April 25, 2014

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•APC: thugs attacked our members in Ilupeju•AND •Drivers, traders pledge support for Fayemi MORE ON •Bamidele to revive Ire burnt bricks inductry PAGE 9

Security Council to military: you must rescue 234 girls Knocks for Nyako

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ERVICE Chiefs got yesterday an order to rescue the 234 girls abducted at the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

The girls will be rescued, the military chiefs told the National Security Council meeting in Abuja. Troops were closing in on the insurgents, they said, in what they described as a “highly tactical” operation.

The meeting, The Nation learnt, was tension soaked, with Governors Godswill Akpabio(Akwa Ibom) and Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) descending on their Adamawa State counterpart Murtala Nyako for alleging geneocide against the North.

According to a source at the meeting, who pleaded not to be named, in spite of the fact that discussion of Nyako’s “toxic” memo to Northern Governors dominated the session, the fate of the abducted girls was also touched.

The source said: “The Service Chiefs gave a detailed account of the operations being carried out to rescue the girls unhurt. They explained that they had to be highly tactical to avoid casualties.

“They repeatedly told us that the ‘troops are closing in on the insurgents’, but they did not want to divulge tactical information to the meeting.

“They also said the military was aware of the expectations of Nigerians on the girls and they promised not to let down the nation.”

President Goodluck Jonathan pleaded for understanding and cooperation of the governors in addressing the insecurity nationwide.

“He pleaded with the governors to mobilise Nigerians to support the military to win the

?

Continued on page 6

WHERE ARE THE 234 GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 AT THE GOVT SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHIBOK, BORNO STATE?

•The collapsed building in Oworonsoki, Lagos Mainland …yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

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10 injured in Lagos building collapse

O fewer than 10 people, including teenagers, were injured yesterday when a two-strorey building collapsed in Lagos.

The incident occurred around 11am at 11, Sand Beach Lane, off Alonge Street in Oworonshoki on the outskirts

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Basirat Braimah

of the city. The building was under construction.

A resident, Joshua Michael, said the materials used for the building were of good quality, but added that its foundation was weak.

INEC: no temporary voter cards in 2015 •285, 331 uncollected in Ekiti

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that Temporary Voter Cards (PVCs) will not be used for the upcoming governorship elections as well as the 2015 general elections.

The commission also announced that it has issued over one million PVCs to registered voters in Ekiti and

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Osun, ahead of the coming governorship elections.

Besides, INEC said it registered 227, 964 new voters in the just concluded Continous Voters Registration in Ekiti and Osun states.

In all, 347, 741 voter cards were issued in Ekiti; 697,574 were issued in Osun.

An old building was demolished for the erection of the collapsed structure.

It was learnt that the owner and the contractor fled when the building fell.

Rescue agencies came to the aid of those trapped in the debris. They were said to be work-

ing on the building when it collasped.

The Search and Rescue Officer of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Fakolade Olatunbosun, told The Nation: “Immediately we got the news of the Continued on page 6

•Diamond Bank Plc Chairman Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe delivering his speech at the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday.

Listening are Dr. Alex Otti, GMD/CEO and Mrs. NkechiNwosu, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser

Continued on page 6

•SOCIETY P15 •SPORTS P24 •BRANDS P26 •AGRIC P38 •POLITICS P45 •FOREIGN P59

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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NEWS

APC to T

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun presenting the Overall Best Tax Payers Award to Nestle Nigeria Plc’s spokesperson , Dr. Samuel Adenekan during the appreciationceremony for tax payers tagged, ''A Day with the Governor'', in Abeokuta...yesterday.

•Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Seni Adetu (second left) displaying Marketing Edge award as the Brand Personality of theDecade in Lagos...yesterday. With him are (from left): Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; ; Publisher, Marketing Edge Magazine, Mr John Ajayi; Marketing Manager, Mr. Aniete Udoh and Editor, Mr. Wale Okoya of Marketing Edge Magazine.

•The Deputy Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate of the National Agency For Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. William Effiok, cutting the tape to declare open the Naija Foods and Drinks Exhibition at the Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos...yesterday. With him are The Project Consultant, Keskese Limited, Mr Tade Adekunle (left), Managing Director, ARESVEEPEE Limited, Ms Kemi Koyejo and the Executive Director, Nigeria Food Fiesta Limited, Mrs. Yinka Oguntokun (right).

•Husband and representative of the winner of Dettol Rice Awareness Mobile Activation Campaign organised by Reckitt Benckiser, Mr Kingsley Ntosi displaying the of a brand new Kia Rio car at the presentation in Lagos... yesterday. With them are (from left) Marketing and Activation Lead, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mrs. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, Marketing Director, West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Mr Ogzhan Silivrili, and Brand Manager, Dettol, Mr. Tolulope Olaoye.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to cancel the political rally being planned for him by the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) next Tuesday.

It said the President should not be celebrating when over 200 school girls are missing. ''We hope and pray that our daughters are released safely even before Tuesday, April 29th when the rally is to be held, but until then, it is insensitive and indecent for anyone, least of all the President who is the father of the nation, to engage in any celebratory outing under any guise,'' the party said in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

It said the President must not repeat the faux pas he committed less than 24 hours after 75 of his compatriots were killed in the Nyanya bombing. “'All decent men and women were riled that President Jonathan went dancing at an illegal campaign stop in Kano and popping champagne corks at a birthday celebration in Ibadan when the smoke was yet to clear from the scene of the Nyanya bombing ''The President should not repeat the same mistake, if indeed he considered that to be one. He should see the missing girls as his own daughters and stop forthwith his illegal campaign rallies,'' APC said.

The party said the ongoing bickering over the site of the rally in Adamawa, close to the scene of the sad abduction of the girls, is distracting from what should be a concerted national effort to find the girls and reunite them safely with their families. ''For a President whose grovelling aides have likened to Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and other great leaders in a patently blasphemous campaign, he should take time to ask himself how Obama would have reacted to one missing girl from any school in the US, not to talk of over 200 missing girls. ''Does President Jonathan honestly believe that Mandela, in his days as President, would have been campaigning when his compatriots are being daily bombed or abducted? Sycophancy has no limit, especially in an environment where many will disown even their children for pecuniary gains, but President Jonathan must rise above those who are justifying his insensitivity by saying the government cannot shut down so as not to give victory to Boko Haram. ''We are not saying the government should shut down. But the President must shut down all celebratory public outings and all political campaigns until our missing daughters are safely found and returned to their homes,'' it said.

It emerged yesterday that Jonathan has setup a committee involving all the security operatives in the country with a mandate to secure all the airports in the country.

Jonathan's move, according to the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, is to avoid unexpected attack at the airports.

Moro spoke to reporters in Abuja after a meeting with the Presidential Committee on the review of security and screening architecture in all international airports, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Programme monitoring and evaluation, Prof.

Sylvester Moye.

The committee paid a working visit to the minister to seek ways of assisting in actualising Jonathan's order.

Moro said the committee will ensure that a holistic reform is effected at various airports were thugs and other abnormalities will be put right adding that the committee will commence work by next month (May 1).

He disclosed that: "A situation where protocol officers, immigration officers

• Jonathan greeting the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor during the Expanded Security Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday. With them is the , Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar .

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja, Tajudeen Adebanjo, Shola O’Neil and Bolaji Ogundele

and other top government officials work passengers right into the aircraft and where people even abandon their duty positions to assist travelers thereby roving around the airport thereby causing congestion, and where troller handlers are even more in number than passengers is not acceptable and it must stop.

"I had in audience the Presidential Committee on the review of security and screening architecture in all international airports. Led by the Special Adviser to the President on Programme monitoring and evaluation, Prof.

Sylvester Moye. They came with an overall requirement for ensuring that our airports conform to international best practices in teams of entry and exit.

"The airport is the first point of contact between Nigeria and the outside world. They have made a series of recommendations to President Goodluck Jonathan and he has approved them.

Part of which is the congestion of our airports. As a major stakeholder, as a ministry that is housing the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) whose primary responsibility is the coordination and facilitation of entry and exit we must work together. I thank Mr. President for the wisdom for composition of the committee that has virtually all stakeholders in the aviation industry.

"On our part we have agreed to assist in ensuring that proper demarcations are created and people are limited in the area where they should be.

Government does not want to leave any stone unturned as regards security.

"President Goodluck Jonathan is serious about this. The committee will work on identification of access into the airports. Reenactment of security checks at the airports. The committee will commence work May 1. It will also remove unnecessary road blocks.

Hoodlums will be driven away from all airports across the country."

'Abuja safe for World Economic Forum' Jonathan yesterday reassured the global community of the safety of all participants in next month's World Economic Forum on Africa billed for Abuja.

Jonathan, according to a state-

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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Jonathan: cancel Adamawa rally (MRM) of the UN Security Council, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide "international assistance and support to the Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the children and to ensure that they are back to school."

In a statement by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said that, "continuing abduction of these innocent children is having negative impact on their wellbeing and long-term education. We are urging these bodies to move swiftly to support efforts to protect schools, teachers, and students from deliberate attack in the North-East of the country."

"In particular we urge the UN Security Council's Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on Children and Armed Conflict to take strong action including by referring members of the Boko Haram and their backers to the International Criminal Court. Accountability for attacks on school children and education-including prosecuting perpetrators-is critical to deterring perpetration of crimes under international law.”

MURIC seeks military’s probe

‘Mass abduction of schoolgirls isn’t shocking’

T

HE heavily armed militants stormed the girls dormitory in the middle of the night, herding more than 200 students on to vehicles and burning down nearby buildings as they made their escape.

That was a week ago Monday.

Of the 230 students abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in the Nigerian town of Chibok, about 190 are still missing, one official said.

The number of girls taken from the school has been revised by officials several times, and on Monday, CNN spoke with Principal Asabe Kwambura, who said a new figure of at least 230 was determined after reviewing records and taking reports from parents.

Isa Umar Gusau, a spokesman for the Borno provincial governor’s office, put the number at 234 — 129 science students and 105 art students.

He said in a written statement that the confusion resulted because the art students didn’t leave campus as expected on the day of the attack. The head of the dormitory initially didn’t count them among the missing.

Seven girls escape Nigerian militants Boko Haram ‘increasingly monstrous’ No one knows where the missing girls are. And even more surprising, no one’s particularly shocked.”All the community are sympathizing with the parents,” Kwambura told CNN earlier.

But, she said, “the people in the villages are not surprised.”

Such is life in the lawless Borno province.

Tucked away near the border with Cameroon, with phone services cut off and travel strongly discouraged, this poor corner of Nigeria is no stranger to such brazen, violent acts. For 11 months, the provinces of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have been under a state of emergency due to relentless assaults blamed on Boko Haram.

The Islamist militant group has bombed churches and mosques; kidnapped women and children; and assassinated politicians and religious leaders.

Boko Haram — whose name means “Western ment by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, spoke while receiving China's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie who presented his letters of credence to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the security challenges being experienced in parts of the country will have no adverse effect on the safety of participants in the forum.

He praised China for confirming participation of its delegation at the

Officials revise total number of girls kidnapped to at least 230. This poor corner of Nigeria is no stranger to such brazen, violent acts, reports CNN. education is sin” in the local Hausa language — says it wants to impose a stricter enforcement of Sharia law across Africa’s most populous nation.

The group has gone about its misguided mission with such depressing regularity that residents have become somewhat numb.

Where’s the president?

Nigerians marvel that U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to Massachusetts after the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people last year.Boko Haram-related violence killed 1,500 in the first three months of this year alone. And yet, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has not visited the region recently.

Part of it may have to do with geographic divisions. Jonathan is from the predominantly Christian south. That’s not just geographically distant but also culturally different from the Muslim-dominated, violence-wracked north.

To put things in perspective, none of Jonathan’s major political rivals from the north attended his inauguration in 2011. And widespread violence broke out in the north when his presidential win was announced, with some residents claiming the election was rigged.

It’s the opposite of what happened with Jonathan’s predecessor.

The previous president, Umaru Yar’Adua, was from the north. During his tenure, violence ravaged the country’s oil-rich, southern Niger Delta, with militant groups saying they wanted a fairer distribution of the region’s oil wealth.

Where’s the military?

The Nigerian military has been engaged in a brutal, ever-escalating fight with Boko Haram.

Rights groups accuse both sides of ruthlessness —

Forum to be led by Premier Li Keqiang.

He said: "We will give all participants a good reception in Abuja.

We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will overcome the situation so that our economy can move forward faster. Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit."

He said The Ambassador assured Jonathan of the President of China's confidence in Nigeria's security

Boko Haram of indiscriminate attacks, and the military of extrajudicial killings.

But when it comes to the abductions of girls — and there have been many — the military has had a difficult time.

Last week, the defence ministry erroneously reported that all but eight of the girls from the latest kidnapping were free. It retracted a day later.

Lawan Zanna, the father of one of the students, said the government turned from using “blatant propaganda” to making a “blatant lie.”

Part of the reason the military is loath to respond mightily may be because the girls who are kidnapped are raped, forced into servitude — but rarely killed.

In February, 29 college students in the northern Yobe province were killed after an attack authorities blamed on Boko Haram. All of them were males.

The women were spared.

In other instances, kidnapped girls were later rescued while working on farms. Many were pregnant or had babies — the result of rape.

The spate of kidnappings began in May 2013 when Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau announced in a video that this was part of its latest bloody campaign. The kidnappings, he said, were retaliation for Nigerian security forces nabbing the wives and children of group members.Those kidnapped, he said, would begin a new life as a “servant.”

But the latest incident has ratcheted up the pressure on the military.

The military said “ongoing, frantic efforts” of security forces, vigilante groups and hunters are attempting to find and free the students.

But a week later, the fate of 190 girls remains unknown.

measures and the country's ability to host the World Economic Forum on Africa successfully.

He said: "From our assessment, we are confident that all is under control and we have relayed that to our people."

He applauded Nigeria's re-basing of its GDP and the country's emergence as the number one economy in Africa, noting that it will certainly stimulate the inflow of more foreign investors.

Activists seek UN’s intervention A non-governmental organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), yesterday urged the United Nations to "urgently intervene to secure the safe release of 230 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, who were abducted by members of the Boko Haram.

The organisation wants the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Director Prof Ishaq Akintola yesterday urged the National Assembly to probe the military over its handling of the case of the Chibok missing school girls.

The Army, he said, has goofed and should apologise to Nigerians.

Akintola said: “This is a democracy and the citizens have the right not only to demand performance but also to insist on true reportage. It is clear from what happened that there was glaring disconnect between the field and army control room. This is a serious malady. The military is wobbling and fumbling. This is why innocent civilians continue to die everyday in this Boko Haram saga.

“It is only in Nigeria that such confusion is condoned. The abduction of girls in their school is a tremendous setback for girl-child education and it should have been treated with more seriousness and high manifestation of professionalism.

“MURIC calls attention to the misery and despair of parents of the unfortunate girls. Indeed all Nigerians have shown deep concern over this ugly incident. The huge national psychological trauma is immeasurable.

Therefore nobody should trivialise the unprofessional behavior of the Nigerian military.”

Pastor: end time here Regional Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Delta State, Pastor Obinna Nkemjika, at a news conference in Warri to announce the visit of the General Superintendent of the church, Pastor William Kumuyi, said the worsening security situation is a sign of end time.

Pastor Obinna said the visit of the church's leader will last three days; Friday, April 25 to Sunday April 27, for a crusade tagged 'Unforgettable Encounter with the God of miracles'.

According to him, activities of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, are just typical of the fruits of depraved minds, noting that what Nigerians need to have a stable society is the kind of total transformation the visit of the church leader has in store.

He observed that the problem of insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that other countries across the world have since lost their peace. He however pointed out that the increasing breach of the peace across the world is just a fulfilment of the prophesy about the end times.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

NEWS •Senator Oluremi Tinubu (fourth left) with the Fellowship plague awarded her by the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/ Ijanikin at the institution’s combined convocation...yesterday. With her from (from left) are: AOCOED Interim Chairman Governing Council Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, a Council member Prof Florence Osanyin, Provost Mr Bashorun Wasiu Olalekan, Secretary to Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Lagos State Special Adviser on Education Fatai Olukoga, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Chairman Otto/Awori LCDA Kayode Roberts.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

No temporary voter cards in 2015, says INEC Continued from page 1

According to a statement issued by Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, INEC stated that, “For the avoidance of doubt, Temporary Voter Cards that were issued in 2011 will not be used for the upcoming governorship elections as well as the 2015 general election.”

For Ekiti and Osun, Idowu said all unclaimed cards were taken to local government offices of INEC for onward issuance ahead of the upcoming elections.

Collections can only be made by legitimate holders as INEC rules forbid collection by proxy.

Hence those who were not able to collect theirs during the period are advised to go to their local government office of the Commission for collection.

For other states where distribution of PVCs and Continuous Voter Registration are upcoming, Idowu said: “previously registered persons need to use the display of the Register of Voters that will precede CVR to double-check their names on the register.

This is important because, should they find their names missing on the register, they could use the opportunity of the CVR to get their data recaptured.”

He said: “Continuous Voter Registration is not for per-

sons who lost their Temporary Voter Cards, or who wish to vote in areas other than where they got registered in 2011.

Should such persons re-register during CVR, the act will amount to double or multiple registration, which is a punishable electoral offence. What the law provides for is that persons who lost their voter card should write the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of their state of domicile for replacement; while voters willing to relocate should write the REC, through the Electoral Officer (EO) of the local government where they are presently domicile, to request the transfer of their data.”

On the coming Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, he said: “INEC is more convinced than ever that preparations being made for the conduct of free, fair and credible governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as well as the 2015 general election are on course. The Commission nevertheless took strong notice of the challenges encountered during the recent exercises, and it has factored the lessons learnt into ongoing processes and preparations.”

The Commission, Idowu added, “also noted with regret, however, the persisting tendency towards impunity by some partisans and their supporters in the electoral process”. “Unless politicians

abide at all times by relevant rules and codes of ethics, and also persuade their supporters to do likewise, the Nigerian electoral process would be hindered from attaining international best standards that INEC is working hard to take it.”

On the issued PVC, For Ekiti, the statement stated that “ a total of 657, 256 cards were printed by INEC for PVC distribution in the state. By 9th March when the distribution ended, 347, 741 cards (representing 52.93%) were collected by verified holders. INEC’s rules forbid collection by proxy, in order to prevent abuses that could frustrate the whole intention to check electoral malpractices for which the cards are being produced in the first place. Of the number of cards collected by holders during that exercise, 164, 839 (46. 9%) were for males while 182, 902 (53.1%) were for females.

“The uncollected cards were at the end of the exercise taken to respective local government office of the Commission for onward collection by verified holders. More recent records show that a total of 371, 925 PVCs, representing 56.50% of the total volume produced for the state, had been collected as at the 11th of April, 2014. Of this figure, 177, 305 cards (47.14%) were for males and 194, 620 (52.86%) for females.

This left a balance of 285, 331

10 injured in Lagos building collapse

cards as at that date.

“For the CVR, the Commission recorded 78, 875 new registrants in Ekiti State – that is, pending the removal of cases of multiple registration and the application of INEC’s business rules for printing Permanent Voter Cards.

This figure was made up of 34, 160 (45.6%) males and 40, 715 (54.4%) females.”

For Osun, Idowu said, “there were 1, 256, 569 PVCs produced for registered voters in Osun State ahead of the distribution exercise. By the end of the exercise on 9th March, 697, 574 cards (55.5%) were collected by verified holders, comprising 327, 388 (46.9%) males and 370, 186 (53.1%) females. “ The unclaimed cards were at the end of the exercise taken to respective local government office of INEC in the state for onward collection by holders.

More recent records show that a total of 736, 570 cards, representing 59.6% of the total volume produced for the state, had been collected by verified holders as at 23rd April, 2014. This left a balance of 519, 999 cards as at that date.

“For the Continuous Voter Registration, 149,089 new registrants were recorded in Osun – pending removal of multiple registrations and the application of INEC’s business rules for printing Permanent Voter Cards.

This figure was made up of 70, 024 (47%) males and 79, 065 (53%) females.”

Continued from page 1

collapsed building at 12 noon, LASEMA by-stand men were informed. We got to the scene as fast as we could and I thank God we were able to rescue all of them who were trapped. No cause for alarm because there was no death. The problem might be from the soil; that is why the state government has stipulated the kind and measure of the soil and other materials to be used in building.”

Among those rescued are: Monday Ahungbe, 12, Jimoh Adebiyi, 13, Oba Alafia, 14, and Moses Atokiti, 15. They

were said to be assisting the six adult construction workers.

Southwest spokesman, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Ibrahim Farinloye, said the timely intervention of NEMA, LASEMA officials, policemen and operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) saved the victims.

Farinloye said the teenagers sustained minor injuries and were taken to Folabi Medical Centre in Oworonshoki, before the General Continued on page 59

Committee recommends additional state for Southeast

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ROPONENTS of a new state for the Southeast may have crossed a major hurdle.

Members of the National Conference Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government agreed yesterday that the Southeast geo political zone should be at par with others. The Southeast has five states; others zones have a minimum of six states.

Though the proposal is subject to the approval of the plenary, there were no dissenting voices from delegates from other zones. Jubilant Southeast delegates praised the magna-

From Onyedi Ojiabo and Dele Anofi, Abuja

nimity of the Committee.

Besides, the Committee has adopted a simplified procedure if states wish to merge.

Members of the Committee were unanimous in supporting the creation of additional state for the Southeast.

But Senator Nimi BarighaAmange warned that the creation would lead to a deluge of demands from other parts of the country. This, in his view, may be difficult to manage.

He said the viability of addiContinued on page 59

Expanded security meeting condemns Nyako’s memo

A

DAMAWA State Governor Murtala Nyako came under attack yesterday at the expanded National Security Council meeting for his controversial memo on the Federal Government’s handling of the insurgency in the North.

Nyako alleged that the Federal Government was carrying out genocide with the intention to depopulate the North in the name of fighting terrorism.

Apart from the traditional members of the council, governors attended yesterday’s meeting over which President Goodluck Jonathan presided. It lasted for about seven hours.

The meeting resolved to exploit anti-poverty strategies, among others, to end the insurgency.

It did not discuss whether to extend or end the State of Emergency in the three Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, but sought more collaboration among the three tiers of government to fight terrorism.

Security Council to military: you must rescue 234 girls Continued from page 1

war against terror.”

On the state of the girls, who were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen on April 15, the source said: “We all left the meeting with a ray of hope that the girls would be set free soon.”

A greater part of the meeting was devoted to discussing Nyako’s letter, which most of the governors reportedly found to be in bad faith.

The letter, it was said generated tenFrom Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Four governors - Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Theodore Orji (Abia), Kashim Shettima (Borno) - spoke to State House reporters at the end of the meeting. Defence Minister Gen. Aliyu Gusau also spoke.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Dr. Reuben Abati, who moderated the session, ruled out questions from reporters.

As soon as the governors and the minister spoke, he terminated the session.

Orji said: “The meeting

sion, Akpabio and Elechi chided Nyako for what they called his harsh tone.

“They shouted at one another and described Nyako as unpatriotic and and ethnic irredentist,” a source said.

Asked of Jonathan’s response to the drama, the source said: “You know he is a very restrained person, he was just watching.

“The same way the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad was all attentive and looking at the scenario.”

recognised that security issue is not for the federal government alone, it should be handled by the Federal, state and local governments. When there is a synergy, obviously, progress will be made.

“The meeting also agreed that at the state, governors who are chief security officers have to do a lot to help because that is where the security issue is. In so doing, the governors should mobilise their radio stations to sensitise the people so that they will be aware of this security situation.

“We also agreed that the Boko Haram insurgency is

Nyako was not remorseful, The Nation learnt. He repeated the content of the letter - to the bewilderment of those at the meeting.

“He neither apologised nor withdrew the content or any part of the toxic letter.

But he got the message of those at the session that his conduct was unacceptable to the governors.

“No one supported Nyako at the meeting. But he stood his ground, leaving most of us astonished,” the source said.

not a religious war. People should not misrepresent it because both Muslims and Christians are being killed. It doesn’t discriminate against any person.”

Orji went on: “The memo that was written by one of our colleagues, Governor Nyako of Adamawa State, was discussed and there was a unanimous condemnation of that memo. All officers and people in positions of authority were advised to be cautious on what they say. That what they say should at least enliven every person and make us to know that this country belongs to all of us and not

something that will demoralise us, not something that will incite people to go the negative way.”

Fayemi, who noted that the meeting did not discuss the state of emergency, said it was agreed that all Nigerians should rise above partisanship on security.

He said the security agencies were praised, adding that the meeting agreed on the need for a holistic approach to tackling insecurity, including anti-poverty strategies and media capacity.

The security agencies, he said, assured the meeting that they were doing everything

•Nyako

possible to rescue the abducted secondary school girls.

Aliyu said: “I am sure many of you will be curious about the letter written by our colleague, the governor of Adamawa state. We looked at it all; in fact, he was allowed to read the memo to all of us. We concluded that for many of us, we need to be very careful with the kind of Continued on page 59

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THE NATION THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

NEWS

Student wins N1.115m in Goldenbet.com stakes

By Stella Bamawo

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STUDENT of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, Whetode James, has emerged the first millionaire in the WinnerGoldenbet.com stakes.

The 25-year-old won N1,115,780.70.

The company’s Chairman Idowu Obasa presented a cheque with the amount to Whetode on Wednesday.

Speaking with The Nation, Whetode said he staked N800 and was lucky to have made his first millions from it.

The lucky student regretted that he could have made over N2 million in the stakes but for a slight miscalculation.

“Ordinarily I was expecting to win up to N2 million but I got a wrong code and it reduced my chances. This is my third month of trying my luck in this stake. My brother introduced me to it and, ever since then, I have been playing. Before now, I played more of Premier Lotto (Baba Ijebu),” Whetode said.

The winner said he would buy a plot of land in Badagry, adding that he had been under pressure since he won the lottery money.

“Ever since I won, moving around has been difficult.

People keep pointing at me and showing friends that I have won N1 million in the stakes. Then my parents have been excited. In fact, I will never forget today and that particular Friday that I realised that I had become a millionaire,” he said.

Obasa told The Nation that he was excited that the organisation produce the first millionaire within few months of starting the business.

He said: “We can never run out of money. Sports betting business has come to stay and our duty is to ensure that our winners go home with their cash prizes. I must congratulate Whetode. I intend making him a brand ambassador for the company.”

The Chairman of Lagos State Footbal Association (FA), Seyi Akinwunmi, advised Whetode to invest the money wisely.

BSN completes Bible translation

By Joseph Eshanokpe

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BOUT half a century after it started the work, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has completed the translation of the Bible into Igede, a local dialect of a Benue State community.

The project cost about N30 million.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, BSN’s General Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dare Ajiboye said the project started in the mid1960s. The New Testament translation was completed in 1980.

Ten years later, work on the Old Testament began.

Ajiboye said: “A total of nine translators worked on the Igede project at one time or the other. Among them was Godwin Alobo, who died in June 2011. Only Rev Peter Onah stayed till the completion of the project. Similarly, eight translation consultants supervised the work at one time or the other. Two of the consultants, Dr David Moomo and Rev Stephen Mundat, died in 2009 and 2011.”

•Cross-section of female medical icons at the lecture, titled: Leadership: Conflicting Signals in Recent Times, organised by Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, in Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Corruption, impunity bane of electoral system, says Salami

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OST Nigerians believe that occupants of elective offices do not enjoy the mandate of the electorate, former Appeal Court President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has said.

He noted that corruption, disregard for due process, insensitivity and impunity on the part of government officials have weakened the country’s electoral processes.

The eminent jurist recommended an “activist Judiciary” to guarantee an enduring democracy.

Justice Salami spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the yearly Mohammed Mustapha Akanbi Lecture, organised by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Law Faculty.

He said: “In a word, their sHe said: “In a word, their socalled electoral mandate lacks legitimacy. On their part,

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

public officials have scant regard for the common good.

All these have far-reaching implications for good governance, accountability and sustainable development. In this context, the popular expectation is that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should brace up for the challenges the conduct of the 2015 elections will throw up. The inevitable question would be whether or not the Judiciary has any role to play in this regard.”

The retired judge noted that a vibrant and dynamic system of law cannot make any meaningful impact with a docile or timid Judiciary.

Justice Salami said: “The Judiciary must re-invent itself to give more bite to the raw

content of our laws. In this regard, we advocate a judicial interpretation of electoral laws in such a way that in the end, justice would be served.

“One may continue to wonder about the reasons for my insistence on a pro-active Judiciary as a panacea for the rot in our electoral system, in particular, and the society as a whole. The reason simply is that the political parties, under our kind of political arrangement, are too powerful to be left unattended to.

“A situation where the political parties are allowed to dictate to the exclusion of other bodies, how issues of national importance are carried out, is too dangerous for the well-being of the polity.”

The retired Appeal Court president noted that the Electoral Act “has tragically failed

to prevent the use of public funds by incumbents to finance campaigns and re-elections”.

He added: “It is, indeed, remarkable for its failure to check the abuse of the role of thuggery and money in politics.”

Justice Salami said the provisions of Section 185 (6) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulate 180 days for election tribunal, are rigid and immutable.

He said: “In the circumstance, Section 285 (6) and (7), recently introduced into the Constitution fixing time within which to dispose of election matters by tribunals and courts, does not evince fair hearing. It violates petitioners’ and appellants’ rights to fair hearing. There is an aphorism that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. I make bold to say that justice hurried in

Speakers seek pension for lawmakers

HE Conference of Houses of Assembly Speakers has called for the payment of retirement benefits to lawmakers at the state and federal levels.

The Chairman of the Conference and Gombe State House of Assembly Speaker Inuwa Garba spoke yesterday in Akure at the Ondo State House of Assembly during a valedictory session for the late Speaker Samuel Adesina.

Garba said the retirement benefits of lawmakers in state assemblies would sustain them when they leave office.

The Gombe Speaker described the late Adesina as an epitome of humility and a lover of people.

He urged the Ondo State Government to name an edifice after the late Adesina, adding that this was a deserved recognition for his contribution to the development of the state.

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•Recommends activist judiciary

•Valedictory session for ex-Ondo Speaker Adesina

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Garba advised Ondo State lawmakers to fill the vacuum the late Speaker left and work harmoniously in the interest of the people.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko said the late Adesina would be remembered for his peace-loving attitude.

The governor said the late Speaker brought and sustained sanity to the Assembly.

Mimiko, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, noted that late Adesina built the bridge between the Legislative and the Executive.

The governor promised that the state government would not abandon his family.

Dignitaries showered encomiums on the late Speaker.

The late Adesina, a threetime lawmaker who represented Odigbo Constituency, died on February 25 after a protracted illness.

He was 53.

His colleagues, political associates, former Speakers of the fifth and sixth Assemblies, members of the Conference of Speakers and friends eulogised him.

The late Adesina’s widow, Funke, his children and family members and the 25 legislators wore black suits to the session.

Two members of the fifth Assembly, Oluwasegunota Bolarinwa and Kingsley Kuku, recalled memorable moments with the late Speaker.

Dr Bakitta Bello and Igbekele Bolodeoku, both of the

sixth Assembly, also eulogised the late Adesina.

They described him as a lover of peace, a bold and courageous lawmaker.

Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger/ Delta Affairs, urged members of the Assembly not to abandon the family of the deceased.

The former Minority Leader of the Assembly said the state government and the lawmakers should not fail to assist the Adesina family in their times of needs.

Speakers from various Assemblies described the late Adesina as a bridge builder and lover of peace.

Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Abia and Ekiti states’ Speakers attended the session.

The late Adesina will be buried today at his home town, Oniparaga, in Odigbo Local Government Area.

Jonathan to resolve HND/degree dichotomy

HE Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has said the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree holders will be resolved soon.

The minister said President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, to address the controversy.

Addressing chairmen of the

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Governing Councils of Federal Polytechnics and Federal Colleges of Education in Kaduna during a special retreat, Wike said the SGF and members of the committee met, last week, with the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) to resolve the dichotomy.

He said other demands had also been resolved.

According to him, the re-

lease of the White Paper on visitation panels to Federal Polytechnics and Federal Colleges of Education is being concluded at the Office of the SGF. A statement yesterday by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, said Wike urged the chairmen of the governing councils to deploy their requisite skills to resolve the lingering strike of the polytechnics.

The minister advised the striking unions to reciprocate Dr Jonathan’s good gesture by resuming academic activities.

He said: “Permit me to call on our lecturers to call off their protracted strike to enable academic activities begin in the polytechnics and colleges of education. Let us show understanding with the government and the challenges before it and call off the strike.

an election matter is equally tantamount to justice denied.

“With respect, we take the view that the 180 and 60 days’ stipulations in the Constitution are inadequate. I submit that a period between two and three months must first be given to the parties to sort out preliminary matters of documents, inspections and interlocutory applications. I need to add that these two and three months will not form part of the 180 and 60 days. Experience has shown that in most tribunals, the first three months are usually devoted to these preliminary matters.”

Nigeria lacks adequate data, says UI VC From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof Isaac Adewole, has said dearth of data is among the greatest challenges stunting Nigeria’s socioeconomic development .

Prof Adewole spoke yesterday in Ibadan at the launch/ fundraising ceremony for the Prof. Adegoke Olubunmmo International Centre at Trenchard Hall of the university.

The centre was named after Prof. Olubunmmo, the first professor of Mathematics in Nigeria.

Adewole noted that Nigeria lacked vital figures and data without which the nation cannot progress.

He said: “The government of a country cannot adequately plan for its citizens without reliable data on important socioeconomic indices. In this country, this is where the greatest challenge to development lies.

Reliable data would enable policy makers to plan and make important decisions for the country’s development.”

The vice chancellor said the establishment of the centre would enable the nation to train people in Modelling Mathematics and Statistics.

Prof Adewole said: “If the United States (U.S) can have seven mathematical centres, why can’t Nigeria have one?

Children no longer want to study Mathematics. But this centre will lure them to admire the subject. The centre will increase the impact of mathematical scienceson other disciplines and enable the mathematical sciences to respond to national needs and expand the talent base of those engaged in mathematical research in Nigeria.”

THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

8

NEWS NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Youth delegates threaten to disown conference resolutions

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OUTH delegates at the ongoing National Conference threatened yesterday to dissociate themselves from resolutions of the conference if alleged attempts to muzzle their voices are not addressed.

The president, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Wale Ajani, who made the threat at a press conference, said that the leadership of the conference deliberately excluded youth delegates from sensitive committees.

Ajani noted that 18 youth representation out of 493 delegates was also part of the marginalisation of the youth population in the country.

He said: “When 20 committees were constituted, the principal officers refused to see the wisdom in young delegates being represented in each committees despite that we raised objection at the plenary.

“We appreciate that one of us emerged a deputy chairman of a committee.

“While we appreciate the importance of the economy, environment, energy, labour, transport, civil societies and sports in our nation’s development, how

Resource control: Chairman seeks delegates’ understanding

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O-Chairman, Committee on Power Devolution at the National Conference, Obong Victor Attah has appealed to his colleagues from the North and South to be mindful of the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

As a result of the seeming determination of the two blocs to stand their ground, he urged them leave their extreme positions on the issue of resource control in the interest of peaceful coexistence of every region.

Attah regretted that the position of northern on resource control does not reflect a fair appreciation of the challenges confronting those in the oil producing areas.

Besides, he noted that the argument that the South South had the highest per capita income among the six geo-political zones was erroneous, as there was no guarantee that such statistics would From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

come we were omitted from equally critical issues like devolution of power, restructuring of government, public services and political parties?

“Was this a deliberate attempt to silence our view on political issues or another omission?

“If this is not addressed urgently, we may have no other option than to dissociate our-

selves from out come of decisions taken about our future in our absence.”

He noted that in other climes, a conference to decide the future should have more of the younger generation under the guidance of a few elders.

He said, “It is only in Nigeria, that we have more of the olders than the youth discussing the future of the country.

“Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo negotiated the in-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

remain in perpetuity, given the depleting nature of oil revenue.

He, however, wondered why the solid minerals in the North and bitumen in the Southwest were never commercially exploited, “Let me say that the people of the Niger Delta are very conscious of this and indeed this has been their greatest fear.

“Time will come when the oil will dry up completely; then, what will happen to the people of the Niger Delta? No farmlands and no fishing in the polluted waters.

“But that is not the only fear. When the time comes, everybody will laugh at us, bid us goodbye and tell us that there is no more Nigeria and they will go home and enjoy their own resources.

“These fears must be allayed and assurances must be given.

We must negotiate and reach a consensus,” Attah said.

dependence of this country at relatively young age.

“We accepted to downplay this because we thought the conference would be about intellectual contest that will allow the best ideas scale through.

“We started the conference with a subtle blackmail that we should respect our parents at the conference once it is noticed that our opinion varies with the status quo.

“As young Nigerians well brought up with our various rich

cultural values for respect, we have immense respect for our elders at the conference.

“But we also understand that we can respectfully disagree and insist on our position except a superior position emerges.

“It must be understood that we are here in our official capacities to represent the youth and not to massage the egos of some people.

“When the 50 wise men were convened, a serious omission was made by not having any youth representation.

“Is the leadership saying that we have no youth who can represent the interest of the youth on the key issues that was discussed and agreed upon?”

He urged politicians regardless of their differences to unite to stop increasing senseless killings and insecurity in the country.

Also speaking at the event, another youth delegate, Hassan Rilwan, explained that “we are going to dissociate ourselves from the out come of decisions taken about our future in the committees that we are not represented in.”

Rilwan said that though youth delegates have submitted their recommendations to the various committees, “we needed our presence in the committees to be able to articulate our positions and negotiate.”

He noted that dissociating themselves from the outcomes of the committees they did not make input is in the interest of the youth “because in the past, our elders have made decisions on our behalf without recourse to our needs and that’s what they are about to do by excluding us from the political committees.”

Falana suggests 21 amendments to constitution

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•Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) (left), constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) (middle) and Emir of Askira, Alhaji Abubakar Askirama, during the meeting of the Committee on Law, Judiciary,Human Rights and Legal Reform in PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE Abuja... yesterday.

Committee supports loss of seats by defecting politicians •‘Separate offices for Attorney-General, Minister of Justice’

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HE committeE on Political Parties and Electoral Matters has recommended automatic loss of seats for all elected office holders who defect from their political parties to another party.

The committee also supported independent candidacy, in addition to stripping the Federal Government of its role in giving subventions to political parties through constitutional means.

Besides, the committee, which is co-chaired by former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Iyiocha Ayu, also recommended a separate body other than the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the registration and regulation of political parties.

A member of the committee from Ondo State, Remi Olatubora, disclosed these recommendations yesterday, saying:“We have recommended that if you cross carpet, you lose your seat.

“So, when you are appointed or elected on the platform of a political party and then you cross over to another party, you

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

lose your seat.

“According to our recommendation, it is no longer going to be excuse that there is a faction because we believe that some people and individuals will deliberately create some phantom factions in their political parties to ensure that they create some false pretends or excuse of decamping to another political party where they think that they scavenge around for greener pasture.”

On independent candidacy, Olatobura said: “We are all of the view that one other means through which we can strengthen internal democracies in political parties is to make provision available for independent candidates.

“Individuals who want to contest election and who are popular, and who are schemed out of the political processes in their political parties should be able to go out as independent candidates and contest elections.

“We have also recommended that political parties

should now be sponsored by their members. Federal Government should no longer send subventions to political parties. .

“And then, we have recommended the placement of ceiling on how much a particular individual can use to sponsor a political party so that some big men will not hijack the political process.

On creation of state police and purchase of ammunition and armament, members were at variance on what items should be on Exclusive Legislative and Residual List.

The chairman of the committee, Chief Obong Victor Attah, cautioned his colleagues on the direction of their argument and its effects on the country, saying, “it is our duty to debate whether to remove it from the federal government or that the state should have their power to procure arms and ammunitions to police.”

The National Conference Standing Committee on Law, Judiciary and Human Rights yesterday adopted a recommendation for the separation of the office of Minister of Jus-

tice and Attorney-General of the Federation.

The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Prof Auwalu Yadudu, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Yadudu said that the recommendation was to ensure the independence of the office of the Attorney-General from political influence.

He said that the two offices should not be occupied by an individual in order to ensure justice.

“Of course, we have adopted a recommendation that will help, if you separate the office of the Attorney General from that of the Minister of Justice.

“This will ensure that the person appointed to the office of the Attorney General enjoys sufficient independence and autonomy to do justice to all cases that will come before him,” he stated.

A member of the committee, Chief Femi Falana, also told NAN that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Minister of Justice had not worked in the public interest and should, therefore, be separated.

By Adebisi Onanuga

AGOS lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is seeking 21 amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

The suggestions, which also border on election petitions, among other legal issues, are contained in a memorandum sent to the Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform Committee of the National Conference.

In the memorandum, the activist suggested that Section 6(6(d) of the Constitution should be deleted to make Chapter 2 of the document justiciable and enforceable.

In the alternative, he suggested, that socio-economic rights should be set out and enshrined in chapter 4 of the Constitution.

“The rights of Nigerian citizens to education, adequate health, safe environment, etc have been guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act (Cap A9) the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” he stated.

To ensure equality before the law and enhance access to justice, he suggested that the Public Officers Protection Act and laws which require pre-action notices before institution of suits against certain public institutions should be abolished.

He also argued that public interest litigation ought to be encouraged and promoted to check the growing culture of executive lawlessness and official impunity in the country.

To that effect, he suggested that the anachronistic doctrine of locus standi should be abolished.

