The Nation Aug 14, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

‘40m Nigerians unemployed’ •SURE-P boss laments

NEWS

Page 7

News al-Mustapha: Lagos back in court P10 Sports Mikel drops out of Mandela match P24 Business Banks raise N105b sinking cashP55 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2576 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

EIGHTH DAY PRAYER FOR PA IBRAHIM ADEMOLA FASHOLA

•From left: Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko, Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu during the Eighth Day Fidau (prayer) for Fashola’s father, the late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos…yesterday. SEE ALSO PAGES 59 & 61

Okonjo-Iweala: Govt can’t pay N92b ASUU wages request

Obasanjo blames poor leadership on younger generation

•61 varsities to get N100b

F

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HERE seems to be no way out of the teachers’ strike that has crippled the universities.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is pushing for, among others, better pay, but Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela said yesterday that the Federal Government has no resources to meet the union’s demands.

The strike is five weeks old. Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said the lecturers were asking for N92 billion in extra allowances, Continued on page 4

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo dissected yesterday the poor leadership problem confronting Africa and lampooned the younger generation of leaders as a failure.

Obasanjo, who gave a keynote address at the summit on leadership failure in Africa, posited that his generation led the way with purposeful, progressive, vision-

General Obasanjo simply told outright lies to massage his ego and damage the reputation of his colleagues...it was time to tear the painted mask of Obasanjo’s lies —SEE BACK PAGE From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ary leadership marked by accountability and probity. He stressed that younger gener-

ation of leaders, however, failed to continue with the good legacy that his generation left.

Continued on page 4

PDP crises: Governors clash at Abuja peace meeting Amaechi, Akpabio in shouting match Talks rescheduled

F •Obasanjo

OR about two hours Monday night, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded words before ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on the crises threatening to cripple the ruling party.

The ex-President had asked the governors to speak on their grievances.

Each had three minutes.

President Goodluck Jonathan was not at the meeting, which was tagged “exploratory”.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The open complaint approach, however, created tension, with governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) engaging in a shouting match.

After taking complaints from all, Obasanjo said the meeting would continue last night.

It was learnt that there were eight issues tabled at the tension-soaked meeting at the Presidential Villa.

They are: division within PDP leadership; disagreement between some governors and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; the implosion in the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF); crises in some states; Anambra governorship poll; Rivers crisis; reconciliation within the party; and the alarm raised by five northern governors on how to keep the party intact and win the 2015 poll.

It was learnt that most of the governors spoke on the eight issues.

Obasanjo chose only to be a listener and a moderator.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Obasanjo made sure he met alone with the governors. Contrary to the expectations of some of the governors, President Goodluck Jonathan was not at the session.

“Apparently acting on representations made by various governors to him, Obasanjo set the tone of the meeting, which he said had to do with the Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •LIFE P25 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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NEWS

Why babies

•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (middle), Chairman, Development Policy Centre, Ibadan Prof. Akin Mabogunje (left); and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan Prof. Isaac Adewole at the Annual African Sustainable Development Network Summit in Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Determining the right age for a girl to marry is a topic that generates heat. It recently did at the National Assembly.

Experts believe that girls, who marry before their early 20s, are five times likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth, or suffer from Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), low birth weight and UteroVaginal Fistula (UVF), write OYEYEMI GBENGAMUSTAPHA and WALE ADEPOJU

I •From left: Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike discussing with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Dr. MacJohn Nwabiala and the Director of Basic and Secondary Education Chike Uweazuoke, during the opening of a workshop on International Public Sector Accounting Standards for Bursars of all Unity Schools in Abuja...yesterday.

•From left: Vice-President, Data and Digital, Airtel Nigeria Nintin Anaud, Vice-President, West and Central Africa, Nokia Nick Imudia, General Manager, Nokia Nigeria Chris Brown and Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Airtel Nigeria Inusa PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU Bello at the launch of Nokia Asha 210 and 501 in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Maj-Gen Raji Rasaki; wife of the author of 'Revolution in Accountancy Profession in Nigeria' Shirley Sosanya, the author, Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya; Director of Medical Service /Ophthalmalogist, Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan Dr. Abisoye Alabi and former Director of Finance, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Mr. Dotun Oyefodunrin during the presentation of the book in Lagos...on Monday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

N her life, nothing, perhaps, had been more shocking. She was not the only one stunned. Many who witnessed the discovery at the same time with her were also shocked.

They all kept wondering how a woman could live for over 60 years with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) .

Wife of Adamawa State Governor Dr Halima Nyako said she was alarmed by her discovery. Mrs. Nyako said: “It is unfortunate to find an aged woman living with VVF for the past 60-years in the state and the development is quite alarming.”

She said records from the Ministry of Health shows that VVF infection is on the increase. Mrs. Nyako said the records also indicated that about 218 women in the state were infected with the disease last year.

“Following the alarming infection rate of the disease, very soon the state government will establish VVF treatment centre in the state, ’’ she said.

