hope for Nigerian students in future.

He said: "Having witnessed over 15 sets of recording of MEQP, and with the level of intelligence the students have exhibited, I can say that the future of this country is very bright. The aim of FELD is to assist as many students as possible with their tuition fee, and also encourage a reading habit amongst our youths.

Second stage of recording will start soon, and that excites us because more money will be earned towards someone's education."

Some of the past winners of MEQP include, Ann Ejiegbu (N210,000.00); Emmanuel Idemudia (N130,000.00); Maduka Ebuka (N130, 000.00); Ozomena Akogun (N100,000.00); Chidinma Ezugu (N155,000.00); Precious Onowudijo (N120,000.00); Tolulope Ologun (N30, 000.00); and Ayodeji Opeyemi (N10,000.00).

In the tertiary category, the winners are: AdeoyeAdesoji (N240,000.00); KelechiNwoku (N210,000.00); Abdulmajeed Kabir (N50,000.00); (Robert Ikhuona); and Olorode Samuel (N20,000.00) respectively.

To be a participant in MEQP, Godfrey said intending students should simply text EXCEL to 35811 on their mobile phones.

Students return from trip to UK S the students of the British Spring College, (BSC) Awka in Anambra State returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after an eight-day excursion to the United Kingdom, they would no doubt, revel in fresh memories of their exploits in the Queen's land.

The 29 of them jetted out of the country last Monday via the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The agitated students, who had travelled all the way from Awka to Lagos by road, were decked in their sky blue tops with black suits, ash trousers/skirts and a wine tie to match, at the Departure Hall of the airport.

The travellers drawn from between JSS1 and JSS3 classes spoke of their plans to this reporter ahead of their trip.

"I love to see different places and meet different people," said Okeke Chinonye, 13 who is in SS3. "I also wish to see how their houses and food look like and also learn the way they speak," Chinonye added.

"I want to pay full attention to the way the whites learn their subjects compared with how we do it here," cut in 12-year old Chukwuemeka Marvellous in JS2. I also want to learn how the whites have an edge over us academically and be able to relate this to my peers when I'm back," Marvellous noted.

According to the itinerary as drawn up in a document by the school management, the 29 'tourists' in the course of their excursion, were to 'engage in morning and evening indoor and outdoor sessions on environmental explorations covering many topics in science and Geography curriculums with hands on

A

By Adegunle Olugbamila

experiment including investigating the river as it enters the sea.

Another is the concept of biodiversity, inter-independence and adaptation of ecosystems life in local habitats and so on."

"It's partly academic and partly tourism," said BSC Vice-Principal (Academics) Mr Ozioko Joseph, "That is why the management decided the students should come to Lagos by road so that in the course of their journey, they will see some of the exciting places and rich tourist attractions within the country. I have told each of them to do a write up on their experience right from Awka

to UK which is like a test they must all submit when they come back."

Oziokor said BSC management found the choice of UK most appealing since the school operates Nigerian/British curriculums.

The school Matron, Rita Igwe hoped that the participants, after the trip, turned out more informed about the British culture.

"I expect that after the trip, our students will have been more informed about the Culture of UK in relation to the school system.

They will be better informed about the way British schools operate since our school also operates Nigeria/British curriculums.

S the Alumni of Command Secondary School Jos celebrates three of their owntwo Navy Commodores and a Major-General of the Nigerian Army, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro has called for more support towards the education sector.Moro said there is need for individuals, groups and corporate bodies to complement governments effort in addressing infrastructural decay in the sector.

The Minister spoke at the Night of the red necks organised by the alumni for commodores Tariworio Dick, Christian Ezekobe and Brigadier-General Imomotimi Birigeni in Abuja.

Moro said: "When I was a teacher and a union official, I still had that feeling of utopia in me that with government, everything can be done.

But as my metamorphosis continued, I am gradually coming to terms with reality that there are limitations in what government can do.

"And for our society today, the greatest challenge we face is decay of critical infrastructure in our land and I think its part of the problem my commandant is grappling with in the school."

The Minister who described the

From Dele Anofi and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

gathering as an electrifying bond added that the group has played a significant role in the society. He added that the event was meant to celebrate greatness and honour those that deserve it while alive.

In his remarks, Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa urged the alumni to give back to the school.

Maikasuwa said: "Little act of love can make monumental impacts in the school. Command Jos will have its own share of infrastructure deficit after this year to the rest, the school may need your assistance."

While praising the celebrants, he urged members of the alumni to setup an endowment fund for their alma mater. Maikasuwa, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Olumuyiwa Adejoko, praised the school for its academic excellence and disciplinary antecedents.

Teachers rewarded include; Dr, A. F Awodeji (Mathematics), Mr Chukwudi Ukwuegwu (English), Elder George Igboanugo (English and History Teacher) and the present Comptroller of Prisons, Ebonyi State, Mr Columbus Omenuko.

Islamic school graduates 24

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O fewer than new 24 graduands were on Saturday, let off by the Madarasatul Nurul Islam, Arabic School, Marafa Estate Kaduna after series of successful recitations from chapters of the Holy Quran and sections of the Hadith, the sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammed, (PBUH).

At the school's second graduation, its Chairman Governing Board and former Commissioner in Kaduna State Alhaji Zakari Isa Chawai said the school was established to inculcate religious Islamic knowledge, moral and intellectual discipline as well fear of God in both conduct and character in relation to human endeavour.

However, 21 of those graduated young male and female children while 3 were women.

According to Chawai, the school which was established and registered with the Kaduna State Bureau for Islamic Affairs in June, 2005, took off in 2007.

He explained that the school has increased in enrolment with current population of 226 comprising 191 children and 35 women respectively.

He said the school has seven classes which comprises of Rauda to the sixth level managed by 10 teachers with a headmaster.

Chawai, noted that the school faces the challenge of inadequate

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

furniture and other basic requirements.

"We have two sections for children and women. The population is fast increasing and we are in need of support to meet our teaching needs as furniture as well as possible expansion and upgrade of existing facilities."

The Chairman, Kaduna North local Government, Alhaji Samaila Suleiman represented by Muhammad Bashir Tukur, a Councillor representing Kabala/ Marafa Estate ward, said knowledge Islamic or Western was essential and the basic ingredient for the development of humanity.

"I hope the knowledge you acquire will be useful to Islam and humanity in the spirit of fear of God" Also, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Permanent Secretary Islamic Religious Affairs in Kaduna State, admonishedthe graduating students to apply the knowledge acquired in exhibiting good conduct and fear of God. Speaking, CPC governorship candidate in 2011, Alhaji Haruna Sa'I'd called on parents to encourage their wards to acquire religious education as a veritable asset and key to shaping character and conduct in the spirit of fear of God for the advancement of humanity.

• Mr Joseph (right) with the students at the Departure Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday.

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

40

EDUCATION

‘LASPOTECH has closed external campuses’ •Certificates ready for 8,686 graduands today certificates released to them several

I

N line with the directive of the Lagos State government that all tertiary institutions it funds close down external campuses, Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, Dr. A.A Lawal, said the institution has complied.

Addressing journalists ahead of the institution's 21st convocation which holds today, Lawal said the annexes are no longer admitting fresh students but only in operation to allow current students to complete their programmes.

"We have complied with the directive for closure of all external campuses. We have to manage the process carefully to allow students already in the programme to graduate. We have written to all our accredited representatives that all

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

annexes are cancelled. The only thing the students are doing there is to receive lectures," he said.

The Rector was also happy to note that the institution has been able to enhance its facilities through grants from the Tertiary Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Lagos State government, leading to full accreditation of the 52 programmes it runs.

Speaking on today's convocation, Lawal said certificates for all the graduands for the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma programmes are ready for collection, while assuring that the backlog of certificates would be cleared soon.

He said: "The practice of graduating students without really getting their

years after graduation has been a major source of worry; and it is in realisation of this problem that we had set out to ensrue that the backlog of certificates in all the schools of the polytechnic is cleared very soon.

We are working tirelessly to ensure that outstanding certificates for LASPOTECH graduates are released soonest and that the polytechnic does not accumulate backlog of unprepared certificates.

I am glad to state that all students graduating presently have their certificates ready."

Among the 8,686 students graduating today 19 made Distinction at ND level and 14 at HND level for the full-time programme; while there are 23 Distinctions, ND, and 40 at HND level for the part-time programme.

•A student of Early life Secondary School performing high jump during their Inter-house sport competition

Inter-house sports made me, says Rufai

E

X-SUPER Eagles goal keeper, Peter Rufai has advised school administrators to make efforts to sustain extra-curricula activities in their schools as it can help discover and nurture talents of future athletes.

Speaking at the seventh interhouse competition of Bols International Schools held at the NYSC orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, Rufai attributed his successful football career to school sports "Inter-house was the starting point of my career as I was discovered by my principal who encouraged me to go into sports. I am grateful to God that He has made me a super star," he said.

The former goalie added that research has shown that pupils who are actively involved in extra-curricula activities do well in their academics than those who are indifferent. He also said participation in sports could dissuade pupils from non-profitable ventures. He added that sports instills in children the value of fair

By Adeola Ogunlade

play, trustworthiness, prevention of drugs, team spirit.

The competition had relay race, march past, 50-400 metres races, egg race, water race, sack race, tie race had. Blue House emerged winner with 13 points. Purple House came second with 11 points, Green House third with six points and Yellow House with three points.

“The need for school administrators to sustain the extra curriculum activity in schools is very germane because there are countless number of superstars among the children who will rule the world in the future to come,” he said.

“We can only rid our society of theft, cyber crime, corruption and other nor profitable ventures when children are exposed and engaged in sporting activities,” he said.

In his words, a former Governorship aspirant in Lagos, Jimi Agbaje said the relevance of sport for today's' children can never be undermined as it helps in building the

mind.

He called on government and other agencies to invest more in sport academy as that would help build the children to compete favourably with their counterparts in the world.

Agbaje noted that Nigeria can only compete favourably with their counterparts in the world of sport when we have well funded sport academy that can groom young people of today with the required skills for excellence in sport “The people that excel in sporting activities at the world stage started at a tender age in sport academies where they are nurture to compete for gold medals,” he said.

Earlier in her opening address, the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Mojisola Onitiri, said the sporting competition was aimed at developing innate ability of the children in sport which is very vital in the education given to a child.

She promised to give full scholarship to the best students in the competition.

VC seeks stable agricultural policy

V

ICE-CHANCELLOR of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Prof Adebayo Odebiyi, has criticised government's penchant for policy summersaults in the agricultural sector because of their effects on farmers.

He said this as the guest speaker at the 16th Annual Lecture symposium of the International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows held recently at the

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on a paper titled Integrated Pest Management for Economic and Environmental Sustainability, Odebiyi condemned a situation where "importation of food items is banned and unbanned at the whim" of policy makers.

He said a well-thought-out policy will engender conducive and environmental stability and called

for a strong extension service, which is well-equipped and funded.

Odebiyi also sought a review of the nation's marketing policy which should make it easy for farmers to evacuate their farm produce to the market "without losing a sizeable proportion of the harvest" as well as ensure they reap maximum benefits for their hard work without being exploited by "middlemen at the farm gate".

EDUTALK

with

Beyond scrapping UTME and NECO

W

HAT does the future hold for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Kofoworola Examinations Council (NECO)?

A presidential panel led by former Head of Service, Mr Kofosagie@yahoo.com Stephen Oronsaye has suggested 08054503077 (SMS only) that both bodies be scrapped. For JAMB, the committee advised a modification of functions: it should no longer conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME); rather, it should coordinate the admissions window for tertiary institutions as they choose their students so they know which ones already have admissions.

We do not know their specific recommendation about NECO. The story we are all relying on published in the dailies last week quoted an unnamed source who did not give details about NECO. We know the Federal Government has debunked plans to scrap the bodies but whatever it decides to do with the two examining bodies, it should take into critical consideration the peculiar issues that define the Nigerian education system and our socio-economic challenges.

Every year, millions of candidates write both examinations to earn 'O' Level qualifications and entrance points needed to gain entry into tertiary education. With the UTME costing an average of N5,000, it is quite an enormous amount that is not easy for the average Nigerian to cough out without prior planning. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that because a candidate spent the money, they would pass, and if they pass, they would be admitted. The competition is stiff - not because all the institutions have very high benchmark scores for their programmes, but because even if all of them were to admit qualified candidates, hundreds of thousands would still be without a space to study.

What we need at this point is a system that does not task candidates and their sponsors unduly. There are many candidates who are frustrated having tried over and over again to gain admission into the tertiary institution. Their sponsors have lost confidence in them so they are forced to sponsor themselves. It is a good sign that we have many youths hungry for knowledge. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that they are directed to areas where their talents will be best harnessed for the good of the society. The present survivalof-the-fittest situation is not good and should be corrected.

It does not necessarily mean that the UTME has to be scrapped to correct it. The examination could be modified. For instance, it could hold more than once in a year and have a longer life line - like two years as already been proposed.

If the UTME is scrapped and tertiary institutions conduct their own examinations, how easy will it be for candidates to travel all over writing various examinations? Will it be more expensive than the present situation, where candidates pay for the UTME, result-checking scratch cards to get their results and afterwards pay post-UTME screenings fees of the institutions they chose if they passed? Will there be need for the institutions to set a timetable to avoid clashes that could reduce the chances of candidates if two institutions conduct their screening same day? All these questions should be answered with the aim of providing the candidates, our youths, with the best possible chance to develop themselves. It should not be our pride that things are extremely difficult. It does not pay us to have many young people idle, struggling to get trained, acquire skills and get jobs. The more people we can educate and empower, the better.

Belo-Osagie

Pregnant babies This week, the papers seem to be dominated by news of people selling babies for the wrong reasons. I first read of a man who sold his son to get a visa, then of two women who connived with nurses and sold their babies after delivery. But they did not move me like the story of a woman who ran a home where teenage girls bred babies for sale. She housed them, got men to impregnate them, then after delivery, sold the babies and gave them a percentage of the money.

When I read the story, I wondered how girls could just exist to be breeding machines. Is pregnancy so easy to carry to term? But it is easy for teenagers to fall victim of such evil people because they are at a stage when they are not supposed to be pregnant. They would naturally not get the support of their families, or worse, the father of their babies, and, they would not have the financial muscle to fend for themselves and their babies. This makes them vulnerable.