He stated further that the Customary Court of Appeal and Shariah Court should be removed from the Constitution as they are state courts.

Rather, he said they should be provided with laws enacted by the Houses of Assembly of states.

“There should be six zones of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to hear and determine appeals from courts in each zone.

“The divisions of the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court in each zone shall be headed by a Deputy President and Deputy Chief Justice respectively.”

Falana pointed out that appeals arising from matters which originate from the Customary Courts of Appeal, Sharia Courts, Area Courts and Magistrate Courts should terminate at the Court of Appeal.

Apart from exercising jurisdiction in disputes between the Federal Government and states and between states, the Lagos lawyer suggested that the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court should be limited to constitutional matters.

“All Justices of the Supreme Court should form one panel and sit together to determine all constitutional matters. High court judges promoted to the Court of Appeal should be granted fiat to return to the high courts to conclude all part heard cases” as being practised in Ghana.

Furthermore, he suggested that all election petitions should be heard and determined by retired judges to check the unnecessary disruption of the work of regular courts.

“Appeals arising from such petitions should be heard by retired Justices of the appellate courts.

“Appeals arising from governorship elections should terminate at the Court of Appeal as was the case from 1999-2011,” he noted, adding: “After all, appeals arising from house of assembly and national assembly elections terminate at the Court of Appeal up till now. “ Election petitions should be concluded before the inauguration of incoming governments in line with the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

NEWS

EKITI 2014

Thugs attack our members in Ilupeju, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State yesterday accused suspected political thugs of attacking its members in Ilupeju-Ekiti.

The attack, it said, was carried out by people believed to be members of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday.

The APC, in a statement by the spokesperson of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, said: “During a campaign rally in the town, the LP members, armed with all sorts of dangerous weapons, attacked APC members and also vandalised the campaign buses of APC. “An APC member known as Dare Olokada (Dare, okada rider) was macheted on the head by the Labour Party members.

Rather than allow him to be taken to the hospital, the LP members took him away while he was bleeding profusely.

“Up until now, the whereabouts of Dare is unknown. We don’t know where he has been taken. We call on security agencies to ask them to release Dare for treatment. We are surprised that the Labour Party quickly rushed to the press to claim that APC members attacked them. In three days, LP members have attacked us in Ido-Ile, Ipole-Iloro, Egbe, Aramoko, Okemesi, Ilupeju and many other towns.”

But, the LP has also alleged that the APC has been masterminding attacks on its members. Its governorship candidate, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the party was “persecuting him for daring to contest against Governor Kayode Fayemi”.

Drivers, traders pledge support for Fayemi’s re-election

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HE ranks of those who have pledged their support for the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi swelled yesterday, with members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Ekiti State Youth Traders Development Association joining the train in Ado-Ekiti.

During a visit to motor parks in Ado-Ekiti by the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, drivers urged the governor to discountenance the claim by opposition candidates that they were supporting them.

According to the State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adeyeye (also known as Oju-Igo), members of his union were not allowed to ply the Akure route during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

He said: “I was one of those who fought to change that and because of that, the PDP administration declared me wanted.

When the APC government, led by Dr. Fayemi, came on board, that changed. He settled the rift and told members of the two unions in plain terms that we could only make meaningful progress when there is peace.

“RTEAN members now ply all routes and there has not been crisis between the two unions since Fayemi became governor.”

The RTEAN chairman also praised the governor for the construction of roads.

“There was a time we would take our vehicles for repairs at least once in a week. We no longer spend our profit on repairs because the Fayemi ad-

•The APC campaign bus vandalised by thugs

•Back view of the APC bus

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ministration has fixed all roads leading into Ekiti State.

Both inter and intra-city roads have also been put in shape.

“We have neither gold nor silver to give the governor.

The only thing we have is our votes. Our members are registered voters and have obtained their permanent voter’s card. Those in the opposition lying about drivers’ support will be shocked on June 21 when we re-elect Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

The General Manager, NURTW, Akure/Ilawe/ Benin/Port-Harcourt Chapter, Mr. Toyin Jimoh, said drivers were impressed Fayemi’s performance and have decided to re-elect him.

“The governor should continue with his good work and not pay attention to jesters claiming that drivers are supporting them. By June 22 when Dr. Fayemi is declared re-elected, they would wake up from their daydream,” said Jimoh.

The Director-General of the Kayode Fayemi Camapaign Organisation, Bimbo Daramola, said: “As stakeholders, we will bear the brunt most if Ekiti does not continue to move forward as we have been doing in the last three and a half years. Those outsiders beating the drums of war in collaboration with fifth columnists will not be here.”

The campaign team also had a meeting with members of the Ekiti State Youth Traders Development Association at the Erekesan market in AdoEkiti.

Daramola said Ekiti people must not allow anyone to take them for a ride again.

•Daramola (wearing glasses) during a street rally in Ado-Ekiti...on Thursday.

Olukoro of Ikoro Ekiti Oba Olanrewaju Adebanji Adeleye (middle), Fayemi and his Deputy Prof Modupe Adelabu when the PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN governor and his deputy visited the monarch...yesterday.

Bamidele promises to revive Ire Burnt Brick Industry

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KITI State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for the June 21 governorship election, Opeyemi Bamidele, has pledged to revive the Ire Burnt Bricks Industry in Ire-Ekiti.

Bamidele spoke yesterday during his campaign rally in Ire-Ekiti, in Oye Local Government Area.

He told a crowd of his support-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ers, who thronged the palace of Onire of Ire, Oba Victor Bobade Adeleke: “Our government will revive the Ire Bricks Industry located here in Ire-Ekiti. This town has large deposits of clay but because of bad governance over the years the company could not employ

several of our youths.

“If as a state commissioner in Lagos we could increase Internally Generated Revenue of the state even when Federal Government refused to pay our allocation for two years, we could do it in Ekiti through reviving dead industries.

“Despite the large deposit of solid minerals across Ekiti, today the state cannot boast of a single

stone quarry that can employ 100 people especially our youths.”

He claimed to have the contacts of best investors around the world promised Ire-Ekiti residents that modern technology would be introduced at the bricks industry.

He said revival of “Ire Bricks” would drastically lead to a reduction in the current population of 496,000 jobless youths in Ekiti

State.

The Onire (monarch) of the town commended Bamidele for his achievements in public offices, urging him not to forget his pledge if he came out successful in the election.

Other places visited by the LP candidate included Ilupeju, Itapa, Ijelu and Omu–all in Oye Local Government Area.

THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

10

DISCOURSE

‘Enough of this govt...’

Text of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s acceptance speech at his investiture as Chancellor and award of D.Sc (Honoris Causa) in Management Sciences at the special convocation of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State... on Wednesday.

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ITH great humility I accept this Investiture as the new Chancellor of this progressive institution, LadokeAkintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

I thank all of you here, the people of Osun and Oyo States, in fact the people of Nigeria for the constant support extended to me in my public and private life. Your kind decency compels me to rededicate myself to the progress and reform needed to reshape Nigeria into the country we desire.

Today, this nation stands at the threshold between greatness and failure.

It loiters in the hallway between progress and collapse, darkness and light. As if blindfolded, we seem unable to decide the way to go. We must summon the courage to see what is before us that we may take the right direction.

We look to Institutions such as this to provide workable solutions to our problems and to nurture individuals with the vision and character to improve our national life.

My late mother was very fond of LAUTECH because of its storied excellence. For many years, this institution was one of the top, if not the number one, institution of its type. As a dutiful son, I carry the fondness of my mother for this fine school.

Today, we vow to return LAUTECH to its best self. We can make it better because we have a great team committed to this goal. We shall write a new chapter by elevating this school to where its name is mentioned anytime technological education is discussed.

Naysayers will scoff that this pledge is made of the fluff one talks when invested as Chancellor. But, I have not come this far by speaking empty words.

I have no intention of assuming that habit at this stage in my life.

Governor of the State of OsunOgbeniRaufAregbesola and Governor of Oyo Senator AbiolaAjimobi who support this school are more than partners. They are brothers who govern their states in excellent ways. The progress they have applied to other areas, shall become manifest on this campus.

ICE Chancellor, Professor Adeni yiGbadegesin is an unsung hero whose name I sing today. Your academic staff is an accomplished group of scholars. The administrative staff is hardworking and COULD work harder.

Most importantly, this student body is populated by many of the brightest young people one can find. I shout out to them, “Great LAUTECH STUDENTS”. “ALUTA”. The best of you must be meritoriously rewarded and be immediately employable as you are armed with the capacity to excel.

As Chancellor, I shall do my best for this school. I dare not do less because I follow in the footsteps of men who never saw failure as an option. This school has benefited from the exalted service of the three Chancellors before me. These men were some of Nigeria’s best.

The Chancellor who preceded me was the illustrious MKO Abiola. I need say no more than this man was the president Nigeria elected in the fairest election ever held. Had he been allowed to govern, the nation would be a better place. We march to fulfill his incomplete dream that the people may stand to lift their collective voice in calling forth a government of freedom, prosperity, dignity and justice. Yet, like MKO, we must be mindful of the strong forces that benefit from the way things are.

This conservative elite still dominate the political landscape. While we strive for a progressive era of development, democracy and human respect, this conservative network seeks to relegate you to the status of modern serfs living ramshackle lives, so desperate for a hand-

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out that you actually thank them when they deign to give you back a small fraction of what they have stolen from you.

They soak their feet in milk and champagne while the people struggle to find clean water to soak garri. Even brave Robin Hood would run from Nigeria because it operates on principles reverse to those endearing the mythic hero to our imagination. Our system steals from the poor to give to the rich. What is vice and condemned elsewhere is virtue and commended here. This is Nigeria today.

But it can’t stand as the Nigeria of tomorrow. Change must come, we are ready and strongly determined to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.

Those now in government take false solace in believing Nigeria is a land of carefree people who can eke out a living no matter how badly governed we might be. Yet, whatever happiness we have is not born of our reality but of a faith that the better day will come. ven strong faith begins to wilt un der the tide of awful misfortune brought by misrule. A hungry man can dine on faith but for so long. At some point, harsh reality will make him choke on it.

The people are asked to suffer while those in Abuja revel as if mimicking Rome at the collapse of that ancient empire. While Abuja fiddles, the people are saddened with despair. Their despair is greatest in two vital areas: national security and economic security.

THE GRAVEST THREAT In Boko Haram, we face our gravest internal security challenge since the Civil War nearly tore the nation asunder. Too much of the North and, indeed, Nigeria live in fear. Too many have already died in fear. This group has depressed the regional economy and spawned other lawlessness affecting the wellbeing of the people. Boko Haram has also intensified religious and regional tensions better left dormant. It has made the government look incapable of holding its brief.

The deadly attack earlier this month in Nyanyan and the abduction of female students in Borno demonstrate our assailants have grown more brazen. Their mayhem has not abated. The tempo and consistency of attacks suggest that this government’s approach is not only tepid but wrong-minded.

We have reached a point where uncertain policy and half measures do not suffice. These terrorists have declared war not only against government but against the whole of us.

The Jonathan administration must develop a grand strategy to bind this menace.

As the most populous nation in West Africa, Nigeria has the standing to call a regional summit whereby Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger will deliberate on joint intelligence sharing, joint police and military action and also socio-economic reform to eliminate this threat.

Nigeria must also move the AU Summit to jointly and decisively eliminate all sources of insurgency and eradicate all terrorist made havens and sanctuaries within the African union.

Even more than the tragedy in Nyanyan, the wholesale abduction of the female students reveals that our intelligence agencies need to spurred forward.

Such a vast operation should not have been able to occur without our intelligence services getting even a hint that a massive kidnapping was underway. We

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need to do much better at this aspect.

Perhaps more importantly, government must do better to win the hearts and minds of the people in these areas.

Once the people are convinced that government is on their side, they will turn their backs on Boko Haram. The opposition of the people will be what defeats Boko Haram in the end. Government must put in place, immediate and meaningful relief for all persons whose property and livelihood has been affected by this menace. This relief is required to assist citizens to restart their lives while the government makes effort to ensure that the menace is permanently removed.

Here, government must ply the road of economic reform and development assistance to these areas. The youth must be given a chance to live and not be left with the desperate belief that they live merely by chance. Give youth decent jobs and Boko Haram shall find itself unemployed. Without young men to serve as their foot soldiers, the group’s masterminds will have no one to perform their dirty work. They will be exposed for what they are – purveyors of hatred who prey on the ignorance and desperation of the poor, hungry and hopeless.

In due season, they shall be made to pay for what they have done. As for me and my party, we abhor them and their violent ways. We have no part with them and they have no part with us. Although we are in intense political competition with the ruling party, our competition stays within the confines of electoral competition. We seek your vote, not your lives. Boko Haram is our enemy for the Nigeria we seek has no place for their wicked recreation.

On this issue, so vital to our national existence, we wish the government complete success as we believe patriotism stands above partisanship. We offer cooperation to the government. Whatever we can do that is meaningful and productive in ending this scourge we are ready to enlist our services to strike peace in Nigeria and among her sons and daughters.Patriotism is about country not about self or religious bigotry. On this issue all Nigerians must stand bipartisan, united and in complete solidarity against the threat to our nation.

ECONOMY AND UNEMPLOYMENT The government recently rebased its GDP figures so that Nigeria has magically leaped over South Africa to become the largest economy in Africa. Too bad the magical statistics do not translate into a magical improvement in the people’s economic condition. While the nation’s GDP grew, the people’s wellbeing tumbles. Our national economy manufactures more hardship than it does jobs.

Poverty and unemployment are daily companions for millions. Government says everything is sweet perfume and roses. If this is sweet, I would rather the sour.

The recent rebasing putting Nigeria ahead of South Africa has raised more doubts about the objectives of those in charge of economy. From a modest $305 billion, Nigeria’s GDP ballooned to $488billion. Yet, the people feel no happy effect of this expansion. There is no extra food on the table, no light in the house, and no power for our industries, and no pensions for the elderly. Things remain tight and getting tighter.

The official unemployment rate nears 25 per cent. The true rate, when joined with underemployment, may be twice that amount. Most graduates from our tertiary institutions will not be greeted by job offers once they leave campus, but by an indefinite period of joblessness. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), revealed that 54 per cent of Nigerian youths were unemployed in 2012

•Asiwaju Tinubu...on Wednesday

and still growing. nemployment is a symptom of a greater disease - the architects of our economy have not cared enough to develop an economy where labor is valued and situated as the primary cog of the economy. Nigeria needs fundamental restructuring economically, not the small-minded patchwork tinkering resorted to.

The GDP Mathematics is an offensive sideshow, given the real hardships Nigerians face. This is another variant of the Vision 2020 gimmick and to make the government look good prior to the world economic forum meeting in Abuja next month. It is propaganda not progress. Since the nation was not going to attain that goal by true economic growth, government decided to reach the mark with the stroke of a pen. As they play funny math with elections, they now do with our economic condition. In both cases, the people are cheated.

No populous nation ever reached prosperity without a vibrant manufacturing sector. This sector is the mainstay of urban employment. Thus, the more we move toward urbanisation, the more vital manufacturing becomes.

However, our manufacturing sector shrinks under the policies of the current government.

Billions have been spent on power, and we are still spending, but the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and its successors remain powerless and unable to light the night and energize the industries. The people grope in darkness.

Our infrastructure remains outmoded. It was established for a small nation not a large, productive one. If not for progressive state governors, road construction in Nigeria would be minimal.

Too many federal roads remain avenues of nightmares, fear and death. Driving these roads is tantamount and as dangerous as going to war. Regarding social services, the best health care in Nigeria is still a plane ticket abroad. For the rest of the people, government does not care.

The most troubling aspect of the current state of the union is that we lack inspirational national leadership. The people have lost faith that this government is capable of solving the problems affecting them.

The ruling party caused this. Most of its politicians are not interested in progress; they live to maintain power.

This is not as it should be. To turn the nation from its sad present to a happier future, the people must turn to a truly progressive approach to governance and restructuring our political economy.

A progressive government will have as one of its top priorities the lifting of 20 per cent of Nigerians out of poverty within the first four years of our administration. To happen, the federal government must be a catalyst for job creation and economic development that touches all the people. We shall do this by implementing a national industrial policy that includes as its primary sub-com-

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We live in a land that is ours but ruled by a government that does not belong to us, ruled by a government that loves itself but dislikes its people. This house called Nigeria is inviting and well-stocked with resources and potential riches. However, our current situation is like living in a fine mansion; the trained, tame guard that should be our protector has been replaced by a ravening wolf

ponents a national infrastructural plan and a national employment strategy.

Conclusion Here, I must say a few words about corruption. The current government is engaged in a curious war against corruption. It seeks to defeat corruption by allowing it. It seeks to end corruption by wedding it. And you know what they say about marriage – two have become one. Well, this administration and corruption are betrothed one and the same.

This present government is nosedeep in official sleaze. The figures do not add up either from NNPC or from the Customs or the Finance Ministry. The national treasury is a hemorrhaging sieve despite shrill explanations and protestations of financial rectitude. Our financial predicament will worsen until we demand answers to the mind boggling, unprecedented official corruption in the oil sector in particular. Can this government step forward and tell Nigerians why $20 billion in oil revenue remains unaccounted? What have become of the Kerosene Subsidy scandal and the nearly one trillion Naira that disappeared?

Sure-P was surely spent but was it spent well? For instance, the N253.5 billion allegedly used on projects by the Federal government has hardly generated appreciable employment.

Because of their love of power, I fear this government will not allow free and fair elections in 2015. If the balloting during last year’s vote on the chairmanship of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum is indicative, then coming elections will be ones where numbers and maths are immaterial. Already the pattern of abuse and malpractice has been set in Anambra. Without reform, elections may likely be ones where those the people reject will be proclaimed the people’s choice.

Such malpractice will place the nation in dangerous straits.

To avoid this calamity, we need sweeping electoral reform. Foremost, we need a fully bio-metric voters verification and validation of registration system. Our current system encourages multiple voting and not verifiable one man one vote. As such, it is a veritable invitation card to massive fraud and malpractice. This can be fixed by Biometric Voter verification. To adopt it invites fair elections and guarantees democracy. Not to introduce it, invites rigging and loss of democratic legitimacy.

Finally, we live in a land that is ours but ruled by a government that does not belong to us, ruled by a government that loves itself but dislikes its people. This house called Nigeria is inviting and wellstocked with resources and potential riches. However, our current situation is like living in a fine mansion; the trained, tame guard that should be our protector has been replaced by a ravening wolf seeking to maul and mangle us. This situation can’t give rise to the national greatness. It can only produce hardship, wound, injustice and misery. e need to do one important thing, which is to get rid of the wolf that has taken our home.

It is only after we get rid of the wolf that we can promote an environment that establishes new refineries, increases our industrial capacity, reduces our reliance on importation, properly incentivizes agriculture and Agro allied businesses. We shall concentrate on the influences employment of our citizens, ensure we increase the disposable income of the average Nigerian as thereby increase our capacity to consume goods and services whilst ensuring those goods and services are Made In Nigeria. We need not change homes because this home is a good one.

We need to get rid of the wolf. Let’s dedicate ourselves to kicking the wolf from our doorstep that we may live in democratic governance, economic development, broad prosperity, justice, equality, moral purpose and human dignity.

At that point, the state of the nation can be a state in which we are all proud and in which we all live as free and equal people. The fate of this country will be destroyed by the lies and emotions of religious bigots. Only the courage, capacity and intelligent governance of thinkers and doers can decide and improve our chances to succeed as a ration. This chance is now in our hands, lets do it by slowing the worries out. Enough of this government, lets embrace good governance.

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THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

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NEWS

AT THE INVESTITURE OF ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU AS CHANCELLOR OF LAUTECH, OGBOMOSO

•All Progressives Congress National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (second left); his wife Senator Oluremi (left); Interim National Chairman of APC Chief Bisi Akande; National Leaders Gen Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the investiture of Asiwaju Tinubu as Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State... on Wednesday.

Former Inspector General of Police Sunday Adewusi (left) and Interim National Publicity Secretary of APC Alhaji Lai Mohammed

•Former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dele Alake

•Frontline scholar Prof Adebayo Williams

• Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji

•Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed

•Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori (left); Governors’ wives: Erelu Bisi Fayemi (Ekiti); Mrs Olufunso Amosun (Ogun); Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (Osun); Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos) and Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo).

•Aare Abdulsalam (left) and Prof Ismail Oladosu

•Traditional rulers

Guest Speaker Robert Frankling

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (second left) congratulating Asiwaju Tinubu after the investiture. With them are Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); LAUTECH’s Pro-Chancellor Prof Wale Omole (right) and Vice Chamcellor Adeniyi Sulaimon

•Dr. Wale Okediran (left) and Prof Olasupo Ladipo

•Traditional rulers.

•Lagos Island Local Government Chairman Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun (left) and his Itire/ Ikate counterpart Hakeem Bamgbola

PHOTOS: ISAAC AYODELE JIMOH AND FEMI ILESANMI

THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

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NEWS

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PDP accuses Mimiko of plans to forge security report

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has alleged plans by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to tender a fake security report on the inconclusive Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency by-election at the Federal High Court in Akure, the state capital.

The Labour Party (LP) filed a suit at the Federal High Court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting a supplementary poll in areas where election did not hold.

It is praying the court to order INEC to announce its candidate as the winner of the by-election.

Addressing reporters at the PDP Secretariat in Akure, the Deputy State Chairman, Mr. Fatai Adams, accused Mimiko of allegedly partnering some Department of State Security (DSS) officials to forge the report.

Adams alleged that Mimiko was behind the disruption of the by-election in Arogbo Ward Two election and other PDP strongholds.

The former state legislator alleged that the governor

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Lagos school gets ICT centre

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

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Ex-Ondo NDDC chief alleges threat to his life

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NDO State’s former representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Benson Enikuomehin has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged threat to his life by unknown persons.

In the petition dated April 17, Enikuomehin linked the threat to his life and family to his “objective criticisms” of the state government.

The former NDDC Commissioner appeared penultimate week on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise, as a representative of the Labour Party (LP), along with representatives of other parties, to review the by-election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency.

During the programme, Enikuomehin admitted that the LP administration had not done enough for the people in the coastal area to ensure the party’s victory in the byelection.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

got his mandate “by tendering fake security reports in 2009, which were later confirmed as fake by both the Police and SSS”.

Adams said: “It is important to notify the public that Governor Mimiko has again embarked on a mission to procure a compromised se-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

It was gathered that as an LP chieftain, Enikuomehin’s comment created friction between him and the governor.

In the petition, Enikuomehin said his questions about how N48 billion that accrued to the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) since the inception of the LP administration five years ago was spent has pitched the governor against him.

He said he met with the governor on several occasions over the neglect of the oil producing area and the absence of infrastructure there.

Enikuomehin said he had been seeing strange faces around his house in Akure and receiving phone calls from unknown persons, who threaten his life and family.

He said he relocated his family to an undisclosed place as a result of the threat.

curity report from the DSS. The report would contain falsified information about activities that took place on the day of the by-election.

“We urge you to recall that during the hearing of the election petition that resulted in his declaration as the winner of an election he did not win.

“We also urge you to recall that the Inspector-General of

Police, in a letter to the late former Governor Olusegun Agagu in October, 2012, declared that Mimiko’s security reports were fake and did not originate from the Police and SSS. “We warn the director and personnel of the DSS against collaborating with Mimiko to perpetuate crime. We have reliable information at

•Mimiko

our disposal that that he has commissioned some officers of the department to manufacture fake security reports to mislead the court.”

He thanked the people of Arogbo for their patience, assuring them that the supplementary election would soon be conducted.

LP’s Publicity Secretary Koye Odogiyon described the allegation as “false”.

He challenged the PDP to present evidence to back up its claim.

Odogiyan said the PDP was jittery because it knew the court’s ruling would favour the LP.

Stop praise singing, bishop warns religious leaders

ETIRED Arch-Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria Most Rev. Ayo Ladigbolu has warned religious groups

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

against singing the praise of politicians.

He urged them to be firm

in the war against corruption, adding that religion should redeem people morally and spiritually.

Speaking with reporters

yesterday in Oyo, ArchBishop Ladigbolu described Nigeria as “a morally contaminated entity that requires spiritual exorcism”.

He said corrective mechanisms must be put in place to guarantee stability and equity, adding: “Politicians should see credibility as their watchword.

Holders of public offices should see themselves as temporary custodians of the state machinery for the well-being of the people and not for personal aggrandisement. Political incompetence breeds dormant and unproductive godfatherism to the detriment of the masses.”

Ogun honours faithful taxpayers

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE Ogun State government honoured yesterday some organisations for prompt tax payment in 2013.

At a ceremony held at the Hubert Ogunde Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, Nestle Nig. Plc was presented with the Overall Best Tax-Payer Award.

Lafarge Nig. Plc. got the Most Responsive Corporate Tax Payer Award.

Chief Jide Jones is the Most Responsive Individual Tax Payer.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun assured tax payers that their money would be judiciously used to develop the state.

He warned that any public office holder who tampers with public funds would be punished.

The event, tagged: “A Day with the Governor”, was organised by the State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to enable tax payers interact with the governor on tax matters and honour faithful tax payers.

The governor said in the last 35 months, the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) has increased from N730 million monthly to N4 billion.

Amosun said this was achieved through the cooperation of residents and the blocking of leakages in the system.

SCHOOL serving over 20 communities in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State has been equipped with an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre.

The donor, Mr. Akorede Ojomu, said the gesture was to enable pupils of Iwerekun Community High school to compete favourably with their colleagues on other schools.

He said about N5 million was expended on project, which includes the building, laptops, printers, projectors and a magic board.

Ojomu said: “As an indigene of this community, I observed that there was a gap in this regard for pupils in my area. Although the government is doing its best, I did this to raise the standard of education in this area.”

He explained that most of the pupils in public schools are from average homes and their parents cannot afford to buy laptops and iPads for them.

Ojomu said: “ICT is the driving force of development all over the world.

That is why the centre has a stand by power generating set to ensure constant electricity supply.

“My dream to drive development in my community cannot be restricted to political ambition. The only way to touch life is by doing things from the community level. We have put in place ICT professionals that will constantly train the teachers on how to use the facilities at the centre.

I believe anyone that is well equipped with ICT can start up a means of livelihood after leaving secondary school.”

The centre would be inaugurated on April 30 by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye.

‘

As an indigene of this community, I observed that there was a gap in this regard for pupils in my area. Although the government is doing its best, I did this to raise the standard of education in this area.

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Ogun police recover murdered boy’s head

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HE Police in Ogun State have recovered the head of a two-yearold boy, who was killed on April 12 in Mowe, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

Bashir Ibrahim allegedly raped the boy’s mother and murdered him, running away with his head.

He was arrested on April 16.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Ibrahim confessed to the crime, but did not say what he wanted to do with the boy’s head.

Adejobi said, on Tuesday, Ibrahim took the police to a bush in Mokola, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where the

•Four arrested for lynching From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

boy’s head, wrapped in a bag, was recovered.

The Adatan Police Division has arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of a suspected mentally-ill man, Kazeem Akindele (35).

Akindele was murdered on Tuesday by a mob on Onikola

Street in Abeokuta for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 19-year-old woman.

Fausat Ogunbiyi, Mariam Yahaya, Blessing Joseph and Nurudeen Adebayo were said to be part of the mob.

Adejobi said the suspects would be charged to court soon and warned the people against jungle justice.

Ekiti promotes 14 headteachers

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HE Ekiti State government has promoted 14 secondary school headteachers to Grade Level 17.

Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Prince Bayo Adeniran announced this yesterday during a tour of public schools.

Adeniran said the promotion would motivate teachers to be diligent, urging them to be dedicated to their duties.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX -PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the umbrella body of Muslims in the North, is 50. It celebrated the golden jubilee at Lugard Hall, Kaduna in grand style, writes TONY AKOWE.

•Arch Sambo (second left) assisted by Hon Tambuwal (left), Sultan Abubakar (right) and JNI Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu to unveil the golden jubilee almanac

•Governor Yero

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T 50, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the umbrella body of Muslims in the North, has come a long way. Its 50th anniversary was marked with fanfare on April 13 at the Lugard Hall in Kaduna. Dignitaries came from far and wide for the celebration.

Meaning “Society for the support of Islam”, the JNI has been involved in several activities since it was established and its voice heard on national and international issues.

Founded by the revered Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region, the late sir Ahmadu Bello, the JNI with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has been propagating Islam. It was founded on January 5, 1961, but was formally inaugurated in 1963. Its golden jubilee celebration attracted among others Vice President Namadi Sambo and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

The ceremony featured a special lecture titled: Nigerian Muslims and the JNI: Strength, Achievements, Prospects and Challenges by the former Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Prof Shehu Ahmad Sa’ad Galadanci.

Noting some of the challenges facing Muslims, Galadanci said JNI should merge with NSCIA and Muslims Ummah of South Western Nigeria (MUSWEN) to form a body that would be a rallying point of all Nigerian Muslims.

In his address, JNI President-General and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the organisation went for a lecture to know its challenges and prospects.

He described JNI as a reputable organisation.

“It is, indeed, appropriate for us to commend

•Alhaji Iliyasu

•Alhaji el-Kanemi

A golden moment •Jama'atu Nasril Islam at 50

JNI as it has become the umbrella that brings all Muslims together on occasions like this.

Muslims are united in Nigeria and will continue to be united, Insha Allah. And for those who think the only problem of Nigerian Muslims is unity, today we have proved them wrong because we are united,” the Sultan said.

JNI, he said, would continue to say the truth when things go wrong as it stands for the unity.

Alhaji Abubakar, who chaired the occasion, said Islam and Christianity should not be seen as an accident of history but God’s design which cannot be changed by anyone.

According to him, insecurity is the major problem confronting muslims and christians in the country.

“Every day, he said, hundreds of lives are being lost, particularly in the Northeast. We are worried about the number of Christians, Muslims, Fulanis and innocent people that are killed every time and, therefore, we condemn such cruel acts. I urge Christians to partner with Muslims to find a solution to the security challenges facing the country. We are not out to fight for religion or fight anybody, we are out to practise our religion as we are taught by the Qur’an and the Hadith. As Muslims, we should engage in good conduct that will bring non-

Muslims closer to us in order to foster mutual understanding and, thus, mutual love.

“Please, let Christians understand that nobody can Islamise Nigeria. There are no plans

by Muslims to convert non-Muslims to Islam just as nobody can Christianise Muslims or the country as a whole. So, why are we fighting? Let us live together as God has created us to be Muslims and Christians. We should go about our religion peacefully and let God judge who is right and who is wrong. I encourage non-Muslims to bear with us because we are not out to challenge anybody.”

Sambo urged JNI to continue to be steadfast in its obligations by promoting unity, oneness, brotherhood and inter-religious harmony among Nigerians.

He paid tributes to Sir Ahamdu Bello for conceptualising the organisation.

“We must not forget to honour the founding fathers of this organisation, most of whom are not here with us today. The late Premier of Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, deserves honour today for his great wisdom and deep foresight in bringing to existence this great body that would promote the deep moral teachings of Islam and protect the interest of the Muslim Ummah.

•Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar

“The late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi, the erstwhile Grand Khadi of Northern Nigeria, must be remembered for his role in sustaining the great legacy bequeathed to us up till the time of his death. May Allah reward their good deeds with Aljannat Firdausi,” he said.

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero said JNI should begin to identify ways of engaging in inter-faith dialogue, especially with Christian organisations across the country. The governor said the objective of such interaction is to devise means of promoting peaceful co-existence in the country. Yero argued that without peace and stability, there can be no meaningful development, adding that the country will economically stagnate while majority of the people, irrespective of faith, would wallow in abject poverty.

He said: “It is, therefore, a collective responsibility, especially on the part of the JNI and similar bodies in the country, to galvanise the people towards achieving lasting peace and security. At this historic stage, I wish to urge JNI, especially as we enter the golden age of its formation, to begin to take necessary steps in addressing internal misunderstandings within the religion. It is imperative for Muslims to uphold the bond of faith in sustaining our brotherhood as servants of Allah.”

The event climaxed, with the launch of the JNI golden jubilee almanac by Sambo.

In attendance were Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai el-Kanemi, Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Shehu Idris; Emir of Gwandu Alhaji Bashir Iliyasu; and Kano State Deputy Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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SOCIETY The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, has celebrated his 20th coronation anniversary at his expansive palace, Iru near Lekki, Lagos.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

20 years on the throne

•Prince Alaba Oniru

•From left: Oba Akiolu; the celebrator Oba Oniru and Asiwaju Tinubu

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T was a week to remember in Iru/Victoria Island in the heart of Lagos. The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, was celebrating his 20th anniversary. For that week, Iru was a beehive of activities.

There were huge banners on street corners greeting the monarch.

The weeklong activities began on Wednesday with traditional rites and prayers Princess Moses and Moris Oniru led the Christian prayers at the palace before the congregation moved to the Oniru Central Mosque, few metres from the palace for the Muslim version.

Traditional appeasement featuring Elegba, Awo Opa, Ogboni and Igunuko followed later in the day.

Thursday was Family Day. It started with the unveiling of the statue of the late Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru at the Junction of Akin Adesola Road/ Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island.

There were visits to orphanages/ motherless babies homes, presentation of scholarship to the best pupil of British International School, commissioning of Millennium Homes and novelty match.

At the grand finale penultimate Friday, Iru played host to the Creme de la creme.

Three attires were prominent on the occasion. There were orange and purple ankara fabrics and the golden lace wore by the Oniru’s wives.

The ceremony was held inside a large white canopy erected on the palace ground.

Itinerant drummers, who gathered close to one of the canopy’s entrances added glamour to the ceremony.

After the opening prayers by Mufasir of Lagos Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa and Pastor Moris Oniru, one of the monarch’s wives, Olori Aramide, took the gathering to Oba Oniru’s roots through rendition of his panegyric (oriki).

The Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi and the wife of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Olori Muhibat Oyefusi, silently, read the oriki along with her.

She had barely finished before Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu took over to complete it.

Oba Akiolu went historical on Oba Oniru’s battle for the throne.

He prayed God to grant the celebrator long life.

While thanking the Oloris for taking care of the monarch, the Olowo Eko Baba Fuad as Oba Akiolu is fondly called, jokingly told them that the celebrator is not done yet with marriages. The gathering burst into laughter.

He also thanked the former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was present with his wife, Senator Oluremi for choosing a worthy successor, Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Oba Oniru’s daughter Justice Ayisat

•Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Salawudeen Oyefusi and his wife, Olori Muibat

•Oba Alade Aromire flanked by Oba Elegushi (right) and Chief Okoya-Thomas

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Mr Roland Chagoury

•From Left: Azizat Tijani; Princess Sarah Sosan; Mrs Abimbola Fashola and Mrs Arinola Fashola

•Chief Pius Akinyelure

•Prince Adesegun Oniru

•Widow of Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite, Hajia Madina Adegbite (left) and Jadesola Williams

•Hakeem Gbajabiamila

•Admiral Jubril Ayinla; Chief Simeon Akinlonu and Alhaji Ali-Owe

•Senator HAB Fasinro

Oniru-Opesanwo delivered a welcome address on behalf of the royal family.

Asiwaju Tinubu described Oba Oniru as a progressive.

“We are very proud of you and your achievements,” the Jagaban Borgu said.

He recalled how the monarch allowed the government to control the ocean surge that nearly chased people

as well. Today, we have put Lagos on international map courtesy of the project. Kabiyesi can now save lots of cows and they should be directed to my house having bailed you from Olokun crisis,” he said.

Dignitaries on the high table roared in laughter as Oba Akiolu hailed the Asoju Oba of Lagos Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas by his Muslim name

out of the Island.

“Through the Eko Atlantic project, the ocean surge problem was resolved. The Yemoja that has been collecting cows from Kabiyesi is no longer relevant; we told Kabiyesi to stop giving cows to Olokun and allow us to work on the place. If they did it in Holland, Durban and other developed nations, we can do it here

- “Kareem”- when the industrialist was invited for brief remarks. Thanking the monarch for informing the gathering of his Muslim name, Chief Okoya-Thomas said: “Please address me as AbdulKareem Molade OkoyaThomas; that is my proper name.”

The Asoju Oba said he has been relating with the royal house since •Continued on page 49

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY,APRIL 25, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Adieu, Cornelius Taiwo

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• He was a distinguished scholar, educationist, technocrat and patriot

ODAY, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State, will host dignitaries that would be in the town to pay their last respects to Emeritus Prof. Cornelius Olaleye Taiwo, an illustrious son of the town who died on April 8. His burial is the climax of the funeral obsequies that began in Lagos on Wednesday, with a service of songs. Prof Taiwo deserves everything that is being done to mark his passage.

He was a great man by any standard, considering his accomplishments in life. To crown it, he was also privileged to live to an old age, having died at 103.

Born on October 27, 1910, at Oru, Ijebu Taiwo started school at St. Luke’s School, Oru, Ijebu around 1921. From there he went to St Andrews College, Oyo, for his teacher training course, and later Yaba Higher College, Lagos, where he read mathematics and distinguished himself, just as he did at St Andrews College. He then joined the staff of CMS Grammar School, Lagos, as a tutor in mathematics and assistant master of the boarding house. Taiwo’s diligence as a tutor in mathematics was instrumental to the school’s turning out of many brilliant students, with many of them becoming engineers later.

While at CMS Grammar School, Taiwo was awarded a colonial government scholarship to read mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge, which was quite uncommon in those days. Prof Taiwo proceeded to the Institute of Education of the University of London for a post-graduate course in education; he was one of the first Nigerians that did that course in London. He also earned a Barrister-at – Law and was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple (Inn of Court), London, on February

4, 1964.

As usual, Prof Taiwo distinguished himself when he returned to the country and was offered appointment as Education Officer in what later became the Western Region. He taught in a number of government secondary schools in the region and later became the first African to head Edo College, Benin, a position hitherto reserved exclusively for expatriates.

Prof Taiwo served in various capacities including Administrative Officer, Inspector of Education and ultimately as Permanent Secretary in the Western Region before moving to the University of Lagos where he spent 11 years; he delved into private legal practice and authored several books. He enrolled as Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 3, 1964.

Even though the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo saw the potential in Prof Taiwo and a few others and appointed them permanent secretaries, against the usual civil service practice, Prof Taiwo never had the time for politics. “I was too busy to play politics,” he said in an interview on his 100th birthday. Perhaps this is why his demise has not attracted the kind of noise that usually trails the typical Nigerian politician’s death.

Yet, he was a man with immense contributions to national development; a man of many firsts: Prof Taiwo was the first Emeritus Professor of Education in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as well as UNILAG‘s first and only provost. It is only unfortunate that such an apolitical bundle of talent could be disillusioned as to leave the services of the Western Region at the time he did simply because the new premier in the region then, Chief Ladoke

Akintola, became suspicious of his loyalty. Anyway, whatever the region lost to his exit, the University of Lagos and other places that he served, including University of Ilorin where he was appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council in September, 1990, gained.

Prof Taiwo was Fellow of Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration; Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Education; and Lord LUPEN (Luminaries of Professional Educators of Nigeria), among others. Prof Taiwo who was also the Baba Ijo (Father of the congregation) of St. Luke‘s Church, Oru, Ijebu since 1973, was also inducted into the International Educators’ Hall of Fame.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

‘He was a man of many firsts: Prof Taiwo was the first Emeritus Professor of Education in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as well as UNILAG‘s first and only provost. It is only unfortunate that such an apolitical bundle of talent could be disillusioned as to leave the services of the Western Region at the time he did simply because the new premier in the region then, Chief Ladoke Akintola, became suspicious of his loyalty’

Magical master

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•Gracia Marquez, a master story teller, fabulist, enchanter and stylist, dies at 87

OR a compact characterisation of the writing life and impact of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the distinguished Colombian literary artist who made his exit to resounding global applause at age 87 on April 17, his Nobel Prize in Literature provides illumination.

He received the world’s most prestigious garland for letters at age 55 in December 1982 “for his novels and short stories, in which the fantastic and the realistic are combined in a richly composed world of imagination, reflecting a continent’s life and conflicts”; and his acceptance speech aptly entitled “The Solitude of Latin America” not only mirrored the enduring theme of his creative career in both individual and corporate contexts, but also defined his aboriginal passion.

As the first Colombian and fourth Latin American to win the esteemed literary

‘His magical imagination was underscored by his answer to a question on his literary ambitions in a 1981 interview. He said: ”I don’t really like to say this because it never sounds sincere, but I would really have liked for my books to have been published after my death, so I wouldn’t have to go through all this business of fame and being a great writer.”

award which has been in existence since 1901, Marquez who died in Mexico City where he lived for over 30 years belongs indisputably to the pantheon of Spanish language and world literature.

Widely acknowledged for his unique style labelled “Magical Realism,” which was informed by his sense of the marvellous and sensitivity to the fantastic, Marquez created stunning fiction that inspired a world-wide boom in Spanish language literature. The success of his wellknown 1967 novel regarded as his magnum opus, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is believed to have paved the way for the Nobel Prize as well the earlier Romulo Gallegos Prize in 1972. It reportedly took him 18 months of daily writing to produce the book, which was a commercial hit and has sold over 30 million copies around the world, with translation into more than 30 languages. Against the background of the abundance of accolades that the novel has received, it is instructive that a particular critic, William Kennedy, described it hyperbolically as “the first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire human race,” However, as an author, his oeuvre transcended novels, novellas and short story collections; he also did non-fiction, wrote a number of screenplays and was a film critic. Significantly, he started the Film Institute in Havana, Cuba, and headed the Latin American Film Foundation. It is noteworthy that he came to creative writing from a journalistic background, which is believed to have enhanced the quality of his work.