Commissioner for Health Mrs Lilian Ishaku said the government was concerned about the high rate of VVF infection.

The Adamawa situation is just a fraction of the between 15,000 and 20,000 new cases of VVF , which the country records yearly, according to consultant surgeon, Dr Kess Valdek, at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Programme Manager, USAID Fistula Care Project in Nigeria Chief Iyeme Efem said more than 200,000 women in Nigeria are suffering from VVF. The VVF patients, according to Efem, represent about 40 per cent of cases of the scourge in the world.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital that the disturbing magnitude of VVF prevalence in the country made the Federal Government order care for 66,000 patients in 2013.

“The prevalence of the scourge in Nigeria is worrisome and President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered that 66,000 persons living with VVF conditions should be given free repair surgery in 2013,’’ he said.

Efem said a National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria, covering 2011 to 2015 was currently in place, adding, however, that the President’s target might not be attained in 2013.

He attributed his fear to lack of funds, saying that due to inadequate funding, USAID was only able to carry out repair surgeries on not more than 8, 000 patients in its centres across the country in 2012.

“Federal Government’s budgetary

•A cross section of VVF patients during a free medical treatment at the Adamawa Specialists Hospital, Jimeta-Yola.

PHOTO: NAN

‘

Girls, who marry between the ages of 10 and 14, are five times likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women in their early 20s. And an estimated 14 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth each year. They are twice more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women in their 20s.

‘

provision for the care of VVF patients in 2011 and 2012 were N300 million and N250 million, respectively; but the money was not released and no one could account for it,’’ he said.

He said the cost of repair surgery on a VVF patient was 250 dollars (about N39,000), adding that an additional N50,000 was required for the rehabilitation of the patient after surgery.

He urged the relevant authorities to release all approved funds for the handling of the scourge.

“It took us a lot of time and energy to convince the Federal Ministry of Health to provide and pursue budget for VVF treatment in the country.’’

The USAID programme manager said dearth of professionals in the field was another drawback to meeting the target.

“In Nigeria, we are still in dire need of trained medical personnel on VVF. Only a few Nigerian doctors and nurses have ventured into the treatment of VVF and this will affect the government’s programme in that area, this year.

“Repairing VVF is time-consuming because the disease is often complicated. It means that only few sufferers can have their cases repaired in two weeks or a month, if the patient is not to suffer a relapse.’’

One of the causes of VVF is early

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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NEWS

should not make babies, by experts

•Minister of Health Prof. Onyewuchi Chukwu

sexual intercourse, usually experienced by under-aged brides. The President, Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof Adebiyi Olowu, described early marriage as an abuse of the right of the child.

Olowu said: “The medical consequences of girl-child marriage, which includes development of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and Utero-Vaginal Fistula (UVF), low birth weight baby delivery, birth asphyxia among others should strongly be a deterrent to this act that is universally condemnable. The United Nations and several other conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory affirms 18 years as the age of maturity. It is no surprise that the age of 18 years is also the age that adulthood begins and the age at which an individual is allowed to vote and permitted to drive and own bank account among others.”

The association’s National Secretary, Dr Jerome Elusiyan said: “PAN expresses shock over this development and calls for the immediate reinstatement of the clause. The attention of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has been drawn to the clause in the new constitution proposal to the effect that the age of marriage which has been traditionally put at 18 years has been removed. It is totally wrong in all ramifications.

Our association rejects that amendment to age.”

Adjunct Professor of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Chief Medical Director, Medical Art Centre, Ikeja, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, said victims of early marriage risk dam-

aging their uterus.

He said: “The next issue has to do with the process of delivering the baby. There is a very high proportion of damage to the uterus and the vaginal as a result of the head of the baby compressing these structures while coming out because of the narrow under developed passage. This can result in a communication between the womb passage and the bladder called the Vesico-Vaginal Fistula and Utero-Vaginal Fistula as well as several other complications.”

Ashiru said: “Globally, according to UNICEF, 36 per cent of women aged 20 to 24 were married or in a union, forced or consensual, before they had reached 18. Girls, who marry between the ages of 10 and 14, are five times as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth as women in their early 20s. And an estimated 14 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth each year. They are twice more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women in their 20s.

“The facts also show that these children are denied any form of selfreliance. They are exposed to poor nutrition and inadequate health care.

Even when the husband is wealthy, the stigma of marring a young child does not enable him to get good hospital for the young child thereby making use of traditional herbalist.

Taken together one would suggest that on health grounds, early marriage is a very major problem and this is the view of the global population.”

Consultant Obstetrician and

Gynaecologist Dr Lateef Akinola also shared a similar view. He said: “The implications of the girl-child marriage are many. Girls married off early soon after menarche about age 9 to 11 years are deprived of education.

“They will go into forced marriages and child bearing at this tender early age with lack of education.