My advice to teenage girls is that they should be focused on their studies and empowerment for now. Parents and schools need to invest extra time and effort passing this message across so their future is not derailed.

‘What we need at this point is a system that does not task candidates and their sponsors unduly. There are many candidates who are frustrated having tried over and over again to gain admission into the tertiary institution. Their sponsors have lost confidence in them so they are forced to sponsor themselves’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

43

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole celebrated his 61st birthday in Benin-City, the state capital, last week. The ceremony became a platform for discussing the imperative of electoral reforms reports OSAGIE OTABOR.

How to deepen democracy, by stakeholders F

OURTEEN years ago, civil rule was restored in Nigeria, following protracted battles against the military rulers by the pro-democracy crusaders. However, to many analyts, Nigeria is still far from democracy.

When the stakeholders converged recently on Benin, the capiatl of Edo State, for the 60th birthday of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, how to depeen democracy was on the front burner.

The speakers at the ceremony raised some posers: Who determines whether democracy is working in a country or not? At what point could it be said that the process of deepening it has begun in a country? Is civil rule the same as democracy?

The theme of the birthday lecture was: ‘Depeening democracy and enhancing public welfare”. Speakers included the House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Niger State Governor Babaginda Aliyu, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili. The event was chaired by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.

The discussants expressed divergent views. But they were unanimous in their belief that a lot still needed to be done to depeen democracy in the country.

Tambuwal, who set the tone, submitted that an independent electoral umpire couldassist in deepening democracy. Tinubu observed that the process of deepening democracy is what Governor Oshiomhole has embarked upon in Edo State. He pointed out that the governor is fighting the infrastructure battle.

Governor Aliyu advocated the entrenchment of the family system.

Bishop Kukah said that leaders should think about the legacy they want to leave behind. Ezekwisili identified a robust citizenry as the focal point for deepening democracy.

Declaring the ceremony open, Alhaji Mohammed observed that the presence of dignitaries from across the country showed that Nigeria is an indivisible country. He said Governor Oshiomhole has provided the necessary leadership for the people. He also hailed his party’ belief in the survival of the country.

Tambuwal said the independence of the electoral umpire was critical to the democracy. He noted that, for Nigeria to continue to deepen her democracy, the electoral umpire must be seen to be independent of the other arms of government.

The Speaker, who called for the strengthening of the institutions of democracy, said the arms of government must ensure mutual respect and independence for one another.

“To have a good political party, there is the need for it, not only to be built around ideology, but also the critical objectives and not objectives of individuals. Political parties should also aim at promoting democracy and enhancing the welfare of the people”.

Governor Aliyu said the challenge was not how to deepen democracy, but how to build democracy. The Niger State governor disclosed that, when he first met Governor Oshiomhole in 1979, he looked like a boy he could squeeze. But when the trade unionist started speaking,the governor recknoned that he was a man of talents and ideas. He said there is the need for governors to be seen to be transparent in all their dealings, if they want to be addressed as the ‘Excellency’.

“We must enthrone a political process where people can go through voting process knowing their votes will not be skewed. We must go back to the family system. Edo people have shown how to deepen democracy. When my party came to Edo to crush our friend, Edo people said no because God has given us a good thing, and because God is good, we will continue to hold our good thing. That was the time when the adamant Adams became the resilient Adams.

“Many of us who started fighting against him in the godfatherism war did not understand at that time. But with what happened here, even if you want to have a godfather, you have to do it with rules and regulations. We must learn the mantra of ‘one man one vote’. That will entrench democracy in our community”, he said.

Governor Aliyu objected to the slow judicial process, saying that everybody must be seen to be equal before the law. He urged Governor Oshiomhole to concentrate on developing rural areas, stressing the rural areas deserved more attention. The governor called on Nigerians to resist any political party, which imposes candidates on them and ignore internal democracy. “Where a political party does not follow internal democracy, we must fight it strongly”, he stressed.

Bishop Kukah, in his remark, said Nigeria is not practicing the right democracy. He said the situations facing the country today showed that it has rid itself of dictatorship, but the ingredients of dictatorship are still everywhere in the land.

Bishop Kukah said that Nigeria lacked leaders with a clear vision of

• From left: Governors Ibikunle Amosun, (Ogun), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the Governor Oshiomhole’s 60th birthday symposium in Benin City.

what they want to achieve in office, adding that providing infrastructure was not synonymous with democracy.

“There has to be something unpredictable about the substance of democracy.

A President or governor had to be clear about what legacy they want to leave behind. We can’t run a country in this way. We have not started the foundation of democracy that enables the citizens to determine the character of leadership.”

For Asiwaju Tinubu, seeking legal redress in court of law was part of the processes of deepening democracy. He said that Oshiomhole had done the ACN proud as a performing governor.

The former Lagos State governor criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for polarising the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) by sponsoring the PDP Governor’s Forum.

Tinubu cchided the governors for not going to court to stop the moves to polarise them because the body had become an instrument for depeening democracy.

“You should have gone to court straight because, by going to the court, you are deepening democracy. I went to court 11 times and I won all of them.

It is not for me. It is about taking our right seriously and protecting it.

“Let us stop the lamentation. If you have state police, you will know where militants reside. You will get rid of the bad system. Give more funds to the state. In the meantime, establish community police.”

Tinubu urged Tambuwal to amend the Electoral Act to provide for the use of biometrics by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), if the last voter registration data cannot be relied upon.

“Nigerians still suffer under the inferior and shoddy manual registration, verification and accreditation of voters when there is the option of the biometric system to ensure one man one vote.

In our situation, the struggle for one man one vote is not yet over. We must

push for the use of biometrics like we witnessed in Kenya, Sirrea Leone, Ghana.

“Biometric is not electronic voting.

That is the challenge. Until we do that, a credible leadership may continue to elude the country. We don’t need the number of security operatives on election day, if we embark upon biometric registration and validation”, he stressed.

Tinubu declared that the opposition is ready to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bigger way in 2015. He explained that this would be done by the All Progressives Congress (APC).A “If they cannot do it, we will do it. It takes extra-ordinary leadership for democracy to survive and to be sustained. Oshiomhole realised the importance of good planning to bring good governance. We have created an opportunity for a platform that can deepen democracy.

“We must insist that subsequent elections should be free and fair. The people of Edo have seen the light. They are ready to protect their votes and to reject the erstwhile PDP government that served them a salad of corruption and rickety governance for years. The people are now witnessing rapid development because they voted for change. This is manifest in the development across Edo State, the provision of water, modern transportation”, he added.

Ezekwisile said that the citizenry is critical to democracy. She noted that Edo people in the rural areas could appreciate the impact Oshiomhole Administration.

The former minister said that the people can determine whether democracy is working or not.

Ezekwisile urged the the elected officials to develop arallying vision as “poverty has no ethnicity and religion.”

Ezekwisili said the governors of the non-oil producing states should start thinking of how to improve on their

‘We must enthrone a political process where people can go through voting process knowing their votes will not be skewed. We must go back to the family system. Edo people have shown how to deepen democracy.

When my party came to Edo to crush our friend, Edo people said no because God has given us a good thing, and because God is good, we will continue to hold our good thing’

economy, rather than lamenting that the oil-producing states earn or collect more funds from the Federation Accounts.

“There has not been a change in the economic structure in Nigeria. No economy that wants to improve the lives of its citizenry keeps its manufacturing at 15%.”

“A weaken citizenry cannot be the basis for deepening any democracy.

What democracy do you want to deepen, if you do not fundamentally think in terms of the structure of inequality and accountability that exist between the political elite and the citizens?”

“What we have emphasised is the oil economy, which is enslaved and that is not widely acceptable to the citizen. The output from the oil economy is acceptable to the urban elite. In a poorly managed oil economy, it weakens democracy because of the level of inequality.

No democracy is deepened without the citizen. The citizens are important as a valid vision for democracy. You cannot say you started the deepening of democracy until the people of the state tell you that you have started the job”, she added.

Governor Oshiomhole shared the views expressed by his guests. He said change is necessary in 2015, adding that, with the APC, “the vehicle will move”. The governor described himself as a product of the vision of the leaders of the North. saying “I am 100 percent Kaduna made.’

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Tanko Almakura (Nassarawa), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) Akpabio Godswill (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers) and Dr Emmanuel Udughan (Delta) .

Also at the lecture were Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, former Minister of External Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, Prof. Victor Uwaifo former Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Services, Ifueko Omogui Okauro, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the National Chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otumba Niyi Adebayo, Alhaji Nuhu RIbadu, Senator Chris Ngige, and the members of the Edo State House of Assembly led by Speaker Uyi Igbe.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

NAFDAC to develop herbs for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, HIV/AIDS T

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is to develop local herb drugs for cancer, diabetes, hypertension and HIV/AIDs among other terminal diseases.

It has raised an Experts Committee to work on developing such drugs.

NAFDAC will also intensify its campaign on herbal drugs/medicine, and supplements regulation by testing them for safety, efficacy and toxicity (SET).

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General Dr Paul Orhii, said herbal medicine practitioners who sell their products without listing them would go to jail.

Under SET, he said products must be tested for safety, efficacy and toxicity, among others, before they are listed. The drugs will be withdrawn once it is proven that they endanger public health.

SET, he added, is the gold standard for effective regulation of herbal products and supplements to ensure the protection of lives.

Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) Prof Thomas Omon said 80 per cent of Nigerians

rely solely on traditional medicine for treatment.

This, he said, means that no fewer than 128 million people take herbs, supplements and herbal drugs to achieve healthy life and wellness.

He said the practitioners will cooperate with the agency to ensure effective regulation of herbal products. “If there is anything we have not done, tell us we will do it. The regulation of our practice will not only be of benefit to Nigeria but also the world at large.

“If some medicinal cures are discovered in our country, it will transform the economy. So we must not be sheepish buyers of foreign medicine.

We must develop our practice,” Omon added.

He identified high fee for the renewal of licence for listed products as one major obstacle practitioners are confronting and which NAFDAC must revisit.

On other challenges, Omon berated the Federal Government for its failure to establish a school where people can be trained and practitioners can be re-trained.

“Lack of school has left much to desire in terms of training and research.

By Wale Adepoju

There is no school, no hospital to do practical where practitioners can unveil what they have because I’m an advocate of what people call ‘seeing is believing’ (SIB). This is a situation where patients who have been treated will speak for themselves and the whole world can see it.

He urged the agency to back its words with action to ensure that local production of herbal drugs in treating some of the ailments usually afflicting the people, such as malaria, diabetes and cancer, among others receive a boost.

Omon said the expert committee set up to develop herbal drugs for the country was a step in good direction, stressing that the group should not go the way other groups have gone, when they went under without achieving anything.

Vice-President, NANTMP, South east, Dr Eugene Nwachukwu, said the move to regulate traditional medicine was a positive one because charlatans who make fabulous claims of cure can be detected and punished accordingly.

This, he said, will also ensure that only true or genuine practitioners are recognised as it will ensure sanctity

in the profession.

Nwachukwu expressed satisfaction with the Experts Committee, saying: “It is made up of accomplished practitioners, they will do a wonderful job. But, we the practitioners still need to help them by ensuring that we educate ourselves on the dos and don’ts so that the country can move forward in traditional medicine.”

NANTMP’s assistant SecretaryGeneral, Dr Charles Onuchukwu, said people who think they can just formulate anything without necessary procedure will be curbed because there will now be guidelines for practitioners. Also, training will be organised to develop or build the capacity of practitioners so that they can be armed with what is expected of them.

He said: “We alone cannot regulate or control the practice. The fact that there will now be government’s hand in it is a good development that will move the profession forward.

“The country is good at making laws but implementation or enforcement has always been a problem, this new development would go a long way in ensuring that the practice is regulated.”

On research and development, he

said traditional medicine practitioners can now have a joint research because of the inauguration of the ‘Experts Committee’ that will come up with formulations that can help address diseases such as cancer, diabetes and HIV and AIDS, which do not have orthodox cure.

“The intellectual property can also be protected by the committee set up,” he added.

Vice-President, Moringa Association of Nigeria, North central, Jacob Odiba, said the issue of regulation and collaboration with NAFDAC was an excellent idea that will move the practice and the country forward.

He said traditional medicine practitioners have been crying for regulation and collaboration with the agency for a very long time, adding that now, “Together efficacious and safe medicines can be developed for the country. It is the practitioners that are killing the country. So, if we can lift the country again by ourselves, that will be great,” he said.

Making reference to the book of Proverbs in the Bible, Odiba said there is no ailment without a cure, stressing that God has endowed the people with knowledge to produce efficacious medicine.

Do you know that?

N apple can protect you against Parkinson’s disease?

Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells.

Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the antioxidants contained therein.

• Curb all sorts of cancers Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds— triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

•Decrease your risk of diabetes Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to

develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood sugar swings.

• Reduce cholesterol The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

• Get a healthier heart An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

• Prevent gallstones Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies.

They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

• Beat diarrhea and constipation Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

• Neutralise irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is characterised by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.

•Apples

•Culled from www.informationng.com

A

•Vegetables

Vegetables, fruits good for health, says biochemist

M

ANY local fresh vegetables and fruits are rich sources of antioxidants and other micronutrients that support good health, a biochemist, Prof Sylvia Malomo has said.

She said these vegetables and fruits if regularly consumed would reduce the scourge of diseases like cancer, diabetes, coronary heart diseases and infections.

Prof Malomo was delivering the 127th inaugural lecture of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). The lecture was entitled:The invisible behind and beyond the visible.

She said: “Soko (Celosia argentea) is a vegetable that could be used as a component of fresh vegetable salads, I recommend its use in restaurants and at home. Indeed such findings like this, call for closer working between the gown and the economic machinery of town in Nigeria,” she added.

She canvassed appropriate infor-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

mation for the public on the dangers inherent in combining drugs based on herbs with pharmaceuticals.

“Because of the scarcity of information of herb drug interactions, the generality of the public should be made aware (through appropriate channels) of the dangers of combining drugs based on herbs with pharmaceuticals for therapeutic purposes as some toxic effects may not be reversible. This may be a place to call more for mutually respecting interaction between our more scientific practitioners and our traditional ones.