A fascinating aspect of his life and times was the way his activities generated ques-

tions about the nexus between political ideology and literature, and in this respect his friendship with former Cuban president and leftist leader Fidel Castro was continually under focus although Marquez described their relationship as “an intellectual friendship.”

In this connection, it is worth mentioning that his expressed views reflected anti-imperialist ideas for which he was branded a subversive and denied entry into the United States (US) by the country’s immigration authorities. It is a telling commentary on the influence of his literature that, following the election of former US president Bill Clinton in 1992, the travel ban was reviewed and Clinton referred to One Hundred Years of Solitude as his favourite novel.

Another facet of his personality manifested in his long-term feud with 2010 Nobel laureate and Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa which had an undercurrent of rivalry and lasted over 30 years, during which time Llosa famously punched him in the face. Indeed, in a profound sense, that discord described as “one of the largest feuds in modern literature” had the likeness of a Marquez fictional plot, with the implication of an incredible story masterfully narrated.

His magical imagination was underscored by his answer to a question on his literary ambitions in a 1981 interview. He said: ”I don’t really like to say this because it never sounds sincere, but I would really have liked for my books to have been published after my death, so I wouldn’t have to go through all this business of fame and being a great writer.”

Time for Transition in Algeria

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HE landslide re-election of Algeria’s 77-year-old president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, last Thursday to a fourth term comes as no surprise.

Despite reports that many younger Algerian voters stayed home, as well as accusations from the political opposition of election fraud, the official tally gave Mr. Bouteflika an incredible 81.5 percent of the vote. Mr. Bouteflika is in such fragile health following a stroke last year that he did not participate in three weeks of campaigning, and he cast his vote from a wheelchair.

It is past time for Algeria to move toward a more open society and a more diverse economy. Mr. Bouteflika and his government, led by a small group of army generals and intelligence officials, many of whom are also in their 70s, enjoy support among older Algerians who credit them with ending a civil war during the 1990s that claimed up to 200,000 lives. Still, there is discontent among Algerians under the age of 45, who make up four-fifths of the country’s 37 million people. Youth unemployment has steadily increased in recent years in Algeria’s overly oil-dependent economy, and riots and demonstrations have increased as well.

For years, the Algerian government has managed to keep its grip on power and a lid on social upheaval by a combination of political repression and generous social handouts financed by the country’s oil wealth. A 2001 decree bans all demonstrations in Algiers, the capital, and the authorities are quick to crack down on public political gatherings elsewhere.

Basic freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, collective bargaining and movement into and out of Algeria are severely restricted. According to Human Rights Watch, on the eve of the election, police detained and beat members of the new movement Barakat! (“Enough!” in Arabic), whose members opposed a fourth term, as they headed toward a peaceful protest at Algiers University.

This strong-arm strategy cannot be sustained against a changing population. The decree banning demonstrations in Algiers should be repealed. Without legitimate means of dissent and the protection of basic rights, violent uprisings will only increase, threatening Algeria’s stability and that of the entire, already volatile, region.

-New York Times TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

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• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Dep. Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: To some people, leadership is not all about churning out policy thrusts or laws that give direction to people in a particular society. It is equally an avenue where opportunities are given to the people to think. Thinking in this parlance means allowing people to recreate or relax intellectually. To me this is what played out in Port Harcourt when the official opening ceremony of Port Harcourt World Book Capital was declared by Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Amaechi: Putting creativity into leadership

For Amaechi to drag down the world’s literary headquarters to Port Harcourt, to me is a no mean feat. It has placed the city on the world map and brought an uncom-

mon fame to Port Harcourt. If you ask me, I will say that this event has further proved the creativity of the governor not only in governance but also in leadership which

has been strengthened through his high level political networking and peers review mechanism (PRM).

For Amaechi, building the mind is better than building arms. This is

others, too draconian, in additional to the fact that people were not being given enough grace period before their ticket expired. But even though nobody has been availed with a copy of the recommendations of the review committee, one may infer that the review would address most of these observed lapses in the implementation of the scheme.

Parking management is a scheme introduced by municipal authorities all over the world to control and sanitize the cities and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja will not be an exception. The FCT was designed by the founding fathers to conform to all the parameters that a modern city should have for smooth and convenient living. On-street

parking is not one run-off thing; it has been in the design from the day the city was conceptualized.

The FCT administration, in its wisdom, only deemed it fit that it was the right time to activate this scheme to control the flow of traffic in the city.

•Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim Garki, Abuja

FCT minister and court order on Park and Pay

IR: Park and pay is a worldwide practice around the world. As the Nigerian capital city develops, people will have to pay for parking especially in city centres. The idea behind introduction of the park and pay regime in addition to ending the traffic congestion on the streets of Abuja, is to create employment and some level of security for vehicles in the capital city.

The reaction by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to the judgment of an Abuja High Court is commendable. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Afeni, had in its ruling of Thursday April 17, averred that the scheme was illegal. However, the court also made it clear in the judgment that the scheme was an excellent government policy, but that it only lacked legal status.

It is a hallmark of good leadership for a leader to stand up and accept a court judgment that on the face value seems quite unfavorable. His response is a departure from what have witnessed in some states where court orders and verdicts were flouted at will. The minister took the path of honour by opting to abide by the court judgment.

Also heartwarming is that the minister has put in place mechanism for a review of the Park and Pay scheme with a view to addressing areas of serious public complaints.

Such areas include the fines usually slammed on offenders. Many people were of the opinion that the fines were too hefty in some cases and in

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The paradox of a country

IR: For many people around the globetoday, the mention of Nigeria do not stir up an image of an emerging economic superpower on the continent but of insurgency, poverty, criminality, pervasive corruption and mounting social ills.

With vast arable land and good climatic condition, plethora of mineral resources, oil and gas, Nigeria would have become the South Korea of Africa today but for ineffectual utilization of these resources, coupled with brazen looting and lack of commitment to the course of our fatherland by successive leaders. The country can best be described as African Tragedy.

Unfettered by the rule of law and goaded only by the lure of personal interest, Nigeria’s political class have become vanguard of unbridled self-aggrandisement and frenetic looting, leaving the masses swinging between hope and despair even under a so-called democratic dispensation.

Mass unemployment, poverty, failed educational system, virtual absence of power supply, insurgency and diseases are evidential signs of a country where leaders have failed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the electorates.

In the presence of the mounting challenges, the government has resorted to esoteric economic theories of rebasing that makes the country the largest economy in Africa even as millions groan in abject poverty.

Today, insurgents daily snuff the lives out of defenceless citizens just as applicants in their millions pound on one hundred vacancies and farmers unable to access agricultural credit. We are at the highest level of economic confusion as a nation.

The federal government should do more to combat the Boko Haram insurgency through active participation of local governments across the country. Given that most of the attacks being recorded are actually carried out at the local government levels and in remote villages, the

federal government should create a Special Security Intervention Fund for local governments. With such fund, they should be able to host police units and aid vigilante groups for effective security operation.

The world’s biggest power plant built by Chinese in China at the cost of $22.5b is generating 22,500MW of electricity. I am bewildered at Nigeria’s level of power generation of 4,100MW after over $25 billion have been poured into this sector. We have the water and we have coal but we cannot generate power just for local consumption as the emerging largest economy in Africa; who is fooling who?

Our leaders clearly have not done enough to justify their positions; posterity will remember them if they choose to lead in the way of God for the betterment of the general public in fulfillment of their campaign promises.

• Onogwu Muhammed Lokoja-Kogi State.

because the mind is the receptacle of great ideas that drive humanity and society to perfection. To build the mind, one has to nurture it with the right books and actions. No wonder the western nations were able to develop fast because they tapped greatly from the rich ideas of western scholars such as Aristotle, Euclid, Pythagoras, Darwin, Kant etc who provided the excellent theoretical works that formed the nexus for scientific and technological breakthrough. For western scientists, all that needed to be said have been said about the world by these scholars and all that needed to be done was to practicalize their theories.

This is the message the hosting of world book capital is sending to Nigerians especially our leaders that there is this urgent need to return to the books. This is because in the books lies the solution to the leadership poverty that has bedeviled our country since independence. It is a way out of our brutish nature where impunity still reigns in our body politic. It is the only way our democracy would be strengthened through politics driven by ideas instead of democracy nurtured through gun fire. It is the hard but the only way to secure the future of our young generation who all these while have erroneously believed that success can only come through the barrel of gun rather than through education. The Deputy Governor of Bangkok Amorn Kitchawenghul summarized it this way: “In the books lies the wisdom of this world. Wisdom is acquired through reading. When you read, you imagine. And when you imagine, you create.”

Let us tap from this opportunity created by Governor Amaechi and re-engineer our society for the better through the reading of quality books. This is because the rest of the developed world is waiting impatiently for us to join the international community where things are done right for the singular purpose of advancing our human ethos and the preservation and upkeep of our human destiny.

• Wenenda W. Weli Elibrada, Emohua, Rivers State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 16

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COMMENTS

Tired Wings? (2) (Travails of travel with Arik Air) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

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HERE is crisis with Arik Air. It is a crisis of confidence, customer rights and public trust. Arik Air’s current state could be likened to a sacred infirmity, a dilemma that defies redemption – as theologians might say – and attempts to investigate it are necessarily obscene and socio-politically incorrect.

Several encounters with the bumbling airline have thought me to expect the worst every time I patronize its local and international air services. And no doubt, the passengers who travelled on the airline’s flight W3107 (from Lagos, Nigeria to JFK, New York) on March 31, 2014, would have colourful fright stories to tell about the horridness and discomfort inflicted on them by the airline’s “55-minute” or “one hour” delay of its flight departure and the failure of the aircraft’s air-conditioning system prior to departure. Although the management of Arik Air issued a statement to tender unreserved apology to the maltreated passengers, such apology pales in significance in the face of Arik Air’s institutional inefficiency and disregard for its teeming customers.

Despite the airline’s boastful dedica-

tion to customer satisfaction on its website; “Excellent customer care is the core philosophy of Arik Air’s business.

Our commitment to our customers is reflected in how we have built our network, the product range we offer, the services we provide and how quickly we respond to customers’ feedback.

“In the air and on the ground, online and on the telephone, our guests can expect respect, courtesy, fairness and honesty from the airline at all times,” the airline claims. However, this claim

by Arik Air presents a glaring disconnect with reality as my several encounters with the airline – as indicated in first part of this article – acutely contradicts the airline’s claims.

Arik Air goes further to claim that: “We exceed our guests’ expectations through the continuous pursuit of excellence and are considerate and respectful of, and responsive to, the needs of our guests...”

The rancidness of the airline’s claims to honour and graceful corporate citizenship, as quoted in preceding paragraphs, rankles an ominous note; it accentuates the failure or non-existence – if you like – of a resilient and dependable value system within the mercantile circuits of corporate Nigeria.

Arik Air brazenly dresses itself in over-

The Arik Air dream has run out of gas. Its touted machinery sputters like a vehicle engine in excruciating spells of devastating wear. Today, it fails to deliver to its customers, that superior, quality service it blatantly arrogates to itself on its corporate website. Is it over? Is Arik Air gradually preparing our minds for the baleful notes of that proverbial devastation characteristic of the Nigerian aviation sector? What is wrong with Arik Air?

sized robes and apportions to itself unearned greatness by claiming that it satisfies and exceeds its customers’ expectations while being “respectful” of its customers and “responsive to their needs.”

By perpetuating such frivolous reality, the airline barefacedly abuses the core values by which it ought to mature and evolve — respect for its customers rights, the pursuit and safeguarding of customer satisfaction, the preservation of customer dignity, fiscal integrity and discipline.

Rather than engage in conscious pursuits indicative of its dedication to these crucial values, Arik Air clings desperately during the long nightmare of its aviation venture to an unrealistic corporate goal: “To make Nigeria proud of its aviation industry” by offering “a superior level of customer service” while delivering “on all promises made” to the airline’s customers.

This moral and value fragmentation—using a highfaluting claim to honour and distinction to define its aviation practice, while ignoring its vast corporate assault on its numerous and often helpless customers, symbolizes moral and corporate value capitulation. It fails to confront and address the organisation’s glaring inefficiencies and the blundering boor it has become.

The Arik Air dream has run out of gas. Its touted machinery sputters like a vehicle engine in excruciating spells of devastating wear. Today, it fails to deliver to its customers, that superior, quality service it blatantly arrogates to itself on its corporate website. Is it over?

Is Arik Air gradually preparing our minds for the baleful notes of that proverbial devastation characteristic of the Nigerian aviation sector? What is wrong with Arik Air? While I lay no claim to accurate answers to the questions, I dare say that Arik Air has become grossly insensitive to its customers’ needs. The air-

line, contrary to its grand claims of excellence in service delivery and commitment to customer satisfaction, actually perpetuates a corporate service culture which intent it seems, is to alienate its prospective patrons and further reduce its customers to disposable integers in its pursuit of a lush and supple entrepreneurial bottomline. How could this be beneficial to its enterprise?

Arik Air deserves to encounter stronger competition; the lack of a formidable aviation enterprise and competitor (s) apparently enables its unforgivable arrogance and descent the steep slope customer satisfaction. Arik Air currently suffers no challenge; the airline currently enjoys the monopoly of plying certain routes, like the Lagos to Abuja to Gombe air route for instance. This fosters its several incapacities, like its refusal to improve on quality of its service delivery in such region. Due to the absence of competition in such zone, the airline feels no pressure to review its performance and initiate strategies for reform and improvement in service delivery in the areas.

The airline will do well to improve the quality of in-house training it gives its staff; there is no greater ugliness than encountering a pretty or handsome ill-mannered ticketing officer or station manager at the airline’s numerous transaction points within and outside the country. Arik Air staff members need to be retrained and habituated with core competencies required of their jobs as staff of an airline of its magnitude.

Arik Air also needs to check the excesses of airport touts working in connivance with its ticketing staff to fleece its helpless customers of hard-earned money. It has become an eyesore to see Arik Air staff connive with airport touts to close the ticketing counter before due time often in calculated bid to inflate

price of air travel tickets for those customers who are forced by circumstance to purchase their tickets off the counter.

It is also a very ugly sight to see Arik Air staff condone several excesses from the airport touts; for instance, it has become the norm at Arik Air’s Lagos ticketing counter for airport touts to jump the queue and march to the front to indulge in backdoor transactions with Arik Air staff on behalf of certain customers who are “too big” or “too high society” to queue like other law-abiding travelers. Consequently, Arik Air counters consistently present a raucous and chaotic sight particularly during peak periods of very busy mornings – it’s supposed to be an elite airline operation not a chaotic enterprise reminiscent of mad scrambles for the now outlawed Lagos Molue bus.

Arik Air by virtue of the privileged position it occupies should endeavour to create and efficiently marshal and sustain its “Blue Ocean” to advantage amid Nigerian aviation sector’s “Red Ocean.” But that would require visionary corporate strategy and scenario planning; areas Arik Air needs to shore up its staff competencies and so on.

No degree of frenzied or premeditated public relations campaign and advertising strategy will compensate for Arik Air’s current shoddy operations and crappy service. Advertisement placements in major mainstream media, carefully designed and sponsored PR feature articles in local and international newspapers or an ignore-the-gadfly approach will never correct imagery of the airline’s lackluster performance in the memories and minds of its teeming customers. Arik Air should do better. Could this be tantamount to seeking raindrops in the ocean?

A united front to combat malaria

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ROWING up in Angola, I witnessed the cruel and devastating impact of malaria, as well as experienced this horrific disease firsthand.

Later, as a mother, I was grateful to have access to preventive therapies while pregnant so that I could protect myself and my two sons could be born healthy.

Now, as a physician, I am committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from this disease.

Thankfully, over the past decade, renewed investments and partnerships have driven remarkable progress against malaria. Since 2000, more than 3.3 million lives have been saved and global deaths have decreased by 45 percent. And right here in Africa, the number is closer to 50 percent, with eight countries that are on track to meet the WHO 2015 goal of reducing their malaria case incidence rates by 75 percent.

Despite this progress, malaria continues to kill more than 627,000 people each year, the majority of whom are children under the age of five. The disease also has broad repercussions for health and economic development, harming pregnant women and their infants, preventing children from attending and participating in school, and limiting adults’ economic potential and ability to invest in their families.

Today, being World Malaria Day, partners who have joined the fight against malaria will take stock of progress made and reflect on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. While we should celebrate the gains we have made, we cannot become complacent. Our success is as fragile as it is remarkable and it must be sustained.

To continue progress against malaria, the global community must now, more than ever, reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that the tools to combat this disease reach each person in need.

Unfortunately, there is no “silver bullet” capable of eradicating malaria singlehandedly. We’ve seen again and again that combating this disease requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the disease from different angles and with different approaches. We must deploy bed nets and other prevention tools, diagnostic tests, effective treatments and educational cam-

By Dr. Ana Margarida Setas-Ferreira paigns to combat malaria on the ground, while looking for long term solutions like improved drugs and vaccines.

Implementing an effort of this grand a scale requires ongoing collaboration and cooperation across the board to effectively leverage the expertise and resources of each partner. Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities we have is to fully engage the private sector.

As a physician for ExxonMobil in Angola, I have been inspired by the integrated approach the company takes to address malaria. Having seen the way malaria impacts workers, their families and communities in subSaharan Africa, ExxonMobil introduced a workforce malaria program and support for community malaria control efforts more than a decade ago. Our focus on the four ABCDs – Awareness, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis and Diagnosis and early effective treatment– has been paramount to the effective control of malaria in ExxonMobil workplaces, the execution of our community outreach programs, and our ongoing support for malaria research and development.

In the past decade, this approach has helped avert an estimated 1,800 malaria cases among non-immune workers and, since 2007, no ExxonMobil workers have died from malaria. Similarly, our partnerships with leading malaria organizations are encouraging innovative and effective programs that address malaria from all sides. For example, in Chad and Cameroon, ExxonMobil supports a national multimedia malaria prevention campaign through Malaria No More and trains health workers to provide malaria prevention and treatment services—particularly for pregnant women—with Jhpiego.

ExxonMobil is not alone in our commitment to fight malaria. We are part of a larger effort of businesses partnering with the public sector to drive a comprehensive response to the parasite.

In sub-Saharan Africa, this joint support has made a powerful impact, and it is emblematic of how corpora-

Margaret Chan, DG, WHO

tions can be agents of change across a spectrum of control efforts. ExxonMobil’s partnerships alone have helped distribute more than 13 million bed nets, provide close to two million malaria treatment doses, and train 355,000 health workers. When combined with other companies’ initiatives, these efforts translate into expanded impact where it is most needed.

As a community, we can build on these successes.

Going forward, the global malaria community must remain steadfast in its commitment to leverage the resources of its partners and foster greater collaboration to expand the reach of these interventions. Together, we can reduce the burden of malaria – and build a more prosperous and healthy future across the continent.

• Dr. Setas-Ferreira is Regional Advisor for Community and Public Health at the ExxonMobil Corporation

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

22

COMMENTS

‘God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well’ - Voltaire.

T

PERHAPS, this column should sometimes stay away from beaming its klieg-light on the crass misgovernance that has plunged the nation into a near-irremediable cul-de-sac. This is a very difficult decision in the face of the damning insecurity and stubborn vampires in economic and political spheres destroying the country. This week, yours sincerely has chosen to celebrate an exemplary figure and acknowledge how we can individually make positive difference in the life of this country.

Permit me to start with Voltaire, an historian and philosopher, who was born François-Marie Arouet and recorded by history as one of France's greatest Enlightenment writers. In one of his most memorable quotes on a worthy life, he said: ‘God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.’ Indeed, living well and adding value to the society that we live in have become a painful rarity in Nigeria of today.

With due apologies to Ernest Meyers who once admonished people not to‘… just count their years’ but to make such years count, he probably had a saner society in mind where there is minimal corruption and where the leadership puts national interests above parochial pursuits.

What we have today in the land are mostly people who merely count years without making their years count. What most people celebrate today as birthday landmarks are rapacious display of ill-gotten wealth.

They derive joy, under the pretext of celebrations, in wild-eye sour display of indefensible opulence and splendour in a society where most people fall within the poverty bracket.

The regrettable thing is that our society which hitherto placed high premium on societal values has come to see this contemporary obscenity as something normal. In the days of yore, true role models are picked from among distinguished academics, professionals, genuinely-inspiring business moguls, committed technocrats, sportsmen/ women and particularly Christian/Islamic clerics. Not any longer again as most young folks pick their role models from whoever could acquire overnight wealth; those who could afford to ride some of the best and costliest cars in town without any noticeable source of income. Even the traditional institutions are not helping matters as they confer coveted traditional titles on such men/women of doubtful pedigrees.

The mosques and especially the churches

F

EMI Segun was a man that kept his star shining per second, his exotic and likeable character kept the moon rotating at the speed of an aircraft, he laid awake at sunset, trusting his dream, working hard at it, he remained on top of that glorious dream until his death in March. Segun was a miracle of beauty with grey hairs on his head and chin. It was in July 1997, while away in Cape Coast, Ghana, attending the Pan African festival (PANAFEST) for the first time that we saw a familiar Nigerian, exchanging glances, then we remembered it was Segun, holding his magistrate wife. We introduced ourselves to him; he was so happy meeting us, he brought out his Kodak camera, took some shots with us, photographs that will forever be cherished by us.

We gave him the account of our experiences since we arrived the festival, especially how the world had fallen in

‘He was not given to pride and arrogance at all.

A man of inner beauty, he had an ignited spark always dancing round his face, his physique capable of withstanding an Olympic medalist, swift on his footsteps attending conferences, movies premieres and exhibitions’

07011117777

Reflections on Prof Olatunji-Bello’s day

• Prof Olatunji Bello

have become havens to corrupt politicians that derive pleasure in looting public till, bank executives with loose fingers that convert customers’ money to private advantage and men of the underworld that flood these places of worship, paying huge tithes and donating incredible sums of money to possibly atone for sins against the citizenry. No wonder, the age we are now is the age of wonder clerics that flaunt numerous private jets/choice cars even when majority of those who worship under them could not afford to pay their rents or even send their wards to religious schools established with money donated by the mass of the congregation.

Our society needs to regenerate the values of the past that promote integrity and credibility before it becomes too late. But the noticeable challenge here is the corruption of virtually all facets of dignity restoration in

the country. The society needs to reject the escalating trend of ‘yahooism’ that has turned our youths on the heinous paths of destruction. However, there is hope especially if we can respectably fall back by endeavouring to restore the once-cherished family values and if we can as individuals, live a life that is truly worth emulating.

That was the lesson which I took away from the 50th birthday celebration of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello (mni), former acting vice-chancellor of the Lagos State University, Ojoo and wife of workaholic Honourable Tunji Bello, the state Commissioner for the Environment - and a true role model - last Wednesday. The profile of this woman of substance gleaned from the occasion’s programme of events was inspiringly intimidating. In a man’s world like ours, it is difficult to see a woman so highly blessed, yet so

‘The profile of this woman of substance gleaned from the occasion’s programme of events was inspiringly intimidating. In a man’s world like ours, it is difficult to see a woman so highly blessed, yet so respectably simple and humble to people around her and submissive to her admirable husband...’

Adieu, quintessential Femi Segun

By Taiwo & Kehinde Oluwafunso love with our National Troupe led by the energetic music curator and director, Dr Laz Ekwueme. The Panafest that year was able to achieve one thing; it became a melting pot for blacks in Africa and in the Diaspora. The Nigerian delegates comprised of notable arts journalists and promoters like Jahman Anikulapo, formerly of The Guardian, Professor Nduka Otiono, Prof. Newton Edebiri, and so on. After the historic festival in Cape Coast, we became good friends, visiting his office at Victoria Island and later at YWCA, Obalende, where he ran a mini African museum, discussing extensively on international politics, arts, culture, diplomacy and festivals around the world. His was one of the romantic tales of a diplomat who conveniently got married to the arts world, a man in love with good music which reinforced the richness of his background and character as the son of a renowned writer and publisher, Mrs. Mabel Segun. His influence in the diplomatic community was remarkable, as an interpreter to a former President and to other international visitors to Nigeria. No doubt, Segun was a living witness in his lifetime of a future revolution in the political landscape of the country yet unborn. Not long, I and

Taiwo, my twin brother were appointed country Representatives for Panafest in Nigeria. Uncle Segun on hearing the news, encouraged us to use the opportunity to make Nigeria benefit immensely from Panafest as an arm of the African Union (AU). A perfect model for youths who want to excel in so many areas, yet remaining stabilized in pursuing such lofty dreams; he made it a point of duty to attend all Panafest outings in Nigeria. We remember vividly Panafest 2012 Colloquium at the Muson Centre, Lagos, where the energetic and dynamic governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was our keynote speaker, Dr Segun stood up at a point in the crowd to applaud the inspiring paper given. He was not given to pride and arrogance at all. A man of inner beauty, he had an ignited spark always dancing round his face, his physique capable of withstanding an Olympic medalist, swift on his footsteps attending conferences, movies premieres and exhibitions. He consumed the passion of great men across the land, among whom was Prof. Wole Soyinka, in whose house we had our last encounter with him. We had gone to keep an early morning appointment with the Nobel Laureate, when a powerful power bike roared into the compound. Alighting was a man fully kitted, like an astronaut ready

respectably simple and humble to people around her and submissive to her admirable husband that voluntarily confessed as observed in his tribute to her: ‘Ever so brilliantly patient, resourceful, tolerant and God fearing. You cannot but marvel at her bubbling and ever so hopeful spirit. Most times, I silently gave her credit for being able to live with my restlessness, impatience and stubbornness. It is to her credit that our children have grown so lovely, humble, Godfearing and respectful.’

This is indeed the mussing of a loving husband to his adorably treasured wife. No wonder that Prof herself disclosed during her brief speech at the event that after the almighty God, she owes everything she has achieved in life to her darling husband.

Apart from what she said, discernible visitors on the occasion could feel the pulse of true family love between the couple and even from photographs and comments passed by their three children -Temitope, Ayodeji and Olamide - who are doing well as budding professionals in different fields of human endeavours, including medicine, engineering and law.

How many people above the golden age could really be said to have celebrated real contributions not only to self but also more importantly to the society? How many who are yet to be fifty could confidently say that by the time they get to that golden age, they would confidently boast that they have tried for self and by extension for the larger society? For the latter group, the opportunity to make amends is still very open. The life of Professor Tunji-Bello at fifty with her husband and as corroborated by highly effervescent Chief Molade Okoya Thomas, chairman of the occasion, has shown that professional excellence should not be yardstick for undue pride. Rather it should be the linchpin for elevating the family as the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of positive values and inspiring culture.

The significance of the Prof’s day is beyond just her birthday. It was a celebration of someone that is loved and greatly admired by her husband/kids and those she came across in the course of discharging her familial and professional duties. There are lessons for women in particular and other Nigerians in general to learn from the life of this esteemed wife of Tunji Bello, whether as a wife, academic, administrator or technocrat – more so in our society where little success easily gets into people’s heads. After all, Abraham Lincoln once said: ‘It is not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’

Isn’t this food for thought for all as we forge ahead in the journey of life? Let us ponder over this! Once again, happy birthday, Prof!

for a voyage into the moon. Alas it was Segun! We envied him that he must have had a smooth ride through the nasty traffic we encountered on the Island that very morning. At that point, we wished and prayed to have power bikes as twins someday in the future, but on hearing about his crashed power bike that claimed his life, we made a U-Turn in our decision and offered a silent prayer: God never give us power bikes in our lives!

Segun was a man of fulfilled dreams; now angels and galaxies unknown to the human race are welcoming him to the bosom of the Almighty God, with the imperishable lions’ medal for victors draping round his immortal neck. Our heartfelt sympathies to the Segun and Kuti families, especially aunties Bisi, Yeni, Rolake and her sister. Adieu Femi Segun • Taiwo & Kehinde Oluwafunso, Panafest representatives in Nigeria wrote from Lagos.

‘Segun was a man of fulfilled dreams; now angels and galaxies unknown to the human race are welcoming him to the bosom of the Almighty God, with the imperishable lions’ medal for victors draping round his immortal neck’

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

23

BUSINESS

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

At the moment, there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

PwC acquires of Booz & Company

Turkey, Nigeria trade to hit $1.5b

By Ambrose Nnaji

P

T

HE bilateral trade vol ume between Nigeria and Turkey, worth about $1.5billion can be further raised if both countries invest in construction, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mustafa Pulat, has said.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Pulat urged the Federal Government to consider the construction sector, among strategic ones, adding this would enhance the bilateral economic and investment relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

The Ambassador said there is a growing need for the two countries to work harder to increase the trade volume.

He said Nigeria would sustain its fast development through the enhancement of infrastructure by building new roads, railways, subways and energy plants.

He also said Nigeria needs new and modern houses and apartments to increase life standards of the people in view of the growing economy.

The Nigerian Ambassador has, therefore, called for a framework of cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey in construction, adding that the county has potential for foreign investments He informed that the bilateral trade volume of the two countries have increased more than five-fold in the last decade.

He said though several Turkish construction companies have already been operating in Nigeria, however, the potential of cooperation in this field needed to grow bigger He said: “The further development of cooperation in this field will constitute a “win-win situation” for both countries. Construction of “win-win situations” is among the basic codes of ethics both for the Turkish government and the business world.”

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

subsidiaries while no person who has been convicted by any court of competent jurisdiction, suspended or bared from capital market activities shall be eligible to be a director of an SPV. SEC will have the final approval on any changes in the constitution of the SPV, its place of business or change of name.

“The securitisation transaction filed by the SPV and approved by the Commission shall terminate where within six months from the approval of the transaction there has neither been a transfer of assets nor the issuance of asset backed securities for sale to investors, unless the timeframe is specifically extended by the Commission on application by the issuer. The Commission may grant an extension of an additional six months on the transaction, provided that the extension shall not be granted where the initial period of six months has lapsed before the application is made,” the rules stated.

Besides, the securitisation transaction can be terminated where the SPV has paid in full monies owed to investors who invested in the ABS issued by it or

where holders of twothirds majority of the total number of outstanding ABS resolve to dissolve the SPV. All requests for termination are subject to the approval of SEC. An SPV is required to hold its assets separately and not mingle its assets with those of any other entity while it is also required to provide its liquidity support and credit enhancements arrangements including full details of inbuilt protection for investors and ways and means of managing cash flow, optimising value of assets and recovering defaults.

Under the rules, no ABS shall be issued to the public unless it has been rated by a duly registered rating agency. However, an unrated ABS may be approved where the investors specifically state that they do not require the rating.

The rules also stipulate that the SPV must provide a “Letter of Authorisation” or “Letter of No Objection” from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where the seller or originator is a bank or National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) where the originator or sellers is an insurance company or such other regulatory approval as may be required.

WC has announced the successful com pletion of its combination with Booz & Company.

With the granting of all regulatory approvals for Booz & Company to join PwC, it is part of the PwC Network. All closing conditions for the deal have been met.

It said to mark the occasion, Booz & Company changed its name to Strategy& (pronounced Strategy and). in a statement, it said: “This new name, which will be used alongside the PwC name and brand, reflects the strength in strategy consulting that Booz & Company brings to the PwC Network and the benefits this deal will bring to all clients and stakeholders. After a short grace period, Booz & Company can’t legally continue to use the Booz name following the change in ownership.”

Welcoming the Strategy& team to the PwC Network, Dennis Nally, Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers International, said: “Today signifies an important step for PwC, our clients and stakeholders. Businesses are navigating unprecedented, disruptive threats and organisations increasingly want the right strategy and the ability to execute it. Together PwC and Strategy& meet this need – delivering superior value to our clients and stakeholders, attracting premium talent and helping businesses around the world build their capabilities on a global scale.

“This combination of PwC and Strategy& will see PwC lead the way in changing the landscape of the global consulting business,”adds Nally.

Suresh Kana, PwC Africa Senior Partner, says: “The addition of Strategy& increases the pool of talented people within the PwC Network. Strategy& deploys the best industry experts suited to a strategic challenge, on a global scale. Tapping into these global resources will enable PwC Africa to assist our stakeholders in solving important problems.”

the letter observed a number of cases of corruption in Glanvills, the mentioned cases they submitted had been firmly handled by the Glanvills Board.

The letter further said: “We believe that the managing director and the Board as a whole, have performed creditably well. If the managing director exits the company in this manner, it will send strong negative signals to customers, industry regulators and the insurance industry. If the action is taken, it will have a nega-

tive effect on the Board members” They regretted that despite their intervention, the Board of the conglomerate still went ahead with the termination, an action protested by Glanvills Board.

They said: ”We also view this treatment of our Board as disrespect to the Governors who appointed us. This position of the Odu’a Board of Directors towards the Board of Glanvills could kill our morale, because if a managing director who worked

hard to turn the entity around could be removed despite the position of the Glanvills Board, what reasons would others have to perform?”

They listed the achievements of Oluyemi to include the re-launch of the company into the insurance marketplace with the launch of the completely remodeled and reconstructed Head Office in December 2012, a significant strengthening of the company’s internal control systems, processes and structure.

• Pulat; Commissioner for Trade Investment and Innovation, Ekiti State, Debo Ajayi; Solomon and Commissioner, Local PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Government Service Commission, Osun State, Dr Adeleke Ipaye, at the event.

SEC releases rules on assets securitisation S ECURITIES and Ex change Commission (SEC) is previewing a draft of rules on assets securitisation, in a bid to further deepen the capital market’s portfolio of instruments.

The rules on assets securitisation is the groundwork for the emergence of asset-backed securities (ABS) including mortgage backed securities (MBS) and other physical and non-physical financial assets.

The draft obtained by The Nation spelt out comprehensive framework for securitisation and issuance of ABS. Technically; securitization means the issuance of securities backed by a pool of assets. Simply, it is the transfer of some assets into a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which can subsequently issue equities and debt securities to the investing public. Thus the underlying value in the SPV is the pool of assets under it. The category of the pool of assets or majority of assets that make the pool will determine the type of the ABS. According to the new rules, for securitisation to take place, there must be an SPV, transfer of assets to the SPV and clear guidelines on the administration of the SPV including its board of direc-

By Taofiq Salako

tors and management.

The draft indicates that the SPV for ABS must be incorporated as a public limited liability company or a trust created by a written instrument or any other legal entity permitted by SEC. The SPV must bear the acronym “SPV” in its incorporated name while its memorandum and articles of association must be limited to matters related to the securitisation transaction.

The SPV will mainly has as its objectives the acquisition, management and collection of assets, the assumption of risk, the issue of ABS to investors and the engagement of a manager (servicer) to administer the pool of assets.

According to the rules, the SPV shall not have any employee and as such shall contract out all services to third parties and shall keep separate records and books of accounts, among others.

In the constitution of the board of the SPV, the draft stipulates that not more than 30 per cent of the directors of the SPV shall be nominees of any sponsor or associated in any manner with the sponsor or any of the sponsor’s

Odu’a Investment, subsidiary bicker over CEO’s sack

O

DU’A Investment Company Limited is at loggerheads with one of its subsidiaries, Glanvill Enthoven and Company (Nigeria) Limited, over the decision of the Group to sack the latter’s Managing Director, Mr. Tunji Oluyemi.

In a letter, Odu’a, jointly owned by the Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti state governments, directed that Oluyemi should be relieved of his position, but the Board of Directors of Enthoven kicked, saying it would be

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

wrong to sack, their “performing managing director” against popular opinion and good faith.

In two letters dated March 19, 2013 and April 9, 2013, titled: ‘Re: Glanvills Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer’and made available to The Nation, the Board warned that it would not be in the interest of either the subsidiary or the group, to effect the directive.

They argued that though

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

•Omisson Emporium Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos.

Old retail market setting is losing its merchants to shopping malls, complexes, plazas and ultramodern markets where shoppers now prefer to shop for convenience, TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

Plazas, malls: preferred outlets for merchants P RIOR to the entry of foreign retailers into the retail market, Nigerians did their shopping in small retail outlets and road-side make-shift shops.

But all that is now changing with the coming of South African, Asian and Middle-Eastern retail giants operating chains of supermarkets in well established plazas and malls, across the length and breath of the nation.

Since making inroads into the country, creating unique offerings which shoppers hardly enjoyed in the past, the retail mall business has continued to attract more merchants who believe that setting up sales-shops in the malls will drive their business better and faster.

From grocery, clothing, food, beauty places, healthcare to children’s corner, fashion, night clubs, bars and more, observers of shopping mall business believe these facilities have become a hub businesses are rushing to in order to connect with shoppers who have become used to the retail mall shopping experience. As a result, the excellent service delivery in all areas, impressive architecture, adoring interior as well as good maintainance culture of the malls, have become an allure to merchants who are gradually quiting the old retail places for the new system.

With big departmental or high street stores as the anchor tenants in major shopping malls today, the availability of effective e-payment systems, stable and uninterrupted electricity supplies

have also been highlighted as the reasons merchants chose to sail with the global wind.

“They create an environment where retailers and shoppers prefer to buy using credit or debit cards instead of carrying around loads of money. Merchants are assured of necessary infrastructure to support a cashless society when in any of the modern facility,” a merchant affirmed.

For Adenike Ogunlesi, owner of Ruff ‘N’ Tumble, an indigenous company that specialises in children’s clothing, a merchant’s presence in a modern shopping facility is one major strategy to attract customers and make more sales.

She said: “Regardless of the exorbitant rent charges these facilities extort from us, more merchants swim like bees to these places not only for profit making, but because of the societal value attached.”

She added that her decision to move to malls was not sudden as she had been on the streets for long before becoming a brand name in the fashion industry. “I started selling from the boot of my car in 1996 be-

fore I became a brand name. Ruff ‘N’ Tumble used to be a tiny shop that has turned into an instantly recognisable brand situated in major malls. These malls have built a reputation for my brand over the years,” she said.

The former Broll head, Mrs Gbadebo Erejuwa, attested to the fact that the demand from retailers to have a presence in any of the modern facilities is high with merchants coming in all the time. She also said the design of these facilities meets international building regulations.

He said: “Ideally, today’s shopping facilities cater to all levels of ambulant and visual ability, they cater for children and are easy and cheap to maintain.”

When President Goodluck Jonathan opened an ultra-modern market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) some years ago, he described it as the lifeline of every economy. He said his administration was poised to doing all in its powers to ensure that markets across the country are modernised with good facilities to complement the urban needs. The ultra-modern mar-

‘They create an environment where retailers and shoppers prefer to buy using credit or debit cards instead of carrying around loads of money. Merchants are assured of necessary infrastructure to support a cashless society when in any of the modern facility’

ket, located in the Wuse District Zone of the FCT, occupies a large expanse of land and is said to be the first of its kind in West Africa. It was constructed under the ‘build, operate and transfer’ (BOT) arrangement.

Also, during the inauguration of Sapon Ultra-modern Market in Abeokuta recently, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the new project boasts of facilities comparable to those in developed countries. He planned to replicate similar structure in major cities across the state.

In Ekiti State, the government said it will construct a modern neighbourhood market in each of the 16 local government headquarters in the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Paul Omotosho, said the initiative is to boost economic activities in the state. He added that the design of the markets ensured security of lives and property with the provision of perimeter fence and gate house in each of the markets.

While some global retail chains are struggling to have footprints in malls, The Palms, Ikeja City Mall, Ceddi Plaza, Polo Park, Kwara Mall, Grand Towers Abuja Mall, Ado Bayero Mall in Kano, the Festival Mall in FESTAC, Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja and Delta Mall in Warri,among others, are running out of space to accommodate new comers.

As a result, some property investors are working hard to ensure that more malls come in.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

27

SHOPPING

With Easter holiday over, parents who are not technology-savvy, might pay heavy price when shopping for ‘back to school items’ for their kids. But with some mobile phone apps, shopping could be as simple as ABC. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Now that the holiday is over

E

ASTER is over. Shoppers are back from holidays. It is time for the children to return to school with new stuffs. For parents, its shopping time to prepare the children for the new term.

But with office work piling, house chores mounting, cash problems, this is not always an easy task as the agony of traffic, among other factors often make going to the market an horrible expereince.

Technology-savvy shoppers always have a way out of the guagmire. With their mobile phones, they can shop in the comfort of their homes without hassles.

Secret. Smart phones and tablet owners are using mobile apps and daily deal sites to get the most out of their money as they shop school items for their wards.

Offline Manager, Jumia Online Store, Mr Afam Anyika, said experience by shoppers on Jumia shows that parents who are smarter search for promos on ecommerce sites in order to enjoy great shopping experience at a discounted price. ”We stock a variety of back-toschool items and they are quite affordable. We advise shoppers to check our website for our coupons and daily deals and take advantage of these offers because; they are only available while stock last.”

Afam confirmed to The Nation

‘I don’t shop where Nigerians shop abroad’

K

ENNY Ogungbe with his partner Dayo Adeneye changed the face of entertainment in Nigeria. Keke, as he is fondly called worked with the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC).

He also worked with Africa Independent Television (AIT) before co-founding Primetime Entertainment, Kennis Music and Afrisat with his partner Dayo.

On one of the social media platforms, Kenny spoke about his uniqueness in shopping.

He said: “I have never shopped in Nigeria because I buy for the future. I am a Boy Scout. That does not mean I disrespect Nigerian shops though. I like unique things.

Even when I shop abroad, I don’t go to places where Nigerians go to buy. What I buy might look the same with other people’s own, but it is not that same texture.”