“Government agencies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) should ensure that new chemicals and pharmaceuticals introduced into the market are subjected to thorough toxicological evaluation

to prevent any health disaster. Collaboration with the country’s tertiary institutions may not be a bad idea at all,” she stated.

Prof Malomo said: “If Nigeria must grow her economy and earn back much of the lost past glory, it must address issues of poverty, illiteracy, diseases, hunger, environment, unemployment and most importantly, poor governance. These issues make the attainment of the Millennium Develoment Goals (MDGs)MDGs in Nigeria, seem like a mirage.

“I wish to add my voice to those emphatically calling for increased funding of education as it is paramount to improving education delivery in particular, but particularly more so for science and technology education. If Nigeria must improve its pace towards becoming a developed nation this must be addressed since development is driven faster by science and technology.”

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THE NATION TTHURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

Some nutritional answers to infertility problems (1)

A

T almost 63, I sometimes still feel like becoming a father all over again.

Shhhrh..hhh.! My Madam, within ear shot, mustn't hear this. But she knows I love babies. I would be surprised if she has forgotten that, in our baby rearing days, I strapped a crying baby on my back and danced around the room, singing and rocking the young one, whenever she was in the kitchen, cooking or cleaning the house.

One of the children may have forgotten that he preferred to sleep on my chest to being in his cot. It wasn't until another was an SSS 3 boy, and I threatened to report him to his classmatess that he was doing "bele", that he let me go to bed without any disturbance.

Doing bele in our home meant that, whenever I returned from work even at 2 a.m or later, he would awake by instinct, insist on pulling off my top dress and singlet and rubbing my tummy with his palm while singing…. daddy bele, daddy bele. Of course, I had a large tummy fuelled by beer and pepper soup, very late meals, overwork, lack of exercise, stress, indigestion and the onset of Syndrome X which, in unlucky people, can lead to diabetes. I will ever remember the birth of daddy bele's elder brother. In pregnancy, I would ask my wife to will for a soul of her choice. In spiritual education, I had been taught of the dangers of leaving pregnancy to chance. Before and during pregnancy, a woman must focus without fail on the coming soul to avert what may later be a black sheep in the family.

For if she does not, an attracting force stronger than hers introduced into her orbit by persons physically or otherwise close to her, or even the aura of places or events, may do the job for her. I loved dainty women,(my wife is one), all the more if they are artistic and sing all over the house. I willed for a daughter who would moderate the tomboyishness at that time of our first child, a boy. In dreams, I always saw a pretty oval face, and concluded a girl was on the way. So, when the nurse told me at Duro Soleye Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos, the newcomer was a boy, I couldn't believe it. But this boy turned out to be almost everything I had willed. Not only does he till today love singing or dancing, as a boy he made such nonsense of newly painted walls with ink and pen drawings that he and the mother were like a cat and a mouse in the house. I would intervene on his behalf, probing to buy him art and drawing books and water colour material. I would remind her of how he came to us and how his penchant to "deface" the walls with drawings was to guide us to guide him into a career. Although today, he is a law graduate from a university, I will not fail to continue to remind him of singing, dancing and fine art.

These children and their mother gave me a lot of kicks that I'd have loved to go on enjoying if it was possible or even spiritually right, to stop them going their own ways. A Gibran described them in his book, THE PROPHET; children are like arrows we fire from a bow. We cannot hold them after we prepare them for the world and send them forth. But we keep and cherish fond memories of them, and, looking back, should be able to understand the heartbreak and restlessness of men and women who have done almost everything possible to become fathers or mothers, but still find this dream unrealisable. It is for such people that the following nutritional and other suggestions are made, in the understanding that some, if not many, causes of infertility are due to nutritional deficiencies and psychic or spiritual self-impositions. After all, aren't we all what we eat or fail to eat, or do not eat properly, and what we think and do?

Some of many problems

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HEN we turn the car key to start the engine and the engine fails to roar in response, we suspect many failings along the line. We ask : is it the ignition, wiring, fuse, battery or petrol? That's because we know some systems are involved in getting a car engine started.

Male and female fertility, likewise, involves many factors.

The first problems we suspect when a couple cannot have a child are • Low sperm count or no sperm • Weak swimming sperm i.e. motility • Gummed sperm, tail-less or headless sperm i.e. morphology • High ratio of dead sperm • Ovarian diseases such as ovarian cysts • Annovulation i.e. inability of the woman to ovulate • Blocked fallopian tubes • Uterine fibroids • Endometriosis • Inflammation of the uterine wall or • Adhesions and scars in the uterine wall or • Hormonal imbalances.

There are many other factors often overlooked in the fertility clinic, and that is why many couples who are given clean testimonials of perfect reproductive organs are often perplexed when, try as they do, pregnancy still eludes them. In this largely superstitions environment, the next line of action is to see the enemy at work and become preys of many "spiritual acrobats," today's minions of Bar Jesus.

Nutritional deficiencies Many couples do not endowe their reproductive systems with the benefits of prepregnancy care. No reasonable farmer cultivates his field without weeding it, enriching the soil, making the heaps or ridges, blocking soil erosion and ensuring irrigation, among other preplanting procedures. Many doctors were not taught nutrition during their rigorous training, and, so, overlook this aspect. But a nutritional inclined physician will order relevant tests, especially of mineral levels and mineral balances, investigate free radical activity, heavy metal levels and radiation (ionizing or not) especially from Visual Display Units (VDUs). Dr Ray Strand, author of WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE MAY BE KILLING YOU, provides a case study in this book which emphasises the need for antioxidant nutrition against diseases-causing free radicals.

The case study was Matt's. He was a Chicago lawyer who, for months, suffered crushing abdominal pains that no tests or drugs could help. Dr Strand, who turned to nutritional medicine when drugs couldn't help his sick wife but food supplements did, said of the Matt case: "He underwent all kinds of tests, including CT scans, ultrasounds, X-ray and numerous blood tests. So you can imagine Matt's shock when no diagnosis became apparent. He was sent home with only a painkiller."

Matt remained sick. Then, he saw a specialist who "ordered" a blood test called ANA (anti nuclear anti body)".

Matt's ANA result was 1:640, against a normal of 1:.40 or less.

safe when used with L-Lysine, another amino acid. Yet it has been found in some studies to double sperm counts. It is significantly present in the head of sperm cells. This suggests that sperm cells with problems in their heads may be helped by L-Argnine. By 1944, research esterblished that diet restrictions of L-Arginine for only a few days disturbed sperm maturity.

L-Carnitine

T

HIS is an amino acid motor which fats in the blood ride to the muscles, including the heart, where they are burned for energy. Thus, a deficiency of it may cause fat (Cholesterol) build-up in the blood, heart disease, heart attack or even strokes.

In terms of fertility, high amount, of L-Carnitine are found in sperm cells, justifying belief in its importance for high sperm count and quality. Again, frequent ejaculations waste this nutrient and refills, through food supplements, are crucial for sperm production and health.

Vitamin A

The specialist told Matt he had systemic lupus erythematosus or, simply, lupus.

Says Dr Strand: "The ANA was an indication of an autoimmune system gone amuck. His body's immune system was actually attacking itself. Once Matt heard this, he increased his supplements more and even started taking 350mg of grape seed extract along with his antioxidant minerals. He gradually improved and required less and less of painkiller medication, even though he still had intermittent bouts of pain".

When he went back for a follow up seven months after, and the doctor, without new tests, wanted to place Matt on Chemotherapy drugs, the standard protocol for lupus, Matt objected. A repeat ANA was ordered, and, as Dr Strand says: "When his specialist looked at his repeat ANA report, his jaw dropped. He couldn't believe it: 'Matt, your ANA has crashed', he said, 'it is now only 1:40 and it's basically norma'l. He congratulated Matt and encouraged him to continue taking whatever medication his doctor has put him on. When Matt explained that he wasn't taking any medication, the specialist replied: 'I don't know what you are talking, but keep it up.'"

Matt's story shows just how well many conditions, including infertility, may positively respond under nutritional therapy, especially in prepregnancy and care. Unfortunately, many men and women plunge into the search for a child without preparing the grounds appropriately. Even those who are lucky may not have given their babies the best opportunity for developing their bodies in the womb to the optimum.

Hair analysis test

H

AIR testing for nutrients and poisons is becoming popular worldwide, and proving more reliable than blood tests. In the test for calcium, for example, the body may have pinched calcium from the bones to solve calcium deficiency in the blood. A blood test will certify good blood calcium level when the bones are developing holes. But a hair analysis will identify shortages wherever they are. In Australia, Professor Veronica James, of the University of New South Wales, is reported by Dr Marilyn Glenville Ph.D., in her book, NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO INFERTILITY, to be advancing hair testing technology to dimensions from which it might be possible to discover onset of diabetes or cancer from an analysis.

Titi Oduye's Amelia's health shop pioneered hair testing analysis in Nigeria about 10 years ago, but I told them the timing was wrong in a superstitious environment as ours. Then, hair samples of clients were collected and sent to England for analysis. But trust the poison tongues. Soon, they began to wag that the samples could end up in diabolical events. Promptly, Amelia's stopped the valuable service to protect their reputation.

What are some of those valuable nutrients and dangerous poisons to watch out for in any prepregnancy or pregnancy care test?

Zinc High sperm count and sperm quality have now joined a long list of the benefits of adequate blood zinc levels. These benefits include good vision, healing of wounds, improved immunity, acute senses of smell and taste and development of sex organs. Sixty-day-old rats fed zinc deficient diet for three weeks have been found infertile.

In men, zinc deficiency has been associated with a deficiency of testosterone, the male hormone, which causes low sperm count and damaged sperm. In one study, when young men with low blood level of testosterone took zinc supplement, the testosterone level rose and sperm count increased by about 150 percent. A single ejaculation may reduce by about nine percent the daily intake of zinc. This means men who indulge in sex regularly without taking Zinc supplement run the risk of becoming zinc deficient and infertile.

Any wonder that there is now an epidemic of the ebbing of male libibo or sexual drive?

Selenium Like Zinc, Selenium is an antioxidant. The popularity of Selenium had grown as an immune function enhancer when it was found that people who ate food grown on Selenium-rich soil hardly suffered from HIV/AIDS. A cousin of Vitamin E, it improves oxygenation.

In one study of 41 men, 23 of whom had normal sperm count, 18 with low sperm count were found to be significantly Selenium deficient. Researchers suggest that doctors prescribe Selenium when semen analysis shows a high level of abrnomal sperm cells. Even where there is a possibility of gene damage, which may lead to foetal deformities or to natural abortion, Selenium has been found to help.

L-Arginine This amino acid can be a double -edged sword. It is detrimental in conditions such as genital herpes or cold sores because it activates the virus which causes them. In some such cases, it is

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

Back in the high school of the 1960s, we learned Vitamin A was good for the eyes, skin, bones and immune function. Now, we know, additionally, that the eyes cannot effeciently absorb, let alone use, Vitamin A in a state of zinc deffficiency. Vitamin A has been found to have fertility ratings like Selenium. But since some studies suggested that daily intakes in excess of 10, 000 mg. may cause birth defects, many women would rather not take it. Yet animal studies have proven that deficiency produces baby animals "with no eyes, eye defects, undesceded testes and diaphragmatic hernias," acceding to Dr Glenville.

Vitamin C Back in high school, we learned Vitamin C deficiency caused scurvy, a condition in which the gums swell and bleed, and teeth may become loose in their sockets and fall off. Thanks to Dr Linus pauling, two times Nobel Laurate, who, through his molecular nutrition theory, showed that sub clinical scurvy would have affected many internal organs by the time the gums begin to bleed. This shows Vitamin C is central to the health of all cells, including sperm cells. Any wonder sperm cells are found stuck together under Vitamin C shortage, thereby creating motility and conception problems. Dr Glenville reported one study in which the Vitamin C intake of volunteers was reduced from 250mg a day to 5mg a day and the DNA of the sperm of the deprived men was found to have doubled the normal DNA damage. This would result in pregnancy not occurring, spontaneous or natural abortion or, if pregnancy occurs and progresses, in birth defects corresponding to the DNA damage.

About 500mg of Vitamin C a day has been found to degum agglutinated sperm, as it does gummed red blood cells in sickle cell anemia or blood clot (Platelet) problems. But many researchers favour 1000mg to 3000mg a day of the alkaline or buffered Vitamin C.

Vitamins B6, B12 These vitamins go well with folic acid to break homocysteine blockage of blood vessels which may cause hypertension, heart attack and strokes. It isn't surprising that they are also at work together in the fertility clinic. Dr Glenville reports two studies in which (1) 12 women barren for Seven years took Vitamin B6 daily for six months and became pregnant and (2) some women whose periods had stopped due to hormonal problems began to menstruate regularly on Vitamin B6 supplementation for three to four months. In a study of low sperm count men in the 1980s, more than a quarter of them treated with Vitamin B12 responded favourable that it was concluded that the Vitamin supports cellular reproduction or cell division and is, therefore, important for reproduction. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a type of anaemia.

Folic acid This B Vitamin is inextricably linked with Vitamin B12 in a codependency. Like identical twins, the deficiency of one produces symptoms of the deficiency of the other which makes it better not to consume one and ignore the other. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid prevent the blood clots associated with the deposit in blood vessel of homocysteine, an amino acid, which causes heart diseases, heart attack and strokes. It has been suggested by researchers that Vitamin B12 and folic acid may help women who suffer from miscarriages because high levels of homocysteine are found in the blood of such women. Folic acid levels are depleted, also, in women who have intestinal problems and those who take oral contraceptives.

Essential fatty acids

T

HESE are fats the body requires to protect solid fats but which it cannot make on its own. Such solid fat tissue in need of this protection include the brain, eyes, covering of nerves, cell membranes, ovaries, the womb, testes e.t.c the Hercules of these oils is Omega- 3, found in deep water fish that ate Omega-3 rich plankton, and some seeds, including flax seed and linseed. Omega 6 and Omega 9 are used by the body to produce Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which help to make materials for the inflammation of tissue. Omega 3, counterpole of Omega-6 and Omega-9, makes prostaglandins which promote anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is needed for the healing process. But, over a prolonged period, it damages the body. A balance between both poles must hold. The diet of old provided these two categories of essential fatty acids on a 1:1ratio. Today, most diets have degenerated to 1:20 in favour of inflammation. More than 95 per cent of Nigeria cooking oils are pro inflammation, and that is one possible reason many people suffer from one kind of inflammation or the other, arthritis for example. In many women who cannot easily get pregnant, the womb is inflamed!

They speak of "hotness" in this region, lab test cannot detect infection and, to their shock, the doctor says "the problem is in the head".

Omega 3 oil, not the cheap artificial brand, may help such women.

We have to call it a day till Thursday next week. If I say that, at almost 63 I feel like being a father all over again, it is largely because I was ignorant of these matters when my wife and I began baby making in the 1980s. We learned the ropes together. From personal experience of how these supplements helped us and our children she is a better authority on them than I am. And I am sure that, had age permitted her, she, too, would have liked to have one more baby for the road, as we say.

To be continued

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

47

THE NATION

e-Business 08111813065 e-mail: lukajanaku02@yahoo.com

The information technology (IT) industry is the economy driver worldwide. Developed nations latch onto inventions to push their economies. But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case. Why? The dearth of venture funds is stalling technological advancement, writes LUCAS AJANAKU.

Why Nigeria is backward in inventions

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ECESSITY, they say, is the mother of invention. This is why the story of search engine, Google, and social media, Facebook, demonstrates how little beginnings could snowball into something great.

What has become Google Inc., according to Wikipedia, is an American multinational corporation founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University. They own about 16 per cent of its stake.

They incorporated Google as a private company on September 4, 1998. An initial public offering followed on August 19, 2004. Its mission statement from the outset was “to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” and its unofficial slogan was “Don’t be evil”. Rapid growth since incorporation has triggered a chain of products, acquisitions, and partnerships beyond Google’s core search engine. It offers online productivity software including email, an office suite, and social networking. Desktop products include applications for web browsing, organising and editing photos, and instant messaging. The company leads the development of the Android mobile operating system, and of the browser-only Google Chrome operating system (OS) for a specialised type of netbook known as a Chromebook. It has diversified into communications hardware: it partners major electronics manufacturers in production of its highend Nexus series of devices, and even acquired Motorola Mobility. A fibre-optic infrastructure was installed in Kansas City to facilitate a Google fiber broadband service.

Estimated to run over one million servers in data centres around the world and process over one billion search requests and about 24 petabytes of user-generated data daily, it is like the proverbial African king when one looks at, one would feel he never sucked his mother’s breasts.

Facebook is another firm that shares a similar history with Google. Said to have 600 million users worldwide, the concept took shape on campus at Harvard University in 2004, after the site’s designer, Mark Zuckerberg, came up with an idea which he had experimented with a simple programme that pitted photographs of two campus students together for members to decide who was “hotter.” According to reports, there was a problem with his initial concept, however, as the photographs he used were snatched from the university database which he hacked to gain illegal access. Harvard quickly shut the website, but the idea lingered for Zuckerberg.

He designed a new website that allowed the voluntary posting of real identities, voluntarily this time, and launched the website a month later under the title “thefacebook.com”.

He and his three partners, Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin, and Chris Hughes soon realised that they had created a phenomenon.

President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) Bayo Banjo, said the greatest innovations and inventions of modern times started from the garrage. He added that what needed to be done was to encourage smaller inventors and innovators instead of allowing the big players to trample on them.

President, Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Sir Demola Aladekomo, said for IT industry in Nigeria to flourish, there is need for venture fund to assist inventors. He added that the decision of the body to establish an IT park in Lagos is a demonstration of the group’s desire to develop the economy by taking a risk.

• Minister, Communications Techonology, Mrs Omobola Johnson

•Aladekomo

Said Aladekomo: “The ICT industry is one that can be very uncertain. It is one sector where you always invent and if you study the history of the inventors, a lot of them sometimes die as paupers until recently in developed countries when they started realising that the wealth of any country depends on how fast they invent, how fast they manufacture, how fast they manage information. So, what we are trying to say is that for an inventor, he needs a lot of support because it is like an experiment. You experiment this, it does not work, you can experiment 20 times and you won’t get anything out of it.

“Now if you are developing a software, if that software is not tested by a company which has testing facility (you pay for using the testing facility), if you do not have a factory that can mould this thing for you, then, you test it out, if you go to that factory to mould it, they will charge you, where do you get the money.

So, you need venture funds which are funds that say, ok, I have looked at you, you have the ability, but you do not have the resources to carry out the development of this innovation, you do not have the resources to carry out to assemble this computer, you do not have the resources to implement this project, therefore, I am going to take a risk on you, give you the money, not the way a commercial bank gives money. I am going to give you the money, if you succeed, we will share the profit.

Sometimes they fail, but the one that succeeds make it big time in the IT industry. For instance, if you are able to write an app for a phone or PC or an iPad, you can become a billionaire overnight but to get that success on your laps, you may be working for the next two years. How do you feed?”

According to him, the orientation of the nation’s money deposit banks (MDBs) is not in the direction of funding intellectual property, such as inventions, adding that there has to be a relationship between the Federal Government and commercial banks to establish a venture fund that will support the development of inventions in the country.

“Our commercial banks are not set up to do

that (fund inventions). So, you need a relationship between the government and the commercial banks to set up venture funds or you need what we call white angels or angel funds to be able to do that. People with deep pockets or government with deep pockets that are ready to take risk, 80 per cent risk, and that is how you create venture funds in the market and with that venture funds, the industry can now develop. What NCS is doing is funding the development of IT in this country. We are taking a risk, building an IT park that can create the model that can work and we are saying that when it works, we make use of the service charges of those tenants in the park.

“We don’t have the wherewithal to do it in the large scale and that is why we are starting small and we will now expand. It is a thing we should have been able to go to a bank and say look, the IT industry requires this, give us the facilities, but we know that the bank will not.

They definitely will not, so we just going to use our native root because we believe in our members,” he said in an interview with The Nation in Lagos.

Perhaps, in the realisation of the place of venture funds in the IT industry, the Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) made available N500 million anchor fund for developing the software industry in the country. The N500 million is just the seed fund of $15 million Venture Capital Fund (VCF) earmarked for growing the software economy. The balance is supposed to be mobilised by the VCF manager.

An employee of Microsoft and Project Manager, Information Development Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA), Helen Anatogu, said building a knowledge-based economy is in line with global trend. iDEA is a not-for profit organisation and a special purpose vehicle (SPV) put in place to ensure the success of the software incubation centres to be established across the country.

According to her, no economy grows without ICT, adding that software is critical to the growth of any society because there is hardly

‘Our commercial banks are not set up to do that (fund inventions). So, you need a relationship between the government and the commercial banks to set up venture funds or you need what we call white angels or angel funds to be able to do that. People with deep pockets or government with deep pockets that are ready to take risk, 80 per cent risk, and that is how you create venture funds in the market and with that venture funds, the industry can now develop’

•Anatogu anything done these days without an underlying software. She agrees that funding could be a challenge for intangible products, arguing that Nigerians would rather fund oil well, bridges, roads and others for concession because such things will bring immediate returns to them.

Wkipedia defines venture capital as a financial capital provided to early-stage, high-potential, high risk, growth startup companies.

The venture capital fund makes money by owning equity in the companies it invests in, which usually have a novel technology or business model in high technology industries, such as biotechnology, IT, software an others.

The typical venture capital investment occurs after the seed funding round as growth funding round (also referred to as Series A round) in the interest of generating a return through an eventual realisation event, such as an initial public offer (IPO) or trade sale of the company. Venture capital is a subset of private equity. Therefore, venture capital is private equity, but not all private equity is venture capital.

In addition to angel investing and other seed funding options, venture capital is attractive for new companies with limited operating history that are too small to raise capital in the public markets and have not reached the point where they are able to secure a bank loan or complete a debt offering. In exchange for the high risk that venture capitalists assume by investing in smaller and less mature companies, venture capitalists usually get significant control over company decisions, in addition to a significant portion of the company’s ownership (and consequently value).

Venture capital is also associated with job creation (accounting for two per cent of United States of America’s (USA’s) Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the knowledge economy and used as a proxy measure of innovation within an economic sector or geography.

Yearly, there are nearly two million businesses created in the US, and 600–800 get venture capital funding. According to the National Venture Capital Association, 11 per cent of private sector jobs come from venturebacked companies and venture backed revenue accounts for 21 per cent of US GDP. Venture capital is also a way in which public and private sectors can construct an institution that systematically creates networks for the new firms and industries, so that they can progress. This institution helps in identifying and combining pieces of companies, like finance, technical expertise, know-hows of marketing and business models. Once integrated, these enterprises succeed by becoming nodes in the search networks for designing and building products in their domain.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

e-Business

How oursourcing can boost economy A

WELL-developed business process outsourcing (BPO) industry can solve the problem of youth unemployment in the country and become another moneyspinner for the economy, the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have said.

According to the two bodies, if the country does what is right, onshore BPO could reduce waste in government while offshore BPO would cre-

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

ate jobs.

Speaking in separate interviews with the Director, Outsourcing, NITDA, Ashiru Daura, and President, ISPON, Chris Uwajie, they argued that if the government gets it right, Nigerians would have no need to go abroad for the golden fleece.

“The global trend is BPO and it is a reality that Nigeria by virtue of the language and position in Africa, we can tap enormously from it if we do

what is necessary. The market is big and the future is bright.

“BPO can contribute billions of naira to the growth of the economy. India makes more money from BPO than what Nigeria makes in oil. You can imagine how much we can make from BPO (if well-harnessed) because we have some advantages over India,” he told The Nation at the second stakeholders meeting to ratify the constitution of Nigerian Association of Information Technology Enabled

Outsourcing Companies (NAITEOC), an arm of NITDA. Uwajie said lack of infrastructure remains a challenge. “The challenges are more or less of the infrastructure; outsourcing is really facility management. It is core layer of skills; how do you manage the broadband connectivity, the security, the intellectual property? Outsourcing controls the intellectual property that resides within that environment; how do you manage it against theft from the internet

servers? There are also challenges of opportunities, because you will not start outsourcing until there is power.

That will be a misnomer. It is a knowledge economy and we must be there, especially now we have 110 million mobile phone carriers.

“We are in mobile economy and have to be deep in outsourcing. There are various businesses coming from all over the world looking for outsourcing that will help them move on,” he said.

Airtel introduces WhatsApp data bundle

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IRTEL Nigeria has introduced WhatsApp data application pack ages to its subscribers.

This follows a cross promotion agreement with WhatsApp Inc that secured for Airtel Nigeria the exclusive right to launch the product in Nigeria, the firm said in a statement.

To access the Airtel WhatsApp bundle, customers are to dial *948# at N100/month to enjoy the service exclusively on the telco’s platform.

Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel, Olu Akanmu, described the service asthe first of its kind in the country.

He said it would provide a channel to connect youths to their friends with unlimited access.

According to him, the new pack-

age, which is available to all prepaid subscribers,attracts no deductions from the user’s data bundle or airtime balance.

“Coming at a time when we are about to start Mobile Number Portability in Nigeria, and with our robust 3.75g broadband strength spread over 180 cities across the country, our customers have just been handed another winner in our collection of bespoke data services through WhatsApp. We shall continue to push harder to realise our vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.”

Customers, who activate data bundles of 200 megabyte (MB) or more, can also enjoy unlimited access to WhatsApp without having to pay for the value-added service.

Etisalat unveils metro fibre network

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TISALAT Nigeria has launched its ground breaking metro fibre cable in Abuja.

The telco, in a statement, said the deployment of the Abuja metro fibre marks is another major milestone in Etisalat’s commitment to provide world class and quality Internet services its customers in the country and that it would increase its network quality, capacity and capability to support more users – both customers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

With the deployment of this high capacity fibre backbone, residents and users in the Abuja area can get superior internet service with unmatched quality in the market.

Speaking on this development, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar said: “We realise our customer’s needs for fast and efficient data services and we have

put forward the investment and resources necessary to provide them with the best broadband service in the country. This is a clear indication of our constant effort to care for our customers and continuously provide them with a superior experience.

“Easy blaze from Etisalat is already the leading and preferred mobile broadband service in the country and so the launch of our Abuja metro fiber means that existing customers and potential ones will be able to do moreHigh Definition Streaming video and audio, faster file downloads of any size, a vastly improved blackberry service and an enhanced experience on any data capable device; Smartphone, PC/Laptop or tablet.

Individuals and businesses can also take advantage of this robust fiber backbone to deploy all their connectivity and productivity solutions.”

Phase3 Telecom bags award Phase3 Telecom, a leader in fibre optic broadband infrastructure in West Africa, has bagged the Telecom Infrastructure Development Icon of the Year Award presented by the African Leadership Magazine.

According to a statement, the firm got the award for its invaluable contribution towards the development of telecom infrastructure in Africa by connecting the West African subregion through aerial Fibre Optic cables deployed on high voltage power lines. Right from

inception, Phase3 Telecom’s vision is to deploy the most reliable and most capable IP backbone in the West African sub-region. Phase3 Telecom is recognised for making available bandwidth requirements for accelerated development of West African countries impacting significantly on the socio-economic development of the region leveraging on the reliability of Fibre Optic cables deployed on high voltage power lines stretching out across Nigeria, Benin and Togo.

•From left: Head, Corporate Administration, Phase3 Telecom, Mark Chiazor; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Adebayo Azeez; CEO, Stanley Jegede; Head, Human Resources, Kemi Oni and Managing Editor, African Leadership Magazine, Kingsley Okeke, at the awards organised by the magazine in Abuja.

‘Mobile money uptake to stabilise in two years’ H OW long will it take for the mobile money initiative introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over a year ago to stabilise?

It will take two years, says the Managing Director, Parkway Projects Limited,Uzor Eziukwu.

In an interview with The Nation, he said tcontrary to the claims in certain quarters, the initiative is not slow.

“I don’t agree with you that it has been slow and sluggish. Generally speaking, financial services have their own life cycle. We have the same experience with ATM cards, which took about three years to pick up. We are just one year into mobile money or mobile payment, the response is ok, but there are challenges like infrastructural chal-

Cellphone penetration hits 69%

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OBILE phone penetration in the country has reached 69.01 per cent, according to a report by Twinpine.