Shopping that 40 per cent of mobile shoppers who have used their device on his website, indicates that they have obtained coupons.

He said: “Coupons are preferable, they are won mostly by regular shoppers to a particular website, followed by deal-of-theday or daily deals, where shoppers have the opportunity to see what is on discount on a daily basis.

“Daily, on the Jumia website, we have 70 per cent of our users looking to our daily deals offer for promotions.’’

In addition to ‘back-to-school’ offers, daily deal apps are a helpful source for mobile users looking for discounted items this period, they can be sure of not missing out on offers as they unfold daily if they stick to the online stores.

Online retailers are busy promoting back-to-school sales and stocking their websites with school items, such as calculators, school uniforms, sandals, lunch boxes and what have you.

No doubt, it’s time for serious business for parents, guardians and sellers.

Smartphone owners are dominating in the daily deal app usage, beating other phone users across all daily deal apps used said, Konga’s Public Relations

items online

Strategist, Ifeanyi Abraham.

“When it comes to seeking out deals, consumers are going to the most convenient, reliable sources, creating an opportunity for retailers and daily deal sites to streamline the process

of gathering deals and coupons for users, ultimately increasing website and app traffic to drive back to school sales.”

The Executive Buyologist of Buyology.com, Yeye Arogundade, said coupon is the most widely used daily deal app among users

South Africa’s spaza shops suffer as big retail rolls in

I

N this corner of South Africa’s black township of Soweto, the biggest building used to be the Catholic church. Now it’s been overshadowed by a shopping center and business has only gotten worse for Grace, a 68-year-old shop owner.

Like many proprietors of spaza shops - the informal stores that dot township corners - Grace barely manages to keep afloat as more of her neighbors head to the mall.

“Once people get paid, they buy their groceries at the malls,” she said, sitting among dusty shelves of teabags, small packets of biscuits, loose cigarettes and butter.

“They used to buy their groceries from us. Now they only come for daily items,” she said, declining to give her last name.

Grace has been running the shop with her husband since 1993, the year before South Africa’s first all-race elections. They used to earn around 1,500 rand ($140) a day, but are down to a third of that now.

During apartheid, blacks were crammed together in squalid townships miles away from cities. Some residents began to sell staples such as maize meal and cooking oil out of their own homes.

The informal stores became known as tuck shops or “spazas,” a slang word that connotes “just getting by”.

Along with shebeens, or corner taverns, spazas are one of the most visible parts of township life, and a major component of South Africa’s vast informal economy.

While recent data on the informal economy is hard to come by, a 2002 study by the University of South Africa’s Bureau of Market Research (BMR) estimated that spaza shops brought in around $705 million a year, employing up to 290,000 people.

Those numbers will have come under pressure over the last decade as real estate developers and big grocers such as Shoprite and Pick N Pay push into black areas, targeting rising consumer spending.

Getting the cake

•Kenny

•Back-to-school

South Africa’s emerging black middle class grew at annual 6.5 per cent

between 2001 and 2007, according to the BMR, which estimated the growing socio-economic group at 9.3 million in 2007, out of a total population of around 50 million.

“The emerging consumer market has been very, very good for construction of retail outlets in non-traditional locations,” said Mike Upton, chief executive of South African building company Group Five.

“It’s kind of like first mover gets the cake.”

Grocers have been big beneficiaries of this broadening wealth.

Shares of Shoprite, Africa’s top retailer, have more than trebled over the last five years, lifted by a push into sub-Saharan Africa and previously underserved South African markets.

The Cape Town-based company’s nofrills Usave discount outlets pose a major threat to spaza shops.

The warehouse-like stores appear tailor-made for low-income customers: most of the laundry soap is for hand washing, not machines. Some dispense with large parking areas as customers come on foot.

The only milk available is full cream - no skim, organic or soy - while bags of frozen “walkie talkies” - chicken heads and feet - are plentiful and cost just 10 rand.

In Soweto, a flashpoint of the antiapartheid struggle, where stonethrowing black youths battled heavily armed soldiers and police with their snarling dogs, the 65,000-sq-meter Maponya Mall is one of several shopping centres that have sprung up in recent years.

Just down the road from Regina Mundi church where former President Nelson Mandela is depicted in stained glass, the mall boasts a Pick N Pay hyper-market, more than a dozen restaurants and a Virgin Active gym.

Although still poor, Soweto is unmistakably on the rise, evidenced by the growing number of tidy brick bungalows and shiny Toyotas, and even the odd BMW. While recent data is not available, Rose Nkosi, the head of the South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association, reckons that the sprawling black town-

ship alone may have lost around 30 percent of its spaza shops since 2005.

That’s bad news for the elderly or those who live far from a shopping center, Nkosi said.

“Spazas are community shops,” she said, pointing out they sell in small amounts, such as half loaves of bread, to meet the needs of the poorest customers.

Economies of scale The big retailers are able to use economies of scale to undercut spazas, which usually buy in small volumes and from wholesalers, driving up costs.

Nkosi has teamed up Songi Pama, an entrepreneur and consultant, to bring spaza shop owners together to buy direct from suppliers such as South Africa’s Tiger Brands and the local units of Unilever and Nestle.

The survival of spazas is critical to the fabric of the townships because so many of the owners are women, Pama said.

“The little that they get out of these outlets they use to feed their children and take their children to school.”

Too few owners are real businesspeople, said Noel Ndhlovu, who publishes industry newsletter Spaza News. Most are just looking to make enough get by, he said.

“Unfortunately, the bulk of spaza shops, about 60 or 70 percent, are survivalists. And because they are survivalists, they don’t have skills no business skills, no financial literacy, nothing.”

In one workshop he ran, Ndhlovu said it took him several sessions to get some of the owners to understand how to work out their gross and net profit.

Not far from Grace, middle-aged Vincent Jonyane leans out the window of his tin-roof shop and laughs. Business is good, he says. While elderly rivals are stuck in the past, he is thinking of expanding his wooden shack.

“I’m still young, I know where to buy things cheap,” Jonyane said, pointing to stacks of eggs in cardboard cartons on a shelf.

•Source: Reuters

of the apps.

She said: “With 61 per cent users on my website indicating that they have used the coupon app on their smartphones and 39 per cent stating they’ve used it on their tablet, ‘back to school’ sales is amazing.”

Konga takes e-commerce education to radio •Partners Lenovo for phone launch

T

HIS year has seen confidence in online shopping grow among Nigerians with more Nigerians shopping online. But to sustain this trend, there is a need for more education on the benefits and ease of shopping online.

This is why Nigeria’s Largest online mall and marketplace, Konga.com is partnering with the producers of dusnumberries, a show on Cool FM radio station every Monday and Friday mornings for a special section called “the Konga Marketplace”. Every week, Nigerians will have the opportunity to win shopping vouchers in fun and informational games like tongue twisters while also getting online shopping tips and exclusive discounts available on Konga.

Konga has also entered into a partnership with global computer makers, Lenovo, to launch a new range of mobile phones and tablets all running on the android platform. The Lenovo S650 phone come in great colours and friendly prices for the Nigerian market.

Commenting on the partnership and the launch, Head of Marketing Konga.com, Gabriel GabUmoden said: ”We are excited about the different partnerships we have lined up this year. Every new step we take is part of our goal to create happy experiences for every one of our customers. A big part of our mission this year is to educate more Nigerians about the joys and benefits of shopping online and we believe this new partnership with Dusnumberries will help achieve this. ”Lenovo is a recognised device maker and we are happy they have chosen Konga as the platform to exclusively launch their new devices.’’

28

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

To comply with the NCC Mobile Number Portability (MNC) scheme, the telcos invested hugely on advertising to ensure higher equity in the portability game. But reports by NCC suggest that the money spent on advert was a waste considering dismal number of porters though media directors believe it wasn’t, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

•Screen grab of Telcos TV adverts

W

HEN the Nigerian Communications Commission started the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme last year, the advertising industry was thrown into wild jubilation. The scheme provided ample opportunities for the agencies to overcome the declining marketing budget crippling the industry.

Although the Nigeran Communications Commission (NCC) accordingly embarked on the MNP to make Nigeria telecom service subscribers enjoy the benefits of migrating from one network to another, in search of quality service, while retaining their original phone numbers, irrespective of the network the subscriber is using. This was made possible by the launch of the MNP across the networks of GSM operators, said NCC. Also, to outwit one another, aggressive marketing became the game changer as Telcos, which are the top advert spender more than other sectors of the economy, flaunt their wealth, tactically poaching brand ambassadors from one another, in an attempt to win the portability marketing onslaught. But with a recent figure from NCC, which was reported last week by a national newspaper (not The Nation), the multi-billion naira advertising spend may have gone down the drain, as only a dismal 80,424 subscribers have ported in the last 10 months.

It was revealed that between May 2013 and February this year, MTN, which is the biggest telecoms company, recorded 36,819 cases of subscribers porting out of the network, followed by Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat with 22,595; 12,357; and 8,653 cases.

The figures also revealed that within the period under review,

MNP adverts: Gainers, losers MTN recorded monthly outporting figures of 3,409; 2,719; 3,142; 3,925; 4,266; 4,453; 4,491; 3,052; 3,667; and 3,695. Also, Airtel recorded 1,190; 1,315; 1,327; 5,826; 6,520; 1,447; 1,004; 1,199; 1,429; and 1,338. For Globacom, it was 1,646; 1,122; 1,367; 1,354; 1,267; 1,204; 1,206; 973; 978; and 1,240.

Etisalat had the lowest number of subscribers who ported out with 768; 646; 917; 934; 1,019; 1,001; 1,129; 626; 806 and 807 for the period. In the report, MTN accounted for about 45.78 per cent of out-porters; Airtel, 28.09 per cent; Globacom, 15.36 per cent; and Etisalat, 10.75 per cent.

This figure, however, has underscored the number of clicks the MNP advertisement enjoyed on social media, despite the over N20 billion MNP advert budget by the Telcos.

Checks by The Nation on Tuesday showed that MTN Saka I Don Port campaign generated 185,622 hit on Youtube; Airtel’s The Move campaign, 557,410; Glo’s Move to Greener Pastures, 557,410 while Etisalat Switch TVC also generated 43,768 hits in addition to other platforms such as traditional

media used to promote their MNP offerings.

Ten months down the line, the result is shocking with Telcos appearing to be the biggest loser in the porting game. MTN first undertook a major marketing coup by signing Hafiz Oyetoro a.k.a Saka from Etisalat to herald its campaign. Etisalat and Glo also competed in equal measure while Airtel made a statement, too.

Giving reasons for the low figure, the Managing Director of MediaShare, Mr. Dele Odugbemi, said the low figure didn’t mean the Telcos’ advert spends were a waste.

He said the introduction of incentives to prevent their subscribers from porting might be the reason MNP recorded such dismal figure.

His words:“Conversion is low because the networks offered existing subscribers enough incentives to stay. I witnessed portability campaigns in Kenya and South Africa and the results were just about the same...you have more to lose than just your number if you change your network. So, it’s only done in extreme circumstances, such as poor service or high cost.”

Also, the Managing Director of Starcom Media said the figure did not reflect that the MNP advert campaigns are ineffective. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with either portability creative or the media exposure. If anything, the Saka porting had more talk ability than any other ad in recent past. The issue then is quality of service by providers. May be no better option. The other problem was the cumbersome process of porting,” he noted.

Also, Odugbemi added, “the spend isn’t a waste as porting is strategic and not tactical. What is important is to make the market aware they can port when they choose to and that job was done very well. The level of number portability awareness is very high in this market because the campaigns developed were memorable ones... switching networks isn’t as easy as it is made to sound...your recharge loading details, checking balance etc changes. So, that you are aware you can switch numbers and keep your number doesn’t mean you will do it when you consider the other factors.”

Beyond the advert delivering in-

‘Conversion is low because the networks offered existing subscribers enough incentives to stay. I witnessed portability campaigns in Kenya and South Africa and the results were just about the same...you have more to lose than just your number if you change your network. So, it’s only done in extreme circumstances, such as poor service or high cost’

creased portability, experts said infrastructure is still a major challenge which may have been responsible for the low impact of the advert on subscribers.

A marketing communication specialist, Mr. Achang Agbamuda, said: “There is no way this campaign was going to benefit the operators because the infrastructure is still a huge challenge and for the simple fact that NCC embarked on it is face-saving initiative.”

While the NCC is being urged to review the framework of the MNP scheme, the Head, Media and Public Relations, NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, said the commission had not seen enough reasons to commence the review of the MNP scheme.

“That some people are saying we need to review some conditions of the MNP does not mean the commission will automatically start reviewing the terms,” he said. He added that the infrastructure on the ground would not permit the implementation of some of the proposals, adding that possible security issues were also being assessed.

Chief Executive Officer of TPT, a PR agency, Mr. Charles Igbinidu, said: “The campaign is not totally a flop as suggested from some quarters.” He said the portability campaigns have, at least, achieved one goal, which is awareness. “I am sure many Nigerians are now aware that they can change their operators and still retain their numbers. So in the area of awareness creation, it has been a success. I also believe that MTN’s ‘I don port’ campaign is a classic. It is a very creative campaign and the media relations leveraging has also been superb.”

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

•Uduaghan

WARRI’S FIL TH FILTH

SCHOLARSHIP

AS an oil city, Warri, Delta State, has its challenges. Shanties have sprung up everywhere and filth competes for space with flowers. The Emmanuel Uduaghan administration is battling the challenges by demolishing shanties, among others.

BENEFICIARIES of an overseas post-graduate scholarship scheme sponsored by the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, have sweet tales to tell.

•PAGE 31

•PAGE 32

•Dakuku

ALSO INSIDE

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

PAGE 29

BIR THD AY BO Y BIRTHD THDA BOY CHIEF Oseni Elamah, the Executive Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service and the ‘Okaoivbiore’ of Benin Kingdom, recently clocked 55. What has life been like?

•Elamah

•PAGE 34

•Delta battles to wrest ‘oil city’ from filth, shanties •Another Immigration stampede victim is buried •NIMASA takes safety to Calabar boat operators

•PAGE 31 •PAGE 35 •PAGE 35

NEWS ANALYSIS

Felix Obuah…

One year after From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

T

•Imiringi gas turbine station

Bad turbine cripples Jonathan’s town ‘

At the time we inherited this machine, a machine that was supposed to be running at least 20 megawatts was only scheduled to run for less than six megawatts because of the obvious gaps in the machine already. We wouldn’t want to accept that machine the way we saw it.

So, we want it to return to what we call zero-rated running hours. It is not true that we were actually doing this to deny some parts of the state electricity

‘

SEE STORY ON PAGE 30

HE Chief Felix Obuah-led executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State came on board on April 15, last year, through the judgment

by Justice Ishaq Bello of an Abuja High Court, which sacked the Chief Godspower Ake-led executive of the party that is loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Members of the Ake-led executive challenged the judgment at the Court of Appeal, insisting that the suit should not have been filed at an Abuja High Court, equivalent of a Rivers State High Court, in a case involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which ought to have been filed at a Federal High Court. The case is still pending.

The Obuah-led executive, according to the Abuja High Court, was duly elected at the Rivers state congress of the PDP, which took place on March 17, 2012 at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Shortly after Obuah became chairman, in the Rivers House of Assembly, five of the 32 lawmakers: Michael Okechukwu Chinda (Obio/ Akpor II constituency), Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo), Martins Amewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III) switched loyalty to the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Wike is also the grand patron of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI).

On April 22, last year, the then 27 pro-Amaechi lawmakers, in a 32member House of Assembly, suspended the Chairman of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Council, Prince Timothy Nsirim; his deputy, Solomon Eke; and all the seventeen councillors.

A seven-member caretaker committee, headed by Chikordi David Dike was screened by members of the Rivers Assembly on April 23 last year and inaugurated on the same day by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), George Feyii, but unable to function effectively, with police sealing off the council secretariat on “order from above,” while ignoring the court order.

•Continued on page 32

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

30

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

How faulty turbine throws Jonathan’s town in D

ARKNESS. That eight-letter word reigns in Otuoke, the Bayelsa community where President Goodluck Jonathan hails from. Other towns, such as Nembe, Southern Ijaw and Ogbia are in the same dire straits as Otuoke. No thanks to the Kolo Creek Gas Turbine, which has thrown them in darkness for some months.

These areas are not connected to the national grid and since the early 1980s, they have derived their electricity from the turbine which was first installed by the Melford Okilo administration.

Subsequent administrations have been maintaining and servicing the turbine as a major source of independent power generating plant in the state.

The Governor Seriake Dickson may have inherited the turbine in a moribund state. A gas turbine designed by Rolls Royce, Vancouver, Canada, to generate 20 megawatts of electricity was only hovering between four and six megawatts. After managing it for some months, the government decided to shut it down and returned the faulty component to Rolls Royce for repairs.

But the people are questioning the motive of the government. Some persons from the affected areas have accused the government of insensitivity.

They claim that the administration of Dickson, was not doing enough to address the problem. Others believe that the government hates some parts of the state and is deliberately denying those areas electricity as a form of punishment.

Still, persons who know the facts believe that the accusers of the government are speaking out of anger and ignorance. Following the development, the Niger Delta Report sought clarifications from experts in government involved in the electricity management of the state.

But all of them insisted that the ongoing repairs of the Kolo Creek Turbine were responsible for the energy crisis in the state, especially in some

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

local government areas.

The Commissioner for Energy, Francis Ikio; Special Adviser on Energy, Olic Kemenanabo and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, took turns to explain facts behind the crisis.

Ikio said the faulty component of the turbine known as Gas Generator has been undergoing repairs in Vancouver, Canada. Ikio hinged the delay in delivering the equipment on technical issues.

Reading from a volume of progress report on the equipment sent to the state by the company, the commissioner said the faulty equipment would be ready for test-running on May 26.

He assured residents of the government’s commitment to their welfare insisting that the administration would not play politics with the development of the state.

Sympathising with areas heavily affected by the crisis, he described persons accusing the government of deliberately punishing and marginalising some communities as mischief makers.

He recalled series of times the component was refurbished in the past and said the current repairs would turn the gas generator to a new one.

“This government is serious and focused. There is no marginalisation or intention to punish anybody. We know the importance of power and we cannot afford to play politics with it,” he said.

Kemenanabo, the expert in energy, fondly called Mr. Power, provided further insights into the problem. He said the administration inherited a moribund turbine.

According to him the present government took over the turbine at a time it could only generate six megawatts of electricity instead of its 20 megawatt capacity.

He said: “At the time we inherited this machine, a machine that was supposed to be running at least 20 megawatts was only scheduled to run for less than six megawatts because of the obvious gaps in the machine already.

“We wouldn’t want to accept that machine the way we saw it. So, we want it to return to what we call zerorated running hours. With that we would be able to run it if effectively managed for another six years as against two years. It is not true that we were actually doing this to deny some parts of the state electricity.”

Describing the gas generator as the engine of the gas turbine, he said the equipment was first repaired in 1999.

He said after the repairs, the gas generator began to function as a new one and lasted till 2006. But, the handlers committed the first error that dealt a deadly blow to the turbine.

He said: “The second case was when it was sent out for repairs but not to the original manufacturers. It was through a vendor whose name is Alba Power. It repaired and returned it. From the date of commissioning, it was obvious that there were many cracks on the machine.

“This same machine ran only about two and half years and it was already collapsing before this administration came on board. When the government came into power, the government in his wisdom established a committee to appraise existing and new proposals for gas turbine.”

He said the committee decided to take the gas generator back to the original manufacturers for repairs.

He disclosed that the generator was sent to Rolls Royce on December 20, 2013.

On the delay in repairing and bringing back the machine, he said: “That generator was sent out at about December 20, last year. From that day there was no space to move it into the repair shop of the company in

•The Hon. Commissioner of Energy, Bayelsa State, Mr. Francis Ikio (M), flanked by the Chief Pre Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson (L), and the Special Adviser on Power, Eng addressing issues of power in Yenagoa.

Canada.

“The machine was conducted into the shop on January 19. Ordinarily, the time limit given to us should start from the day the machine was conducted and repairs started and by their own schedule, truly within four months, we would have received this machine back to site.

“Unfortunately, because of the various machines of this nature that have been going into that workshop, the balancing aspect of the equipment has been a little bit of constraint. We would have equally accepted this machine if we didn’t want a thorough work to be done,” he said.

He further assured: “By May 26, balancing of various segments would have been completed, assembled and we would be invited for what they referred to as performance acceptance test.”

On why the government decided to refurbish old generator instead of considering proposals for new turbines, he said it was foolhardy to discard a turbine because of a faulty component.

He said: “Every gas generator even the one on the aircraft requires what we refer to as C check. Therefore,

when the gas generator is the only component that is a problem, it will be of no use for us to completely consigned to the archive the machine that every other part is good.

“The new gas generator is not readily available in the market. For you to get a brand new gas generator to replace the existing one, a lot of engineering work will take place and it will take nothing less than 18 months to get one gas generator from the manufacturers, Rolls Royce.

“So we are looking at the advantage of taking something in existence to create something that will be newer. Even if we buy a new gas generator, it will not last more than the five years that the refurbished one will last.”

He revealed other plans of the government on power. He said: “The state government has also done a lot of studies and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that we have a robust power generating system in the state.

“Currently, we are in the process of doing a 100 megawatts power plant at Imiringi as well. All documents have been signed and we are at the final stage of project execution.”

Obuah…One year after T •Continued from page 29

HE Obuah-led PDP asked Amaechi to recall the suspended Obio/ Akpor officials, but the governor insisted that it was the responsibility of the lawmakers, who were investigating the allegations of misappropriation of funds and corruption levelled against them.

The 27 lawmakers were eventually suspended from the PDP on April 29, 2013.

Amaechi was later suspended from the ruling party by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP for antiparty activities and subsequently recommended for expulsion by the Rivers chapter of the party.

Amaechi eventually defected to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Many elected and appointed officials also joined him in the APC, which angered President Goodluck Jonathan and leaders of the PDP. Amaechi, an Ikwerre from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area, declared that Wike, also an Ikwerre, from Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, would never succeed him in 2015, preferring somebody from another ethnic group or senatorial district.

Wike said he is from Ikwerre South, while Amaechi is from Ikwerre North and that he is qualified to be next Rivers governor.

To mark his first anniversary, Obuah hosted on Saturday, April 19, members of the PDP (formed on August 31, 1998), his associates and friends at the Krisdera Stadium of his Omoku hometown, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni LGA in Orashi, Rivers state, where a former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili, hails from.

PDP members came from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State and beyond, with the event held amid tight security. An unmarked Armoured Personnel Carrier was stationed at the main gate of the stadium. People were frisked by stern-looking and fully-armed riot policemen.

The anniversary proper was preceded by a thanksgiving service at the stadium, with many clerics and gospel musicians in attendance, while cultural dancers were not left out in the carnival-like event, with politicians in attendance mostly wearing PDP uniform.

The supervising minister of education, while speaking at the first anniversary, alleged that Amaechi and his support-

ers were jittery and afraid, with efforts allegedly being made by them to return to the PDP from the APC. He also accused the NGF chairman of planting moles in the PDP, claiming that members of the party knew them and their movements.

Wike described Rivers as a PDP state, while stating that the party would take over the seat of power in Rivers in 2015, from the APC. Wike said: “When the Chairman (Obuah) and his team won on April 15, 2013, they said in the next three weeks, the judgment would be set aside. They are one year and they (Amaechi and his supporters) have moved to another party.

“Instead for them to concentrate on what is happening in their party, they are interested in what is happening in the PDP and they are all making efforts to come back to the party.

“What is important to us is how PDP will take back the seat of Government House, Port Harcourt in 2015. Let Amaechi not rush. Let him take it calmly.

Let him take it easy. He has been telling various stories to different people and groups.

All those people he has planted in PDP. We are aware. We know them and we know their

•Wike (middle) acknowledging cheers from supporters. With him are Obuah (right) and Kenneth Kobani (left) during the thanksgiving/one year anniversary of PDP in Rivers State at the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku, Rivers State.

movements.

“They are saying it is the turn of this and that. Come to the party. The party will tell you the war canoe house it is going.

Come and participate in the affairs of the party, in order to be waxing stronger.

“We will not disappoint you.

All of us, we are working as a team. Do not bother about their abuse. We are all human beings.

People must abuse us. We are still moving forward. The best material will emerge. PDP does everything openly. APC is one man’s party. PDP is the people’s party.”

The supervising minister of education also stated that anybody who was committed to

the affairs of the PDP, who believed in the party, would make sacrifice, reiterating that members of the PDP were one family, which he claimed was why APC members were afraid.

He noted that there must be a party first, for people to say they wanted to vie, while urging all the members of the PDP in Rivers state to come together and work for the party.

Wike said: “Rivers State belongs to all of us. Nobody will leave this state for any other person. If you want to fly the flag of this party, come to the ward, the local government, the state and make sure you support the activities of the

party. Even if you have all the contacts in the world, you cannot be imposed on anybody. Let nobody be deceived.”

The Rivers Chairman of the PDP, in his welcome address, noted that the road in the last one year had been characterised by some challenges and obstacles, but still with some inspiring moments, with the challenges and obstacles surmounted through the support of the members of the PDP and their dedication to the party.

He noted that his stolen mandate was restored by the judgment of the Abuja high court, through the support of Wike, who was described as a liberator, with the founding members

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

wn into darkness

But the people of the state also recalled an electricity deal on RB211 plant which was supposed to generate 31 megawatts. After the initial frenzy the plant fondly called Orobo Michael in the past administration seemed to have died a natural death.

Kemenanabo explained: “The RB211 is a 31 megawatts power plant that is very robust.

It is the Orobo Michael. The machine is a 31 megawatts power plant that is very rugged.

Unfortunately, along the line, there were issues that needed to be cleared.

“We have cleared all those issues and we have agreed that the original contractors should come back to site to sign an agreement with us as to the days they will deliver that power plant. They sent a proposal to us for a power purchase agreement. We are waiting for perfection of documents.”

Furthermore, Kemenanabo was reminded that there was a proposed gas turbine at Etelebu

in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area, during the administration of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. He said Alamieyeseigha acquired some plants for that purpose.

But providing some insight, he said there was never a time a power station existed in Etelebu. He acknowledged that the former governor bought three power plants which could all generate 20 megawatts. He said the plan was to build the power plants at Etelebu and sychronise it with the one at Kolo creek.

He, however, said the gas required to run the three stations at Etelebu was not feasible. He said the gas requirement would not materialise till the end of this present administration.

“That makes it reasonable for us to move all the three power plants to where we think that gas development will be as fast as possible. One of those machines have actually been completed practically and then a test run has been conducted already.

“All we are waiting for is for the contractors themselves who gave us a claim. The details of the control room have not been provided by the contractors.

They have only sent a sketch which does not in any way justify the cost they are asking for.

We have given them a time frame to bring their detailed control room design,” he said.

Iworisothe-Markson said the challenges in governance were enormous. He, however, added: “But we don’t want to give Bayelsans excuses. What they want is performance and we are committed to doing it.

We want the people to know the efforts we have put in in addressing this problem. The problems will soon be over.”

of the PDP in Rivers, who left the party now returning.

Obuah said: “Let me restate my resolve to give equal opportunity and a level playing field to every party member to express his or her political rights, as we approach the 2015 general elections, irrespective of social status, height and body weight, ethnic background, religious affiliation or colour.

“One of the cardinal principles and core values of the PDP relates to justice, equity and fairness, without which political relations soon degenerate into bitter conflicts and an inhuman power game and this I will discourage.

“We shall not succumb to intimidation and blackmail. We have been able to reconcile, restructure and reposition the party in all the wards of the state. We have been able to reestablish the party as the only viable option for the liberation and elevation of Rivers State and its people.”

The Rivers PDP chairman also urged members of the party in the state to work for and support the re-election of President Jonathan in 2015, whom he said must be delivered 100 per cent, while admonishing the party faithful to continue to be loyal to the PDP. While also speaking, a former governorship candidate, Chief Sergeant Awuse, aka Bulldozer, noted that when

the journey started a year ago, to some people, it was an impossibility, claiming that God made it possible.

Awuse also alleged that PDP was dead in Rivers state, before the revolution started, shortly after the emergence of Obuah as the helmsman, stating that many people, including him, were chased out of the party, with many founding members of the PDP back, which he said was made possible by Wike.

A former member of the House of Representatives from Rivers state, Chief Olaka Worgu, while also speaking at the first anniversary, alleged that when some unnamed persons tried to kill the PDP in Rivers State, the court rescued it.

A former Rivers Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toru Ofili, claimed that Wike had brought Rivers people out of bondage, while assuring that Rivers people, especially the women, would support the supervising minister of education to the Government House, Port Harcourt in 2015, while urging him to listen to the cries of Rivers people and vie.

As Obuah and members of his executive are in their second year, which is very crucial, since primaries of political parties and general elections will be held during the period, efforts must be made not to heat up the polity in the volatile Niger Delta state.

flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the al Adviser on Power, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo,

31

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE Delta battles to wrest ‘oil city’ from filth, shanties From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor

T

HE popular Warri town in Delta State is the economic hub of the state and a capital of oil activities in the country. Journalists and residents refer to Warri as the ‘oil city’.

Over the years, the tag seemed to be misplaced as the city seemed more like the ‘dirty city’ because of the sprout of illegal structures, shanties and attitude of the people to cleanliness as well as indiscriminate waste disposal and the failure of the local councils to deal with the waste generated by over one million inhabitants.

‘Warri’ goes beyond the Warri metropolis – headquarters of Warri South Local Government Area. It is an amalgam of the metropolis, Ugbuwangue, Ubeji and Iffie in the WSLGA as well as Effurun, Ekpan, Enerhen, Ugbolokposo and some other towns in Uvwie Local Government Area. It is also quickly spreading into Orhumworhum, Aladja and other enclaves in Udu Local Government Area.

As the city grew over the past decades, the environment decayed.

Frustrated by the deplorable state of this mega city, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan several years ago slammed the attitude of the people to the cleanliness of their environment. The governor could not understand why people could not clean the front of their homes, shops and places of business.

Over five years later, the state government rolled out the bulldozers again in a final push to bring down illegal structures, makeshift shops, houses and shanties and wrest the city from the vice-like grip of filth.

A lot of Deltans felt the move was long overdue, particularly as heaps of dirt - some as high as a storey-building - are piling up in the streets and every nook and cranny of the city. Market women, particularly those at the Effurun Market randomly cast their wastes on the median of the PTI Road. They build moulds of waste that force motorists and commuters to cover their noses whenever they pass through.

The smelly, dirty sights are replicated on Airport Road, Jakpa and other major roads in the city, much to the angst of citizens and government alike.

Even the redesign and beauti-

•Oghenechovwen and Omare leading the charge on illegal structure

•A scene of ‘shanties’ destroyed

fication of the Enerhen Junction has failed to prevent indiscriminate disposal of refuse in the area.

It was against the backdrop that the state government recently constituted a 25-man special sanitation team, chaired by the State’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama to supervise the cleaning up of Warri, Uvwie and Udu Council Areas.

Speaking after the inauguration of the team in Warri, Prof Utuama said the state government was worried to observe the growing incidents of illegal markets, illegal motor parks and the poor waste disposal habits prevalent in Warri and its environs. He described the situation as unacceptable.

He lamented that the beautifully designed Enerhen Junction, which was constructed as part of the State Government’s junction improvement and beautification programme has been turned into a refuse dump. He also lamented that Ugbuwangue Junction on the NPA Express way had become an illegal market and trading depot.

The Deputy Governor warned that the team would not spare any effort in restoring sanity and order to the affected areas and advised defaulters and residents of the affected areas to remove their makeshift structures and refuse or be prepared to face the consequence of their actions.

True to his words, the bulldozers rolled into the area on Thursday, April 3. The team is backed by stern-faced security personnel, wheelbarrows, pickup and vans. As the bulldozers roared into the city, it brought about tears, sorrow and wailing. But the victims were mostly the builders of their collapsing world because they ignored warning to remove the structures.

The scene at a popular Mobil Filing Station located on Airport Junction in the heart of the city was the clearest pointer to the poor attitude of business owners and residents of the areas to environmental sanitation. Our reporter who visited the scene saw refuse pits within and around the parameters of the petrol station.

The Commissioner for Water Resource, Dr Chris Ogh-

enechovwen, ordered the shutdown of the filling station until the management evacuated the wastes.

But a member of staff at the premises said the management had paid the sanitation task force at the Uvwie Council to evacuate the waste.

However, Prof Utuama assured that the state Waste Management Board would be strengthened to ensure that the gains made during the exercise are sustained.

Already, the Commissioner for Environment, Frank Omare, said the government had invested a lot of money in waste disposal trucks, adding that 1,600 environmental marshals are being trained to ensure that people behave very well.

“In Asaba, we have installed incinerator that will tackle wastes in the whole of Delta north. We are bringing in an incinerator of about 2,000 tonnages in Warri. Those are things that we are putting together.”

Over 1,000 makeshift shops have been demolished in the affected areas and yet the exercise is far from over.

Godfatherism is dead, says Amaechi’s ex-aide

A

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sam Agwor, has stated that the era of godfatherism is over in the party.

Agwor, who was a Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, also urged Rivers people to continue to support the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Agwor, a former Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the old Rivers State, said Rivers people should not be forced to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), considering the numerous achievements of Jonathan’s government.

In view of the upgrading of airports across the country, the ongoing transformation of the power sector and the laying of the foundation of the second Niger Bridge, he stated that President Jonathan meant well for Nigerians and should be supported.

He said: “If you take a look at our airports, you will see that they have been upgraded to world-class standard. The administration of President Jonathan is doing a lot to transform the country.

“The President is also doing a lot in the power sector and roads. He has established new federal universities and laid the foundation of the second Niger Bridge, among others.”

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

The PDP chieftain said for the first time, the Rivers government was moving to the opposition, while admonishing the people of the state against the development.

Agwor said: “Rivers State has been a PDP state for a long time and that cannot change now. We have noticed that the Rivers State government is moving to the opposition for the first time.

“President Jonathan is our son and the leader of the PDP. It is necessary for us to support him for a second term in office, because through his work so far, he has shown that he is interested in the development of this country.”

While commenting on the Rivers governorship tussle, ahead of the 2015 elections, the PDP chieftain stated that the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, seemed to show interest, while urging the leaders of the APC to also make their interest open.

He assured that the governorship aspirants in the PDP would face transparent primaries, before they would be chosen, while insisting that the best person would emerge as the party’s standard bearer.

Agwor also urged Rivers people to back Jonathan, whose second term in office, according to him, would be to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his administration.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW ‘Why Delta is pursuing Green Economy’

Tales from Peterside scholars

The Delta State House of Assembly is considering a bill sent to the House by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the establishment of the Delta State Green Economy Commission. In this interview with SHOLA O’NEIL, Paul Odili, Communications Manager to the governor, explains the initiative and why it is the path to sustainable future for the state.

W

•Awortu

Beneficiaries of overseas post-graduate scholarship scheme bankrolled by the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, narrate how the scheme many of them doubted has changed their lives, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

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LMOST all of them doubted it.

In the last few months, however, their lives and world views have been shaped by it. Victor Pepple. Tana Ofik. Barthemeaus Utong.

Opuada Oko-jaja. Raymond Awortu.

Prince Ogbilikana. Hope Ngerebara.

Hanson Pepple. And Zipporah Harry.

They were the doubting Thomases, whose homes in the last few months have been London and Scotland, United Kingdom, where they are undergoing post-graduate degree programmes at no cost to them. Their bills are settled by a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of the Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside. He represents the Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency where these young men hail from.

Pepple said he was “badly ridiculed into this glorious opportunity today by my elder cousin, Theophilus Pepple”. It all started during the Christmas season of 2012 when posters for the Peterside overseas postgraduate scholarship scheme were pasted everywhere in Opobo Town and designated collection centres in Port Harcourt. When he saw it, he had cold feet about it. Reason: his previous experiences with sourcing for a scholarship to study abroad had always been a last minute disappointment even in situations where he met the criteria.

He felt this was just going to be another bad case.

So, he did not pick up the form until January 2013 when he saw that a cousin whom he hinted about the scheme had collected the form. He became an object of ridicule at home and hence got

the form.

Though he had the dream of studying abroad someday, but how that would happen was largely a dream since he could not afford it. Raised from a humble background, he had faith that one day, his breakthrough would come.

Like Pepple, Oko-jaja did not attach much importance to information about the scholarship. In his words: “I got to hear about the scholarship from a friend, Mr. Tammy Aloma Cookey who travelled to Opobo Town for Christmas break in 2012. However, I received the information softly as I believed its outcome was going to be business as usual because of my previous experience in scouting for scholarships and jobs.

“Reluctantly, I got the form because of the pressure from my parents.

Shortly after the submission, I was called by a friend from the university (FUTO) where I was undergoing a post graduate diploma in Geo-Physics that my name was announced over the radio, inviting me for a test at the ICT centre at Aba Road,Port Harcourt. I never prepared for the exam because I was frustrated with the business-asusual and man-know-man virus that had eaten deep into the country and I had no one that could assist me.”

Utong did not have much doubt having benefitted from a scholarship scheme in the past. Utong, who is studying for an MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Kingston University, London, earlier studied at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia campus through the Rivers State government scholarship and was hoping to further his studies but could not due to lack of

B

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

The second round of the immunisation campaign was inaugurated in Yenagoa recently. Dickson who spoke through his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd) confirmed the single case of polio virus in Ekeremor and vowed that the state would not tolerate the transmission of the virus.

He said everybody must be mobilised to stop the virus and im-

‘

•Utong

The name Dakuku Peterside will forever remain engrained in the hearts of many, for being a man who helped in writing the history of many generations even yet unborn. Beyond being a fast selling brand in Rivers State, the man has modestly proven that his words are honourable and he keeps his promise. He said would empower the people of his constituency and would not interfere with the selection process and he did it. This I find very remarkable because if it were otherwise, people like me would most likely never have been on the preferred list and I know it •Victor Pepple

•Peterside

funds.

In the end, it turned out the fears of Pepple and others were unfounded.

Pepple said: “After the submission of completed form, I was told about the selection test by a friend of mine who heard my name announced over the radio, inviting shortlisted candidates for the test which held at the Rivers State ICT Centre along Aba Road Port Harcourt. I came into the hall barely having had about three days to prepare for the test; not knowing what to expect, I literally came in for the exam fasting. It was the first and most transparent public exam I have ever taken in my life. Not only did we see our scores on display at the expiration of allotted time for the exam, the decision on who has been awarded the scholarship was made right on the spot based on the result of the test. I emerged the first candidate for Engineering from Opobo Town. Even at that, I was still apprehensive as to whether there would still be last minute substitution of candidates. To God be the glory, nothing of such was done.”

Oko-jaja said: “Surprisingly, I met

the shocker of my life. After the exam, the result was printed out in hard copy and given to us. I thought that was all.

As I was about to leave the venue, we were called back and the decision was made publicly and successful candidates were picked, which I was also part of. At that instance, I began to have hope in the system that shortly the change we are clamouring for will come, when positions will be awarded on merit. This has been the first, unprecedented and transparent public exam I have ever taken in my life at that moment.”

Good enough to emulate

Pepple, who is studying for a Master of Science degree in Engineering Business Management at the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, said Peterside has kept his part of the bargain. He said full tuition and upkeep allowance as promised by the scholarship board have been paid.

“We were credited with over six months’ maintenance allowance for living expenses before arriving the UK. Beyond that, the Honourable has come to visit us in person to see how

Polio’s discovery worries Bayelsa govt AYELSA State government is worried over a case of poliomyelitis discovered at a remote community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson was said to have lamented the polio which is the only case so far reported in Nigeria since this year.

Following the development, the National Polio Eradication Committee (NPEC), had instructed the state to carry out three rounds of intensive polio immunisation campaigns.

•Ofik

plored eligible children to receive the vaccine during the campaign. The governor also called on religious and traditional rulers to create awareness in their communities and ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated.

He further urged chairmen of local government areas to provide adequate logistic support and mobilise chiefs, women groups and religious bodies.

Dickson asked mothers to ensure that their children are fully immunised before their first birthday.

He said his administration has in-

vested massively in health infrastructural development. He said after the completion of the ongoing general hospitals in the eight local government areas of the state, the government would confront the challenge of manpower development.

Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, observed that polio cases have drastically reduced in the country with the South not recording any case in more than three years.

“In Nigeria, only one new case of

we are faring. This I find very rare of any public office holder in his capacity. For this, I remain eternally grateful.”

In their e-interviews, they urged other leaders to emulate Peterside.

Utong said to the best of his knowledge, the process of selection was transparent, adding: “If there is interference, may be I would not have been selected.”

The son of His Royal Highness, Chief and Mrs. Abraham Utong of Ilotombi Community in Andoni Local Government, said: “Dakuku Peterside is one of the rare leaders we have. He is an achiever and a true believer of transparent, generous and selfless leadership. I strongly encourage all politicians to emulate the sincerity and kind heart of Hon. Peterside to his people. Hon. Dakuku Peterside is a man of his words, God-fearing, sincere to his people, down-to-earth, selfless, generous and principled. And I want to congratulate him for all his achievements.”

Oko-jaja, who bagged his Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the Rivers State University of Science and Tech-

nology (RSUST) and studying Msc in Environmental Management in the University of Bedfordshire, said Peterside has written his name with an indelible ink.

“He is a man with the heart of gold and empathy for the all. A man of the people. Most times I get amazed at his humility. He is a selling brand all over the nation. I implore our leaders to emulate this icon.”