The report said mobile subscribers grew by 18 per cent between 2011 and last year. It lamented, however, that mobile devices used in Africa and the Middle East are unlocked and unprotected.

According to the report, growth

Area Boys demand N100,000 from promo winner

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HEN the name, Egbujire, was called along with the ticket number, there was no response from members of the audience.

The pick was cancelled and another one made. It turned out to be that of 24-year-old Tijani Oriyomi Hadijat, an HND 2 student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Immediately she heard her name, she jumped up from her seat, shouting for joy.

She had just won a barnd new Kia Rio car, the grand prize of the promotion organised by Slot Sys-

tems Limited, an indigenous electronics dealer with outlets in Ikeja and other parts of the country.

But Hadijat’s joy was soon punctuated by the demand of N100,000

by Area Boys (street urchins) at Computer Village in Ikeja. They threatened that she will not drive the car she won away from the market until she had settled them.

“We must chop our own too. You go give us N100,000 before you leave this place,” one of them said.

She was later advised to see the management of Slot Systems for asssitance. Speaking on the sideline, she recalled that she had no

lenges. It is still in its early days, we will get all these things sorted out. I think in the next two years, you will see a huge spike in mobile money transaction in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, there is also need to create products that will drive adoption of the initiative. “Our strategy is niche. We try to make sure that as we build for the mass market, basic USSB app that everybody can access, we want to make sure we create cluster app, something that drives users in campuses, groups together, so you find that what we have done is that using the Blackberry device, we can target specific user in that bracket; middle income, high earning and there is a

huge market out there of such users and they are able to get access to financial services that are tailored around business needs-education, health and so on. And that is the way to drive adoption. You’ve got to create need to use the financial service as opposed to just providing fiancial services,” he said.

According to him, the firm’s focus will be on five states where it hopes to have as many as 700 agents, which he argued are more than some of the branches of some banks in the country. “Our focus is on about five states, rolling out to seven and 10 between now and August. So, in these five states, we will ensure good coverage to 700 of these agents scattered around which are as many as most bank branches in the country,” he added.

premonition that she would win the ultimate prize.

According to her, she bought one of the Asha series of Nokia mobile phone in Abeokuta, Ogun State and she got a raffle ticket.

“I just came from Abeokuta to see what will happen. Immediatey the other person’s name was called and she was no where to found and the man making the pick said the winner was from Abeokuta, my heart jumped into my mouth. I will not sell the car. I will keep it for my personal use.

God will provide the money for running it,” she said.

By Deji Fakorede

will continue in the country’s telecoms sector.

The firm said consumers in the Middle East and Africa are living various aspects of their work, social and online lives through their mobile devices. From surfing online to downloading apps, shopping and making payments from their mobile device, Norton found that nearly nine out of ten online adults (87 per cent) in the Middle East and Africa are mobile device users, of which a large majority (78 per ent) are using them to access the Internet.

“People are relying more and more on their mobile phones and tablets to navigate, share, socialise and shop in today’s constantlyconnected world. What many consumers may not realise is exactly how much of their personal and private information is up for grabs should these devices be compromised, lost or stolen. Considering the sensitive nature of data that is accessible from personal mobile devices, consumers need to take some basic, yet easy, precautions to protect it from falling into the wrong hands,” said

Kara Rawden at Norton by Symantec.

Rawden lamented that as people expand their online lives through mobile devices, many are not taking steps to secure their device and the content it contains, adding that nearly one in four mobile device users in the Middle East and Africa admit to not always downloading applications from trustworthy sources.

Close to three in 10 (29 per cent) indicated that they do not use secure payment methods when making purchases from their mobile device, leaving their sensitive information such as credit card details vulnerable In addition, more than one-quarter (28 per cent), admitted to not using a password to help protect their data. In the event of theft or loss, a treasure trove of personal information stored on the device can potentially be accessed including personal emails, a possiblegateway to other sensitive information such as work correspondence and documents (54 per cent), passwords for other online accounts (20 per cent), and bank statements (33 per cent).

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NEWS Delta bans okada in Ethiope East •Soldiers close in on suspect From Shola O’Neil, Warri

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•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (left) with his Senior Special Assistant on Investment, Mark Okoye, during a presentation by a South African investor, Neil Hughes, in South Africa... yesterday.

Umeh to Okwu: apologise

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EMBATTLED Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh has accused factional chairman of the party Maxi Okwu of ridiculing the former leader of the party, the late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.

Umeh told reporters in Enugu yesterday that APGA is demanding an apology from Okwu for describing the late Ojukwu as an extremist.

Okwu was reported to have said that APGA would drop Ojukwu’s extremism and adopt Nnamdi Azikiwe’s compromise approach in his post-election speech.

Umeh did not stop at that.

He also wanted Ndigbo to ostracise Okwu for making that statement which portrayed Ojukwu as uncompromising in nature.

Umeh, who was declared APGA national chairman on

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Monday by the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu, regretted that Anambra State Governor Peter Obi was sitting beside Okwu while he was denigrating the person of “the late leader of the party and of Ndigbo.”

“It is ‘blasphemy’ of the greatest proportion that Okwu should describe Ojukwu as an extremist .

“And Governor Peter Obi, who benefitted immensely from Ojukwu, was sitting there at the purported convention clapping for him.

“Ojukwu was never an extremist but a man of honour who always spoke and came out challenging policies when they go wrong.

“That does not mean extremism. I am weeping that APGA is being abused by a stranger who was imposed on the people.

“We will not allow a stranger to project APGA as

an unserious party.

“How can he call Ojukwu an extremist? It is on record that Maxi Okwu never liked Ojukwu.

“He had always been critical of Ojukwu. I blame Obi for giving somebody who has no political character and vision the platform to denigrate Ojukwu.

“For that attack on Ojukwu, APGA demands an unreserved apology from Maxi Okwu. “ Umeh also criticised Okwu’s outburst of Okwu that the decision of the Court of Appeal declaring him the authentic national chairman of APGA as futiile and not binding on him “and his cotravellers.”

He reminded Okwu that the ground for staying the decision of the lower court by the Appeal Court was the issue of jurisdiction.

Umeh also reminded Okwu that the presence of the Inde-

Police arrest 20 expectant teens in Anambra HE police in Anambra State yesterday arrested 20 expectant teenagers at the Missionaries of Charity compassionate home in Fegge, Onitsha.

The girls, whose ages ranged from 15 to 30 years, were taken to the Model Motherless Babies’ Home, Awka.

The police said they were invited to the home by a girl, Jacinta, who alleged that her child was sold by the home.

But the government said the home is registered and performing legal functions assigned to it.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Henrietta Agbata described the arrest as unwarranted.

She said the police should have reported to the ministry to know the status of the home rather than the embarrassment it has caused the home, the ministry and the Catholic Church.

“The home is registered and its activities are not in doubt. It doesn’t collect money from anybody to foster a child.

“It is fighting abortion by

T

•We’re embarrassed, say govt, church ‘The home is registered and its activities are not in doubt.

It doesn’t collect money from anybody to foster a child’ From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

assisting families with pregnant teenage girls. We can vouch for them.

“However, there may be a case of one person which was not properly handled but that should not warrant arresting the girls and closing the home.”

It was gathered that Jacinta came into the home last July and lied to the nuns in charge.

A source said: “She was delivered of her baby in September and absconded immediately.

“She returned months later to collect the baby but was told the home only delivers babies but does not keep

them.

“Rather than wait for the next course of action, she went to the police who came and arrested the management of the home and the girls.

“When we got to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the commissioner was embarrassed and told the police so.

“The police dumped the girls at the Model Motherless Babies Home in Awka without provision for what they will eat or where to sleep.

The church is very embarrassed by this incident.

“The girls’ parents are aware that their children are at the home.

“This home does not collect any money for the adoption process, because many families have benefited from the process.

“The home is known for assisting teenagers come out of the shame of unwanted pregnancies rather than resorting to abortion.”

The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Rev Valerian Okeke, described the incident as an embarrassment to the church. .

pendent National Election Commission (INEC) at the said convention does not validate it “In a no distant future, INEC will tell us which of which is the real APGA. “The kangaroo convention was not convened by lawful authorities of APGA. “APGA constitution provides that only the national chairman can convene a convention.”

HE Delta State Government yesterday banned the use of motorcycles in Kokori and other parts of Ethiope East Local Government.

Troops of the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army swooped on the area on Monday in a manhunt for one of the most notorious criminals in the Niger Delta.

Kelvin, a notorious hoodlum, believed to be responsible for the death of over a dozen security operatives, including soldiers, police and prison wardens, is reportedly holed in a remote part of the area.

Over 80 per cent of crimes around the area, which is the “headquarters” of kidnappers and robbers in the state, are traced to him.

He was fingered for the daredevil attack on a convoy conveying prisoners, including kidnappers and robbery suspects, to court last month. Those freed included a suspect said to be his close friend.

At the time of this report yesterday, uneasy calm pervaded the community as soldiers continued to patrol the streets and suburbs around the hitherto sleepy town.

It was gathered that the ban on Okada, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Ovouzorie Macaulay, was part of measures aimed at reducing the criminal’s mobility and bring the search to a quick end.

Addressing reporters after a security council meeting in Warri yesterday evening, the SSG said: “One of the real outcome of today’s meeting is the fact that the security council has decided to place a ban on Okada in Kokori town.

“Any Okada riding in Kokori is banned with immediate effect.

“In other words, from this moment onwards, no Okada of whatever type commercially is allowed in Kokori. Seven days from now in every part of Ethiope East Okada will not be allowed.

“In other words, whether in Kokori, Isiokolo, Okpara, Abraka, Eku, all use of Okada remain banned.

“But the other villages and towns have seven days grace from today. By next Wednesday, Okada remains banned in the whole of Ethiope East. But with effect from this moment, Okada is banned in Kokori Town.”

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54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-04-13

SEC changes fidelity bond policy

A

LL Capital Market op erators would hence forth have to renew their fidelity bond annually inline with the Gregorian calendar year, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said.

In a circular to all capital market operators obtained

by The Nation, the apex capital market regulator stated that all registered capital market operators are henceforth required to maintain a fidelity bond, which has a validity period from January to December of each year.

The announcement of change in fidelity bond policy, otherwise known as professional indemnity policy, came on the heels of recent exclusive report by this newspaper that some 213 capital market operators including several high-brow law firms, reporting accountants, banks, investment management firms and advisory firms are operating with expired fidelity bond.

SEC stated that operators that have already submitted fidelity bonds that will expire before December 2013 should extend their policy to expire in December 2013 before its expiry date so as to enable them to have a new policy in January 2014, which will now extend to December 2014.

According to the Commission, any fidelity bond which does not conform to this standard will henceforth not be accepted.

“Note that operating in the capital market without a valid fidelity bond is a contravention of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) No. 29, 2007 and SEC Rules & Regulations Pursuant to the Act,” SEC stated.

A fidelity bond is essentially a form of insurance against internal fraud, malpractices and willful professional negligence. It provides cushion for various losses that might arise from employee’s dishonesty.

A recent status review un-

•Equities shed N135b

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

dertaken by The Nation on the condition of capital market operators showed that some 213 capital market operators pose potential risks to capital market operations by not providing fidelity bond against internal malpractices.

The expiration of their fidelity bonds makes the functional registration of the companies and individuals as capital market operators incomplete.

According to report based on data provided by SEC, about 46 per cent of operators with expired fidelity bond and incomplete registration are solicitors including high-brow Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) law firms. At least, 97 law firms registered as solicitors have expired fidelity bonds.

Accounting firms are the second largest group of culprits with several wellknown accounting firms, with registration as reporting accountants, operating with expired fidelity bonds.

At least four banks, which were registered as issuing house or investment adviser, were listed among the defaulters while several fund managers, registrars and brokers were also listed in the search.

A source familiar with securities regulation had said the operators with deficient fidelity bond might not be allowed by SEC to handle transactions.

The source had said that what the defaulting operators do is to rush to renew such deficiency whenever they have capital market transaction for regulatory approval cautioning investors, issuers and other users of capital market services to request for evidence of full clearance and subsisting complete registration before engaging the service of any operator.

The insistence of SEC on a full-year annual fidelity bond will neutralise such skeletal approach to compliance.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market became overtly bearish yesterday with nearly four out of every five stocks that recorded price changes closing on the downside.

The extensive bearishness shaved off N135 billion from market aggregate value of quoted equities, dropping from N10.910 trillion to N10.775 trillion. With 43 losers to 12 gainers, the valuetracking main index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), also shrank to 33,665.58 points as against its opening index of 34,089.01 points.

While several of the declining stocks had declared dividends or reported impressive earnings, investors appeared intent on locking in capital gains, thus pushing in open market sale orders that overwhelm the tenuous demand that had characterized the market in the wake of generally late earnings reports.

Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria led the losing stocks with a drop of N3.80 to close at N83.90. Nigerian Breweries followed with a loss of N3.01. UAC of Nigeria (UACN) dropped N2.92 to close at N56.08. Guinness Nigeria, Presco and Nestle Nigeria lost N1 each to close at N264, N23 and N972 respectively. Oando placed fifth with a loss of 95 kobo to close at N16.05.

On the positive side, Okomu Oil Palm rallied to N106 per share after the agriculture company chalked up the highest gain of N9. It has subsisting dividends of N7 and bonus share of one for one share. Dangote Cement gained N1.02 to close at N157.02. PZ Cussons Nigeria added 30 kobo to close at N35.50. Fidelity Bank rose by 19 kobo to N2.90 while RT Briscoe added 16 kobo to close at N2.10 per share.

Investors meanwhile, staked N5.85 billion on 573.76 million shares through 7,231 deals. Banking stocks accounted for N3.57 billion on 384.16 million shares in 3,534 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-04-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

55

MONEY LINK Eurobond yields drop to 9-week low Stories by Collins Nweze

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IGERIA’S dollar-denominated borrowing costs fell to the lowest in more than nine weeks on expectations that central banks globally will provide more stimulus measures to boost their economies.

Bloomberg said yields on the West African nation’s Eurobonds due January 2021 dropped 18 basis points to 4.04 per cent - the lowest since January 31.

“The market now expects the quantitative easing program in the United States to go on for longer and probably for rates to remain low for a more

meaningful period. That should provide support for the Eurobond asset class,” Samir Gadio, an emerging- markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd., said.

Yields on Ghana’s $750 million Eurobonds, due October 2017, slipped 8 basis points to 4.76 per cent. Gabon’s $1 billion debt due December 2017 retreated 11 basis points to 3.12 per cent.

The United States 10-year bond yields traded below two per cent for the third straight week as Federal

ANAN, ICAN partner

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HE Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) is looking for ward to collaborating with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to stimulate growth of the economy. President of the association,Hajia Maryam Ladi IbrahIm disclosed this when she received the President of ICAN, Mr Adedoyin Owolabi and the Chairman of ICAN Lagos Mainland District Society, Chief Raphael Anyama, at the ANAN’s Secretariat in Lagos. The ANAN President explained that both bodies had a long struggle to get to where they are today and are now working together.

According to her, “we must begin to think of a joint advisory role to government and having a committee of the two bodies”.

Ibrahim added that it was not proper for issues to come up and both associations would give different versions to government. She said that ANAN, ICAN members should be holding forth as Minister of Finance, adding that without collaboration, the associations would not get there.

The ANAN president added that the Accountants were constantly accused of all the rots in both the private and public sector. “If you know any Accountant perpetrating such, report to either of the professional organisations, so that the person can be disciplined. We are taking it very serious because it is the only way we can show we are a serious association,’’ Ibrahim said.

On whistle blowing, Ibrahim said that ANAN already had internal structures in place but waiting for the National Assembly to put the Act in place.

She explained that every week, the government released billions of naira for contracts, pointing out that both ANAN and ICAN should be able to do the right thing by advising government. According to her, budget implementation and monitoring should be a joint effort and on national issues, “we should be able to have a common ground.”

Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke signaled in a speech on Tuesday that there was room for improvement in the economy, spurring bets the central bank will maintain asset purchases. The Bank of Japan last week announced stimulus measures.

The naira slipped less than 0.1 per cent to N157.65 a dollar in Lagos. Yields on the nation’s domestic debt due 2022 fell seven basis points to 10.84 per cent, according to prices on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Jaiz Bank appoints Acting MD

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HE board of Directors of Jaiz Bank Plc has announced the appointment of its General Manager in charge of Business Development Group, Hassan Usman as the lender’s Acting Managing Director.

This follows the resignation of the Managing Director, Muhammed Mustapha Bintube after almost 10 years of meritorious service.

A statement from the bank described Hassan as a trained chartered accountant and a seasoned banker. He graduated with a first class Degree in Accounting in 1985 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria and became an Associate Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1989. He obtained his Post Graduate Diploma in Management in 1995 from Maastricht School of Management. Hassan also attended the Oxford University Executive Management Programme in 2002.

His work experience include, Fi-

nancial Controller of Nigerian Development Company Limited, Kaduna, Financial Controller and Treasurer at NAL Merchant Bank PLC between 1996-2001., General Manager, Banking Services, Inland Bank, Deputy General Manager and Head Business and Financial Advisory Group, NAL Merchant Bank. He is a Fellow of the Institute.

According to the statement, Bintube’s decision to leave at this time was personal, especially having achieved the mandate given to him by the Bank’s Board of Directors. The bank stressed that the credit behind the success of Ja’iz under this short period “goes to this distinguished and a quintessential banker with several years of experience”. The statement further reiterated the Bank’s commitment to its underlining principles of high ethics, transparency, fairness and the socio-economic development of the Nigerian people.

Jaiz got its regional banking li-

Stanbic IBTC launches mobile money application

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•Usman

cence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 11th November, 2011 and commenced operations on the 6th of January, 2012 in three locations - Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with additional branches opening soon in Maiduguri, Gombe and Katsina.

TANBIC IBTC Bank has announced the launch of Stanbic IBTC MobileMoney App for smartphones running on BlackBerry, iOS and Android operating systems.

The lender’s Executive Director for Personal and Business Banking, Obinnia Abajue said the launch underlines the bank’s commitment to providing Nigerians with value-added products and services that suit their lifestyles, whilst giving them access to basic financial options via a secure mobile application wherever and whenever they want.

It said the App operates on a user-friendly platform that offers its users a convenient means of carrying out MobileMoney transactions from the comfort of their mobile devices, wherever they are. “With the smartphone app, customers can enjoy MobileMoney services such as airtime purchase, funds transfer to all bank accounts, bills payment, money transfer to mobile phone subscribers, and much more. The application is free and available for download to both customers and non-customers of the bank, including individuals who do not own a bank account,” it said.

Mr Abajue said the launch of the mobile application is another step towards leveraging evolving technologies to bring affordable financial services closer to Nigerians, in line with the bank’s financial inclusion initiative.

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 10-04-13

SYMBOL WAPIC OKOMUOIL RTBRISCOE FIDELITYBK IPWA STERLNBANK REDSTAREX UPL PZ WEMABANK

O/PRICE 1.16 97.00 1.94 2.71 0.66 2.75 3.90 4.90 35.20 1.33

C/PRICE 1.27 106.00 2.10 2.90 0.70 2.80 3.95 4.95 35.50 1.34

CHANGE 0.11 9.00 0.16 0.19 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.30 0.01

DIAMONDBNK NAHCO TRANSCORP AIICO AGLEVENT MULTITREX NEM PRESTIGE NEIMETH AFRIPRUD

O/PRICE 6.30 5.04 1.31 0.92 1.45 0.66 0.78 0.68 0.98 1.85

C/PRICE 5.67 5.08 1.18 0.83 1.31 0.60 0.71 0.62 0.90 1.70

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

LOSERS AS AT 10-04-13

SYMBOL

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 138.34 152.72 0.80 1.14 1.10 100.00 1,000.00 1,786.88 15.58 1.39 1.87 10,855.53

9.08 1.00 137.92 153.03 0.78 1.14 1.09 100.00 1,000.00 1,781.87 14.82 1.33 1.80 10,528.92

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.63 0.56 0.13 0.09 0.14 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.08 0.15

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2012

07, Aug, 2012

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

56

NEWS

JAMB, NECO won’t be scrapped, says Presidency T HE Federal Government has said it will not scrap the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) as well as the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The Presidency said yesterday the government would not scrap the examination bodies.

The Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, is expected to announce the government’s position before next Monday.

The Presidency’s clarification on the examination bodies was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Jude Imagwe.

The President’s aide spoke at the annual two-day workshop at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, with the theme: Improved Teaching and Learning Methods in Higher Education System.

Imagwe, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event, explained that the Federal Government was studying the White Paper sub-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

mitted by the Steve Oronsaye-led committee.

He said the Presidency, on Monday, convened a special meeting, comprising vicechancellors from public and private universities, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as well as some top government functionaries and took the decision.

The President’s aide said because both bodies are government’s babies, the government would nurture them to maturity rather than scrap them.

According to him, since NECO and JAMB were established through an Act, it would be wrong of the government to scrap them without recourse to the laws that set them up.

Imagwe accused the media of pre-empting the government by making the announcement before the government.

He said: “There is a panel

that was constituted by the government to look into the White Paper that was presented to the Federal Government.

When White Papers are presented, they are mere recommendations. When the government studies it, it comes out with its own positions. But there was a misrepresentation in the media that the government had concluded plans to scrap NECO and JAMB. “Just on Monday, we had a meeting on this same issue.

The President of NANS and his Secretary were there.

Vice-chancellors of some private and public universities were also represented. I can tell you categorically that a position is going to be made public soonest. The Minister (of Education) will address the public on government’s final position before Monday.

We must remember that these are organs enacted by an Act. So, it is not that the government will just wake up one day and scrap them…”

God has been kind to me, says Mark at 65

S

ENATE President David Mark yesterday promised not to deviate from doing “what is right and noble before men and God at all times”.

The Senate President spoke in his Otukpo, Benue State home, when he hosted the Catholic Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Archbishop Augustine Kasugga.

He said: “I will do only those things I can defend before God. My utterances and actions will be dictated by the fear of God. “I am so thankful to God for His mercies and privileges.”

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President said he has “dedicated the rest of his life to serve God and humanity”.

Mark requested for prayers

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

for leaders at all levels to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

He noted that the clergy and politicians exist to serve the people.

The Senate President promised to use the Constitution as his guide and ensure fairness and justice in discharging his duties.

Mark assured that the government would be guided by the principle of equity and justice in the distribution of social amenities and appointments so that no section of the country would feel cheated.

Kasugga, who was accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Bishop Michael Apochi Ekwoayi, urged leaders and political

•Senator Mark

office holders to make the welfare and security of the people their priority.

The statement added: “Mark had addressed some members of his community from Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, led by House of Representatives member Samson Okwu.

“He told them to be law abiding as government was not unmindful of their demands for improved social amenities,” Mark added.

Court rules today on Akingbola’s request LAGOS High, Ikeja, for treatment abroad will today rule on an

A

application filed by the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Dr. Erastus Akingbola, seeking the court’s leave to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo will also rule on two applications filed separately by Akingbola and his co-defendant, Bayo Dada, seeking the variation of their bail terms.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Akingbola and Dada, the General Manager of Tropics Finance Limited, with stealing N47.1 billion belonging to the defunct Intercontinental Bank.

The former bank chief stated in his application of March 19, which was filed by his counsel, Mr. Mike Igbokwe (SAN), that he needed to keep a medical appointment at Harley Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom, on April 15.

“Medical appointments are

By Adebisi Onanuga

fixed by doctors and this application is not meant to induce the court to exercise its discretion in the first defendant’s favour.

“The application is to enable the first defendant (Akingbola) quickly go for the treatment and come back for his trial,” Igbokwe said.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), moved Akingbola’s application to travel abroad for medical treatment.

He told the court that the argument by the prosecution, which asked the court to dismiss the application, was a distraction.

The senior lawyer referred the judge to some of his recent rulings, including that of Abdulahi Alao, Mahmud Tukur and Olawale Babalakin (SAN), whose similar applications were granted.

Olanipekun queried why a

similar application by Akingbola would be refused.

He urged the judge to follow his ruling on previous cases and grant his client’s application.

The senior advocate opposed the EFCC’s submission that the overseas treatment Akingbola wanted to undertake could be provided in Nigeria.

According to him, it is the right of every human being to choose whoever should treat him because the matter is not whether or not the treatment is available in Nigeria.

Olanipekun stressed that Akingbola has the right to choose who should treat him.

The EFCC counsel, Edward Okpe, opposed the application.

He said the cases Olanipekun cited were irrelevant to Akingbola’s case.

He said the case was not relevant to the matter before the court because the prosecution did not oppose the applications in the cited cases.

THE NATION THURSDAY APRIL 11, 2013

57

NEWS Ahmed hails Fed Govt on amnesty committee From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

K

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has hailed the Federal Government for setting up a committee to examine the possibility of granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor described the Federal Government’s amnesty plan as a bold step that could lead to the restoration of peace in the North and other parts of the country.

Ahmed said: “I whole-heartedly support the granting of amnesty to Boko Haram members because it will provide a platform for the sect’s members to lay their grievances on the table and the Federal Government, indeed all Nigerians, will use the platform to understand their grievances.”

The governor urged Nigerians to be ambassadors of peace, adding that no society can develop under rancour and violence.

Police warn Edo politicians From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia and Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE police in Edo State yesterday warned politicians to conduct themselves peacefully during the April 20 local government elections.

Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting in Benin.

He said the police would not tolerate acts inimical to the Public Order Act. He said: “The election is just 10 days away, and as we watch candidates campaign peacefully I have no doubt that as the day approaches, the polity will become more heated.

“But I assure that the command will not tolerate any violence.

“At the same time, I wish to appeal that politicians comply with provisions of the Public Order Act, as the build-up to Election Day approaches.”

Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission Solomon Ogoh hailed Adebanjo for organising the programme.

He said: “What I say is that election is not the responsibility of one person, but all stakeholders.

Boy petitions Rivers Assembly From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

A

YOUNG boy, Ukechukwu Ewurum, whose right hand was severed by a Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) cable, has petitioned the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The 12-year-old, who lives in Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt, claimed that a PHCN power line fell on his home.

The petition presented by Austin Ngor of Abua/Odual Constituency also held that the electrocution also ripped open the victim’s stomach and has stopped his schooling.

The petitioner urged PHCN to take responsibility for the accident, saying all efforts to get the management in Port Harcourt to take appropriate action have been resisted.

Six die, 22 injured in Gombe accident

S

IX people have been confirmed dead and 22 others seriously injured yesterday in an accident on Dukku Road, Gombe, the Gombe State capital.

It was learnt that the accident, which occurred at 11 am, involved a Daf trailer, with registration number XB 944 HJA and a Mitsubishi Canter car, with registration number XA 590 KWM. The Gombe State Sector

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kuteb Takum Galadima, confirmed the accident.

He said 22 bodies were recorded from both vehicles.

The FRSC chief said the casualties included five men and a woman, who died on the spot. Galadima attributed the accident to brake failure.

He urged motorists to al-

ways ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before they begin any trip.

"The total number of people injured in both vehicles was 22. The total number of people killed is six. Of the six, five are males and one female," he said.

Sani Mohammed Balalo, a car dealer, whose building was damaged during the accident, said the trailer, which was carrying metal zinc, suddenly lost control

and rammed into the other vehicle.

The trailer reportedly destroyed shops and property in the area.

Balalo said rescuers used a crane to remove some people from beneath the trailer.

The businessman said he was not sure if all the victims were dead.

Balalo said FRSC officials evacuatined the victims from the scene.

Airhiavbere’s lawyer joins ACN

T

HE coordinator of the legal team of Charles Airhiavbere, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, Kelvin Aigbe, has dumped him for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Another PDP chieftain Martins Osakwe also joined the ACN with hundreds of his supporters.

Osakwe said the action was borne out of the desire to join in developing the state.

“When you take a child to school and the child keeps failing and fails 18 subjects, as a parent, won’t you think twice? You may have to ask

By Dupe OlaoyeOsinkolu

the child to go and learn a trade.

“We are leaving a group of shadow-chasers, petty people. It is a party of deceivers.

“What are we still doing in PDP? It is never too late to develop Edo State.