Ofik, a native of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, currently studying for an M.Sc. in Subsea Engineering, said: “I got selected as a beneficiary of the Hon. Peterside’s overseas post-graduate scholarship in June of 2013 after a very transparent selection process in which I emerged the best candidate for the engineering disciplines. The scholarship covers my tuition and living costs at the University of Aberdeen. Till date, the Hon. Dakuku Peterside has followed through with all the promises made to the scholarship beneficiaries. I am thus confident that I will not have any financial worries all through my degree programme. Academically, the experience so far has been quite task-

polio has been isolated this year even in the northern parts of the country.

Surprisingly, a new case of polio was discovered in Ekeremor local government area”, he said.

Owei said vaccination team would go round the state to administer two drops of the oral polio vaccine into the mouths of every child. He said discussions had been held with the Delta State team to synchronise immunisation in the two states.

Also, a representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), Dr. Andrew Etsano, disclosed that the Federal Government has earmarked N3.6b in the 2014 budget to eradicate polio in the country.

Etsano said that N3.5b was pro-

vided in the budget for routine immunisation services which he said underscored President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment in kicking polio out of the country. He said the Polio Eradication Centre has been established with the mandate of totally eradictaing polio in the country

by June 2014.

He said only one case of polio has been recorded so far this year against 56 cases that occurred at the end of 2013. Confirming that the single case was recorded at Ekeremor local government area, Bayelsa State, he said Nigeria was at the verge of kicking the polio out finally.

He appealed to the state government to set up a vibrant polio task force and improve on health infra-

‘

ing, as I have been enrolled in a world renowned university with an excellent reputation in engineering studies related to oil and gas development. I have had the opportunity to meet key industry players and develop both personally and professionally. This had only existed as a dream for me before the scholarship but today it’s become a reality. Many thanks to Hon. Dakuku Peterside. He is truly a leader who has the concern of the people at heart.”

Pepple added: “The name Dakuku Peterside will forever remain engrained in the hearts of many, for being a man who helped in writing the history of many generations even yet unborn. Beyond being a fast selling brand in Rivers State, the man has modestly proved that his words are honourable and he keeps his promise.

He said he would empower the people of his constituency with qualitative education abroad, he did it. He said he would not interfere with the selection process for the candidates, not even on grounds of any primordial sentiments, and he did it. This I find very remarkable because if it were otherwise, people like me would most structure in different local government areas.

Speaking on the development, the World Health Organisation (WHO), said only three countries have not successfully eradicated polio. WHO’s Representative, Dr. William Komakeche, said four countries in Africa had so far reported one case of polio each.

According to him, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and Nigeria, were among the countries. He said: “Tremendous achievements have been made in Nigeria but it has to be totally stopped otherwise other parts will be affected”.

He said though a new case was recorded in Bayelsa, the government had responded very well to curtail it.

•Ngerebara

likely never have been on the preferred list and I know it. Whilst I strive to make the best of this opportunity given me, I urge all and sundry to emulate Hon. Dakuku Peterside in creating more empowerment opportunities for the upcoming generation, lest we remain in the woods.”

Benefits of the initiative

Pepple, who bagged his Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum and Gas Engineering (Gas Engineering Option) from the University of Port Harcourt, class of 2010/2011, said: “Every honest and right-thinking mind would agree that education is the greatest legacy any society can give to its youths in order to secure a sustainable future.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. Hence, Hon. Dakuku Peterside is championing the individual initiative and effort to empower youths of his federal constituency with life-time training, skills and competences that will outlive time and temporary materialistic gains.

“The concern of capital flight in paying foreign expertise to develop the state and nation at large is gradually put to rest as local professionals are now exposed to world-class education and training which can be deployed in growing the national economy. As Benjamin Franklin rightly noted: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’.”

Awortu agrees that the scheme must be bought into by other leaders. Said he: “I strongly recommend that this exemplary leadership be emulated by other people in positions of authority.

For this man who is developing human capacity in the communities and, by extension, the state at large instead of giving out guns, we must salute him.”

Awortu, who is studying at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, added: “Hon. Dakuku Peterside is an exceptional leader, a capacity builder, a community developer, a bridge builder, a man of his words (Talku na do man) and I will forever remain grateful to God for bringing him my way.”

Miss Ngerebara, who is studying for an Msc in Information Systems and Data Management, believes the country will develop better if leaders emulate Peterside.

She said: “Hon. Peterside is a very humble and kind-hearted man because only someone with such qualities will remember his people and carry out such charitable work.

He has proven to be a great leader, who not only believes he needs to carry his people along but has also shown me that he really believes in our youths being the future; that is why he has done this. This kind act of his has inspired me greatly to give back no matter the position I get to because alot of people out there need it and to say a big thank you to Warisenibo Hon Dakuku Peterside.”

What is the Green Economy initiative of the state about?

The point about sustainable development and climate change has been a major part of this administration’s agenda. When the governor talks about ‘Delta Beyond Oil’, there are a couple of critical pillars that support that initiative. Beyond just diversifying the economy of Delta State from reliance on crude oil as a major source of revenue, it was important that we also think in terms of sustainable development initiatives. It simply means the ability to consume resources in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner, such that we do not waste resources and it does not compromise the ability of the future generation to also have access to those resources.

The governor has being doing a lot.

There are different ministries and MDAs that have been pursuing green initiatives – Ministry of Energy has done a lot of work in solar street lighting, Ministry of Environment has done a lot with waste recycling plants, Min•Odili istry of Transport is also doing quite a bit of it.

There have been pockets of these kinds of initiatives but it was important that it is consolidated further. It has been an ongoing process and I need to also add that since 2009 when he (governor) began to speak out on climate change, he was the first governor to have spoken out very forcefully, calling the attention of the nation to the issue of climate change and our apparent indifference to it. He was also one of the governors that formed the R20 Region of Climate Action, which is an international NGO that is led by the former Governor of California (Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger). The governor is the Vice Chairman of Africa and Middle East of this body.

Is there an enabling law right now for all these?

There is no enabling law right now, but what has happened is that the step the governor has taken is to initiate a process of consultation and brainstorming.

We had a series of workshops that culminated in producing the Delta State Green Economy Policy document. This is a policy document that articulates the requirements of the state, the current position, what it needs to do, the strategies it needs to adopt and the structures it needs to drive forward the sustainability initiative of the government to be able to promote green development in the state. It is not just about green development; it is about also creating an economic structure that is sustainable. The way to do that is you have structure that is able to do a lot of research, attract investment, coordinate green economy policies and implement green economy projects and programmes in the state, working with existing ministries, which also in many respects have mandates that are related to green initiatives.

We know already that there is a lot of business models and technologies out there that is accessible and that is interested to partner with us. The point then becomes if you need to do all that, you have to have a formal structure and policy in place and it has to be backed by instrument of law. What the governor now did after the workshop in February, was to very quickly send it to the House (of Assembly). That bill is in the House and we are hoping that very soon it will be passed into law. When it is now backed by law you are now in a position to engage any stakeholder or business interest.

What are some of the provisions of the bill setting up this commission?

The law intends to set up the commission and the mandate is simple. It will initiate, coordinate and implement green economy policies and programmes in Delta State. It will collaborate with existing ministries and MDAs. Deltans, like most Nigerians are sceptical about commissions, they see it as avenues to siphon public fund….

No, no, no. This is a very unique strcuture in that its mandate is to attract investments, initiate programmes and implement projects… ...It will also spend money It will spend money but we have adopted a self-funding model, which is to say that government will fund the commission for 10 years and after that it will become self-funding. It will become a source of revenue for the state.

Will government fund it wholly during the 10-year gestation period?

No, we expect that it will be deescalating. In order words, by the 5th year government will only fund half of the cost and as the years go towards 10th year it will be self-funding. As the funding from government decreases, the agency is actually earning money to be able to offset some of its costs and operations.

That is an indication that it is growing towards that self-funding target. We see tremendous promise and potential.

How does it benefit the state and ordinary Deltan?

It is very beneficial. You see, when we talk about Delta Beyond Oil, it simply aims to end overdependence on oil, diversify the economy, expand the industrial base of the state, create employment and reduce poverty. When you are going green, you are also promoting an economic development that recognises and reduces environment risk of development. Traditional ways of economic growth and development have always been done at the risk of environmental sustainability. This is saying it can be done taking into account the fragility of the environment. That is how this initiative compliments the overall objective of government. It will empower the people; it will create employment and economic growth. It would also improve the public welfare. A fully embedded green economy is one that recognises the welfare and wellbeing of the people first. It does that across a whole range of sectors – agriculture, transportation, water, energy, public health. Ultimately, it is about the welfare and wellbeing of the people. In urban planning, if you are eco-friendly, you recognise that one of the major challenges of developing society is rapid urbanisation that leads to congestion and pollution.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

‘Why I issued audit query to Oba o Chief Oseni Elamah is the Executive Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service and the ‘Okaoivbiore’ of Benin Kingdom. He recently clocked 55. In this interview with OSAGIE OTABOR, he revealed how an encounter with the Benin monarch as a Crown Prince then made him to always do the right things.

H

OW do you feel at 55?

As I became aware of myself, I begin to appreciate the blessings that God has endowed me with. Every day, every hour, I keep thanking God for the blessings he used me to extend to others. Having attained the age of 55, my main passion now is to see how I can mentor others to be responsible members of the society and to contribute their own quota to the development of society and humanity. I have a passion for mentoring and use the time not just to the service of humanity but to the service of God. How were your early days in life?

I had a very humble background. I was born into a very large polygamous family in Auchi. My father being a very special high chief of Auchi. He was the Seriki Samali. He was a big entreprenuer. He established a business at Ikare-Ekiti. I was born in Auchi in 1959. I am a twin, the first set to be delivered at the Auchi General Hospital. I spent my early years with my parents. I later went to stay with my aunty. I came to Benin when I was six to live with my uncle in Benin City who was the Auditor-General of the then Midwestern state. I did my primary education at St Thomas Primary school along Airport road. I was born muslim but I got coverted to christianity during my stay with my uncle. I became a mass server. I attended Eghosa Grammer School. After my school certificate in 1978, I joined the then Bendel State as an au-

dit clerk. From there, I got an in service training at the Auchi Polytechnic. Before going to Auchi Polytechnic, I got admission to read Architecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka but my uncle wanted me to study accountancy. I left Auchi and worked briefly with the State Audit at Auchi. I went to Lagos because I wanted to write my professional examination. I got qualified as a chartered accountant. The rest is my working career. I did the stock exchange dealership exams. I am a stock broker till 1998 when my late mentor, the late Chief Arret Adams was appointed as Special Adviser on Petroluem to the regime of Abdulsalami Abubakar. I was equally appointed Senior Special Assistant to the office of the Special Adviser. I was there till 1999 when the administration handed over. I returned to Lagos in 1999 and became executive director in charge of business development in a company owned by the late Arret Adams. From there, we incorporated a new business, a joint venture company and I became the managing director.

It was from that position I got appointed as the Executive Director, Finance and Investment of the Nigeria Social Investment Trust Fund. The comrade governor, who was then President of NLC, was the chairman of NSITF. We worked to ensure that workers social benefits were paid. Contributions were properly managed. The pension reform came and the

NSITF being a foremost pension benefit administrator had to incorporate a pension fund administration under the pension fund act called Trust Fund Pensions. I was then seconded to be the pioneer Chief Executive. I was there till 2008 when I was appointed Special Adviser on Project Monitoring and Physical Governance. Before then I was appointed Chairman Assets Verification Committee to chart a new course for governance.

As a young audit clerk, what motivated you to raise an audit query for your boss who is now the Oba of Benin Kingdom when he was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Bendel State during the Military Administration of MajGen. George Agbazika?

That is a very old story now.

It was not fear but because of my innocence and my youth, I think it was more of respect and admiration. I was not conscious of his emerging position as a king because he was then the crown prince. In any event because of his cosmopolitan nature and exposure having served at the federal level because he retired as the Federal Permanent Secretary for Health. He was well abreast by the intricacies of the civil servcie and by extension the various audit procedure. My encounter was during the cash count and accounting procedure. Not until I became acquainted with civil service rules, the issue of audit query was seen as a normal working tool for the audi-

tor to complete their jobs especially for things you don’t understand. By way of seeking for clarification, you raised an audit query requesting the correspondent to provide the necessary information or refund whatever amount remaining.

Being a very young man, just coming from the secondary school, I did not know the intricases with civil service procedure. That action made a turning point in my life to the extent I made sure to do the right thing no matter the consideration parochial interest or any absurd things that will compromise my own innocency, honesty and integrity.

What made you believe in Governor Oshiomhole?

It is not different from the encounter what I see in others that have played a very important role in my life. It was the late Arret Adams who has a passion for bringing things that you think are impossible to be possible. When the Comrade Governor was the president of the NLC even though we knew way back home, we have not had any official interaction.

When he was made the chairman of NSITF which was to collect contribution from workers in the private sector into a pool for their retirement benefit and the late Arret Adams had looked at the various organs of governnent and his own experience in government having been the pioneer Group Managing Director of NNPC, he felt what way we can assist him to succeed as chairman of NSITF,

•Elamah

we then wrote a proposal to him on how NSITF can effectively collect the money, invest it so as to grow the fund and meet the mandate of paying to retirement benefit to individuals. It was that memo I took to him in Abuja. He said it was a good thing to take to the president. After a while, he said ‘Why don’t you come in to implement these things you wrote.’ I told him I cannot give him an answer. As I was going back, he has approach the president. He came back to discuss with my mentor. That was how I came into NSITF. I believe that all we did growing the fund we met from N5.6bn to about

N48bn till we left in 2005. It shows there was a tremendous growth. It was that period I had a close working relationship with the now chairman of the state Economic Team, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who helped to put all the investment policies together that helped us. By the time Adams stopped being the chairman of NSITF, the management and the Board had confidence in me that when the pension reform came, they agreed I was the right persons to fit into the position.

What is your motivation to giving free ICT training to youths?

The passion I got kept from

Senator Sekibo’s day of honour H

ISTORY was made in Ogu Community in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, when Etem War Canoe House was carved out of Adolf, Abaji House and a chief installed to man the district’s newest House.

The three War Canoes- Etem, Adolf and Abaji - had existed together for 57 years before the creation of Etem.

The Head of Abaji House, Chief Ettol l I. Dagogo Olumodu Abaji (JP) explained that the separation became necessary to forster further expansion and development. He said they unanimously agreed to create Etem War Canoe and hand it over to their distinguished son, Senator George Thompson Sekibo to oversee for them.

The event held at the Ogu Market Square was colourful and a true display of the rich tradition and custom of the people of Ogu/Bolo in Wakrike Bise. Everything done, speeches made at the event were in accordance with their native customs, tradition and in their native language to the mesmerisation of visitors.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

Reporters and members of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, which Sekibo chairs in the House, were held spellbound for several hours as the rich, colourful custom of the people unfurled.

The show was completely stolen by Ogu/Bolo Divisional council of chiefs; over 70 of them sat under a long canopy decorated with colourful George wrappers, with beautiful ladies colourfully dressed in two layer native wrappers detailed to serve and give full attention to them.

Their tables were filled with assortment of drinks - brandy, whisky, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water served with all manner of snacks.

Each of them carted away not less than three kinds of gift item, including chieftaincy walking stick, piece of George wrapper, diaries etc. Apart from them no other participant was noticed at the event that lasted for more than four hours, either in eating dinning or wining.

However there was enough for all

•Sekibo being administered with the oath of office by the Legal Adviser, Ogu Bolo council of chiefs, Nichodemus Oruwari

to eat and drink at the place designated for entertainment but outside the installation arena.

The head of Abaji War Canoe House Chief Ettol Dagogo Olumodu Abaji (JP), explained that the “the installation of Senator Sekibo as the Etem IX, from the existing Abaji War Canoe House means the birth of a new House in Ogu community, adding that the separation would strengthen rather than divide the people.

“I don’t foresee any form of disunity, disenchantment or acrimony

by this development,” he said, “Instead I foresee harmony, mutual understanding and stronger ties.

“The main reason we considered it necessary to effect the separation of the House is simply to attract development, as you know so much crowd affects development negatively, but breaking up into smaller units attracts development faster, because the reality on ground would be easily noticed and need to do something fast becomes apparent.”

He advised members of the new family (Etem family) to pursue last-

ing peace, mutual understanding and constructive criticism as means to correcting any perceived wrong doing among them.

A mild drama though occurred in the course of crowning, while the Etem Family insisted on crowning Chief Sekibo Etem IX; members of the Council of chiefs did not see reason for him to jump into number four when he was the first chief in the just carved out War Canoe House.

The Chairman Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Mark Derefaka, explained: “Etem IX title

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

35

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

ba of Benin’ ‘ The key is the

people. We have tried to clean up the system, plug all the loopholes that are in the system to ensure that whatever money generated and collected gets into government coffers

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my statement of someone looking at for the future. I kept wanting to create job and employment opportunities for our youths. During my working days with the late Arret Adams, he made me to be writing several notes giving referral to various youths to get jobs.

Some of the feedback from the employers was that some of them were not employable because they lacked ICT knowledge and education and that is the reason why we decided encourage them to get ICT training. For me, as a way of giving back to the society. I decided to set up an ICT institute in Auchi. The governor was he stepped into is a dynasty, founded by generations past.

Although he is the first chief in the dynasty counting from the inception, but for his humility decided to take the title of Etem the IX, to give recognition and respect to the founders of the dynasty so he assumed the position of the ‘Forth’ instead of the ‘First’.”

Sekibo insisted on going with the decision earlier reached at his Etem family level on the matter.

He explained: “The tradition has it that the people that began the movement at every stage must be reckoned with, that is why, after checking through the stages of growth, from inception of the foundation of the House we as a family came to the conclusion that I should take up the position of Etem IX.” Derefaka explained the choice of Sekibo: “To be crowned a chief in Ogu, you must have clean record devoid of all forms of criminality, be a full-fledged family man with wife and children, among others.

“As a chief he has to be humble especially to the chairman of the council and other members of the council. As a chief who is not just a titled chief, he is the leader of the

on the board of governing council and other prominent people. We offer scholarship to indigent graduate and students who were seeking to acquire ICT knowledge and skills. With that we felt we could enhance their skills at getting jobs in banks. It paid off because that institute has trained over 10,000 graduates and most of them are gainfully employed. I still have this passion of giving ICT knowledge to our youths.

How have you been coping with tax collection in a state like Edo? We had a vision when we came. The vision was to become the most efficient and effective revenue generating agency in Nigeria that will earn the tax payers confidence. Part of it was to create a tax friendly environment so that people will easily comply with existing tax laws in meeting up their civic obligations to government and the society. What we have that was our biggest assets was the governor himself having come to power through a popular electoral process and people having given their mandate freely were also willing to support their contributions through taxes. All we needed was to create that enabling environment to ensure that there is accountability, transparency and value for tax payers money that will enable us earn the confidence of tax paper. The key is the people. We have tried to clean up the system, plug all the loopholes that are in the system to ensure that whatever money generated and collected gets into government coffers. It is evident that the comrade governor has demonstrated leadership and the political will to ensuring that tax payers money is out to work in the state which is evident everywhere you go in the state. people even on the event of war. The position is a lifetime thing, it has no tenureship it is till death do him part, but not a hereditary stool.” He explained.

The Chairman Ogu/Bolo Divisional Council of chiefs, Chief Jonah Tamuno, said: “There are many good things his being part of us could achieve for us faster than we expected, especially as a senator, he could be the means through which we could transmit our voice as a community, LGA, to the centre among other things, so we are happy that he has joined us.”

Alagbo Francis Abbe Ebenezar–Oye described Sekibo as a capable person for the office he had stepped into.

He urged him to respond promptly anytime he was called upon on issues concerning the stool, adding that “he should not even wait to be called on but be alert and alive to happenings, developments and issues in his kingdom.”

Sekibo said: “I have been their leader for 25 years, I am not going to do any new thing from what I have been doing for them, rather I am only going to fashion out means to improve upon them and I think that was the reason for calling me to this stool.”

Another Immigration jobs stampede victim is buried

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T was a poignant occasion marked by tears and weeping.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt The people of Kalaibiama Community in Opobo Nkoro Local my son dead. “ government Area of Rivers State buried 26She said there is no amount of comyear-old Brown Darlington, one of the victims of pensation that will bring her son to life Nigerian Immigration Service stampede in Port and want the Federal government to take Harcourt, the state capital. care of her family as her late son was their He was one of five victims who died on that only hope. She said what happened to inglorious in the state. About 19 deaths were reher son is like a dream as she is yet to corded across the country during the shambolic believe that Darlington is dead. She reexercise. gretted that Federal government with Brown, a secondary school certificate holder, was their partners could conduct shoddy redescribed by his the stepmother, Mrs Victoria cruitment.

Brown, as an intelligent gentleman who struggled She said: “Look at my life, my son is for self-survival. dead because he made effort to be like His friends from Port Harcourt wept inconsolothers and to get something doing to take ably as they accompanied his remains from the care of me and the young one. I have only Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) two children Darlington and his brother mortuary, Port Harcourt to his hometown. It was now that my first son is dead what do their last respect for the young man whose life was they want me to do? The only thing I cut short. His remains eventually left the mortuwant Federal government to do is to take ary by 8am and got to Uta-Ewa waterside by 12 care of me and my family.” pm where the youths of Kalaibiama received his Some of the youths of the community corpse with tears and pains. who spoke to our reporters expressed At his family house, his bereaved mother Mrs. dissatisfaction with the sloppy recruit•The late Brown Grace Jaja slumped and became unconscious when ment exercise and the inability of the imshe saw her son’s corpse. She was revived two migration authority to send a represenhours later. tative during the burial of the victims.

She said her late son was born in May 1988; he The youth leader of Kalaibiama Comwas the first of two left children, regretting that he munity, Comrade Tamunoipirinye left Port Harcourt on the day of immigration reRogers Tolafari, said there will be war if cruitment exercise and did not return home as he at the end Federal government did not was wont to do. redeemed its promises to the victims’ “On that Friday, which is a day before the refamily. He said their greatest annoyance cruitment exercise he went out to buy white cloths is the inability of the immigration authorand other materials for the recruitment. That night ity to send a representative for the fuhe set his phone on alarm to enable him wake up neral of their friend and brother. on time. Before he left the house he went on his Addressing his follow youths at the knee asking God that even if it is 10 persons the funeral Comrade Tamunoipirinye said immigration authority want for the recruitment his it is an act of wickedness for immigraown name should be among. He did not eat that tion authority to conduct a careless remorning because there was no food except the one cruitment exercise that led to the death we ate last night. He told me to recharge his phone of youths of this country. He said there which I did. In our yard two women also went for should be remorse on the side of the imthe immigration recruitment. migration.

“When it was time to come back I did not see •Mrs. Jaja “We are not happy, but we have to him, so I waited for one hour, I did not see him. take things the way we see it, the worst The two neighbours that went for the same recruitment came back. thing that will happen is to hear that the Federal government at When I ask them if they saw my son they said the crowd was the end of the day did not fulfil the promise they gave to the much nobody could see each other. But my son was yet to come deceased’s family, it will be war. I trust Jonathan he will redeemed back. So I started calling his line, it was rigging but nobody was the promise.” picking. Suddenly somebody picks and told me if the person I am On March 5, five victims were confirmed dead in Port Harcourt calling is my son I should run to Braithwaite Memorial Specialist during the stampede. They include Grace Nwokaku Amah, 28, Hospital (BMSH). When I got there I search the emergency ward from Ubima Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of where people who sustain injuries and those unconscious were Rivers State; Kalu Sunday Okezie, 30, from Okon-aku Commukept but I did not see my son. It was later they directed me to nity in Ohafia, B Darlington and two others. check the Hospital mortuary, when I got there I saw Darlington

NIMASA takes safety to Calabar small boat operators

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ORRIED by the level of fatalities recorded by small boats on the waterways in Calabar, the Eastern Zone of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has carried out a campaign of safety to passengers and operators.

Zonal coordinator, Mr Tony Ogadi, who led the campaign to the Safe Journey and Creek Town jetties in Calabar said so much attention was being paid to larger vessels than the small crafts which actually recorded more incidents.

The agency also donated 30 life vests to the operators at the two jetties.

Speaking at the campaign tagged “Raising safety awareness among the maritime workers union and passengers”, he said the level of safety among small among small boats was not so good hence their intervention to regulate their activities.

Ogadi who is in charge of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States said, “Actually the level of safety now is not too good and that is why NIMASA is concerned about it.

“In every port office we have district surveyors who go around to ensure safety, but most of the inspections are geared towards the very big

• Ogadi (right) handing over the life vests to Edem at Safe Journey jetty. With them are other officials of the agency.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

crafts to ensure safety. Now you find out that most of the big vessels don’t have these incidences we are thinking of.

When they occur they are few.

Where we have the recurrent one are the small craft operators. We had to see that the little ones too are abiding by the regulations. That is why we decided to make the first move and provide the vests before we start regulating. Mostly, the level of people that partake in this kind of transportation are the economically disadvantaged people who may not have the wherewithal to ac-

quire the vests, both the boat operators and the passengers.

So we decided to give them the vests to ensure that we have safety of lives.

“Hence forth it will become a routine exercise of our safety unit to ensure that life vests are given to them. Intend to come in to regulate those who operate small crafts because of the casualty we have been recording in the past and want to make an incursion into this and reduce to to the barest minimum.

“Safety goes with security and NIMASA decided to go the extra mile to go into a partnership with the Nigerian

Navy to ensure that it guarantees safety and went further into a partnership with to Global West Vessels specialist to provide a platform to enable us patrol these water ways and ensure that the safety tenets are adhered to. With time the issues of accidents would be almost eliminated. You cannot entirely eliminate it but you guard against occurrences.”

Cross River State chairman of the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Mr Christopher Edem expressed appreciation for the gesture and promised to abide by best practices for travel on the water ways.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

R

IVERS. That six-letter state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria always glows. From its days when Bayelsa was part of it, it has registered itself on our minds. The exertion of Bayelsa from it did not diminish its status. It is difficult to ignore. And almost impossible to forget.

By nature’s making, Rivers sits in a pretty cool location. So good is its location that the early White adventurists could not but make good use of it. Remove Lagos and Abuja and there is no other place in Nigeria that is a busy billboard in the country’s landscape. Talk of great icons or easily recognisable names, Rivers will not be find wanting. Talk of great institutions and entities, such as the University of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, will occupy plum positions. Let’s move to corporate entities and Rivers will give Lagos a ride for its money with organisations, such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, the Eleme-Indorama Petrochemical and many more.

Rivers is home to many an ancient town, whose place in history is incontestable. Let’s leave Port Harcourt, which is the capital city and has thus enjoyed what some may call ‘over’ advantage over others; there is Opobo, that riverine town which many of us first read about in history books many years back, was home to Jaja—the icon we all love to call Jaja of Opobo. There is also Bonny, another Rivers’ riverine town with history as rich as any other Island on earth. It is also blessed with the NLNG, which by any standard, is perhaps one of the world’s most successful privatepublic partnership.

Rivers, by nature’s design, is divided into two: the upland and the riverine. The bulk of the upland, I am told, is occupied by people with ties to Igboland. They, however, prefer to be called Ikwerre. Not a few of them will punch you if you refer to them as Igbo. Being the ‘majority’, they are Rivers’ Goliath and this has shown in the political leadership of the state since Bayelsa was carved out of it.

The riverine people, who have not had a shot at the leadership of the state, for me, the David of Rivers.

In the Bible, David defeated Goliath. In political terms, it may not be that easy. Really, even in the Bible, it was easy for David before God made Goliath look to him like the uncircumcised Philistine. Everyone around David was seeing a giant, but he saw something else, something so low.

Like Governor Rotimi Amaechi said last Friday when he received elders of a riverine community, the leadership of the state is not the birthright of the Ikwerre. Thank God for people like Amaechi, who has vowed to resist the tyranny of the ‘majority’. There are many other Ikwerre sons and daughters who also feel others should be given a sense of be-

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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Let me restate my resolve to give equal opportunity and a level playing field to every party member to express his or her political rights, as we approach the 2015 general elections...

One of the cardinal principles and core values of the PDP relates to justice, equity and fairness, without which political relations soon degenerate into bitter conflicts and an inhuman power game and this I will discourage

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PDP Rivers chair Felix Obuah

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OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Rivers…Between David and Goliath

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Leadership too cannot be taught. It must be in you and you can be helped to bring it out. I sincerely believe there are leaders in Bonny, Opobo and other riverine towns who are waiting to take Rivers to heights unimaginable. The tyranny of the majority should not disallow them. All in Rivers must work towards getting David its due •Amaechi

longing in the Rivers project. They are the ones God is using to make ‘David’ have a say in the presence of ‘Goliath’.

This is no time to allow such sentiment that the people of Rivers State are not thinking of

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COLLEAGUE of the Rivers State-born Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, once described him as ‘Wicked Wike’ jokingly. It was during the height of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in Rivers State when police believed to be loyal to Wike were terrorising the oil rich enclave. The day before Wike was described as “wicked” by his colleague, police had descended on supporters of Governor Rotimi Amaechi and thrashed them mercilessly. The minister, said a report, laughed and added that he was in Abuja and had no hand in the wahala that happened a day before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Ask anybody on Amaechi’s side and they will readily say the minister is truly wicked.

Last Tuesday, Rivers Ijaw elders placed an advertorial in this paper and came close to declaring Wike as wicked for daring to take what belongs to their people: Rivers governorship after Amaechi. What infuriated the elders was an attempt by Wike to get an endorsement from their area for his ambition, which, they said, was uncalled for.

The elders, in a statement on their behalf by the Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Leaders of Thought, said it is the turn of the riverine area to lead the state.

The statement by Prof Dagogo Fubara, Alabo Biekpo Jack, Amaopusenibo Diri, Dr Francis Minimah, Capt Paul Akins, Sunday Paul, Chief John Egongh, Mr Ubokineme Owor and Gilbert Mkparo, said Wike “caused a few self-serving politicians in the two local government areas, os-

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a riverine governor for now. When will they think of it? Is it after the Ikwerre have led for 50 years? Room should also not be given to argument about what happened in old Rivers State. Old things, like the Bible says, have

LAST WORD

passed away and all things are new. We should focus on the new. The tyranny of the ‘majority’ should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It should not deny Rivers of great leaders of riverine origin.

Leadership, like writing, is innate. One of my lecturers in those days at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Victor Bamidele, would always tell us during the Broadcast Journalism class: “I cannot teach you how to become a writer. I can only help to bring out the writer in you.” Leadership too cannot be taught. It must be in you and you can be helped to bring it out. I sincerely believe there are leaders in Bonny, Opobo and other riverine towns who are waiting to take Rivers to heights unimaginable. The tyranny of the ‘majority’ should not disallow them.

All in Rivers must work towards getting David its due. Stakeholders in the riverine areas should continue to engage the upland people and make them see reasons to give them the chance to lead this state which has no rival in the whole of Southsouth and can also be rivalled by Lagos and Abuja in the whole of the country.

Resource Control again

On Tuesday, there were fireworks at a sitting of the National Conference’s Committee on Devolution of Power headed by former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah. A report in this newspaper indicated that a delegate from the Southsouth argued in favour of the need to allow states to control resources in their domain. Hardly had he finished when a delegate from the North took him on. A lawyer-delegate was said to have intervened educating the members of the committee on the position of the law as it concerns littoral states and why states cannot have control of resources on waters around them. By law, the waters belong to the Federal Government.

My take: laws are made for man and man not for laws. Men make laws from time to time to guide themselves. When they also deem fit, they can amend the laws. So, that the law, for now, says the Federal Government owns the waters in Opobo, Bonny, Okrika and other riverine communities in the Niger Delta, in the first place, is laughable to me. But because it is the law, we have accepted it. I sincerely believe the time to amend the law is now. And the essence of the National Conference is to look at things that are not right and change them to better the society.

Let’s even forget the resources offshore, for the purpose of argument. The resources onshore, especially oil and other natural resources, are also in the firm grip of the Federal Government. I dare say the grip is killing and capable of strangulating the states in the Niger Delta. The time to loosen the grip is now. Over to you Attah and other resource control advocates!

•Last Word is Niger Delta Report’s verdict on Southsouth affairs

Brick House…Wike versus Rivers Ijaw

tensibly, to induce the endorsement of his governorship ambition, and cause same to be published and carried in both print and electronic media”.

The elders said their investigation revealed that this was the first of an orchestrated plan by lovers of underdevelopment to plunge the peace loving areas into series of sustaining political upheaval, with the active connivance of outsiders.

They warned: “We shall resist any such attempts at turning the two local government areas into a theatre of war. Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro people are too sophisticated to mortgage their tomorrow for a pot of porridge today. No amount of money can make us sell our right to the Brick House, come 2015.”

They added that any aspirant worth the salt should come forward through the appropriate and legitimate means, “rather than going through the back door to induce lesser minds for endorsement”.

They observed: “While we do not begrudge any person or group in Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro communities from taking any political position, it is our unequivocal stand that such a position should, and must not have the colouration of the majority of the people. The quest for pecuniary benefit by a few selfish polliticians in the area leaves a sour taste in our mouth. Such elements are willing tools in the campaign for the promotion of divisive tendencies. Andoni, Opobo and

Nkoro communities had gone through very painful moments of political reclusion, and we do not intend to go back there.

“In so far as the people of Andoni and Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Areas are concerned, we have either considered, nor approved any Governorship candidate for Rivers State. We therefore call on all discerning, nor approved any Governorship candidate for Rivers State. We therefore call on all discerning minds to discountenance the induced, misleading and deceitful planned endorsement of Chief Nyesom Wike for the exalted office of the Governor of River State.

“It is instructive here, to state that the people of Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro local governments areas believe in the principle of fairness and politics of inclusion. We believe that having shown and given untainted support and solidarity to other areas and senatorial zones in their period of governance, equity demands that 2015 is the turn of the Riverine Ijaws to take a shot at the governorship of Rivers State. Any act, therefore, that tends to say otherwise, does not represent the true spirit, zeal and drive of the riverine Ijaw Project 2015.”

Last week, ‘freedom fighter’ Alhaji Mujahhid Dokubo Asari also spoke against an Ikwerre man like Wike succeeding Amaechi. He said it is morally reprehensible in the light of the dominance of the political landscape of the state by the Ikwerre, to which Wike belongs, in the past 16 years.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Brandnews

Cola brand equity heading south •As preference for tea, energy drink, bottle water increases

•Cola drinks

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HE Cola drink market share appears to be heading south, despite the huge marketing spend to sustain market penetration. The reason for the decline is not unconnected with consumers’ growing preference for tea, energy drinks and bottled waters for years as latest findings by Beverage Digest have shown that consumers defected from the category at a faster rate last year.

Despite the effort by Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group to market lower-calorie sodas, such as Pepsi Next and Dr Pepper Ten and various packaging options, such as smaller cans, the growing need of consumers to watch their weight and sugar level has continued to make the category suffer brand switch.

With the market showing similar trend, observers have said ‘Coca-Cola range, Pepsi and its sister brands Crush and 7UP as well as La Casera and other carbonated soft drinks are having it tough.

Although a market observer said beyond the preference for other beverage drinks, the cola and other soft drink brands are also suffering from indirect and direct competition.

“Apart from the preference for other drinks, which are direct competitors, the telecom service providers are fast sharing consumers’ purse with the soft drinks. People want to buy recharge cards; they

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

want to reduce sugar-coated drinks, hence, its effect on demand for softdrinks,” said Lekan Babatunde, a brand analyst.

“Added to these direct competitors, carbonated soft drink (CSD) plight might have been compounded in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, such as Ghana and Benin, because of the unrelenting activities of ambitious telecoms operators,” he noted.

However, to address obesity, which has become a serious issue for CSD manufacturers and their ilk to contend with in Nigeria, Coca-Cola in America in the last 10 years has responded to the obesity debate with a series of ads to encourage consumers to be active.

Meanwhile, Beverage Digest revealed that, despite Coca-Cola efforts to save the market, carbonated soft drink volume declined three per cent last year, compared to a 1.2 per cent decline in 2012 and a one per cent decline in 2011.

The category has reportedly seen declines for the last nine years, despite the industry’s massive advertising and marketing outlays. Two years ago, PepsiCo committed to spending an additional $500 million to $600 million on its core brands, of which Pepsi is one. More recently, Coca-Cola committed to spending an additional $1 billion on media and brand-building ef-

forts by 2016.

“The industry’s headwinds are not abating, and results are worsening,” said John Sicher, editor and publisher at Beverage Digest. “This puts a premium on sweetener innovation.”

The major beverage players have all been working to develop natural, low-calorie sweeteners as consumers shy away from the artificial sweeteners in diet sodas and the calories in traditional sodas.

Still, soft drinks remain the largest single beverage category, controlling about 43 per cent of the market, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation. Categories that did see growth last year included ready-to-drink coffee, energy drinks, bottled water, sport drinks and ready-to-drink tea. In addition to soft drinks, fruit beverages and enhanced waters saw declines.

“Beverages endured a transitional year in 2013,” said Michael Bellas, chairman/Chief Executive Officer at Beverage Marketing Corporation.

“Even in the face of economic challenges, healthier products thrived and even formerly floundering segments like ready-todrink coffee demonstrated their potential. Certainly the state of the economy is crucial for overall beverage category success, but so are products that connect with the evolving American consumer.”

‘Global adaptation critical to hospitality brands’

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HE InterContinental Hotel, Lagos, newly appointed Master Chef, Mr. Verta Bellin, has said global adaptation is critical to global hospitality brands.

Berlin, who has worked in Dubai, Baharain, Egypt and Carribian Island for 32 years, emphasised that for a global hotel brand to build local customer base, it needs to localise its global culinary in other to compete in the local market.

He noted that InterContinental Hotel Lagos appointed him to ensure that bookers enjoy good food irrespective of their culture.

“Master Chef ensures good quality cuisine for both local and interna-

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tional customers,” he noted.

He explained further that a Master Chef held hotel brands to create lasting consumer experience, for both local customers and expatriate, especially those who feel indigenous hotel brands don’t consider Italian food recipe in their culinary.

He said: “I have been a chef for over 32 years. Of these, I spent 15 years as an Italian chef. I have travelled round – from Dubai, Bahraini, Egypt and Caribbean island. I have also worked as a private chef for a wealthy family in Czech Republic and Italy and in Intercontinental Lagos. I have discovered that attracting customers and building a valued share relationship

with bookers require a good chef and cuisine which adapt global taste with local stuffs to satisfy different consumers.”

Bellin noted that while the InterContinental Lagos is trying to satisfy growing consumers of Italian foods in the Nigerian market at par with market demand for Chinese food, through its Belini bars, more Italians working in Nigeria now have an option.

Though he maintained that to capture the local market to shift their preference, Belini bar is set to fuse the local consumer experience with Italian blend to remain market challenger.

Beauty market competition hits up

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AYBELLINE New York has launched a new product Clear Smooth all in one powder – to stir up competition in the care and beauty market.

In a market where several imported brands with no physical distribution chain have flooded, the New York Maybelline brand team says the entry of the brand into the market is expected to excite beauty lovers and make-up artists.

The brand was introduced into the market last month and has been labelled as the powder of a new generation.

According to the Managing Director, L’Oreal central West Africa, Mr. Idorenyen Enang, Maybelline New York, has ensured the affordability of the powder, which has been created for African skin, controls shine, conceals flaws, make smooth, evens the skin tone, mattifies and brightens the skin making it stand out more than just a compact powder.

“It contains SPF 25 sunscreen which protects the skin and complexion from the harsh effects of the sun. It is lightweight, oil free and non comedogenic, ensuring the skin can still breathe and pores are not clogged. For women with sensitive skin, the powder is allergy tested and dermatologist approved, making it a great option for every day wear. To crown it all,

it comes in six shades,” he said.

To deepen its distribution, the handler of the new brand has partnered with House of Tara to reach the target market while it also plans to take the brand into campuses nationwide to herald the introduction of its new super powder, beginning with a premium launch event which will see celebrities and fashion and beauty insiders in attendance.

Mini makeup studios will also be set up in selected to introduce the powder and bring the Maybelline New York experience alive on campus. These will be flanked by contests and activities on their vibrant social media platforms.

“In line with the DNA of the Maybelline New York brand which is product accessibility, the brand recently got into a strategic partnership with House of Tara studios, an indigenous makeup retailer with nationwide presence, which will now stock its products. This is in line with the vision of the House of Tara multi brand retail strategy, which encompasses retailing a wide variety of beauty brands alongside the Tara brand in its outlets across Nigeria. For Maybelline New York New York, this means that more people can be afforded the opportunity to interact with the brand’s innovative products everywhere in Nigeria,” he he added.

Hollandia promo winners get prizes

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INNERS in the Hollandia Yoghurt Refresh N Win Promo has received their gifts worth millions of naira.

The prizes include iPads, iPhones, smart phones and instant airtime recharge from major telecoms service providers.

At the grand finale in Lagos, Chi Limited, makers of the delicious Hollandia Yoghurt, raised the stake by rewarding two customers with trip to London and Paris instead of one winner making the trip to either of the two destinations as winner of the grand prize.

A consumer of Hollandia Yoghurt in Benue State, Chigozie Victor, won the grand prize of trip to London while another consumer in Oyo State, Akinwole Dolapo, was the proud winner of the grand prize of a trip to Paris.

The promo, which started last year, was monitored and supervised by the Nigeria Lottery Commission and the Consumer Protection Council.

Apart from the grand prizes, consumers also won iPads, iPhones and smartphones. Among them is a consumer in Rivers State, Slyvester and another consumer in Oyo State, Olumuyiwa Okeleye, who won an iPhone each.

Other lucky winners, who smiled home with smartphones, include Ngozi Nwankwo, Ifeanyi Uche, Eze

Daniel and Afeez Mufutau, all in Lagos State.

Meanwhile, hundreds of lucky winners were credited with free airtime from major telecoms service providers every week while the promo lasted.

The winners were excited as they collected their gifts. They thanked the firm for rewarding their patronage and loyalty. They commended Hollandia Yoghurt for lifting their spirits and Chi Limited for its unblemished history in fulfilling promises to customers.

Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, said the promo was the company’s way of rewarding customers who have been loyal in their patronage of Hollandia Yoghurt over the years.

He said: “These customers have been there for us over the years. They are the reason we have remained in business all these years. The patronage of these customers has helped us to remain the market leader in spite of stiff competition and this is just one of the numerous ways we are rewarding them.”

The winner of the trip to London, Chigozie from Benue said he was overwhelmed by the sincerity of the makers of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand as he was not a believer in Promos and Raffle draws before now.

Heineken unveils draught beer

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EINEKEN has unveiled the first draught beer innovation in Nigeria.

The event held at the Heineken House, Lagos.

Draught beer is an innovation where beer is served from a keg rather than from a bottle or can.

The innovation described as “The David system” was introduced to the media by Franck Evers, Heineken’s charismatic global draught master, ambassador and Master Pourer, who does this training for the brand all over the world.

The system keeps the beer fresh for upward of 30 days.

Evers travels around the globe

training and teaching people how to serve the Perfect Heineken beer.

Nigeria is the 55th Country he has been to to teach bar tenders and bar Managers on how to pour the Perfect Heineken beer.

A former bar manager, Evers, who has 10 years’ experience, did not disappoint as he held the media spellbound on the technical process of achieving the perfect Heineken beer.

Senior Brand Manager, Heineken, Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji, said the innovation is a big investment from Heineken because there were logistical challenges in bringing it to Nigeria, installing and maintaining it.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS In line with the United Nations declaration of 2014 as the ‘International Year of Family Farming’ (IYFF), the first of its kind, DANIEL ESSIET looks at the prospects of leveraging on it to create jobs.

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

A push for family farms

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•A family farm

•Adewale

•Fabuson

•Mrs Mahende

youths can meet, learn, share and build social capital,” Adewale said, noting that when family farmers are economically and socially empowered, they become a potent force for change.

For him, how farm land is acquired, held in ownership, operated or rented has always been a matter of national interest.

The problems of farm tenure, however, are not limited to matters of ownership, inheritance, tenancy and the interests of farm labour, but include credit, prices of farm land, land appraisal, land-use programmes, land-settlement policies and rural living standards.

On a c c e s s a n d c o n t r o l o v e r l a n d , Adewale said family farmers have an advantage over others as they have an inheritance to rely on, which helps them to cope with the challenges of land tenure system.

The Acting Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Eniola Fabuson, said urban family farmers could use gardens to mainstream organic farms to produce food and eradicate malnutrition and poverty.

With many Nigerians buying into organic farm produce, Fabuson said urban gardens are a part of nutrition education, food security programmes and offer a variety of benefits to the sector. He said policies for family farming should promote regional centres and small towns, which provide alternative employment in the artisanal, industrial and service sectors, and stimulate the local economy, thus, reducing migration.

A researcher with the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich, United Kingdom, Dr Ola Ogunyinka, also recognised the importance of small - and medium-scale farmers in a nation’s development agenda.

According to him, family farmers play a pivotal role in the local production, marketing and consumption circuits that are so important not only in fighting hunger but in creating jobs, generating income and stimulating and diversifying local economies.

Ogunyinka, therefore, urged the government to empower family farmers by creating policies conducive for equitable and sustainable rural development. To him, encouraging family farms to scale up business could be the next growth

frontier. He said boosting agriculture and building family farms was crucial as it would create millions of much-needed jobs and create wealth which guarantees food security.

The Country Manager, Cassava Adding Value to Africa,Tanzania, Mrs Grace Mahende, said financial and infrastructural support for small-scale family farmers was crucial to winning the fight against hunger. She said roads, access to stable electricity, energy, potable water and good governance are also key to making the business environment attractive in developing countries. Smallholder agriculture needs to be seen as a business, Mrs Mahende said.

According to her, securing land tenure and access to resources for family farms are among the key solutions to improving the livelihoods and food security of communities.

She said the benefit of rebuilding a local food system would go to those who need it most: small farmers not well suited to producing crops on an industrial scale.

She said most of farmers do not have access to local markets to sell their produce and are quitting farming.

Mrs Mahende, therefore, urged the government to enhance its infrastructure provision to ensure farmers can sell their produce to stem the drift by families from farming.

She also implored the government to include more incentives in its scheme so that families that have abandoned farming can go back to it.

Obaji said he had no regrets leaving engineering for farming, urging other graduates across the country who have family farms to return and take up the challenge farming them instead roaming about searching fo non existent white collar jobs.

‘

Policies for family farming should promote regional centres and small towns, which provide alternative employment in the artisanal, industrial and service sectors, and stimulate the local economy, reducing migration

‘

ITH its declaration of 2014 as the International Year of Family farming, the United Nations has made a case for the return of the family to the farms.

It realised that there cannot an adequate local food system without family farming, which produces the food that feeds billions.

Family farms are defined as farms that rely primarily on family members for labour and management. Such farms, according to the FAO, produce the food that feeds billions of people across the world.

In developed and developing countries alike, they are the main producers of food consumed locally, the primary stewards of food security.

According to FAO statistics, there are over 400 million family farms in developed and developing countries.

In its declaration, the UN must have drawn inspiration from experiences in many countries, which show that family farmers respond well with increased production if the appropriate policies are put in place. The thinking is that nothing comes close to sustainable food production than family farming.

Taking a cue from other climes where family farms are thriving, the Federal Government has introduced a growth enhancement scheme to support farmers to rebuild the local food system. It is aimed at supplying farmers with farm inputs auch as seeds and fertiliser, among others. by encouraging family farming.

The government, recognising the import of family farming, which is almost extinct in the country, has made the success of Kelvin Obaji, an indigene of Ikom in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, on his farmily farm a reference point.

Obaji has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from a university in the United States.

On his return to Nigeria, he took over his father’s cocoa farm. The farm, until the death of his father, was a family business and its main source of income.

With his successful exploits, Obaji is showing the way for many to turn to family farming. A return to this aspect of farming, many experts agree, will boost local food system as it is mainly practised in the rural areas.

According to them, rebuilding the local food system via family farming provides enormous opportunities for the nation to feed its teeming population while creating millions of jobs.

They said a growing number of countries, aid organisations, including the UN, have been insisting that unless urgent efforts were made to raise crop yields and sustain family and other farming methods, most countries, particularly the developing ones, will fail to reach their development goals.

Speaking with The Nation, the Acting Provost, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, Oyo State, Prof. Jacob Adewale, said with the declaration, the quest was on for a truly sustainable farming system that can meet future food needs. He stressed that family farmers are the main solution to food security and sustainable development, adding that owners manage the farm land, producing a high proportion of a country’s food. He also said family farmers are agents of employment generation. They also play critical roles in inclusion for millions of poor rural communities.

“They promote inclusion, teach sustainability and offer a space where

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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AGRICBUSINESS

Fed Govt to assist 29,500 cassava farms

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HE Federal Government is to provide machines for the cultivation of 29,500 cassava farms. The equipment are to be funded from the N2.419 billion Cassava Bread Development Fund managed by the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).

At the launch of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Cassava Addng Value for Africa launch in Lagos, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Developmen, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said cultivating the farm would cost N915 million.

Speaking through a Senior Technical Assistant, Mrs Toyin Adetunji, the minister said the government would supply 1,770,000 bundles of planting materials to the owners of the farm at the cost of N708 million.

In addition, he said the government would supply 118,000 bags of cassava-specific fertiliser at N708million and 88,500 litres of herbicides at N88.5 million to the farmers of the cassava farms.

According to him, the farmers are to produce 59,000 metric tonnes of cassava roots.

In line with the transformation plan, Adesina said the ministry was facilitating the procurement of 22 medium-scale high quality plants of 60 metric tonnes capacity to meet the annual demand for high quality flour.

He said the ministry was carrying out the enumeration of all farmers, including the cassava farmers with their biodata for input into a database.

The objective, he explained, is to have a baseline upon which levels of intervention could be measured in terms of outreach and impact.

In 2012, he said 21,059 farmers benefitteed from free 315,898 bundles of cassava stems, while in 2013, 1,546,720 bundles of improved

stems were distributed to 64,000 cassava farmers for 25,779 hectares expected to yield 644,475 metric tonnes of roots.

Adesina said Nigeria spends about N635 billion yearly on wheat importation, maintaining that the huge expenses incurred by the Federal Government could be diverted into other developmental projects.

He reiterated the government’s committment to building robust fresh roots supply chains for cassava processing plants; supporting large/medium high quality cassava flour (HQCF) mills, SMEs producing HQCF and master bakers who use 20 per cent of HQCF in bread production.

According to him, HQCF can be used as an alternative for starch and wheat flour in a variety of industries. These include raw materials for the production of glucose syrups, industrial alcohol, bakery products, and in the production of adhesives, as an extender for plywood glues and as a source of starch in textile sizing.

Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeo-kuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Bandele Oyewole, acknowledged that the choice of Nigeria and a Nigerian institution to coordinate the CAVA II Project was made easy by the recognition of the effort the country had made in the past few years to transform agriculture through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

He said the event marked another milestone in the annals of FUNAAB. He said the university, though young, has made an achievement that the best universities across the globe would agree is one of the hallmarks of a world-class university.

According to him, C:AVA project has asked the university to coordinate a multinational project with small-holder farmers as its focus.

He assured that the university would use CAVA II to assist farmers. He said the university has experience in managing and participating in large, multi-country research and development projects.

As at December last year, he said FUNAAB was coordinating or in partnership with 24 foreign funded research and development projects.

“This is one of the reasons for the establishment of the Directorate of Grants Management on January 1, 2012,” he said.

He acknowledged the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. Both institutions have contributed alot to the capacity of FUNAAB to carry out excellent research and manage multi-national and multi-disciplinary development projects.

Despite the challenges facing Nigerian universities, he said FUNAAB was committed to serving stakeholders and increasing the varsity’s research and development (R&D) stability as well as impact by making its success more visible and sustaining a path of improvement.

The Programme Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Orin Hassan, said FUNAAB won a grant of $18.8 million from the Bill and the Foundation to implement the massive cassava production and intervention. This followed a series of academic researches and practical sessions undertaken on agricultural produce, especially under C:AVA II.

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How to combat diseases’spread, by expert

HE Federal Government has been urged to enhance the biosecurity and health of livestock to reduce the spread of diseases across the country.

This, according to the Deputy Director and Head, General Management Division, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Dr Ademola Adeyemo, is to ensure that diseases affecting pigs and other animals does not pose a risk to people or become a food safety concern.

To achieve this, he advised that animal health authorities establish and enforce testing protocols, identify gaps in biosecurity and work together to stop the spread of such diseases and the damage caused to producers, industry and, ultimately, consumers.

To boost surveillance efforts, Adeyemo implored the government to equip researchers looking into animal diseases, to make models of the disease transmission and testing feedstuffs.

Such modelling work,would assistant institutions and practitoners undertaking some experimental vaccines to treat animals with diseases.

Besides, he added that the government track movements of animals, vehicles, and other equipment leaving affected premises,urging industry operators to increase assistance to producers who have experienced outbreaks in other critical areas such as disease surveillance, herd monitoring and epidemiological and technical support.

Futher on traceability, Adeyemo said it would give the livestock industry an advantage in terms of animal disease response, food safety and market access.

He explained that when animals leave one facility to go to another both the buyer r and receiver of those animals should report key movement information, including the departure and destination locations, the date and time of loading and unloading, the number of animals, the vehicle’s licence plate number and any required animal identifiers.

Abakaliki rice millers threaten strike

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ICE millers at Abakaliki Rice Mill Company have threatened to stop work, if the state government persists with its threat to relocate them.

Chairman of the mill, Chief Joseph Ununu, made this known in an interview in Abakaliki.

He was reacting to a staement by the state governor that the environmental status of the mill made its rice unhygienic.

He said: “This relocation issue is distracting us; we will be forced to down tools to see whether the government will be pleased.

“We will mill and preserve enough rice that will sustain our families and gather at our office daily without doing any work.”

According to him, there has not been any reported case of ill health caused by the consumption of the rice.

“Environmental experts continually assess our surroundings and have always certified us fit for operation.

“Elechi buys our rice always; he used our rice for campaigns during his first and second tenure.

“The rice used by local government chairmen and traditional rulers to pay him homage are all from the Abakaliki Rice Mill.”

He noted that millers would readily relocate to any site, if facilities that would enable them to operate optimally were provided.

“Our machines do not operate under the sun or in the rain; so we need facilities where we will instal the machines and preserve our produce.

“The new rice mills constructed by the government are not yet functional and do not have the necessary facilities that will make us relocate from our present site,” he added.

IITA DG seeks more women in research

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•From left: Director Africa Region,CAVA,Dr Kola Adebayo, Mrs Adetunji, Oyewole and Hassan at the event.

46000 rural farmers get loans

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HE Rural Finance Institution Building (RUFIN) programme has facilitated loans for 46,000 rural farmers to boost rural agriculture and small businesses, the Country Programme Manager of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ms Toda Atsuko, has said.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja, she identified counterpart funding and low commitment level of the government as the major challenges militating against the programme’s progress.

She, however, said IFAD was doing everything to ensure that RUFIN have access to funds and continue to make progress.

She stressed the need to make people in the rural areas to understand that banking and saving were important to develop agro and commercial businesses.

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

“The programme has formed over 5500 groups, about 46000 borrowers even more savers.

RUFIN’s successes is in the outreach, making sure that more people are financially included,” Atsuko said.

Atsuko said Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) and financial NGOs should understand that rural lending was profitable, adding that it is a business they can make money from.

She urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to over regulate the MFBs, noting that the CBN should ensure theygrow by creating the enabling environment for the MFBs to become sustainable.

Atsuko expressed hopes that the

states governments, CBN, the Bank of Agriculture and the apex associations would consolidate on the success of RUFIN when the project was over.

RUFIN is being implemented over a seven-year period in 12 states across the six geopolitical zones, with two from each zone.

The programme, which targets marginalised groups, such as women, young people and those with physical disabilities, enjoys financial assistance from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a United nations (UN) agency.

The objective of the programme is to strengthen micro finance institutions and establish linkages between them and formal financial institutions.

HE Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, has advocated an increase in the population of women involved in research work.

He said increasing the number of women in research transcends the clamour for gender mainstreaming.

Sanginga said the need to increase women in research production in IITA was driven by the productivity of women staff who had proven their worth over the years.

The IITA boss, who cited a unit involved in the threshing of crops such as maize, soya bean and rice, said: “Out of a workforce of over 100 in that unit, 30 per cent are women, but in terms of output, they account for more than 70 per cent.

“In IITA, the key is for women to muster more courage than ever before and participate in project execution to ensure that IITA meets its delivery goals.’’

The statement, which said women should aspire for higher positions in the institute, added: “You need to be excellent and innovative in whatever you are doing.

“In spite the fact that so many challenges limit the performances of some women, they should be encouraged to come out and do their best.’’

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Jigawa rice farmers praise govt for fertiliser, seeds distribution

OME farmers in Hadejia, Jigawa have commended the Federal Government for the timely distribution of fertilisers and seeds, saying the gesture would accelerate paddy rice production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government voted 48,000 hectares of farmland for rice cultivation this dry season in the state.

The government also distributed fertiliser, seeds and chemicals to the over 150,000 registered farmers under its Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme, otherwise called e-wallet scheme.

NAN also reports that each of the benefiting farmers received three bags of the commodities from the programme.

A cross section of the farmers told NAN in Hadejia that the programme has enhanced access to fertilisers and encouraged production.

Financial Secretary, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in the state, Alhaji MaiunguwaJaga, described the scheme as a ‘step forward’ towards transforming agriculture in the country.

Jaga said the gesture had eased difficulties being experienced by farmers in accessing the commodities.

“It is a clear indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to the transformation of agriculture and its resolve to support farmer,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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BUSINESS Asian stocks pare early gains after China data

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•Managing Director, Micura Services Ltd Chief and Mrs Michael O. Ubogu flanked by Founder Wazobia Widows Foundation, Pastor Benjamin Igoh (right) and a guest at the 11th Anniversary/empowerment programme of the group in Ajegunle, Apapa-Lagos.

Zim wants state to surrender its golden share to ease merger

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S a wave of mergers and acquisitions in the maritime shipping business gets under way, the Israel Corporation is lobbying the government to give up its so-called golden share in Zim Integrated Shipping Services so that Zim can play in the buying and selling.

The 18th-biggest company in the sea cargo industry, Zim would benefit from bulking up through M&A deals to make it a bigger and more costefficient player.

A golden share entitles the holder, usually a government, to outvote all other shares in certain circumstances.

It’s a tool designed to ensure assets regarded as vital to national security.

But the government’s golden share, which dates to the time when Zim was a state-owned company, will make it impossible for the company to raise capital and expand its fleet, said Chief Executive Officer Rafi Daniel.

Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd announced plans yesterday to buy the assets of Chile’s CompañíaSudamericana de Vapores to create the industry’s fourth-biggest competitor. The combined company will operate 200 vessels with a capac-

ity of 7.5 million 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, and annual sales of 9 billion euro ($12.5 billion).

The Hapag-Lloyd-CSAV merger comes three weeks after the sector’s three biggest companies by capacity – Denmark’s A.P. Moeller-Maersk, France’s CMACGM and Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company – obtained United States approval for an alliance that would encompass 252 ships with a combined 2.6 million TEUs, or 15 per cent of world capacity. Known as P3, the agreement will enable them to better manage supply and stabilise freight rates.

The agreement still needs regulatory approvals but it expected to be finalised sometime this quarter.

“This is proof why the golden shares need to be done away with,” Daniel said.

“The merger is a perfect example of the process of the process underway in the industry. The attempts by workers to stop the golden shares from being elimi-

nated will only bring Zim to collapse. If the workers think ZIm only needs another infusion of cash and everything can go on as it was, then they are reading the competitive, legal and business map wrong,” he said.

He sharply criticised the Zim workers’ committee that sees the golden share as a defense against layoffs.

An oversupply of cargo vessels has coincided with slowing demand to create a prolonged slump in container shipping. The global financial crisis that set in six years ago slowed trade and led to the steepest decline in cargo rates since containerisation became global in the 1970s.

To compete in the markets and make itself an attractive merger partner, fleet operators like Zim must offer customers the biggest vessels, which can operate with less energy and at lower costs. Zim counts only eight of these vessels, with 8,000 TEUs of capacity or more, and even those are going to shift the ownership of the banks that supplied the loans for buying them.

benefits for a year, if he is to secure majority backing when the plan goes to a vote in parliament on April 29.

Valls met with lawmakers who on Monday proposed a reweighted 50 billion euro savings programme that would delay planned tax breaks for large companies by one year in order to avoid freezing the lowest state pensions.

“Some aspects of the savings plan can be improved,” said Socialist lawmaker Dominique Lefebvre, adding that he thought the prime minister would agree to modify his plans to reduce the burden on low-income pensioners.

Berger, another Socialist lawmaker, said a 12 billion euro pay-

roll tax cut for large companies planned for next year could be delayed until 2016, freeing up 3 billion euros to avoid freezing small pensions.

BFM TV, quoting a source in the prime minister’s office, said Valls was ready to adjust the programme if the headline savings figure was unchanged. However, he would not agree to a proposal by a group of more radical left-wing MPs to reduce the cuts to 35 billion euros, BFMTV said.

Valls’ office declined to comment on the proposals and the head of the Socialist group in parliament, Bruno Leroux, told journalists that dialogue was continuing.

“What’s important, the main thing, is that nobody questions the figure of 50 billion,” said a source close to President Francois Hollande. “Today, we are in a phase of dialogue.”

Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara via a CNG vessel.

The engineering, procurement, construction, installation (EPCI) and operation and maintenance (O&M) contract are worth $132m and 4m respectively.

From the Indonesian side, the consortium will set up gas compression facilities in Gresik and Lombok for 12 months and 24

months.

Meanwhile, the Chinese companies will manage the 20mmscf CNG vessel for 24 months as well as conduct the operation and maintenance of the three facilities for three years.

Gas supply of 5mmscf per day (mmscfd) will be used to fire a power plant generating 90 megawatts of electricity, which will be operational for four to five hours during peak hours on Lombok island

French PM under pressure to tweak deficit plan F RENCH Prime Minister Manuel Valls discussed tweaking his deficit-reduction programme with Socialist lawmakers who want to reduce cutbacks for low-income pensioners, a day before the plan is due to be presented to parliament.

The newly appointed prime minister unveiled the breakdown last week of a 50 billion euro or $69 billion (41 billion pounds) plan to curb state spending in several areas as France struggles to bring its deficit below an EU target of 3 percent of GDP by end-2015.

Valls will present a fiscal programme covering 2014-2017 to parliament on Wednesday before sending it to the European Commission, which is in charge of policing member states’ public finances.

However, he must first head off a revolt by lawmakers in his own Socialist party, who oppose plans to freeze all state pensions and welfare

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PT PLN, Chinese firms team up on marine transport of CNG

NDONESIAN state-owned electricity company PT PLN has teamed up with three Chinese companies — Technology Intern Shijiazhuang Enric Gas Equipment, Ocean Engineering Design & Research Institute of CIMC and Enviromate Technology International Cui Li — to develop marine transportation of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Indonesia, local reports said.

The groundbreaking marine CNG transportation project will transport CNG from Gresik, East Java to

SIAN stocks have pared early gains as weak Chinese manufacturing data offset initial optimism over the outlook for the United States’ economy. The safe-haven Japanese yen held steady against the dollar as expectations for more stimulus from the Bank of Japan waned.

Chinese shares fell modestly as concerns that supply of new shares would suck out liquidity out of the secondary market overshadowed signs of recovery in China’s manufacturing sector. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index eased 0.3 percent to finish at 2,067, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell a percent to 22,510.

An index monitoring manufacturing activity in China posted a score of 48.3 in April, the latest survey from HSBC and Markit Economics revealed. That was in line with forecasts and up from 48.0 in March, although activity contracted for the fourth straight month. “Domestic demand showed mild improvement and deflationary pressures eased, but downside risks to growth are still evident as both new export orders and employment contracted,” said HongbinQu, Chief Economist, China & Co- Head of Asian Economic Research at HSBC. Japanese shares rallied, buoyed

by continued gains on Wall Street on the back of a string of upbeat earnings reports and merger activity. The Nikkei average jumped 157 points or 1.1 per cent to 14,546, while the broader Topix Index added a per cent. Resona Holdings Inc. rallied 2.5 per cent after hedge fund Greenlight Capital Inc., reportedly said it had bought large stakes in the Japanese lender and solar developer SunEdison Inc. in the second quarter.

Hotel and railway operation Seibu Holdings Inc. jumped nearly 11 percent on its first day of relisting in Tokyo after aggressive restructuring. Exporters closed mostly higher, with Sony, Honda Motor, Panasonic, and Mazda Motor rising one to four per cent.

Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda ruled out additional monetary easing for the time being saying that consumer inflation may exceed the official estimate in the fiscal year ended March.

The economy is still on track toward achieving stable two per cent inflation, Kuroda said in his parliamentary testim-ony.Australian shares hit a six-year high after inflation figures for the first quarter came in weaker expected, easing pressure on the central bank to hike interest rates later this year.

Club stresses importance ship language

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HE 180 million GT North P&I Club has reminded shipowners of the importance of making sure that an appropriate working language is used on their ships and that seafarers can speak it.

According to head of loss prevention Tony Baker, ‘In order for a team to function effectively, efficiently and safely, the ability to communicate clearly is crucial. This is especially important during safetycritical operations such as responding to emergencies on board.

‘Any crewmembers who are unable to communicate clearly during an incident may risk the safety of the ship and their fellow seafarers. While it is natural to revert your first language when stressed, it is vital you use the ship’s working language during key shipboard operations.’

North recommends that all crewmembers are given frequent opportunities to converse in the ship’s working language. This includes carrying out all professional communications in the working language, such as training, drills, safety meetings, bridge communications and engine room commu-

nications.

‘During training and drills, officers should ask questions and encourage others to ask questions,’ says Baker. ‘Familiarity with duties and equipment will also help to ensure that crewmembers remain calm during an emergency and are more likely to use the language they have been trained in’.

The campaign is centred on a new poster in North’s Soft Skills series, entitled Talk the Talk. The poster graphically compares the possible multi-lingual chaos following discovery of a fire with the calm organised response that takes place with effective communications. The poster has been distributed to North’s members and ships with its loss prevention newsletter Signals, and can also be downloaded from the club’s website.

The first poster in the series, published in October last year, encourages a culture of good interpersonal relationships at sea. Entitled It Takes Two, it highlights the importance of junior personnel being encouraged to speak out on things that concern them and of senior personnel being prepared to listen and take notice.

Gazprom to meet gas demand in Europe

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USSIA’S top natural gas producer Gazprom said it would be able to meet Europe’s rising demand for gas thanks to new projects, even while the European Union is aiming to reduce its energy dependence on Moscow.

“According to most of the scenarios, which have been reviewed, long-term gas demand will increase in the European market, a key one for Gazprom, against the background of its (Europe’s) own production decline,” Gazprom said in a statement on Tuesday after its board meeting.

Supplies to Europe can be increased via the Nord Stream undersea pipeline as well as through the proposed South Stream link, which is expected to start operating next year, the company specified.

Gazprom also plans to build a gas liquefaction plant on the shores of the Baltic Sea, which could then export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to European markets.

Partly as a result of the Ukraine crisis, meanwhile, Europe is stitching together a patchwork of measures such as raising power output from coal and renewables to reduce its gas imports from Russia by the end of the decade, easing Moscow’s grip over the region’s energy market.

Reuters calculations suggest that these steps could slash imports from Russia by around 45 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2020, worth $18 billion a year, or the equivalent of a quarter of what Russia currently supplies.

So far, however, Gazprom’s gas supplies and its share of the European market have been increasing as flows have declined from other sources such as North Africa and LNG suppliers have sent more cargoes to Asia, where gas prices are higher, instead of Europe.

Gazprom’s share in Europe’s gas market rose to 30 percent in last year from around 25 percent in 2010. Its supplies to the European Union and Turkey jumped to 162 billion cubic metres.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25 2014

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COMMENTARY

P

REAMBLE Yoruba language may have no plural or gender in its structural syntax.

It may be poor in vocabulary and clumsy in grammar. But it is surely not lacking in proverbs and mythology. In that language, you can hardly express a sentence without enriching it with two or three proverbs. One of its famous proverbs has become an axiom in theory and practice. And many other languages have borrowed it for a token of experience. It goes thus: “A toddler who insists on preventing his mother from sleeping will surely not enjoy the serenity of the night rest”. This subtle axiom has its equivalence in English language. “A drastic problem requires a drastic solution”.

Language is the root of all human cultures. It is the means of communicating thoughts, ideas and experiences. A people without language can be said to be without culture. Take a man out of his culture and he will immediately become like a fish out of water. His next action will be to rebel against the new but strange environment.

That is the kind of situation that is cloaking the world in form of terrorism today.

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

The seed of terror

Language and Culture

From time immemorial, language has been like a double edged sword. At a time it is used to attack. At another, it becomes an instrument of defence. Concord and conflict as well as love and hatred emanate from the use of language. Without language, there can be no marriage or divorce. Neither can there be business or even government. As a matter of fact, no tribe or nation can lay claim to civilisation in the absence of language.

In Islam, language is everything human, including life and death. That is why a stammering prophet like Musa (Moses) would need an interpreter like Harun (Aaron) in his mission. Buddhists, Hindus, Judaists, Christians and Muslims, all proclaim Holy Books in one form or another, through their endowed languages.

Not only must a prophet possess the power of language, he must also be eloquent in it. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recognised the enormous power naturally embedded in language and warned the Muslims thus: ‘Tongue is like sword, if you fail to hold it, it may hold you”.

A person’s first language is called mother tongue while a standardised dialect within a tribal language is said to be ‘received’. If there is one aspect of culture that is not substitutable, it is language.

The greatest havoc ever done to any group of people in history, especially through slave trade and colonialism, is language substitution. Nothing is more enslaving than substitution of language.

Once language is renounced or substituted, nothing else is left of culture. The black citizens of the world, outside Africa, otherwise classified as Diaspora, are victims of this indelible psychological trauma.

There are only four countries in the world today with English language as their mother tongue. These are Britain, the United States, Australia and Ireland.

What would have been the fifth country is only partially English speaking. And that is Canada. All other countries that speak English as lingua franca only adopted it. Believing English to be the language of modern civilisation, the rest of the world have tacitly adopted it either as a lingua franca or as language of business. Yet the natural speakers of the language don’t seem to be satisfied with this development.

Evil Axis

With the role which America played in bringing an end to slavery in the 19th century, the world had expected the selfstyled ‘God’s own Country’ to be the messiah of the modern age. But that expectation has turned forlorn. Rather than championing the course of peace and tranquility, America has replaced Germany as the greatest threat to humanity in the 21st century.

And she has found an inseparable ally in Britain to form an ‘Evil Axis’ of untamable aggressors.

Both English speaking countries had jointly piloted the modern world into a technological civilisation culminating in what is now known as global village. But they have used the same technology to turn themselves into ‘policemen of the

•US President Barack Obama

world’.

There is no part of the world today where a suffocating effect of their presence is not felt. Like a pair of scissors, both countries have jointly subjected many nations and races to untold terror and humiliation forcing countries to disintegrate and compelling friendly tribes to become foes all to further the course of their capitalist interest. Thus, they have planted the seed of terrorism in all corners of the world either in the name of capitalism or under the disguise of democracy.

In the process of doing this, they have drawn the wrath of many nations, groups and individuals who now tend to react with venomous reprisal. If the militant liberators in Ireland or the patriotic defenders of motherland in Falkland are quiet today, it is not because they have been placated. The fact is that they have not got the power with which to demand for their rights. When they do, the situation may change.

And, from Vietnam to Cambodia; from Panama to Korea, the feelings are the same. Even Germany and Japan which were de feated in World War II by the American-led Allied Forces in 1945, are still nursing their wounds. Isn’t it amazing that, 69 years after that devastating war, American and British forces are still stationed in those two countries under the cover of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Claiming to be maintaining regional security, these aggressive allies continue to lay siege on those countries despite throat-cutting reparation they had forced them to pay. Today, the entire Middle East is engulfed in a ceaseless turmoil at the instance of the ‘Evil Axis’, and the whole world has become hopelessly restive.

Propaganda

Now, using their propaganda machinery to bully the rest of the world, the US and Britain have almost succeeded in branding any revengeful reaction to their brigandage as religious terrorism. What is the religious connection in Britain’s claim of the Falkland Island far away in Argentina? What is religious in America’s capturing of the ruling President Noriega of Panama in his country and taking him for trial in the US where he was jailed and had to languish in prison for years? What is religious in forcing monolingual countries like Korea and Cambodia to break into North and South?

What is religious in invading Iraq even after it became evident that the poor country was not harbouring any deadly weapons as alleged? What actually qualifies the US, Britain and other Western countries to be nuclear powered and disqualifies others?

Even if a country chooses to use reli-

•Brown

gion as her guide in governance as in the case of Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran how does that affect Britain and the US thousands of miles away? Is Northern Ireland not a Christian country like Britain?

Why the aggression against that country?

And is Britain not using religion as an instrument of governance? Why does the Queen of England combine the two designations of Head of State and Head of the Church of England?

If the truth must be told, the real problem of the world today is the greedy willingness of Britain and America to dominate the economy of other countries in a manner of brigandage. And that has led the duo to adopt military might as a means of cowing down some countries while subjecting others to terrorism.

It is rather unfortunate that those who are bearing the brunt of the evil actions are innocent people going about their businesses legitimately. Otherwise, neither America nor Britain would have deserved any sympathy for the various terrorist attacks on certain targets in the two countries. Their plight would have been taken for merely reaping the fruits of their labour.

Religion is being used as a scapegoat in the world today, not by Afghanistan or Ireland, but by Britain and the US because that is their most convenient alibi for unbridled aggression against weaker countries.

Who wants to die?

No one loves to die deliberately in Palestine or in Iraq or in Afghanistan or in Ireland. But when you are forced to live without essence, the tendency is to ask yourself the need to live at all. And, to answer such a question some people might desperately conclude that if they must not live, those who are forcing them to die must also not live. “Man is not innately wicked, but when an attempt is made to consign him to the scrap-heap he shows resentment in no uncertain terms”. Terrorism begets terrorism. But what is one nation’s terrorism is another nation’s heroism. And it is the innocent world that will pay the price of peace. Unfortunately, what Nigerians know how to imitate most is evil machinations of other countries. That terrorism has become a conundrum in Nigeria today is an evidence of this assertion. But one fact is very clear about terrorism. It is incontrovertibly a product of corruption and the latter is a bigger terrorism. Those who want to end terrorism therefore must first endeavour to end corruption.

Allah warns against corruption and the acts of brigandage in chapter 8:25 of the Qur’an thus: “And guard against calamity that may afflict not only the wrong doers (but even the innocent ones among you).

Know that Allah’s punishment can be very

severe”.

Solution

How can we change this evil trend? This, perhaps, is the new reality which dawned on the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, when he was about to exchange baton with his predecessor, Tony Blair, some years ago. In a chat with Labour Party members in Manchester shortly before he assumed office as Prime Minister, Brown said he recognised the fact that global extremism could never be defeated by military force alone.

His words: “Our foreign policy in the years ahead will reflect the truth that to isolate and defeat terrorist extremism now involves more than military force….it (terrorism) is a struggle of ideas and ideals that in the coming years will be waged and won for the hearts and minds here at home and around the world”. Many well-meaning, foresighted Nigerians have drummed the same warning to the ears of Nigerian government. But a government that is wiser than its subjects will never heed such a warning.

When he was making the above statement, Brown never thought that Britain would soon come under a new terrorist attack. But just a few days after that famous speech, Glasgow Airport became a target of terrorist attack. And that was on the very day he formally assumed office as Prime Minister. What became clearer especially with September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, was that no country is actually immune to terrorist attack.

History has not cited a single example of terrorism which was conquered on the battle field. Thus, since no power on earth can claim to have monopoly of terror peace would better be achieved by sharing the wisdom of others through dialogue in ending terrorism.

Reality

That is the reality to which the West, especially Britain and the US, had deliberately been blind. If that reality now becomes the spectacle with which the West wants to view the world, then, peace may return to its rightful place as the reigning force of human universe. But then, the idea of manufacturing and supplying weapons to some people against others will have to stop permanently.

The religious world was once peaceful until America renounced her policy of isolationism in 1945. It took that country to join Britain in using the Press to invent labelling names and acronyms to derogate certain religions (particularly Islam) and demoralise their adherents.

The misfortune in this which the world is yet to realise is that every religion is built on the foundation of culture.

Therefore, no religion can be attacked to the exclusion of its culture. And nothing in the life of man is called civilisation outside culture. That is why some people are ready to die when their religion comes under a violent attack from those who are ignorant of it.

The Greeks, the Romans, the Assyrians and the Persians of the ancient world did not fight wars because of religion. Their motives were material but today they have all gone into irreversible oblivion.

Those of today will eventually follow their way. Materialism is nothing but vanity which is invariably ephemeral. That is why Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or any of his disciples never crossed swords with Christians when they were alive.

The very first international wars fought for religious reason which by necessity pitched Muslims against Christians were the Crusade Wars.

And these were caused by sheer miscarriage of information. Yet, about one thousand years after those unwarranted wars, their scar still remains indelible in the world today.

Violence on the basis of religion can terminate lives. It can destroy properties and ruin cities and towns as well as cause dislocations and relocations of people and settlements. But it can never win hearts nor change conviction. Truth is bitter and thus abhorrent to people of falsehood. But no matter how much it may be suppressed, Muslims are ready to join other oppressed people of the world in welcoming a new initiative from the West with a view to forging peace for all and sundry.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

POLITICS

45

FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Bayelsa State stakeholders are divided over Governor Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid. None of his predecessors completed a second term, owing to some circumstances. Will the governor break the jinx? Correspondent MIKE ODIMEGWU examines the battle for second term in the oil-rich state.

Can Dickson break second term jinx in Bayelsa?

T

HE next governorship election in Bayelsa State may hold in 2016. But, the battle for the seat of government has already begun.

Before the Governor Seriake Dickson came into office, the state had produced three governors-Dr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who is now the President, and Chief Timipre Sylva.

None of them completed their second term.

The first governor, Alamiyeseigha, was impeached after the was reelected. His successor, Dr. Jonathan, became the Vice President in 2007. The second term ambition of Sylva crumbled because there powerful forces stood on his way.

Dickson is not unaware of the fate that befell Alamieyeseigha and Sylva.

Since he assumed office, he has demonstrated a commitment to develop the state. He has introduced some reforms, which are yielding results. He has also embarked on some developmental projects. In the view of his supporters, he has lived up to expectation.

However, critics are against his second term ambition. In Bayelsa State, performance is not the only criterion for re-election. The state has undisputed kingmakers, who should be courted to achieve political goals.

Since 2003, it has been the practice for the kingmakers to initiate a conspiracy to depose a leader. Then, the kingmakers would seek the support of the Federal Government to execute the plan. That was how Sylva became a victim of political vendetta and raw power play.

Dickson is not insulated from the antics of these kingmakers. In Bayelsa, the storm is gathering. A source disclosed that the forces against the governor’s second term bid enjoy the tacit support of President Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience. The first lady, the source said, is backing the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Dr. Wariponmowei Dudafa, for governorship.

Dudafa served as a commissioner and special adviser under former Governors Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan and Sylva. He is very close to Mrs. Jonathan. In fact, he is perceived as the unofficial personal assistant to the first lady. Initially, it was speculated that Dudafa was being positioned as the running mate to Dr. Azubabu Eruani, another loyalist of the former Commissioner for Health, who is also Mrs. Jonathan’s loyalist. In fact, when some persons circulated the text messages on Eruani/Dudafa ticket, it caused ripples in the state last year.

But Eruani, who is a businessman, promptly denied nursing an ambi-

•Dickson

•Map of Bayelsa State

• Mrs Jonathan

tion. He immediately declared his support for Dickson, describing him as a performer. The business tycoon disclaimed those behind the text messages. He said they were sowing seeds of discord between him and the governor. He added: “I am not interested in any governorship or deputy governorship contest. The people spreading such claims are fickle minded and their plan is to distract the state governor. I have assured him of my total support and loyalty.”

However, Dudafa appears to be keenly interested in the number one

seat.

Although he has not publicly declared his ambition, he is believed to be closely associated wit the new political movement, the New Dawn Development Initiative (NDDI), which has allegedly called for power shift.

The group has a link with the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) of the Supervising Minister for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State. NDDI has set structures in the eight local government areas. At its first rally, it claimed that its mission was to drum support for President Jonathan’s second term bid.

Jonathan’s second term bid. Many PDP chieftains are identifying with the group and its influence is growing in the state.

The governor’s camp is worried by the turn of events. One of his aides, who spoke on the condition of annonymity, said: “If not because of the character and maturity of the governor, what will be happening in the state now will be more serious than Rivers State. But, the governor has been handling the matter with the President’s interest uppermost in his heart. The governor believes he cannot afford to have crisis in the home of the President at this momentous time”.

However, Dickson, who has been described as a dogged fighter, is planning for a second term. His body language speaks volumes. Recently, he sacked seven commissioners from his cabinet. These are Mr. Francis Egele,

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Mr Ayakeme Massa, Trade, Investment and Industry and Dr Anapurere Michael Awoli, Health, were booted out of the cabinet. Others are Mr. Nelson Belief, Tourism Development; Mr Gesiye Isowo, Special Duties (Federal Projects); Mr. Parkinson Macmanuel, Science, Technology and Manpower Development and Dr. Sylvanus Abila, Environment. The governor also scrapped the Ministry of Capital City Development and split the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and the Ministry of Energy. Following the scrapping, the governor relieved the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Mr. Zuwa Konuga, and his Local Government and Community Development counterpart, Mr. James Dugo, of their appointment.

Dickson explained that the reorganisation was meant to reposition his restoration government for optimal performance. He said: “The ongoing efforts are to re-organise and reposition Ministries, Departments and Agencies for optimal performance and delivery of the restoration agenda of the Bayelsa Government.”

However, sources said that the commissioners were sacked because of poor performance, their 2015 ambitions and loyalty to Dudafa. Therefore, it became obvious that the governor wanted to purge his cabinet of Dudafa’s influence. Ahead of the next

election, Dickson is now building independent structures.

A party source disclosed that the sacking of some commissioners may backfire. For example, many have raised eyebrow over Dugo’s sack. He was the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who rejected entreaties to team up with Sylva. He supported Dickson during the turbulent period. When Dickson became the governor, he was prevailed upon by party leaders to serve in his cabinet. Reflecting on his ordeal in the State Executive Council, he said: “For the two years, l didn’t have any budget released to me. In 2012, no budget released; 2013 no budget released and l was still arrested by the police and taken to Ekeki Police station. I was accused of perpetrating fraud with local government money and that a special adviser was asked to audit my ministry. The Auditor-General always audit our ministry. Why will the special adviser come to audit my ministry?”