“We are here to serve. We have come to be loyal members of the ACN.” Aigbe said: “We have discovered there is no changing a winning team.

“What PDP could not do for eight years, somebody came and in five years has

performed well.

“I want to thank you for all you are doing. You are doing well. The sky is your limit.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole praised them for their courage to exit the sinking PDP. “The ACN as a democratic party does not have one owner. It belongs to the members.

“In our membership there is no age. So it does not really matter to us when you joined, so long as you have joined.

“I want to appreciate your level of sophistication for being on a different platform

•Airhiavbere

and yet appreciate what the other person is doing.

“On my part, I am strengthened to do more of what we have been doing,” he added.

Victims’ families to attend mass burial

T

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged families of victims of the Ugogui road accident to converge on the University of Benin Teaching on Saturday to witness the mass burial.

About 60 persons were burnt to death in the accident that occurred on April 5, on the Benin-Ore road after a tanker exploded, following multiple accidents.

Many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

UBTH Management had

From Osagie Otabor Benin

fixed yesterday (Wednesday) for the mass burial of the victims but it was shifted to Saturday for possible identification of victims by

family.

Sector Commander of the FRSC, K.C Nwaegbe in a statement yesterday confirmed the Saturday date and urged relatives to visit the

hospital for possible identification of their relations before the mass burial.

He advised travellers to fill accurate data in the Passengers’ Manifest and documentation

Oshiomhole appoints aides

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has approved the appointment of Chris Okaeben as Executive Director, Petroleum and Gas Monitoring.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the giovernor also approved the appoint-

ment of Kenneth Ihensekhien as Special Adviser, Abiona Kenny Olawale, Executive Director, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and Robert Okubo, Executive Director, Security and Marine Surveillance.

Okaeben was a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment in his first tenure.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

H

ello Uche. I never miss your publications.

Please I have a problem. My wife and I have been married for two years now. We both work and earn money and yet, she expects me to take care of everything. Things are difficult and this is her family too - Chinedu Dear Chinedu, this issue is quite common especially amongst couples who dated for a short time before getting married. However, females generally believe that financial responsibilities belong to the man alone although many women are now learning to contribute to their households. This is what I advise you to do.

Forget about what your wife earns and make your budget based on what you earn, even if you don’t earn enough. The reason you need to approach it this way is that if you force her to contribute financially, it will create all sorts of problems for you and you will lose her respect and your control of your household. I have seen this happen to couples too many times. Just accept that providing for your family is your responsibility and do your best. That is what men do.

Sometimes it takes married women time to realise that they need to support their husbands in whatever way they can, and many of them do realise this eventually and start contributing. But they will only contribute in their own way and not exactly the way you expect. If you pay attention, you will just notice one day that

your children have nice clothes and toys and a bunch of other things that you did not buy. Women’s money often goes to the upkeep of their children and a few other domestic expenses that men hardly notice. But if you are trying to make her pay rent this year because you paid last year, it will only end in disaster. Avoid controlling how she spends the money she makes. Sensible women always end up contributing – Uche I have weak erection problems and I cannot perform the way I want. Please what is the best drug for me?

Money is not an issue. I have heard about all you do to help people. Please I want the best – Henry Henry the best of these erection enhancers is Xzen Platinum. It is the only erection enhancer in the market that gives hard erections, stamina for multiple rounds, enlarges the penis in length and width, stops premature ejaculation and increases sperm volume. Normally you need to buy three or four different products to achieve all that Xzen Platinum does and one capsule of it works for one week. No other product does all these things.

Xzen Platinum is all natural and better than Viagra by far. It costs more than other supplements but it is good value for money considering all that it does – Uche My husband says I don’t show emotion during foreplay. I don’t know what to do. I can only say that I don’t always enjoy sex – Mrs Williams

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS Pakistan denies drone pact with US

P

AKISTAN has rejected a US media report that it has struck a deal with the CIA over a secret drone campaign in the country’s tribal regions.

The New York Times (NYT) has reported that Pakistan and the US had signed the deal in 2004 and a US spy aircraft in its first strike had killed senior Pakistani Taliban commander Nek Muhammad in South Waziristan.

The CIA has since conducted hundreds of drone strikes in Pakistan that have killed thousands of people, Pakistanis and Arabs, militants and civilians alike, the paper said.

The Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said Sunday that the story is baseless and a part of the propaganda to create confusion about Pakistan’s clear position on this matter, reported Xinhua.

“We have repeatedly affirmed that Pakistan regards the use of drone strikes as counterproductive,” the spokesman said while responding to a query on the NYT report.

EU •50million support to ECOWAS Mali force

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HE EU is providing 50 million Euros to ECOWAS in support of the African-led International Mission in Mali (AFISMA).

The grant is partial fulfillment of its pledge to support the implementation of the roadmap for the transition to democratic rule and free and fair elections, among others.

Beside the French troops, AFISMA which has the backing of United Nations Security council has - more than 6,000 African troops, including the contingent from Chad, deployed in Mali.

Most of the EU funding will cover allowances for the troops and officers and will directly support the deployment of AFISMA. The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, and the Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador David MacRae, signed the •50million grant contract in support of the African-led International Sup-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

port to Mali (AFISMA) Tuesday in Abuja at the 9th edition of the ECOWAS/Developmwnt partners annual coordination meeting.

Explaining the reason for the grant, MacRae who spoke before the signing of the agreement said the era where terrorist and criminal groups in the Sahel and in Mali hold sway are over, stressing that EU is committed to play an important role in the endeavor towards restoring peace and stability in Mali.

He said,”As you know, the African Peace Facility has become over the past years an important instrument to provide predictable funding to Africanled peace support operations. The EUR 50 million grant contract we are signing today concretises the pledge made by the EU during the donors’ conference hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa on 29 January 2013.

“The EU is committed to playing an important role in this endeavour and to providing necessary support to the stabilization process in Mali at all levels, including political, military, early recovery and development assistance while maintaining its humanitarian aid and supporting the respect of human rights.

“Politically, the EU has pledged to support the implementation of the Road Map for the transition to democratic and constitutional rule, national inclusive dialogue and free and fair elections. The Malian authorities must now accelerate the process towards the full return to constitutional order and the political reconstruction of the country.”

He also added that “As far as development assistance is concerned, the EU is gradually resuming its development aid to Mali, for which there is •250m available from the European Development Fund, plus a further •20m of

Two face jail in Britain for 9/11-like plot

Man held for alleged White House bomb threat

T

WO members of a terrorist cell face jail in Britain after they admitted their involvement in a suicide bomb plot comparable to “another 9/11”, a media report said.

Bahader Ali, 29, and Mohammed Rizwan, 34, confessed to the Woolwich Crown Court to charges of gathering funds and information to support their plan, the Daily Mail reported.

The pair, from Birmingham, were part of a terrorist cell which had converted a council house into a bomb factory to prepare for the attack.

Three others — Irfan Khalid, 28, Irfan Naseer, 31, and Ashik Ali, 28 — were convicted last month of being the ringleaders of a plot for a series of suicide bombings across the country.

Secretly recordings of the three showed them boasting that their attack would be “another 9/11” as they practised making bombs.

The daily said Naseer and Khalid twice travelled to Pakistan to learn about bomb-making, weapons and poisons, and later returned to Birmingham to share their expertise.

Members of the cell posed as charity collectors to raise funds for the attacks, raking in around 15,000 pounds but then wasted the cash on bad investments and buying a car.

But they were arrested in September 2011 before any attacks could take place.

A three-day sentencing hearing will begin April 22, when all members of the terrorist cell will be sentenced.

G8 foreign ministers meet in London

S

YRIA remains top of the agenda for the international community, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said yesterday as G8 foreign ministers gathered in Britain.

Mr Hague is hosting the meeting, which is a preliminary gathering ahead of the flagship G8 meeting in Northern Ireland later this year.

Speaking on BBC One’s Breakfast programme, Mr Hague said: “This is about preventing conflict, resolving conflict, dealing with its consequences - that means top of the agenda will be dealing with Syria and the situation in Syria, which continues to get worse.

“We will also be discussing North Korea... and top of my personal agenda will be, with reference to the Save the Children report on sexual abuse and violence in conflict, I’m trying to get the G8 nations together to support my initiative on this and to make sure the culture of impunity, that people think they can get away with such things in war, is brought to an end.

“It requires a lot of international agreement and unity, I hope we can really start that at this meeting,” The Foreign Office said Somalia, Burma, cyberspace and the Deauville Partnership with Arab Countries in Transition would also be on the agenda of the two-day meeting.

fast-disbursing assistance from the Instrument for Stability which will be focused on support for the political process, justice and law enforcement.

The EU, he also said is committed to sustain and if need be increase humanitarian aid which is in the region of •42million so far this year.

On the issue of security, MacRae said EU military training (provided by the EUTM Mali) started on 2 April as planned, he however said “It will however take time for the Malian forces to be ready.”

He also commended the decision of President Ouedraogo to establish a finance cell within the ECOWAS Commission for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,” which will significantly strengthen the capacity of the institution in the management of peace support operations.”

He also assured that “ Part of the EU funding will directly support the establishment and functioning of this new cell, which I am informed, is already well advanced to take on this important role.”

•U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon (L) shakes hands with Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican ..Tuesday.

(REUTERS/ Vincenzo Pinto)

Jordan opens second camp for Syrian refugees

S

TRUGGLING to cope with the influx of Syrian refugees, Jordan on Wednesday opened a second camp for Syrians fleeing the civil war at home.

The kingdom has sheltered nearly half a million refugees who escaped the two-year conflict but officials fear that the number of Syrians could double in the next six months as the fighting escalates as the weather becomes warmer.

Since the beginning of the year, an average of 1,500 to 2,000 Syrians have been pouring into Jordan daily. Initially, the kingdom was reluctant to set up refugee camps, possibly to avoid angering Syrian President Bashar Assad’s autocratic regime by showing images at his doorstep of civilians flee-

ing his military onslaught against them.

But last summer, Jordan opened the Zaatari refugee camp close to the Syrian border. And on Wednesday, a second desert camp - this one funded by the United Arab Emirates and run by its Red Crescent Society - opened its doors in Mrajeeb al-Fhood, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) from the border, and welcomed its first batch of 110 Syrians.

One of the first to enter was Ahmed al-Hassan, 30, a butcher who fled Syria with his wife and two young sons. He said it took them four days to reach Jordan after escaping the Baba Amr neighborhood in the central city of Homs.

They travelled on foot, at first along

Syria’s border with Iraq, hitching rides and occasionally hiding in shops to escape government forces. Behind them, he said, they left a wasteland that was recently recaptured by Assad’s troops.

“There is nothing left there,” said al-Hassan, hugging his sons who appeared apprehensive of the new surroundings. The rest of the family stayed behind in Baba Amr. “The Syrian military destroyed homes and buildings. The dead have been left to rot in the streets.”

Other refugees appeared too frightened to speak to journalists but the children quickly became cheerful after Emirati Red Crescent workers distributed food, colorful building blocks and other plastic toys.

Mandela’s children in court over biz ownership

•Mandela

T

HE children of Nelson Mandela have launched a court case against several business associates of the former president in a dispute over the control of two companies, a South African newspaper said.

The Star says the case was filed Mon-

day in the Johannesburg High Court

by Mandela’s daughters, Makaziwe and Zenani.

It was supported by the grandchildren of the anti-apartheid leader, who recently left a hospital after treatment for pneumonia.

The court papers reportedly say lawyers George Bizos and Bally Chuene, and businessman Tokyo Sexwale, have no right to remain as directors of companies whose main purpose was to channel funds from the sale of 94-year-old Nelson Mandela’s handprints.

The newspaper quoted Bizos as saying the Mandela daughters are ‘trying to get their hands on the money’, estimated to be more than £1.1million.

The two daughters claim that Bizos,

Sexwale and Chuene were never appointed by Mandela as major shareholders or directors. Bizos claims the allegations are completely false.

‘There is no basis to the allegations.

We are not hijackers. We don’t hijack things.

‘We are confident we were regularly appointed at the wish of Mr Mandela five years ago.’

The South African presidency announced the 94-year-old had been cleared to leave the Pretoria hospital following ‘a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition.’

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital on Sunday following a nine-day stay for treatment of pneumonia.

A

PENNSYLVANIA man was arrested on Wednesday on charges that he made a bomb threat at the White House, police said.

The suspect, Krzysztof Wasik, 44, of Hazle Township, Pennsylvania, approached a Secret Service officer shortly after 4 a.m. (800 GMT) at the White House gates and said a bomb in a truck parked nearby was set to go off, District of Columbia police spokesman Araz Alali said.

Surrounding streets and entrances to a subway station were shut down as a police bomb unit checked for explosives. Nothing was found, and the area was reopened, Alali said.

Wasik is being held by the Secret Service on charges of felonious threats, Alali said.

North Korea readying for Marathon, not Armageddon

H

AVING threatened to bomb the United States and warned foreigners to leave South Korea due to an impending thermonuclear war, North Korea said on Wednesday it was readying for a marathon to celebrate its founder’s birthday.

The North’s state news agency said a big contingent of foreign runners was expected from countries including Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Ethiopia as well as 600 North Koreans at the April 14 race, which is recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

“I think enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament is running high among local marathoners and their coaches as never before,” the KCNA news agency cited Ham Chang-hyok of the Sports Ministry as saying.

This is the 26th time the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, named after a hill revered for its association with the country’s founding hero, Kim Il Sung, has been held.

The men’s event was won by Ukrainian Oleksander Matviychuk last year and North Korean Kim Mi-gyong won the women’s event.

It is not known if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, whose portly frame would appear to suggest he is not a keen runner, would attend the event.

Kim is noted for his love of basketball and recently hosted former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman in the capital, Pyongyang.

The anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the current leader, is on April 15 and is usually marked which a big military parade.

59

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

NEWS

16 feared killed, 11 missing in Taraba Kuteb-Tiv crisis

A

T LEAST 16 people have been reportedly killed and 11 others declared missing in a renewed communal crisis between Kuteb and Tiv speaking people of Yangtu Development Area of Taraba State.

Police were still investigating the whereabouts of six persons yesterday when reports came on the behading of two people and the abduction of five others at Tumator Mbayange, bringing the missing figure to 11.