On the allegation that he is supporting Dudafa for governorship, he saod: “Whatever God does not give to you, you won’t get it. The thing there is that they said there were rumours that l am Dudafa’s boy. They said Dudafa is having an ambition but the time l was working for him, I wasnt Dudafa’s boy.”

In Dickson’s view, the kingmakers’ influence may have been exaggerated. He said that he deserves a second term because of his impressive performance. He also said that his future is in the hand of God. He chided his detractors, saying that they were trying to create division in the state. The governor charged the new commissioners to be loyal and dedicated to the state.

Dickson challenged his critics to a duel. He warned those eyeing his job to threat softly. He said the state would not surrender to vultures and buccaneers. He added: “The restoration and revolution that we have started in this state, we will take it to the end and never again will this state be on offer to the highest bidder.

“This state, that is, the only homogenous state of the Ijaw people, will not surrender to vultures and buccaneers. This state will continue to be in the hands of those who understand why this state was created and why our people fought and died over the years to have this state to stand up as a beacon of hope for the Ijaw man.

“I assure you, we will continue to work and mobilize support in this state behind me and therefore, behind the President. This state will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Abia 2015: Monarchs endorse Abaribe for governorship

T

RADITIONAL rulers in Abia South Senatorial District have endorsed Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for governorship.

They urged him to declare his interest in the number one seat, ahead of the primaries.

Also, Ndigbo in Kano, under the umbrella of the Oha Ngwa clan, have stormed Ohuru, Abaribe’s country home, urging him to announce his aspiration to govern the state.

The Senate spokesman is a former deputy governor of Abia State. He is still consulting with stakeholders over his ambition.

Endorsing his candidature, traditional rulers from the six local gov-

ernments of Abia South led by Chief Isreal Nwahunanya, said that Abaribe was endorsed because the stakeholders had the understanding that the governorship would be zoned to the South District.

He described him as ther most qualified aspirant, urging other zones to support his bid.

He said: “Senator stands head and shoulders above others, in terms of experience and exposure to clinch the position. Having been a deputy governor, two-time senator and being someone whose career has spanned the academia, corporate world, business, public service and

politics, no one is better qualified than him”.

Also, a delegation of Ohangwa people in Kano led by Mr Stone Ehiemere told Senator Abaribe that he should unfold his plan for the election.

He said: We have vetted the aspirants and come to the conclusion that Abaribe is well ahead in experience, exposure and he is intellectually sound to lead the state to an unprecedented economic development.

“We carefully looked at the hordes of aspirant and arrived at a faultless conclusion that Senator Abaribe ranks unassailable ahead of others. We make bold for any-

body to challenge us on this. We have no doubt that he has all it takes to govern Abia well.”

In his response, Abaribe thanked both groups for their their kind gestures. He informed them that he had already made up his mind to run for the governorship of Abia State and that their coming to urge him to run was divine.

However, the senator said that he was inspired by the calls to intensify his consultations with the party leaders and other stakeholders.

He said the next governor will not be perceived as the governor of Abia South or UkwaNgwa , but the governor of Abia State.

• Abaribe

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

47

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

SOCIETY

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

Toast

I

•Mr C.A. Alademola and his wife, Dayo

•From left: Atayero of Aramoko-Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aderemi; Sir Dipo Ajayi and Mr Wunmi Ojuola

•From left: Capt Jide Oladosu; Mr Ben Oguntuase and Mr Olufemi Ayeni

•Demola Popoola (left) and Capt Adebayo Araba

•From left: Mrs Ropo Adewale; Alhaja Toyin Opeyemi and Dolapo Badmos

•Mr Bolaji Tunji (left) and Mr Richard Asuebeogu.

PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

A thanksgiving service was held at the First Baptist Church in Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos for Pa Remi Williams, a lawyer and grassroots politician, who clocked 85. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports

‘Don’t mock an old man’ A T 85, Pa Remi Williams has cause to celebrate. He remains happily married and is in good health.

Penultimate Sunday, he went to the First Baptist Church, Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos to give thanks to God for His infinite mercies.

At 11 am, the service kicked off. But it was a two-part English service – the Sunday service,which included a child dedication and the thanksgiving. The dedication of baby Victoria Ogunniyi lasted less than an hour. This over, Pa Williams who had all along sat in the front pew, took over.

A man of many parts, Pa Williams was accompanied to the church by his amiable wife Yemi, children and friends. Also with him were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of which he is a stalwart.

They included the Chairman, Ifelodun Local Development Council Area (LCDA), Alhaji Fatai Ajidagba; his deputy, Alhaji Lateef Ojora-Adejiyan; Majority Leader Lamidi Kareem; Leader of the House, Muyideen Are; former House of Representatives member, Hon Olusegun Ogunbanjo, former Chairman, of the LCDA, Dr Abiola Ajijola and ex-Secretary, Education Board, Adewale Adeogun.

The Choir opened the day with some special songs prepared to suit the occasion. These were interspersed by songs raised by the celebrator and his people who were given room to sing. This over, opening Hymn 159 titled: Fu’mghin lowuro, Irugbe iinure was taken.

The Minister in charge of the church, Rev Joshua Adetunji Ojuwoni, who described the service as unique, said Pa Williams

•Pa Williams assisted by his wife, Yemi to cut the cake

had cause to thank God. He noted that the octogenarian is an epitome of good character, humility, forgiveness and ‘a politician to the core’. He recalled that as a member of his church, any time Pa Williams met him, he would bow to greet. But when the cleric corrected him, saying it should be the other way round, Pa Williams insisted, adding that he (Rev Ojuwoni) is a man of God. The cleric, who spoke on Managing our time, said there was need to manage one’s time because life belongs to God. “This age is the grace of God. It is not by might or power. Only God can set back the time. To waste time is to miss opportunities. You can borrow money, but you can’t borrow time, “ he said. He warned the young not to laugh at an old man or a bald person, adding that it was risky.

Earlier, Pa Williams, who wore aso oke, and a pair of glasses, stood. When many thought he would tell the story of his life, he did not. Rather, he coun-

selled. He cited about five verses for reading. They included Galatians 6: 7 - 8; II Corinthians 9: 6 - 9; and Deut 15: 10. He urged the congregation to give cheerfully, saying there is blessing in giving. He added: “Anywhere you may be, try to do good. Continue to give to God’s work. I have something to contribute that is why I am alive today. I pray that God will bless all of you.”

This was followed by a thanksgiving and praises. The ceremony later shifted to the Bola Tinubu Multipurpose Hall on Ojo Road for reception.

HAVE watched several movies in which toasts were given. Most of the ones I noticed occurred at weddings. If the toasts in movies are anything to go by, a few things are likely happen (let's see if you have watched as many Hollywood movies as I have): the best man will most likely give the toast- he may try to recite a memorized speech at first but find it difficult, after which he will give a AMODU LANRE OLAOLU brilliant impromptu speech; (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. he may even get mid-way of 07034737394 the speech just to realize that @lanreamodu he is about to lose someone he is in love with and then leave the speech hanging and run out of the wedding reception. Strange things happen in movies.

We cannot entrust our special days into the hands of unprepared people less we are confronted with unpleasant surprises. Toasts are so brief but so important that they must be done right the first time. Of all the events in any ceremony, the toast only takes a few seconds; nevertheless, people are likely to remember it more than several other aspects of the ceremony. This is because it provides a direct opportunity for someone considered to be the celebrant's closest friend to say something about him or her.

As a matter of fact, so many people look forward to this aspect because they hope to catch a glimpse of the celebrant's private life- something that this friend knows that the rest of us don't.

Michael and Suzanne Osborn describe a toast as a miniature speech that is "offered as a tribute to people and what they have done, as a blessing for their future, or simply as lighthearted enjoyment of the present moment." From this definition, you will notice that toasts are not limited to wedding ceremonies. They can also be given to celebrate someone's promotion, examination success or general outstanding achievements. Toasts can also be given to celebrate general events as New Year Day, Independence Day, etc. All the same, I will use wedding toasts as example for our discussion today.

Wedding days are special days that a couple's joy is believed to be at its peak. It should be a day of positive dispositions for all guests. If you don't like the couple or you think your sister made a terrible choice of a husband, that is definitely not the time to air your view. On The Knot website, I came across a list of 10 Worst Wedding Toasts Ever. According to the site, they were real stories of toasts that "made guests want to cower under their chairs" instead of raising their glasses. Let me share a few of them with you: A best man, at his friend's wedding, made it obvious that he really didn't like the bride. He was reported to have said something like this: "'(Groom's name), man I love ya, you know I do. I hope you thought about this and that this is what you really, really, really want.' Then he said the bride's name, hit his fist against his chest twice, and pointed at her."

Ok, you think that was bad? Try this: "Finally John has found someone with low enough self-esteem to marry him," that was said by a best man. There was another one in which the maid of honor, who happened to be the bride's sister, talked about herself throughout the speech and ended up mentioning the possibility of having an affair with her sister's husband. In yet another case, a best man said, 'Congratulations to the new parents!' Whereas, no one knew the bride was pregnant except a few friends, not even her parents! We can go on and on citing examples of "toasts-go-wrong," but we really have to stop. All the same, check out this last one I saw on a list compiled by The Haibeck Communications Group Inc. One of the toasts says: And here's to the happy couple. Of course, we always thought he was waaaaaay too old for her ….. and that she was only after his money ….. but hey, look at them now!

When toasts are properly delivered, they add colour to ceremonies. In case you are beginning to dread listening to or delivering toasts, let me give you a few examples of good ones. I saw these on About.com: May your love be added, may it never be subtracted, may your household multiply, and may your hearts never be divided!!

Here's to the groom with bride so fair, And here's to the bride with groom so rare!

Here's to marriage: one soul in two bodies.

Don't you just love these ones? Ok, here are some tips for you. Whatever you do, remember these few points about a toast: •Make it short •Make it about the celebrant(s) •Let it be in good taste •Don't tell any story that will make the celebrant or the guests feel uncomfortable •Start with a remark about the past, then a comment about the present (the ceremony) and then a joyful projection into the future •Conclude by requesting the guests to lift their glasses and drink to the continuous joy of the celebrant(s).

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

SOCIETY

It was a three-in-one celebration for the family of Prince Semiu Oluwa, of the Ecological Office at the Presidency. Last Saturday, Oluwa turned 55 and his wife Folashade, 50. Besides, it was their 33rd wedding anniversary. The event was held at the Federal Civil Service Club in Ikoyi, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

•Prince Oluwa and his wife Folashade

•Chief Ajayi-Bembe (left) and Omogbolahan Durosimi

•Alhaja Kudirat Adebule and Mr Clement Yusuf

•Dr Ismail Abayomi Oluwa (left) and Chief Biliyamin Ajadi

I

T was a day to thank God by the family of Prince Semiu Oluwa of the Ecological Office of the Presidency. Oluwa was celebrating his 55th birthday, his wife, Folashade's 50th and their 33rd wedding anniversary. All roads led to the Federal Civil Service Club in Ikoyi, Lagos for the three-in-one event.

UESTS filled the Executive Chairman Events Hall of the club and the tents in the compound.

The couple sat on a bridal chair; their children - Yinka, Moni, Zainab, Fehintola and Funmilayo-were on another table.

The hall was decorated in yellow and blue.

Guests exchanged pleasantries and took photographs before the ceremony began.

Many of the guests wore blue native attires with yellow head gear/cap.

The event started, with prayer led by Alhaji Abdu Fatai Ajagbe. He also read some portions

Their day of joy of the Holy Quran.

Alhaji Fatai Ajitokun Oluwa anchored the event.

Chief Imam of Oja-Oba Mosque Jamiu Naja, who delivered a short sermon, said the Oluwas were a grateful couple who recognised God's wonder in their lives.

After the sermon, people prayed for the family.

Reception followed in the same venue.

Femi Ayeni-led Perpetual Music Band electrified the hall.

Abiodun Ololomus assisted by Bodunrin Okoya were the Masters of Ceremony (MC).

The couple entered the hall with their children, family members and friends, dancing to music by the band.

Chairman on the occasion and the Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, prayed God to bless and keep the Oluwas.

A family friend, Alhaja Ismat Adenike Busari, described Oluwa's wife as a wonderful and hardworking sister and friend.

Alhaji Segun Tijani described Oluwa as a good person.

The couple then cut the three-step blue and white cake. Families and friends joined them in taking pictures.

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Princess Folashade described her husband as gentle, loving and kind hearted.

"He just wants me to be happy and he is ready to do anything for me, I give glory to God for the kind of man He has given me," she said.

"Thirty-three years of marriage, it has not been easy but I thank God for keeping us up to this time. My wife is everything to me," Prince Oluwa said.

Fehintola wished her parents many more years together in prosperity and sound health.

Semiu's mother, Alhaja Airat Ashabi Oluwa, who urged the celebrators to keep doing everything together, prayed that they would eat the fruit of their labour.

Present were Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Erelu of Lagos Abiola Dosunmu, among others.

The remains of the wife of the founder of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Lady Comfort Febisola Akinadewo, were interred at the St Adekahunsi Motailatu Cathedral in Oke-Imosan, Ondo State. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Farewell to a loving mother

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ARCH 23 will be etched in the heart of the Founder and Supreme Head of the Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, Dr Motailatu Akinadewo. His wife, Lady Comfort Febisola died that day.

She was 66.

There was grief in the family, associates and friends were not left out of the mourning.

A Christian wake-keep was held for her penultimate Friday at the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, St Adekahunsi Motailatu Cathedral, in Oke Imosan Ondo, Ondo State.

The seat of the Motailatu Church in Lagos was virtually moved to Ondo for the funeral service.

The burial ceremony followed on Saturday at the church. All were moody as they marched quietly to the church for the service. They queued behind the hearse en route the church.

The corpse was placed at the entrance of the church following the tradition of the Motailatu Church that corpse must not be taken into the premises.

The funeral service began on a prayer note.

Apostle Kunle Ojo coordinated the service.

Apostle Gabriel Afolayan took the congregation through a bible reading.

Prof Joseph Otubu gave the sermon. In his sermon entitled: 'Rest for Faithful Soul,' Prof Otubu said considering the struggles and tribulations in life, death is a resting place for

the true servants of God. Reading from Rev 14:13, Prof Otubu said, those who died in the Lord are blessed.

He reminded the congregation that life is vanity upon vanity hence they should sacrifice all they have for the service of God in return for His mercies.

Prof Otubu described the deceased as an epitome of simplicity, humility and prayer warrior.

"Mama was a prayer warrior and very grateful for every little thing she has and people do for her and always grateful to God," he added.

After his sermon, the deceased's children knelt before him for prayer.

A thanksgiving service followed. The children of the deceased announced a foundation in honour of their late mother.

The foundation called 'Mother Comfort Akinadewo Foundation' is meant to sponsor indigent students on university scholarship throughout their programmes. On the spot two beneficiaries were announced and they were assured of their commitment of sponsoring them to the university of their choice.

The first born and Supervising Head and General Secretary of the Church, Dr Isreal Akinadewo, made the announcement.

After the service, the remains were taken to the mission house for burial.

The body was lowered at 2:30pm.

•Dr Israel Akinadewo (left) and Prof Joseph Otubu

•Zacchaeus Akinadewo (left) and Joseph Akinadewo

PHOTOS: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

SOCIETY

20 years on the throne •Continued from page 16

childhood.

He prayed that the monarch would live up to 120 years.

There was a cultural display by some children.

Chairman, Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area Prince Muideen Daramola proposed the toast.

Daramola, the Arobadade of Iruland wished the celebrator long life, saying: “Kabiyesi, your father lived for 120 years, I don’t see the reason why you cannot live for 130 years; Iru today is peaceful and secured due to your efforts.”

Thanking his guests, Oba Oniru said the peace in the community is due to the love among the people.

He led guests on the dance floor where King Sunny Ade) thrilled the gathering.

•From left: Justice Oniru-Opesanwo; Justice Opeyemi Oke and Justice Toyin Taiwo

•Prince Daramola, his wife Funmilayo; Mrs Doyin Adeniji and Alhaja Shakirat Bayewu

•Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom Bayelsa State, King Joel Ibane and his wife, Queen Omobola

•Former Inspector-General of Police Chief Sunday Adewusi (left) and Chief Kehinde Sofola (SAN)

•Lanre Hassan (A.k.a Iya Awero)

•From left: Alhaja Sekinah Yusuf; Alhaja Iyabo Ali-Owe; Olori Alaba Oniru and Alhaja Yoyin Makanjuola

•From left: Alhaja Wonu Folami; Alhaja Ramdat Okunola and Mrs Jare Alade

•Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo

•From left: Mrs Denike Durosinmi; Mrs Rejuce Fadahunsi and Mrs Mojisola Benson

•MD/CEO Yoyo Bitters Dr Oluwatobi Abiola (left) and Alhaji Alawale Ali

•Mrs Ganiyat Robert

•Alhaji Sinari Daranijo (left) and Omooba Murphy Adetoro

•Mrs Oluwayemisi Alli (left) and Alhaja Sherifat AbdulKareem

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

INAUGURATION

BIRTHDAY

•Ice Cream and Coffee University General Manager Olori Atinuke Fafure assisted by her husband, Ayo to cut her 40th birthday cake in Lagos

COMMISSIONING

•Director, Bengabod Nigeria Limited Mrs Idowu Oyebode and her husband, Pastor Gbenga, during the inauguration of the security outfit in Lagos

•District Governor Lions Clubs International District 404B Nigeria, Mr Gbola Adebisi inaugurating a library equipped by the club at Mende Junior High School, Maryland, Lagos. With him is Principal of the school, Mrs Christianah Adewunmi Sobukola.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

SOCIETY

Aderonke, daughter of Adeniyi Ajakaiye, a prince of Iyin-Ekiti, has tied the nuptial knot with Olukayode Omotilewa at the Light House Christian Outreach Centre in Oregun, Lagos. The reception was held at Matinos Hall in Ikeja last Saturday.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

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ALL it a political gathering, you won't be wrong. But it was a wedding at which politicians stole the show.

Hon Abimbola Daramola, a member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, was quite visible in his all-white dress, a pair of eye glasses and a blue cap.

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who represents Ekiti Central, came in white flowing lace agbada, a pair of eye glasses and a befitting cap.

His wife, Tola and her friends glittered in their blue lace.

So also were Hon Oyetunde Ojo, a member of the House of Representatives and son-in-law to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).

The E-eleven, a socio-political group of Ekiti State professionals, to which the bride's parents belong, was well represented.

They all turned the wedding reception for Aderonke, daughter of Adeniyi Ajakaiye, a prince of IyinEkiti and Olukayode Omotilewa, into a mini-carnival.

The hall erupted in joy when the Taiwo Omotunde-led band mentioned ERO, which stands for Ekiti Rebirth Organisation, Ojudu’s campaign slogan.

The musician followed it up with O duro so ke, meaning he remains on top - a slogan for the re-election campaign of Governor Fayemi. This further enlivened the hall with the bride's parents, Eeleven and others raising up their hands.

The band capped it with Merin merin o to to - four four years of different terms. It was a tribute to Dr Fayemi’s performance. This electrified the hall. Ajakaiye, his wife Toyin, Ojudu, Daramola, Ojo and Mrs Dipo-Salami hit the dance floor, raising four fingers These were the sideshows at the wedding that saw the couple, Olukayode and Aderonke, mesmerising the audience with contemporary dance steps.

The lovebirds were led by the bridal's train, amid songs from the band.

Ojudu said the opening prayer.

Royalserve Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr Olusola Alabi, described by his friends as “shy” and “restrained”, chaired the ceremony.

He danced with his wife, Aderonke when called by the emcee for his remarks.

Alabi, a businessman who has been married for 22 years, described marriage as a school from which couples never graduate.

He enjoined the couple to be each other's helper.

"Both of you are not perfect, so try to complement each other. I pray by next year, we will come and celebrate twins - a boy and a girl- with you," he said and the gathering responded with a loud Amen!

Mrs Dipo-Salami supervised the cutting of the cake. The bride’s and her father’s dance enthralled the gathering.

Adeleye Adewale proposed the toast before the bride threw the bouquet.

The lucky girl, Kikelomo Popoola, who picked the bouquet, quickly let the guests know that she was not searching when she introduced her fiancée, Olumuyiwa Afolabi, to the gathering.

•Bride’s parents, Prince Ajakaiye and his wife, Toyin

Wedding of a princess •The couple Aderonke and Olukayode

•Groom’s parents, Pastor Julius Sunday and his wife, Caroline

•From left: Senator Ojudu; Mr Kayode Afolabi and Mr Femi Ajiniran

•Hon Charles Fasubaa (right) and Hon Ojo

•Mr Alabi and his wife, Aderonke

•From left: Mrs Kehinde Daramola; Dr Eniola Ajayi; Ms Sola Salako and Hon Daramola

•From right: Mrs Aluko Olaitan; Mrs Tola Ojudu; Olori Adenike Aderemi; Mrs Funmi Ayeni and Mrs Bimpe Olatunde

The groom, Olukayode, a Presales consultant with Dimension Data, described his wife as a good friend.

"She is cute, God-fearing, has good manners and right attitude; I'm happy she is my wife now and

•Mrs Dotun Oyeyipo (left) and Mrs Dipo-Salami

I am looking forward to a great time with her," he said.

He promised the Ajakaiyes to take care of their daughter.

Aderonke, a System Engineer with the same company, described her husband as humble, loveable and God fearing.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014

INDUSTRY

Much ado about poor quality cement •Continued from page 22

• ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????

Indorama to make Nigeria Largest petrochemical hub in Africa

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NDORAMA-Eleme Petrochemical Limited, IEPL, core investor in the Federal Government owned Eleme-Petrochemical Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is stopping at nothing to realise its vision to not only help make Nigeria self-sufficient in the petrochemical sector, but also make the country the largest petrochemical hub in Africa. Already, the company has announced an aggressive expansion programme aimed at doubling its capacity to about one million ton of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) production in the country.

The expansion would gulp a fresh investment of $1 billion. “Our investments in the current plant have already crossed $600 million. IEPL is fast moving in its journey to realize its dream of building the largest petrochemical hub in Africa,” Jossy Nkwocha, Head of Corporate Communication/Special Adviser to the Managing Director, IEPL, disclosed.

Nkwocha also told The Nation that in the current phase of expansion, construction is going on for a new 1.4 million ton capacity Fertilizer

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Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

Plant with the investment of $1.2 billion. “Once operational in 2016, this plant would trigger agriculture revolution in the country, making Nigeria self-reliant in food production,” he said, adding that while the company has excess capacity in PE, and is therefore, exporting surplus quantities, it has sufficient capacity to cater for domestic demand. It has also commenced the construction of new PE/PP plants in its existing facility.

IEPL is the Indonesian company that emerged core investor in the Federal Government owned ElemePetrochemical Limited in 2006 and subsequently changed its name to IEPL. At the time the plant was acquired, it was in non-operational state. “We started off with a debilitated plant, de-motivated employees and depressed host communities.

But today, we can proudly claim that no such thing exists anymore. Our re-vitalized plant is one of the best in its sector,” he said, adding that a

massive turn around maintenance (TAM) was carried out in 2006 to revive the plant. “We have done two other major TAMs since then. We are also carrying out regular and systematic changes to improve on the production levels, quality of products and reliability of the plant. Our expansions to bring up the plant to its current levels include adding new capacity like - setting up new PET plant, and new furnaces in the cracker plant, among others.

Nkwocha is not done. He said that Indorama’s Nigerian employees are not just happy and satisfied with the company’s performance but are part of management; they enjoy 2.5 percent shares in the company. He also added, “all our host communities are our biggest support; they have experienced progress in the last 7 years in the area which is unparalleled in Nigeria. Our six host communities have 7.5 per cent shares in the company and regularly enjoy dividends. This 10 per cent stake of the Nigerian employees and host communities combined is part of the management’s policy to take the benefits down to the roots. This is indeed is the first in Nigeria.”

pursue this initiative,” the group explained The cement manufacturers however, did not see any wisdom in the suggestions that cement products should be limited and some removed from the market. “Products such as 32.5 have actually been part of building in Nigeria for the last 54 years and are used widely throughout the world. Limiting product choices will not be good for the consumer and will send the industry backwards and away from current international trend,” the manufacturers pointed out, assuring that the cement manufacturing community would continue to support all initiatives in conjunction with other stakeholders to eradicate building collapse.

As Moses Ogunleye, President, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, argue, there is no reason why anything sub-standard should be in the Nigerian market in the first instance, much less cement.

He told The Nation that the raging controversy over poor quality of cement is a confirmation that SON is overwhelmed. “SON seems to be overwhelmed; they are monitoring standard in several sectors and so, they may not be aware of the existence of poor quality cement in the market,” he said, adding, “let us ask questions from SON.” He also said that the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory set up to register and accredit all block moulders has not yet registered anybody. He therefore, called on block moulders to embark on self monitoring.

Indeed, SON has come under severe criticisms in recent times over alleged weakness in the regulation of the cement industry. For instance, in what is seen by many people as a veiled indictment of the regulatory role of SON, Dangote Cement said that prior to Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in cement production, SON stipulated the 42.5 grade as the acceptable grade for importers of cement into the country. The company said that as a responsible market leader it has continued to produce 42.5 grade in its three plants in strict adherence to the stipulations of SON, wondering why SON should insist on 42.5 grade as the standard for import and allow a lower grade for local production. “How come that during the import era, we were all compelled by the regulatory authorities to bring in 42.5 grades and

IFC to support SMEs with N800m

NTERNATIONAL Finance Corporation (IFC) , a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement to provide financing of N800million, or approximately $5 million, to AB Microfinance Bank. In a statement IFC said the loan will increase access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises and will promote financial inclusion, job creation and grow the overall Nigerian economy.

The statement said IFC provided an investment of a similar size in 2008 and that the current investment will help AB Microfinance Bank build on its demonstrated success in offering financial services to

new market segments and entrepreneurs serving the base of the economic pyramid. The activities are critical for helping people with low-incomes engage in economic activity to sustain livelihoods and gain access to basic goods and services, it added.

Managing Director, AB Microfinance Bank, Mattias Grammling said, “Improving access to financial services for MSMEs would hasten growth in the informal sector. Our partnership with IFC will help soften bottle-necks on loan acquisitions and enable us provide growth opportunities for MSMEs and lower income clients to foster job creation and economic growth.”

IFC Country Manager for Nigeria , Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, said, “Supporting AB Microfinance Bank is consistent with IFC’s core strategy to improve financial inclusion and contribute to economic growth. IFC’s investment will provide term funding in naira to make local currency more readily available from AB Microfinance to entrepreneurs. This loan will increase access to finance and empower entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, whose credit needs are today primarily met outside the formal banking sector.”

AB Microfinance Bank started operations in 2008 and is one of the fastest growing microfinance

banks in Nigeria. It offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to access loans in a transparent and efficient environment.

This loan will provide AB Microfinance Bank with long-term financing not commonly available to microfinance institutions in the Nigerian market, and will allow it grow its loan portfolio to address financial inclusion challenges for MSMEs in Nigeria.

IFC further said that it aims to promote financial sector diversification through new products. such as trade and housing financing, insurance, small and medium enterprise finance, and increased power generation and distribution.

Nigerian firms to benefit from ‘Interpack 2014’

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IGERIAN firms, which attend the international packaging fair tagged ‘Interpack 2014,’ would learn innovative concepts that could help create more jobs and grow the economy, the organisers have said. According to them, no fewer than 2,700 exhibitors from over 60 countries will present the future direction of packaging technology to 166, 000 visitors in Dusseldorf, Germany from May 8 to

By Joseph Jibueze

14 this year. Trade Fair Services Limited, the regional representatives of the fair organizers, Messe Dusseldorf, would provide consular, travel, accommodation and on-site support to Nigerian travelers.

At a media briefing in Lagos, its director, Akhigbe Itua, said: “Product variety, rapid innovation cycles, new, functional packaging,

compliance with the highest hygienic requirements for production and packaging, sustainable manufacturing and transport – these are all success factors, and also challenges for producers of food, beverage and pharmaceutical products.

It needs a close communication between producers and machinery manufacturers to realise new product ideas. Iterpack 2014 shows the entire value creation chains: from

the production and refinement of packaging products and packaging materials right up to quality assurance and consumer protection.”

In 18 halls, exhibitors would present their latest ideas, trend-setting concepts and technological innovations for target groups from the food, drink, confectionary and bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, consumer goods (non-food), services and industrial goods.

now since 2012 when import was banned, the same regulatory authorities condoned the production of 32.5 grades?,” Edwin asked.

However, SON has resisted attempts to put the blame on its doorstep. On the controversial grades of cement, SON noted that there are two grades comprising of the 32.5 and 42.5, which also have various degrees of strength, but regretted that most members of the public are not even aware of the variety in grades, standards and specific applications of cement. The organisation added that what most people are aware of are the brand names, whereas the grades standards are equally important.

“This ignorance has led to the misapplication of cement by many users and for reasons of personal gain, some people may just utilise one bag when more bags are actually required,” Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said Odumodu, insisted that as a responsible organisation, SON is committed to ensuring that the consumers get the best of quality whether in the construction industry or elsewhere. To this effect, he disclosed that the organisation has constituted a technical committee of experts to generally review the problems faced by stakeholders in the construction industry especially in terms of quality of building materials including cement. “The committee, which is made up of well-informed individuals would take a holistic look on the quality of building materials in the country inclusive of cement, as responsible standards bureau, SON has never and will never leave the quality of any product to the whims and caprices of any individual or group of operators”, the DG insisted.

According to him, the issue of standardisation of products should not be left to the agency alone hence, it is necessary that stakeholders and other regulatory bodies, civil society groups, manufacturers, the academia and consumers make their inputs, which partly informed the putting in place of the technical committee. “This technical committee is not chaired by SON, we just provide a secretariat and it is what the committee arrives at that would be taken to the council of SON and once it is approved, it becomes a standard. Let me also state that a standard is not enforceable except the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment designates it as a mandatory standard,” he explained.

SON seems to have an ally in Block Moulders Association of Nigeria, which insisted that SON is not a weak regulator. Rasheed Adebowale, National Chairman, Block Moulders Association of Nigeria, said that the association is so much concerned about the attempts to portray SON as weak in the regulation of the cement sector “because we are part and parcel of the construction sector and major end users of the product.” He said that the association is not comfortable with what he described as the ‘faceless Civil Liberties Organisation’s claims. “We want to put it on record that we have never had it so good until the emergence of Odumodu at SON. The current leadership of SON is working closely and collaboratively with us to ensure quality and standard of products,” he explained.

The block moulders said that last year, August 2013, SON held a successful national stakeholders’ workshop for all block makers and those in the allied products across the country where over 2000 delegates attended as all branches of the association sent their delegates who were drilled and groomed by experts on how to ensure quality blocks. Adebowale said block makers were also educated on the types of cement, proper application and measurement through demonstrations and exhibitions. “SON has equally deployed block testing machines to states’ offices in order to encourage block moulders to do the right thing,” he said.

NEWS 9: INDUSTRY NEW FOLDER/ 20-02-2014

But the block moulders are also in the eye of the storm, as some stakeholders accuse them of cutting corners by refusing to adhere strictly to proper cement mix. Besides, a large percentage of block moulders and

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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BUSINESS EXTRA

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Fed Govt spends N25b monthly on salaries, says AGF

HE AccountantGeneral of the Federation (AGF), Mr Jonah Otunla, said about N25 billion was spent on salaries of Federal Government workers in April.

The AGF disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while inaugurating the Nigerian Universities System Working Committee on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Represented by the Coordinator , IPPIS, AGF office, Mrs Fatima Mede, Otunla said the amount was used in payment of 254,000 workers in Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“There are 318 Federal Government MDAs currently enrolled on the IPPIS platform. These MDAs have combined staff strength of about 254,000.

“In the month of April, we paid all these staff using the platform before the Easter holiday.

“A total sum of about N25 billion was paid as salaries to civil servants on the IPPIS,” he said.

Otunla said despite the success recorded in the integration of MDAs, it was important to have other government organisations on the platform for better management of government personnel.

He said: “We are here because our universities,

colleges of education and polytechnics are yet to come on board.

“When the staff of these institutions come on board, we believe that we can better manage salaries of our public institutions.

“We understand that the universities are sceptical about coming on board because they do not believe that the IPPIS, as it is today, can manage the complexities of our staffing system.”

He said the newly inaugurated committee is expected to look at ways to create a system that would take into account the peculiarities of tertiary institutions.

He said the committee would also look at existing

payroll system and see how they could be leveraged on and integrated into the IPPIS for efficiency.

Representative of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU), Prof.

Suleiman Abdul said it was important to note that it would be unrealistic to place all universities on one paying system.

He said: “Every university has its own perculiarities.

That is the beauty of our academic system. They hire and contract staff to fill in vacanct posts as the need arises.

“So, a system that takes note of this and do not compromise the autonomy of the universities is the only kind that we will agree to be

Okonjo-Iweala, Dangote join TIME’s 100 world’s OORDINATING Min others. The company most influential people many ister for the Economy operates in Nigeria and 14

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and Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote have made the list of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential persons on earth.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, Jerry Brown and others made the Leaders Category.

Microsoft Founder and CoChair, Bill and Melinda Gate, Bill Gates,wrote a tribute in honour of Dangote in commemoration of his listing by the prestigious magazine.

Gate dwelled extensively on the philanthropic gestures of the President of the Dangote Group in the areas of health, especially polio eradication and job creation efforts.

While Gates was lavish in his praises of the timely response of Dangote to the need for health alliance by the private sector, a lead singer of U2 and a cofounder of One and (RED), Paul David ‘Bono’ Hewson wrote the tribute for Dr Okonjo-Iweala.

Gates, described Dangote as a man who does good in addition to doing well. He wrote: “His business activities drive economic growth across the continent. That’s impressive, but I know him best as a leader constantly in search of ways to bridge the gap between private business and public health. It’s for that reason he helped create

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• Dr Okonjo-Iweala

• Dangote

the Nigeria Private Sector Health Alliance. And it’s for that reason he is an advocate for agricultural research and malaria control.”

Dangote was classified in the Titans category which boasts of eminent world personalities such as former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Jeff Bezoz, Tony Fadell, chair, United States Fed Reserve, Janet Yellen among others.

Those in the Pioneers category include: Jason Collins, Natalie Massenet, Mary Jo White, Edward Snowden, among others. Barbara Brown Taylor, Robin Wright, John Green, Kerry Washington were in the Artists category among others.

In the Icons category were Pope Francis, Alice Waters, Marina Abramovic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carl Icahn, among many others.

The TIME’s 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world assembled by the American news magazine. First published in 1999 as the result of a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists, the list is now an annual event. Although appearance on the list is often seen as an honour, TIME makes it clear that entrants are recognised for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions.

Aliko had earlier been listed as the 64th most powerful person in the world by the credible Forbes Magazine.

Aliko was born on the 10th of April 1957 in the ancient city of Kano, Nigeria. He owns the Dangote Group, which has interests in commodities, cement, petrochemicals, fertilizer among

IMF forecasts 5.5% economic growth for Africa

HE International Mon etary Fund (IMF) yes terday in Abidjan said Africa would witness about 5.5 per cent economic growth this year.

Its Deputy Director, African Department, Mr Roger Nord stated this while presenting the 2014 Regional Economic Outlook report for

Africa.

He said the expected growth represented about five per cent increase compared to 2013.

He said: “Growth in Africa remains strong, about 5.5 per cent growth is expected in 2014; this is about five per cent higher than the one record in 2013.

“It is also good news that the growth in the region’s poorest countries will even be stronger with about seven per cent increase.’’

The IMF official said the growth would be mainly propelled by domestic investment and increase in construction activities.

Nord said although the

Peacock Travel eyes 7 per cent turnover

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other countries in Africa, As of March 2014, he had an estimated net worth of $25 billion Dangote is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 23rd richest person in the world and the richest man in Africa. He surpassed Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi last year by over $2.6 billion to become the world’s richest black man.

On November 14th 2011, Dangote was awarded Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)

by President Goodluck Jonathan. He has also been awarded the highest national award in two other African countries: The Republic of Benin and Kenya. He also remains the single largest private sector investor in South Africa.

Dangote reportedly added $9.2 billion to his personal wealth in 2013, according to the Bloomberg Index, now making him the 30th richest person in the world in their ranking, in addition to being the richest person in Africa.

He debuted on Forbes billionaires list in 2008 with a $3.3 billion fortune. Over the last six years, he has added $21.7 billion to his net worth thanks largely to the incredible success of his crown jewel, the publicly-listed Dangote Cement which has a market capitalisation of $24 billion and has operations in 14 African countries.

TRAVEL agency, Pea cock Travels and Tours, United Kingdom (UK) said it hopes to increase its annual turnover by seven per cent before the end of the year. The travel agency’s turnover last year was £1.6million.

This is also as the company announced its acquisition of a UK travel agency, Twickenham travel agency, Edwin Doran’s Travel

World.

Its General Manager, Keith Lloyd, disclosed this through an online statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the agency, Chief Segun Philips.

Philips in the statement said with the acquisition of the travel agency, the name has now changed to Peacock Travel and Tours Incorporating Edwin Doran’s Travel World.

Founder, Edwin Doran in the statement said he would leave the business and focus on his vineyard in South Africa while his wife, Director, Rosie, would work for the business during the transition period.

Also, the agency’s two existing members of staff would remain, taking the total number of employees under the new ownership to four.

situation signaled sustainable growth for the region, there was risk of possible slowdown in emerging markets which would mean negative consequences.

He said: “If the slowdown becomes very acute, resulting in significant declines in commodity prices, the effect will be negative on some countries in the region.”

LOSS OF DOCUMENT I Osagie Odiase, Female,a Nigerian of No 150 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos hereby declare that I am a representative of Casi Properties Ltd of the same address that the company was duly issued original letter of allocation and receipt of payment of Block 6, flat 1,2 and 3 of femi okunnu estate phase IV, Lekki, Lagos by LSDPC. But these got lost in transit and all effort to locate them prove abortive.

LSDPC and general public please take note.

a part of.”

The pioneer creator and consultant of the IPPIS, Dr Tony Davis, said the engagement of the committee was to brainstorm on ways to remodel the current IPPIS to suit the universities system.

“The objective of the committee is to review existing MIS systems in federal universities with a view to understanding the payroll and information functions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 delegates who were

A

inaugurated including Prof.

Abdul, representing ASSU, Comrade Sunday Adefemi representing Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Comrade Illiyss Bello representing Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU).

Mr Adole Edward represented the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Angbashun Elsie represented the Ministry of Education, while Mrs Haruna Amos represented the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the occasion.

MTN’s subscriber base hits 57.2m

FRICA’S largest wire less operator, MTN Group Limited, said subscriber numbers across its 22 markets rose 1.1 per cent in the first quarter after slight growth in Nigeria countered a decline in customers in South Africa.

Users in Nigeria, MTN’s biggest market, rose “marginally” to 57.2 million in the quarter ended March 31, while in South Africa, the second-largest, they declined by 824,768 to 24.9 million, taking the total across operations to 210.1 million, the Johannesburg-based company said in a statement yesterday.

Its Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Dabengwa said: “Our operating environment remains tough with persistent price competition and regulatory challenges in key markets.

“Data and mobile money remain key areas of focus for the group as traditional voice revenue remains under pressure.”

South African customer numbers declined last year after weak consumer spending and tough competition hampered business in the

• Subscribers grow 1.1%

continent’s largest economy after Nigeria. MTN has been under pressure from regulators in the country where it was fined in February for poor service. The company is seeking legal action in South Africa over plans to halve mobile termination rates, the amount it can charge competitors to use its network.

Its shares fell as much as 3.1 per cent and were down three per cent to 209.94 rand.

The stock has gained 27 per cent in 12 months.

“MTN Nigeria delivered a satisfactory performance during the quarter and increased its subscriber base despite the one-month ban on the sale of SIMs (subscriber identity modules) imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” it said.

Data revenue rose 43 per cent in the quarter, compared with a year earlier, and represented 17 per cent of total sales, MTN said. The number of mobile money subscribers advanced 12 per cent.

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-4-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-4-14

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

Banks get November deadline on data security standards

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday extended banks’ compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) till November 30.

The PCI DSS is a proprietary information security standard for organisations that handle cardholder information for the major debit, credit, prepaid, epurse, Automated Teller Machines, and Point of Sale (PoS) cards. The standard was created to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud via its exposure.

In a circular to banks, switches and processors, signed by CBN Director, Banking Payment System, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said the circular supersedes the one of December 31, 2012. He said the need to extend the deadline followed requests by many banks seeking for more time to enable them complete the certification process.

He said that to determine the

D

Stories by Collins Nweze

readiness of various operators, the CBN engaged the services of three Qualified Security Assessors to conduct pre-certification assessment of the banks.

The result, he said, showed that while many banks had complied with the certification, many are still at different stages of compliance.

He said with this extension, banks, processors and switches are expected to comply before the end of the November 30 deadline.

The validation of PCI DSS compliance is performed annually, either by an external Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) that creates a Report on Compliance (ROC) for organizations handling large volumes of transactions, or by Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for companies handling smaller volumes.

The CBN had earlier released card issuance and usage guidelines for the financial services sector. Fatokun said the power to issue the guide-

CBN confirms Dikko as Unity Bank’s chair

line was derived from Section 47 (3) of the CBN Act 2007, adding that all industry stakeholders who process, transmit, and or store cardholder information should ensure that their terminals, applications and processing infrastructure comply with the minimum requirements for the sector.

He said all terminals, applications and processing infrastructure, should also comply with the standards specified by the various card schemes.

Fatokun said only banks licenced by the CBN with clearing capacity shall issue payment cards to consumers and corporations, explaining that banks without clearing capacity can issue in conjunction with those with clearing capacity. Also, all banks should seek approval from the CBN for each card brand they wish to issue.

The guidelines also stipulated that the cards issued can be ‘pay now’ such as debit and prepaid or ‘pay later’ such as credit.

•Etuh is pioneer ViceChairman

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria has confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Lamis Dikko as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unity Bank Plc. The approval was contained in a letter from the apex bank dated April 22, 2014, signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins.

The letter also conveyed the approval of Mr. Thomas Etuh as the pioneer vice chairman of the Bank.

Collectively, Dikko and Etuh will be bringing in over 40 years of collective experience to the Board of Unity Bank plc.

The Board of Directors of the Bank had on March 27, 2014 forwarded the names of Alhaji Dikko and Mr. Etuh to the CBN, following the resignation of the former chairman, Alhaji Numan Barau Danbatta, OON. While awaiting the approval, Mr. Etuh had been serving as interim chairman.

Alhaji Dikko is a seasoned banker who has extensive banking experience and a strong background in the financial services sector. He was also an intricate part in the consolidation process that led to the establishment of the Bank in 2006 and will bring to bear his many years of experience and wide contacts to the current re-organization and rejuvenation of Unity Bank.

Lamis Dikko holds a B.Sc. Economics from Queen Mary’s Col-

Diamond Bank targets 300 branches

IAMOND Bank Plc yesterday said it plans to grow its branch network from about 250 to 300 before year-end, its Managing Director, Alex Otti has said Otti, who spoke at the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting held in Lagos, said the lender will also use multiple delivery channels, like Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (PoS), and web payment among others to meet customers’ demand.

He said the bank will pay a N30 kobo dividend to its shareholders for the financial year-ended Decem-

•Pays 30k per share dividend

ber 31, 2013. He said the bank’s investors had benefitted from capital appreciation, adding that the bank will keep doing better in the future.

Otti said all financial services providers had to contend with more activist regulators in the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, which adopted hand-on approach. For commercial banks, Otti said the most notable policies were those

that imposed additional cost on the banks or threatened their revenue streams. Some of these policies, he said, include the increase of Cash Reserve Ratio on public sector deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent effective August, which led to the withdrawal of over N800 billion from the banking system.

He said the revised guide to bank charges led to the phasing out of Commission on Turnover from 2013 to 2016 among others. He said the bank took proactive positions against these policies.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

NIDF

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

COSTAIN REDSTAREX FBNH NEIMETH WAPIC SKYEBANK FIDELITYBK PRESCO ETI CORNERST

O/PRICE 1.20 4.26 12.59 1.09 0.70 3.51 1.95 42.00 13.30 0.50

C/PRICE 1.26 4.47 13.21 1.14 0.72 3.60 2.00 43.00 13.60 0.51

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 24-4-14

SYMBOL

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

CHANGE 0.06 0.21 0.62 0.05 0.02 0.09 0.05 1.00 0.30 0.01

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 24-4-14

SYMBOL MANSARD IPWA SEPLAT TOTAL FIRSTALUM OASISINS INTENEGINS IKEJAHOTEL UBCAP ABCTRANS

O/PRICE 2.43 0.61 627.00 167.90 0.52 0.53 0.57 0.58 2.37 0.90

C/PRICE 2.31 0.58 597.01 161.20 0.50 0.51 0.55 0.56 2.29 0.87

CHANGE -0.12 -0.03 -29.99 -5.70 -0.02 -0.02 -0.02 -0.02 -0.08 -0.03

lege, University of London. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School for Management Development. He is currently Chairman of Infrastructure Bank and a Director of Legacy Pensions among others. To take up his new appointment, he had to relinquish hisw position as a Director at Enterprise Bank.

He worked in Habib Nigeria Bank Ltd for more than fourteen years where he rose to the position of General Manager. He then moved to Intercity Bank Plc (one of the legacy banks of Unity Bank Plc) where he rose to become the Managing Director in 2001 until it merged with 8 other banks to form Unity Bank in 2005. At Unity Bank, he was first, Executive Director, Credit Risk Management and then Group Executive Director, (Central) before he left the Bank in 2010.

Mr. Etuh was in 2011 appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Bank.

He is widely exposed to corporate business leadership. He studied Management, Banking and Public Administration at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and the University of Jos respectively.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

• Dikko

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 154.22 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.09 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.71 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,634.20 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,061.91 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,063.29 FBN HERITAGE FUND 114.62 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.39 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 2.50 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,910.24 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND

Bid Price 153.47 9.08 1.07 1.17 0.72 1.33 1,631.63 1,061.01 1,063.01 115.44 114.59 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 2.44 1,903.64

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

1.2524 1.2952 0.9090 1.1574

Movement

1.2636 1.2952 0.9261 1.1574

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

57

NEWS

G

•From Left: Imo State Surveyor-General Mr Casmir Anele; the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Mr Uche Nwosu and the Acting Director of lands, Mr Jude Udeh, going through survey plans of undeveloped plots in the state, in Owerri...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

We are not scammers, say GNLD distributors

OLDEN Neo-Life D i a m i t e International (GNLD) distributors have denied allegations that they are fraudsters.

Their spokesman Mr. Anifowoshe Opeyemi said the malicious propaganda and campaign of hatred against them was launched by their detractors.

He said in a statement that rather than being scammers, GNLD distributors have contributed to elevating the health sector and growing the economy. “”The GNLD does not in any way extort or defraud anybody.

The only charges we demand is N9,000 for you to be a distributor while the N1,000 is for the

Navy to Fed Govt: we need special courts to prosecute sea criminals

T

•Inaugurates NNS DORINA patrol boat

HE Nigerian Navy (NN) pleaded yesterday with the Federal Government to create special court to speed up prosecution of sea criminals.

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin made the call in Lagos after the inauguration of a patrol boat, NNS DORINA donated by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

Vice Admiral Jibrin said the justice delivery system at the moment was making the Navy pay for the lapses of orders, adding that the force’s account is garnished by the court for ships held beyond reasonable time.

“The NN is still pleading with appropriate authorities to ensure that criminals arrested are timely and completely prosecuted. This will help tremendously to deter and reduce significantly, the number of maritime crimes.

“You know the legal system

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

we operate in Nigeria today is such that people must be given fair hearing. But along the line, some people abuse these privileges and waste other people’s time, hence, creating challenges in the dispensation of justice.

“So, what we are asking for is the establishment of specials courts where criminals caught at the maritime domain will be speedily tried and convicted.

This is because the current situation has serious impact on the financial burden of the Navy.

“On daily basis for ships that are kept beyond reasonable time, NN’s account are garnished and so, we pay for the illegalities of orders,” said Jibrin.

Praising the NPA for donating DORINA (32m) and two-2 by 17m OCEA boats to the navy, Jibrin said the kind gesture will promote economic growth and

national development.

“It should serve as a great moral booster or catalyst to encourage other agencies of government to adopt same pragmatic approach to jointly solve national problems.

Acknowledging that the nation’s maritime space was being threatened by crude oil theft, unreported and unregulated fishing, proliferation of arms, piracy, among others, the CNS however noted that these illegal activities were decreasing especially around the Lagos waters.

“Nevertheless, the criminals are not giving up and their sympathisers within and outside Nigeria are not helping matters, therefore, one of the best options for. The days ahead is the ability of the NN to deploy tactical forces and maintaining them at sea for sustained operations regularly.

“This further explains the need for projection of force in

Insurgency: UNILORIN, UNIBEN NAU, UNILAG top list of first choice

S

TUDENTS seeking admission into universities have opted for institutions located in safer places than troubled spots. The development followed insurgency in some parts of the country.

Some of the students are also avoiding either strike-prone universities or those with spill over academic calendar Most students have opted for University of Ilorin, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka and the University of Lagos.

Statistics of Choice of institutions released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination indicated that students have low preference for universities and their affiliates in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Out of 181 institutions, only three universities in the NorthWest and North Central were among the top 10 of first choice of students.

The affected institutions in the North are UNILORIN, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Jos which had been running normal academic session.

No university in the NorthEast emerged as one of the favoured institutions by UTME candidates.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The analysis also showed that the same scenario applied to the South-South where kidnapping and militancy had been rampant.

Only University of Benin was chosen as one of the first choices in the South-South.

The breakdown of the preferred top 10 universities is as follows: UNILORIN(107, 610); Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (77,410); University of Benin(76,695); UNN, Nsukka (69, 576); UNILAG (61,600); OAU, Ile-Ife (59,614); ABU Zaria (48,835); Imo State University(45, 577); UNIJOS(42,693) and University of Ibadan(41,801).

In the JAMB document, which had been made available to all universities, four candidates apply for admission to Umar Ibn El-Kanemi College of Education (affiliated to University in Maiduguri) in Bama which is a stronghold of the Boko Haram sect.

The grim picture of the first choice preference in the NorthEast is as follows: Federal College of Education, Gombe(affiliated to UNIMAID)—(8); Federal College of Education(Technical), Potiskum(affiliated to FUT

Minna) (6); Federal University, Gashua in Yobe State(367); Federal University, Kashere in Gombe State(4,440); Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State(10,360); Gombe State University, Tundun Wada(9,881); University of Maiduguri(17,802); Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi(10,895); Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola(8,092). Adamawa State University, Mubi (2,638).

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde on April 17 said 1,015, 504 applied for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Out of the candidates, 990,179 applied for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT) while 25,325 applied for the Dual Based Test (DBT).

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde said 1,606,753 candidates applied for the 2014 UTME Out of the candidates, 990,179 applied for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT) while 25,325 applied for the Dual Based Test (DBT).

About 616,574 candidates registered for the e-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (eUTME), the Computer Based Test (CBT) to be conducted across 163 centres and seven foreign countries on May 17.

By Joseph Jibueze

identity. You cannot be a distributor without license; so you cannot describe that as extortion.

“A good number of unemployed youths had no hope, until their contact with the GNLD suddenly came as a redeeming feature. Today, they are great assets to themselves, their family and nation at large,” he said.

A distributor Shakirat Bolarinwa described the rumour peddlers as envious people who are deliberately orchestrating a campaign of hatred and calumny against GNLD. Another distributor, Chioma Eze Okafor, said GNLD has empowered millions. “It’s only a lazy man that will sit down and vilify us as scammers. My advice to them is to do something creative,” she said.

A GNLD member Mr Anifowoshe Opeyemi said the direct selling company’s business is based on transparency.

Pa Cletus Esozie is dead

•NNS DORINA patrol boat...yesterday

Nigeria’s maritime area and by extension the Gulf of Guinea.

This can only be achieved with the availability of sophisticated surveillance systems, boats, ships and helicopters, all of which are capital projects that, in most cases, are beyond NN budget.

“It becomes self explanatory and undoubtedly that the NN could only optimize its operations with the support of local and international partners who share common beliefs, goals and. Interest,” said Jibrin.

In his keynote address, the Minister for Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau Mohammed reiterated government’s commitment to accord top priority to security, adding that it was one of the pillars of the administration’s transformation agenda.

Represented by his Minister

of State, Musiliu Obanikoro, Gusau urged the boat’s crew commanded by Commander Mohammed Muye, to make appreciable impact in the war against illegalities in the nation’s maritime domain.

Built in France last year, NNS DORINA has a length of 32m and waterline of 27m. Its beam overall os 6.3m and depth main eck, 3.10m; the boat has a maximum draft f 1.14m, crew of 14men and maxmum speed of 30knots.

The boat, which arrived in Lagos on November 24, last year and was handed over to the Navy in January, has an armament designed for 20mm remote operated gun at the fore; 7.62 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) at the upper deck and 12.7mm Machine gun at the Aft deck.

P

ACletusAmuzieEsoziehas died at the age of 68 years.

There will be Christian wake on Saturday, at his home, 2, Salawu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, by 2 p.m.

OnFriday,May2,thebodyleaves Aladinma Hospital for his home town, Umuodu Ihitte Isi-Mbieri in Mbaitoli, Imo State.

There will be a Requiem mass at St Benignus Catholic Church Umuodu at 11a.m, followed by interment.

An outing service holds at the same church on Sunday, May 4, by 9 a.m.

He is survived by his wife, Kesiah Esozie,childrenandgrandchildren.

•Pa Esozie

THE NATION FRIDAY APRIL 25, 2014

58

NEWS ‘We need Nigerians to donate their organs’

•The scene of an accident on Berger – Area 1 Road in Abuja... yesterday.

By Nneka Nwaneri

T

HE Rotary Club of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to donate some of their organs to save the lives of other people.

The club noted that though such donations were individual’s choice, they would save money, anxiety and lives.

Rotary said there was nothing wrong with such donations since there were Nigerians who went abroad and benefitted from donated organs.

The club spoke yesterday through the District Governor of Rotary 9110, Mr Gbemiga Olowu, who was on tour of booths where people were receiving free treatments in Lagos.

The tour was part of activities marking the 3rd edition of the Rotary Family Week. It will run till Saturday.

During the three-day programme, the club will conduct free HIV tests and counselling on the family.

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Lagos and Ogun State Police Command have warned owners of abandoned and accidented vehicles parked at Makinde, Ilasan, Lekki and Ifo Division to come and remove them or lose them to the public through auction two weeks after this publication.

They are Toyota Camry unregistered, Nissan Pathfinder NS57KJA, Honda Accord DF106LND, Nissan Sunny XE446TTD, Toyace Toyota Truck unregistered, Nissan Sunny DC830GGG, Nissan Sunny XC23WDE, Mitsubishi Lancer CZ362GGE, six Bajaj unregistered and two Hagon Suzuki, unregistered.

Police rescue suspected kidnapper in Osogbo From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

A

SUSPECTED kidnapper was rescued yesterday by the police from being lynched at Alekuwodo in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Segun Akinwale was allegedly trying to kidnap a primary school pupil at Alekuwodo Market when he was nabbed by passers by.

An eyewitness said the suspect was not aware that the child’s mother was watching him as he tried to lure the child away.

He was said to have fled the scene, but was later apprehended and beaten up by a mob.

Akinwale was rescued by a police patrol team and taken to the police headquarters.

He told the mob upon interrogation that he was from Ogun State and came to Osogbo with a truck carrying charcoal.

Akinwale said since his arrival in Osun State, he did not have a house or a job.

Police spokes person Folashade Odoro said that the suspect was receiving medical attention and could not talk.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

O

Lagos shuts orphanage

FFICIALS of the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development shut yesterday an orphanage in Ikotun.

Bethlehem Charity and Orphanage Centre is located at Number 9, Andre Close, Abaranje, Ikotun and is operated by Mrs. Taiwo Olowoyeye.

It was shut for operating without being registered.

The operation was led by Mr. Musbau Abdullahi, the Director, Social Welfare,

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Youth and Social Development.

Nineteen children, aged between two months and 15 years, were evacuated from the centre.

The children were reportedly being schooled at the centre.

Mrs. Olowoyeye said the orphanage was registered, but did not present the registration certificate.

She said she had been op-

erating the orphanage since 2002 and had never given any of the children out for adoption.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Social Development Dr. Dolapo Badru said the orphanage was never registered, adding: “She has a probation registration from the state government to operate a charity home in 2003 and that probation has elapsed. She was given a licence to operate an orphanage. She sought registration last year and our

men visited the place. She was given three months to put things in place or face sanction.

“She has operated the orphanage for about 10 years and was given the opportunity to meet the required conditions and register it, but she did not. We wrote to her and she did not meet up.”

Badru said the government does not want cases of baby factories in Lagos and wants all orphanages registered.

Akpabio sacks two commissioners

A

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio announced yesterday the sack of two commissioners in what he described as a “minor executive reshuffle”.

The sacked commissioners are Bassey Albert Akpan (Finance) and Effiong Abia (Rural Development).

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Aniekan Umanah, did not say why they were removed.

The statement reads: “In view of the need to reinvigorate the machinery of government and drive further the uncommon transformation programme of the state,

T

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

Governor Godswill Akpabio has approved a minor executive reshuffle.

“Accordingly, the following commissioners have been relieved of their appointments. Bassey Albert Akpan (Finance) and Effiong Abia(Rural Development).”

Also sacked were six board chairmen. They are: Obong Sunny Udom (State Property and Investment Company Limited); Patrick Ifon (State Water Company Limited); Obong Dan Akai (State Newspapers Corpora-

tion).

Others are: Alex Nyong (State Broadcasting Corporation); John Asikpo (State Environmental Protection and Management Board); Abom Tony Esu (State Agency for Community and Social Development).

The sack may not have been unconnected with the tussle for the 2015 governorship seat.

Some of the sacked board chairmen are loyalists of the former Secretary to the State Government, Umana Umana.

The sacked commissioners are yet to declare their in-

•JTF: we are not impressed From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor

through an unidentified coordinator, approached some chiefs and elders in Kokori community that they want to embrace peace.

“A peace initiative committee was set up and held a meeting with the representatives of the gang.

“The committee chairman

thereafter visited them and they assured the committee of their loyalty.”

“But barely few hours after the truce, a faction of the gang opposed to the peace deal invaded Kokori and shot sporadically into the air for several hours.

“The timely intervention of the committee chairman and the collaboration of other

Turkish Colleges winMaths award

HE Nigerian Turkish International Colleges (NTIC) has been named overall best school in Mathematics for 2014 by the National Mathmatics Centre (NMC).

The award is in recognition of the colleges’ feat in the teaching of mathematics.

Since 2011 NTIC students have constantly been featured on the Nigerian Mathematics and Physics Olympiad team.

Ten of its students have been sent to represent Nigeria in the International Math-

ematics Olympiad (IMO), while nine were at the International Physics Olympiads between 2011 and 2013.

NTIC students earned one Bronze medal in the 2011 IMO held in The Netherlands.

In 2012 they went on to bring home another Bronze medal and two Honourable Mentions in IMO Argentina and in 2013 a Bronze medal in IMO held in Colombia.

A total of 107 students from NTIC qualified in the first stage this year’s National Olympiads organised by NMC.

NTIC students start extra preparatory lessons for Olympiad exams starting from JSS1.

Olympiad camps are also organised for at least one week per term where all prospective Olympiad competitors from NTIC schools participate.

The students are guided by very experienced trainers and teachers of their various fields to develop their skills.

The last camp held between April 6 and 13hosted around 120 students in Abuja.

By Basirat Braimah

T

HE Lagos State monthly environmental sanitation will hold tomorrow between 7am and 10am.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, denied yesterday, that the exercise had been cancelled.

He said the day should be kept free for the exercise.

Bello urged residents to participate in the exercise by cleaning their homes, drain and surroundings.

He reminded residents that global climatic weather conditions had become so unpredictable, adding: “We should actively participate in the cleaning of our drains and channels, as well as properly dispose of our waste through the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and the authorised Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, as dumping of waste into canals impedes the flow of storm water, which eventually leads to flooding.”

He warned residents who still patronise cart pushers to desist from the act.

Bello warned private and commercial vehicle operators, transport owners and road transport workers’ association, to comply with the order restricting movement between 7am and 10am.

Any vehicle caught during these period would be dealt with, the passenger prosecuted, he warned.

He urged those who play football on the highways and roads during the exercise to desist as law enforcement agents have been instructed to arrest violators.

Funeral for Madam Aigbonoga

T •Akpabio

terest.

Akpan is an Ibibio man from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area; Abia is an Oro man from Mbo Local Government Area.

Gang members surrender arms in Kokori

HE hope for peace has brightened in troubled Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Members of the Liberation Movement of the Urhobo People, a militant group led

by Kelvin Ibruvwe, have “surrendered”.

This is coming two weeks after five persons, including four gang members, were killed in a clash with Joint Task Force (JTF) troops.

A source said: “The gang,

T

•Six board chairmen also

Sanitation holds tomorrow

militants loyal to the peace deal brought the situation under control. The rebel militants were chased out.”

Two rifles and nine rounds of ammunitions were recovered.

Peace has eluded Kokori community since last September, when Ibruvwe and some of his followers issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to develop Urhobo community.

The ultimatum was seen as a desperate move by the gang members to seek amnesty after security operatives launched a manhunt for them.

Ibruvwe was arrested in Port Harcourt on September 25, last year, by security operatives and is facing trial in Abuja.

A JTF source said the Task Force was not swayed by the latest stance, stressing that it could be a ploy to catch the JTF off guard.

“We are not impressed at all because, even as I am talking to you, they are still sending threat messages.

“Besides, they returned only two dane guns and nine rounds of ammunition.”

HEdeathhasbeenannounced of Madam Cecilia Omoso Aigbonoga of Edo State.

AstatementbyUmoruIguzaand J. Aigbonoga families both of Jattu Uzairue, Edo State said the late Madam Aigbonoga will be buried today at her home in Jattu Uzairue.

Madam Aigbonoga died on March 28. She is survived by children and grandchildren among whom is Omone Umoru.

Osun gets committee on polls From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

F

OUNDING fathers of Osun State are set form of a broad-based task force committee on the forthcoming governorship election.

A statement by the Chairman of Osun Founding Fathers Movement, Amb Diran Fagbongbe said the committee will serve as a link among all the political parties, ensure peace prevails before, during and after the election.

According to him, the committee will also ensure that the best candidate emerge as the next governor .

“The committee will include all the surviving founding fathers of state, along with all the surviving traditional rulers who joined forces ro ensure the creation of the state on August 27, 1991, some newly installed Obas and chairmen and other top political chieftains. Also some powerful spiritualist and clerics of traditional, christian and muslims, faiths will also be invited to join them” Fagbongbe explained.

THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

COMMENT & DEBATE

59

FOREIGN NEWS

TA and the Abia resurgence •Continued from back page How to move a market One found two projects particularly spectacular and truly monumental. A sprawling, International Conference Centre whose majesty seems to symbolize the emerging new spirit of Abia and whose pillars would signpost the future of TA’s vision. But at that, this Centre is puny in size and economic impact compared to the all-new Umuahia Modern Market which one may take liberty to describe as phenomenal. The Ubeku Main Market in the heart of Umuahia was as old as the ancient city. It is comparable in location to Balogun or Akpogbon on Lagos Island or Eke Ukwu in Owerri. These are markets that have grown to become sore spots to their host cities and in need of relocation.

In achieving the most difficult task of moving Ubeku Main to the outskirts of town, TA earned his place in the history of Abia.

Relocating major city markets are the most arduous of tasks.

But he did not only do it, he did it in style creating what is probably the biggest market in Nigeria today – more than 12,000 shops traversed by a dual-carriage road and tarred lanes. A 400-unit housing estate complements it.

It is like developing from scratch, a new town but one with a huge commercial proposition.

Who does not know the importance of a market to an Igbo man? To appreciate it, when fully operational, the market will probably yield more revenue for Abia than accrues from the federation account.

It is quite obvious that Abia is on the ascendancy and that TA is the one who has been on a rescue mission and not his noisy neighbor in Imo state.

Did Nyako truly pen that memo?

You are not likely to have read the full memo (so-called) from Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State to northern governors; that is because no editor would publish such asinine and outright hate-ridden letter. It is difficult to believe that a sitting governor of Nigeria would put such poison to paper in 2014. I cannot believe that this fellow once headed the Nigerian navy.

How does he govern his state; how could a man who manifestly cannot govern his mind be left in charge of millions of people? Well we await the northern governors’ response.

A prayer for the girls Why is the matter of the over 100 little lasses abducted and held captive in a thick forest by hoodlums not attracting national attention? An indeterminate number of students have been snatched from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram gang about two weeks ago. Why are there no candle vigils; no release them protests and not prayer calls across the country? All who have little daughters will better understand the trauma of these girls’ parents. EXPRESSO hereby calls for a DAILY NOON PRAYER by all Nigerians for these girls till every one of them is released. Wherever you may be, let us all join in a little prayer for the girls at noon.

S

South Sudan President Kiir sacks army chief

OUTH Sudan's President Salva Kiir has sacked the head of the army following recent rebel advances.

The decree announcing the immediate removal of Gen James Hoth Mai did not give any reason.

The country has been in turmoil since December. Last week rebels seized the oil hub of Bentiu.

Meanwhile the UN has accused the government of providing "erroneous information" regarding a massacre of hundreds of civilians in the town.

South Sudan Minister of Information Michael Lueth was wrong to tell reporters that residents seeking protection had been barred from entering a UN base, the UN mission said in a statement.

"At no point did the mission ever turn away any civilians who came to its camp to seek

•Drops treason charge against four ‘plotters’

protection and instead opened its gates to all unarmed civilians," it added.

Gen Hoth, is from the same Nuer ethnic group as rebel leader and former Vice-President Riek Machar.

His replacement, Gen Paul Malong, is an ethnic Dinka, like President Kiir.

South Sudan analyst James Copnall says by sacking Gen Hoth, President Kiir is sending an uncompromising signal to his enemies.

Also, the country is withdrawing the case against four top politicians accused of treason that triggered the civil war, the justice minister has said.

The four, who include a former leader of the governing SPLM party, denied plotting a coup and also denied any links

Lupita Nyong'o is world's most beautiful person

K

ENYAN Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, 31, has been named the world's most beautiful person for 2014 by People magazine.

She said she "never dreamed" she would be praised for her looks and find herself on the US weekly's cover.

Nyong'o shot to fame in the film 12 Years a Slave, winning the Oscar for best supporting actress last month.

She subsequently won her first major endorsement when she

•Nyong

became the new face of French cosmetics giant Lancome.

Nyong'o said it was "exciting and a major, major compliment" to be on the cover of People.

"I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen," she is quoted by the magazine as saying.

to the ongoing fighting.

Their release had been a key demand of the rebels.

Some one million people have been forced from their homes since fighting broke out in December 2013.

Justice Minister Paulino Wanawilla said that the case was being dropped in the interest of peace and reconciliation.

He said that the four would probably be released by Friday.

The charges against the four politicians carried the maximum sentence of death and related to an alleged coup attempt

on 15 December.

South Sudan analyst James Copnall says this is a very significant step, because the trial was seen as a stumbling block to the peace talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

In addition to former Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) secretary general Pagan Amum, ex-National Security Minister Oyai Deng Ajak was cleared, as were former Defence Minister Majak D'Agoot and former ambassador to the US Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.

U.S. gives choppers, $650 million to fight terrorism in Egypt

T

HE U.S. said yesterday in Washington that it was sending 10 helicopters and 650 million dollars to help Egypt’s counter-terrorism operations.

Jen Psaki, Spokeswoman U.S. State Department, said the gesture was part of a move to lift its hold on sending military aid money and equipment to the country.

She said in the near future, 650 million dollars would be released to Egypt, adding that the money was separate from the 10 choppers.

The choppers and the 650 million dollars are to help Egypt’s counter-terrorism operations in the Sinai, border security and non-proliferation, the U.S. officials said.

Psaki said a key to releasing the 650 million dollars would

be subjected to congressional approval of documents.

She said that the documents would soon be sent to Congress by Secretary of State John Kerry.

Psaki said the documents would confirm if Egypt was upholding its strategic relationship with the U.S. and maintaining its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty.

Chuck Hagel, Egypt Secretary of Defence, informed Egypt’s defence minister, Gen. Sedki Sobhy, that U.S. does not yet believe Egypt was supporting a democratic transition.

He said it was not clear if Kerry’s “certifications’’ meant the US believes Morsi’s ouster was not a coup, nor if the other military equipment would be delivered.

NEWS

Expanded security meeting condemns Nyako’s memo

Continued from page 6

statements we make.

“And we need to be very careful that whatever we say, are either evidence based or something that can be authenticated; otherwise, there is no need to be giving terrorists the opportunity of thinking that they are succeeding.

Because a terrorist, all he wants is for him to find out that what he does is really carried out in such a way that people will have the impression that he had made an impact.”

The Federal Government, Aliyu said, would sustain the existing cooperation with neighbouring countries in the fight against terrorism.

Emphasising on the need for synergy among the security agencies, he said the

meeting also agreed that the President had the legal power to involve the military in domestic affairs.

According to him, the meeting also frowned at the issue of indigeneship in the Constitution - to make people feel secured wherever they live.

The meeting, he said, also looked at ways to domesticate Fulani herdsmen to check its clashes with farmers.

Shettima described the meeting as “fruitful”. He said it agreed on the need to deploy advanced security technology to combat terrorism.

According to him, all the stakeholders agreed to jointly tackle the challenges confronting the nation.

Gen. Gusau said: “The con-

clusion of the meeting is that the Federal Government will do everything in its powers, in collaboration with state governments, to bring this under control. Security is everybody’s responsibility and every individual should be security conscious.”

At the meeting were Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Saad Abubakar III. Other governors that attended include: Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Wille Obiano (Anambra), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) Abdufatah Ahmed (Kwara), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and Nyako (Adamawa).

Also there were: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Tanko Al Makura (Nasarawa), Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Idris Wada(Kogi) and acting Governor Umar Garba (Taraba).

Deputy governors of Oyo, Kano, Rivers, Imo, Edo, Yobe, Ogun, Plateau and Jigawa states represented their governors.

Others at the meeting were: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Federal Government Anyim Pius Anyim, Service chiefs, In-

spector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar and National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.

Heads of agencies at the meeting included those of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Ni-

gerian Immigration Service.

Some ministers who attended included Viola Onwuliri (Foreign-State I), Bala Mohammed (FCT), Abba Moro (Interior), Mohammed Adoke (Attoney General and Minister of Justice) and Abdul Jelil Adesiyan (Police Affairs).

10 injured in Lagos building collapse Continued from page 6

Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mrs. A.B Animasaun, evacuated them for proper rehabilitation.

He said two of the adult victims with major injuries were taken to Gbagada General Hospital.

Mrs. Animasaun said the engagement of the kids for

such labour constituted child abuse, urging parents to prevent their children from partaking in such exercises.

The Director of Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, and spokesman for LASEMA Kehinde Adebayo said the area had been cordoned off.

He said the victims were receiving free treatment at state-owned hospitals.

Committee recommends additional state for Southeast Continued from page 6

tional states should be considered as only five could be said to be viable of the 36 states. He said fiscal federalism would put a stop to agitation for state creation.

Senator Ahmed Aruwa said the Southeast demand was legitimate as the request had been on for long. States, he said, should be created where necessary - in line with conditions spelt out in the Constitution.

Yinka Odumakin supporting the Southesast demand, noted that frivolous demands for states would only cease when the injustice perpetrated by the government is addressed.

Senator Femi Okuromu argued that the merger of states was not the same as the creation of a new one that has stringent conditions stipulated in the extant laws.

He suggested that a referendum within the affected states should be enough to give legal backing to the merger.

But Malam Sule Hamma pointed out that a merger would mean that the constitution that gives recognition to 36 states would have been tinkered with, meaning that a constitutional amendment is taking place with such a merger.

Dr. Abubakar Mohammed said the committee should

propose a process for state merger since it has to be initialed by the people of the states involved.

According to the co-chairman of the committee, delegates decided that the process must be simplified for a merger of two or more states to occur and without prejudice to the federating unit, it must go through a referendum of 75 per cent of the people.

In addition, two-thirds majority of the states affected must pass the resolution. A simple majority at the National Assembly should suffice.

Okuronmu said the committee’s decision was a slow progress for it on the demands

of various interests in the group and the triumph of dialogue.

He noted that though the Southwest could not carry through its demand on regionalism, it gained some ground, with the adoption of merger of willing states.

“That is something that allows the West, if it wants to have a zonal government without prejudice to the states as the federating units.

“The implication is that each state would still get its dues from the centre as federating unit but they can come together as one, pool their resources to form a government for the progress and development of

their people,” Okunronmu said.

The leader of the Southeast delegation and co-chairman of the committee, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, appreciating the “understanding” and “maturity” of the members on the demand of the Southeast for an additional state, said there might be a recommendation from the committee for equality of states in the zones.

He said with agitations from across the country, there is a need to listen to eliminate marginalisation especially when someone may find it easier to aspire for national political office than from his or her own state.

•Senator Okuronmu

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THE NATION FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

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TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

KNOW that I am going out on a limb here; but it is my considered view that the question now is not whether we must restructure the country. The question is “how do we restructure?” If I am right, the battle is half-won.

Why am I so certain? For one thing, there is no formal protest against placing restructuring on the agenda of the ongoing confab. Neither has there been any objection to including a committee on restructuring as a committee of the conference. Yet, not too long ago, the very idea of restructuring was an abomination is some parts of the country, while in others it was the political equivalent of spiritual inspiration. It was unclear why the divide over the matter; knowing as should be clear to all, that every part of the country stands to benefit from a restructured polity, since no part of the country is unharmed by the present anomalous structure of centralised governance.

Now, with a committee of the confab actively and thoughtfully engaged in options for restructuring the polity, we are in a more rational realm of discourse. Not that irrationality won’t ever intrude; rather, this is a realm in which it is not too difficult to expose irrationality for what it is, the counterfeit of argument.

The simplicity and clarity of the principles that justify political restructuring along the line of true federalism can be shocking, viewed against the resistance:A nation exists to perform some functions which individuals cannot perform on their own for various reasons. With the combined forces of all, opportunities are created that empower individuals and groups for development and self-realisation. When this is the case, those individuals are able to use their creative genius to transform their societies. This was the driving force for the development and release of some of the most daring policies many years ago. Recognising this simple truth could be the magic wand that has eluded our reach for long.

Here are some of the questions that beg for answers: Is it reasonable to have an interest in maximum opportunity for individual and community development?

Shouldn’t every group of nationality aspire to such goals? If so, what kind of environment or political arrangement can provide such maximum opportunity? Can the goal of national unity justify the denial of opportunities for individual and community development? But what can justify national unity as an objective of a unitarised polity, if the means to the objective frustrates opportunities for

Predecessor as a hunch in the back

F

OLLOWING the orchestrated barrage of negative media assault on Governor T.A. Orji of Abia State, I intervened in this space early in the year in a piece, titled: “The most maligned governor in the land”.

Of course the mindless propaganda was the handiwork of T.A.’s former boss, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), who apparently still cannot live down the fact that his former ‘boy’ has grown into a man. It is a peculiarly Nigerian political conundrum that a predecessor would want to sit on the back of his successor like an ugly hunch. No leader around here breaks clean and lets the new guy do his thing (perhaps Peter Obi will buck that trend in Anambra).

That is how come OUK has chosen to be an albatross to T.A. since 2007 after he handed over the leadership of Abia to him. Being a close observer, I knew how hellish the first three years in office (between 2007 and 2010) was for T.A. He was emasculated and made inconsequential, as power was located around OUK, his mother and brother.

Imagine the asphyxiating frustration of being an executive governor only by name? This is a fact known to most Abians.

Living in bondage But what Abians may not fully comprehend

‘The Arik Air dream has run out of gas. Its touted machinery sputters like a vehicle engine in excruciating spells of devastating wear.

Today, it fails to deliver to its customers, that superior, quality service it blatantly arrogates to itself on its corporate website...’

VOL.9 NO.2829

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

How do we restructure?

•President Goodluck Jonathan

individual and community development?

Does national unity self-justify?

Any group of people with an eye on the preparedness of its future generation to keep it safe from extinction must reject an arrangement that discriminates against their children. A structure that treats the youth as second-class citizens in the provision of employment and penalises, rather than reward their merit, must, therefore, be an anathema to any nationality or culture group.

We have a common human nature. In search of the means of good livelihood, our people migrate from their locales to other parts of the country even when the prospect of their being victims of indiscriminate violence is great. A restructured polity does not discourage this human necessity; it enhances it. Centralisation aggravates prejudice and chauvinism because it pits one group against the other. When the centre is less attractive, attention is directed to the development of the regions and states. It seems to me that every individual and/or community shares the aspirations of a decent society where justice and fair-play rule and the dignity of every human being is guaranteed. Therefore any individual or group that subscribes to

these fundamental principles of a federalised polity must not oppose the restructuring of the Nigerian political system.

The issue that the Committee on Restructuring has opened up for rational discussion is “how to restructure” or what “model of restructuring”, which comes down to “what kind of federal structure.”

Competing positions that have been canvassed inside the committee room include using regions or zones or states as the building blocks of a new federal system. As reported in the media, while some canvassed a central government with states as federating units, others opted for zones as federating units, while yet others argued for a threeregion federation as it was at the beginning of the first republic. While one acknowledges that there is still much uncertainty and confusion about this confab, and there is justified skepticism about motives and intentions, the fact that we have been able to move the discourse to this level is a cause for joy. For, even assume the confab ultimately fails, no one can rationally brush aside or ignore the need for restructuring.

Is it then state or zones or regions? Let us avoid multiplying entities without necessity.

It appears to me that regional and zonal structures are one and the same. The argument for a zonal-based federal structure is identical with the argument for a regional-based structure, provided we avoid any specificity about numbers. Therefore, if the exponents of a three-region federal structure are willing to entertain a friendly amendment that does away with the number of regions, there is no reason they cannot share an agreement with the exponents of a zonal-based federation.

There are good arguments for regionalisation, the first of which is the obvious fact that we have had the state-based structure for almost forty years and it isn’t working. As presently constituted, we do not have a genuine federalism because the states are not equal partners and are only little more than appendages of the federal government.

This is a structural imbalance that demands urgent attention. Ninety per cent of the states

OLA T U N J I O LO L A D E AT

cannot call the bluff of the federal government in the matter of resources as Chief Awolowo did in 1958, simply because these states have no internally generated revenue to match the demands of their citizens and discharge their constitutional responsibilities. What this portends is the imminence of the collapse of the federal system and the emergence of a thorough going unitary system. Second, there is nothing in regionalism or zonalism that is antithetical to the Nigerian value or its primordial system. Federalists reference the importance of the “federal quality”, which inheres in a particular nation, disposing it favourably to the adoption of a federal system. Chief Awolowo referred to this as the linguistic or ethnic principle. The regional or zonal structure pretty much captures this quality in us and it cannot be wished away.

The North itself is the most vivid example of the veneration of this quality. The reason that the North prefers a North-South rotational presidency is that it affirms the north as one.

Even when the constitution provides for states as governing structures, the Northern states act in concert. A regional structure will only formally enhance the success of what is hitherto an informal arrangement between state birds of a feather.Third, one way a formal regional arrangement will promote success is in the matter of resource generation and integrated development. The present structure does not support regional coordination of development in many areas, including transportation, internal security, health delivery and education. For instance, if there are viable constituent units, such as regions or zones, the federal government has no business in education, including higher education. As regional university, the University of Ife (now O.A.U.) was doing extremely well before it was taken over by the Federal Government. Now there are a number of state universities that are no more than glorified secondary schools and are not ashamed of producing unemployable graduates. What becomes of our present states? We cannot wish away the reality of forty years history in the life of a nation.

Therefore the states must still be reckoned with. Our pre- and post-independence systems included provincial administrations, which served as the intermediary between regions and district governments. Our present states are pretty much similar to the provincial administrations of that era. Indeed, there have been agitations for creation of states on the basis of the boundaries of erstwhile provincial administrations. In a new regional or zonal-based federation, this is the place of states.

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

T.A. and the Abia resurgence is that the state was not only in bondage for 11 years under OUK, it was in speedy regression into a Hobbessian entity where dog was virtually eating dog. There was so much activity and little governance; there were resources but hardly any development; a few power cabals grew fat while the people were famished. I had an inkling of the situation but didn’t realise the depth of the trauma until I met Eze Chikamnayo recently. Eze was in OUK’s cabinet and he is currently the Information Commissioner in Abia State. He is probably the best information commissioner in the land today. Lean like a lizard, but doughty and indefatigable with it.

He is very passionate and lapses into poetry when he talks about the Abia situation past and present - OUK’s dark regime and TA’s liberat-

ing new era.

The making of a modern Abia Showing some senior journalists around Umuahia, the state capital, Eze challenged them to identify one notable project accomplished by his former boss in eight years (plus three) and, if proven to be true, he would resign. He was emphatic that having served the two governors, he is in a position to know the difference and that he would be willing to debate his assertions with anyone on any television platform. In all his tribulations in the hands of the ancient regime, providence must have been preparing T.A. to break the yoke of a fiendish and fetish past and let in a blast of light and fresh air,

Eze opined.

Eze is much buoyed and, indeed, boisterous in showing off the new projects “erupting” all over Abia. He is proud that his state has finally found its bearing and that he is a part of the T.A. team building modern Abia. Abia will never be the same again after T.A., he declared. Never again the dark ages; the current ascendancy will have to be sustained by all means, Eze proclaimed tirelessly.

Indeed, he showed off numerous landmark projects, most of them freshly minted and many more in stages of construction. There is indeed a commitment to revamp the state and leave lasting legacies. For instance, a new layout called Ogurube has become Abia’s new administrative base, hosting the new government house complex, new secretariat complex and new e-library, among over a dozen other MDA complexes. The state had ramshackle colonial sheds as government house and admin offices.

There is an airport in the making in Umuahia North, a seaport coming up at Oboaku, new high court buildings in Aba and Umuahia, Aba International Auto Market, Abia New Industrial Market and a modern bus park in Umuahia. There is also a more laudable venture into commercial agric, like the revival of the state’s palm plantation, cocoa plantation and a cashew drying field.

•Continued on page 59

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