Two women are believed to be among the abductees.

Yangtu is between Takum (in Taraba) and Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue South.

The two neighbouring communities have been pitted against each other over a disputed land at Kaaor settlement, near the Army Barracks in Takum.

The affected areas include: Tompo, Age, Campo-Ugbenger, along Kashimbilla Road and Tse-Azer.

Sources said the hostilities have spilled over to the suburbs of Takum, despite police/army surveillance.

Hundreds of residents are fleeing the area.

Residents of Taraba South have been up-in-arms

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

against one another over land, as the area has the most fertile soil for cultivation in the sub-region.

Behind the festering feud is the battle to control the land.

In 2005, a similar clash between the Tiv and Kuteb claimed several lives.

Farm produce and houses were destroyed.

It was gathered that a prelude to the latest crisis followed the missing of four Tiv farmers, which an eye-witness account claimed, triggered the fresh round of violence.

What began as skirmishes last week snowballed into a fierce and full-scale offensive.

“Many are being killed in different locations in a string of attacks”, a source said.

The police are still searching for the missing persons, their spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) told The Nation.

Kwaji said: “We are still searching. As I speak with you, the State Commissioner of Police, Jubril Adeniji, has deployed our men to the area to search

for the four farmers who went to their farmlands and couldn’t return home.

“We are also searching for two persons – wood cutters, who went for logging and couldn’t come back. As at today (yesterday), the bodies of the six missing persons have not been recovered. Nobody knows whether they are still alive or dead.”

Coordinator of Yangtu Development Area, Mr. Kefas Maiyaki, said the casualty figure could not be ascertained.

He said: “This is a war taking place in the forest.

You can’t exactly know who and who and how many people have been killed.

“For instance, the bodies of the four farmers killed have not been recovered.

But I am asking the government to intervene speedily to maintain law and order in the area”.

He preached peaceful coexistence between the warring communities.

“My prayer is for the displaced residents to go back to their homes and farms, as continued violence could lead to food shortage and other economic woes,” he said.

Alleged N46b fraud: EFCC arraigns perm sec, others Continued from page 6

the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria 2007.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The court fixed their trial for June 3 and 4, 2013.

Justice Talba said the bail granted the accused persons by the former judge should continue to run since they had

complied with the conditions.

“In the same vein, the sixth accused (Attang) is granted bail on the same terms and conditions with other accused persons,” the judge said.

The indication given by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), not to oppose bail application, bearing in mind the fact that the case was transferred cleared the way for the accused person temporary freedom.

Justice Baba adjourned to June 3 and 4 for trial.

Outside the courtroom, a big drama was on. Relations of one of the suspects — Mrs Onyegbula—beat up some journalists trying to take her photograph after the proceedings.

Those manhandled include Femi Ipaye (TheNews), Jide Oyekunle (Daily Independent) and Rotimi Ósasona of National Mirror.

Osasona’s camera was damaged.

Families can’t see policemen’s bodies Continued from page 6

uniforms stolen.

“The Bayelsa police commissioner should not be told that the right thing for him to do will be to resign. If he does not want to do the right thing, he should be sacked forthwith, for others to always take their jobs seriously,” the activist suggested.

But the police commissioner, who spoke through the

command’s spokesman, Alex Akhigbe, dismissed the information from Nsirimovu as incorrect.

He, however, described the incident as “very unfortunate” and declined further comment.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said his men were still combing the

creeks for the bodies of the two remaining policemen.

Nwachukwu, who said the JTF was intensifying its manhunt for the killers, insisted that there would be no hiding place for them.

Relatives of the victims, who thronged the FMC to have a glimpse of the remains went back home disappointed.

Buhari backs amnesty for Boko Haram Continued from page 6

granted to the group, it would not be the first of such a thing, citing the clemency extended to Niger Delta militants by the administration of the late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’ Ardua.

Gen. Buhari said: “Yes, it is good they have set up a committee and I haven’t seen the terms of reference, but it is the right thing to do. This is not the first time amnesty will be given to ... eh.. what shall I call them, a violent group; remember what happened with Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua and the militants.

So, this is not the first time.

Whatever that will bring peace to the society, we

should do it.”

The former military Head of State was accompanied to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by the CPC National Chairman, Prince Tony Momoh, former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari, National Publicity Secretary Rotimi Fashakin, Southwest Chairman of CPC Mr Razaq Muse, Lagos State Chairman, Emibata Ajibade and Gen. Buhari’s running mate, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Also in the entourage were: the CPC’s former governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mr Wale Okunniyi and the State Chairman, Mr Kunle Mudashiru.

Gen. Buhari said his mis-

sion in the Gateway State was to commiserate with the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief (HID Awolowo, over the death of Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo, her son.

He was also at Ijebu-Ode to pay homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

“I was in Ikene to commiserate with the Awolowo family and I also drove to see the Awujale of Ijebuland. I came here to Abeokuta to greet the mother of my friend, and colleague, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

In the morning (today), I will drive to Ekiti State and condole and commiserate with them on the death of their deputy governor. This is the purpose of my visit.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

OYO STATE OF NIGERIA

Borne on

Angels’ Wings On behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, I mourn the passing of Chief Samuel Igbayilola Adegbite, OFR His was a passionate spirit of enterprise; earnest, intent on making a change through what he knew best: High Finance, Entrepreneurship and Education. He gave unstintingly towards the realisation of those high ideals.

It pains us to say “Goodbye” to this great son of Oyo State.

However, we repose our trust in God that he would be borne on angels’ wings to His Presence of Light Perpetual.

Sen. Abiola Ajimobi

Executive Governor of Oyo State

CHIEF

SAMUEL IGBAYILOLA ADEGBITE OFR

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Planned amnesty for Boko Haram

•Dr. Jonathan

conflict is no longer feasible. The insurgency has hurt the North very badly. It has more or less paralysed economic activities in the major commercial centres of Kano and Kaduna. No new investments can be expected in the North for some time on account of the ongoing conflict there.

Northern leaders acknowledge this and want an end to the bloody conflict. There is also some concern among Southern leaders about the insurgency. Recently, the leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, lent his voice in support of the call for a general amnesty for the insurgents if they agree to lay down their arms.

For the Christian community in Nigeria, the call for amnesty must be painful as the majority of victims of the Boko Haram terror are Christians for whom the state is not able to provide any security. The state is supposed to protect religious freedom, the right to practice one’s religion freely.

But that is no longer the case in most parts

RIPPLES NYSC BATCH A CLOSES IN BAUCHI– News

Welcome to the LABOUR MARKET

VOL.8, NO.2,455

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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F all goes well, President Goodluck Jonathan will shortly grant the Boko Haram insurgents a general amnesty.

That is the gist of press speculation on the insurgents in recent weeks. The federal authorities have neither denied nor confirmed these press reports. The Federal Government was even reported as setting up a technical committee to work out the legal modalities for the planned amnesty, and that it expected that within weeks an agreement on amnesty could be reached with the Boko Haram insurgents. But there are still some hurdles to clear before any amnesty can be granted the insurgents. President Jonathan will need to be satisfied that this is not a hoax, and that the insurgents are serious this time about laying down their arms after nearly ten years of a bloody insurgency that has led to heavy civilian casualties on both sides of the conflict It should not come as a surprise that the Federal Government is considering a general amnesty for the insurgents. Such a possibility was never ruled out in the first place by President Jonathan. The Federal Government had always made it clear that it was ready to engage the Boko Haram leaders in a dialogue to end the bloody violence in some parts of the North that has claimed hundreds of lives.

Some contacts were in fact made last year with the leaders of the sect, but these preliminary talks to end the conflict were abruptly cut off by the insurgents which may have broken into factions. If, collectively, they are now willing to embrace dialogue with the federal authorities and stop the bloody conflict, then there is a compelling need for the Federal Government to seriously consider this alternative to a military option that has simply not worked. Though battered and mostly on the run, the insurgents have stood their ground and have continued to maim and kill innocent civilians, including women and children in the North. Most of these casualties are Christians who are increasingly being prevented from going to their churches.

A broad consensus in support of a possible peaceful option to the lingering conflict through dialogue between the insurgents and the federal authorities has been building up ever since the Sultan of Sokoto, the leader of the Moslem community in Nigeria, called on the Federal Government to consider a general amnesty for the insurgents. Virtually all Northern leaders, including the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Arewa Consultative Assembly, have joined the Sultan in calling for a general amnesty for the insurgents. It is believed that the National Security Adviser recently advised President Jonathan that a military solution to the

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of the North where churches are frequently attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.

Majority of Christians in the country will find it difficult to understand or accept the planned amnesty for the insurgents. But some Christian leaders, including the head of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Cardinal Onayeikan, say they are willing to support the planned amnesty under suitable conditions. The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oritsejafor, has expressed some reservations about the planned amnesty, insisting that the insurgents who have unleashed such terror and death on Christians in the North should not go unpunished. His views more accurately reflect the anger and dismay felt by the Christian community in Nigeria about the violence in the North targeted largely at Christians. These people do not understand or accept the immunity for the insurgents implied in the planned amnesty.

The fact of the matter which President Jonathan has to consider is that the military option adopted to tackle the insurgency has simply not worked. The insurgency is getting stronger and better organised. It has free access to funds and weapons, and its adherents are becoming increasingly fanatical and unbending. If the security forces were winning the war, an amnesty for the insurgents would be uncalled for. Despite their brave and best efforts, the security agencies have had little or no success in tackling the terror being unleashed in Northern Nigeria by the insurgents. There is some evidence that these insurgents are getting substantial assistance, including funds and weapons, from Al Qaeda, among other foreign collaborators. They have some

HARDBALL

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ORTH and South Korea are still technically at war. If there has been no all-out war since the conflict between the two countries ended in a ceasefire in 1953, it is not because there have been no incidents capable of undermining the tentative peace on the peninsula. Much more than South Korea, North Korea has indulged in serial brinkmanship so intense and somewhat paranoid that it is a surprise threats and rumours of war have not led to something more catastrophic. The latest round of tension was stoked by North Korea threatening to unleash a thermonuclear war on South Korea and the United States. The threat in turn resulted from Pyongyang’s response to the imposition of United Nations sanctions on North Korea and the military exercise conducted between the US and South Korea.

The sanctions and the military drill did not, however, happen in a vacuum. They were in turn triggered by Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile test, satellite launch and underground nuclear test.

Though the US, South Korea, and even North Korea’s backers do not seriously think the North Korean leader, Kim Jongun, will start an all-out war, the newly installed 30-year-old leader has appeared very convincing in whooping for war that

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

local support as well.

Altogether, it is a conflict that our security forces cannot win as the enemy is evasive and illusive. It is difficult to defeat an invisible enemy that is constantly on the move. There must be a lot of frustration in our security forces that they are unable to really defeat the insurgents. But we cannot allow the carnage to continue without seeking an alternative to the use of force as a means of solving the problem. This is the cruel dilemma that President Jonathan has to face.

In taking a decision whether or not to engage the insurgents President Jonathan will be guided by the thought of what effect an amnesty will have on his electoral chances in 2015. He needs the support of the North if he is going to get the PDP nomination and win the presidential elections. Even without the problem of Boko Haram he is by no means certain that he can clear the hurdle of northern opposition to his re-election in 2015.

This is why an amnesty, being demanded by Northern leaders, is of critical importance to the political equation and President Jonathan’s bid for re-election in 2015. The problem is that the talks with Boko Haram may break down and scuttle the whole idea of an amnesty. Boko Haram has become factional and there is no guarantee that, collectively, it will agree to lay down its arms and end the conflict in the North. An amnesty for the group should not be granted unless there is reasonable assurance that it will bring the conflict to an end. Northern and Christian leaders must be brought into the dialogue with Boko Haram. Northern leaders should be made to provide reasonable guarantees that Boko Haram will honour the terms of the amnesty. The leaders of Boko Haram must be identified and should be made to offer guarantees that the insurgency by Boko Haram will not be resumed after the amnesty.

On the part of the victims of the Boko Haram violence, it is necessary that they be offered some form of compensation by the state for its failure to offer them any protection. It is the least the state can do to show its concern and sympathy for the victims of the mindless violence being inflicted on the country. But the medium to long term solution to the religious violence in the North is for the state and federal governments to invest more in the enlightenment and education of the youths in Northern Nigeria. They must be given skills that will enable them to be gainfully employed.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Sabre-rattling on the Korean peninsula China now seems cautiously worried while the US has made tentative military deployments in preparation for the worstcase scenario. Hardball had himself resisted commenting on the Korean faceoff until now because he was unconvinced that the young Kim would not start something he couldn’t finish. The chances of an all-out war are still very slim in spite of the reluctance of the more prosperous Seoul to respond aggressively to the North’s military provocations, and in spite of the indulgent Chinese’s reluctance to pressure their economically disadvantaged protégé. In fact it is believed that all the posturing by Pyongyang would end anticlimactically on April 15, the anniversary of Kim Il-Sung’s birthday, with some fireworks involving perhaps the launching of one or two missiles at harmless targets.

The assumption is that notwithstanding the North’s aggressive posturing, nothing would go wrong, that there would be no miscalculation, and that all the ongoing psychological operations of Pyongyang would end in a damp squib. To underscore this, it is observed that Pyongyang’s threats have so far not resulted in the mobilisation of its 1.2 million troops, nor has the hermit country

carried out major and strategic military deployments. While Kim may be conducting elaborate bluster to shore up his image and status in North Korea, just as his father Kim Jong-Il did before him, there is nothing to suggest that one day, poorly timed provocations would not lead to open war. Indeed, it seems apparent that such provocations will continue in the foreseeable future, and Pyongyang will continue to bluff and bluster because even before the Korean War began in 1950, the North had been more aggressive about reuniting the Koreas, while the South had been more aggressive about submitting to reunification. The South’s supine psychological disposition has been little affected by its enormous wealth.

During the Korean War, battlefield successes had been on and off for the combatants. Today, things have not changed much. While tension will build and dissipate in the years to come, as they had done since the armistice of 1953, a day in future will come when the Koreas will be reunited, either by force or by compelling social and economic reasons. It is only then that the more than three million civilians and soldiers who lost their lives in the war can rest in peace.

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