With poor earning power they will be dependent on their spouse or families. They are poor and thus faced with poor nutrition, serious health risks, and curtailed access to healthcare such as antenatal care in pregnancy. Lack of education and decent employment further brings little or no income to them and family.

“And when pregnant, often they are unaware of the physiological consequences of pregnancy and what care needed and how to access such care. If they live far away from town or hospitals with little or no money or easy access to transport, they therefore end up having little or no antenatal care. Some of them will eventually be delivered by traditional birth attendants (TBA) in their rural or local communities, who lack good knowledge of care of women in labour and cannot carry out needed obstetric interventions like assisted vaginal births or emergency caesarean section (CS) when necessary. These young girls are thus prone to having prolonged labour lasting several days with resultant obstetric fistula involving holes connecting the vagina, the urinary bladder or the rectum; and their conse-

Health workers threaten to down tools

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HE Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) on the 2009 agreement between the union and the government.

Justice B.A. Adejumo ruled in favour of JOHESU, but dismissed their prayers on the National Health Bill.

JOHESU, in a letter to the Minister of Labour, said: "All items on part 2 of our agreement of December 2, 2009, are deemed as accrued rights, and therefore should be implemented to the later; those earlier appointed as Consultants and their letter withdrawn should be immediately returned to their hith-

FromVincent Ikuomola, Abuja

erto status with full pay and arrears; negotiation should commence towards the review of Shift Duty, Call Duty and other allowances and members who were adversely affected by the circular on skipping of CONHESS 10 should be appropriately placed with accrued arrears from the date they were reverted paid to them.

"We urge your ministry to give life to the judgment by immediately complying with the ruling and decisions of the court within 21 days from the date of this letter.

"In the failure of your ministry to do this within the aforesaid 21 days, JOHESU shall not be able to guarantee industrial peace and harmony in the health industry within the

length and breadth of the federation of Nigeria, and the body should not be held responsible for this."

It would be recalled that the Minister of Labour and Productivity after failing to resolve the dispute between the Ministry of Health and JOHESU, in June 2012, referred the case to NIC to resolve the contending issues.

"The contending issues included: none- skipping of salary CONHESS 10, national health bill, consultancy and specialist allowances and call/ shift duty and other professional allowances.

Chief Press Secretary to the Ministry, Isiaka Yusuf, however said: "I am not aware of the judgment nor the letter you are talking about, so I cannot comment on it."

quences.”

The consultant added that sexual intercourse by an underage has other implications: “The consequences are physical, social and economic. Physical health consequences leakage of urine, faeces, tissue infection, bad smelly vaginal discharge and odour around them. Severe debilitating pelvic and or systematic infections occurs frequently as result of this.

They are most times confined to their houses consequently and wearing permanent sanitary towels. Those without money to buy the towels leak urine and faeces wherever they go, going about with the stench of urine and faeces. They are thus despised by family, husbands and friends. They live in isolation with its psychological effects.

“Eventually they become outcast from society and live a reclusive lives. The risks here are early deaths from disease, attempted suicide and suicide and malnutrition. Thus a wasted live and opportunity.”

On best way to prevent these sad turn of events of girl-child marriage, Dr Akinola said: “Societal awareness of the sad implications of short or long term consequences of forced girl/child marriage should be highlighted. There should be free access to compulsory education at such early age. Health education should be taught. Treatment should be free for those already affected, with proper physical therapy and socioeconomic support, that is pre and post treatment.

“Support groups and VVF health champions to form the bastion of

needed pillar of support for those already afflicted. There should be laws to discourage and ban girl-child marriage and such forced practices.”

Another Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Dr Ayodeji Oluwole, said early sexual intercourse for an under-aged could lead to Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) or Recto Vaginal Fistula (RVF).

“Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) or Recto Vaginal Fistula (RVF) is caused by ‘unrelieved’ obstructed labour. It is common in the North and Southsouth of the country. VVF results from the breakdown in the tissue between the vaginal wall and the bladder or rectum caused by unrelieved obstructed labour. It can be prevented by allowing expectant mothers have a caesarian section (C and S) than having their babies through normal deliveries.”

But, Dr Halliru Idris, a VVF surgeon in Katsina State, said early marriage does not cause VVF once the woman attends ante-natal care.

Idris said: “Early marriage does not cause VVF, provided that a pregnant woman attends ante-natal care.

Majority of women don’t go for antinatal care.

“There is need for women to attend ante-natal care as part of the measures to prevent VVF and reduce the maternal and child mortality.

“It is often caused by childbirth (in which case it is known as an obstetric fistula), when a prolonged labour presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesicovaginal wall.”

PDP: we’ll win Lagos, 12 others

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From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

HE National Reconciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to capture the 13 states under the control of opposition parties.

Chairman of the committee, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, who met with party members from the 13 states at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, said the PDP was making progress in reconciliation efforts.

According to him, the PDP was a national party that had risen far above ethnic and religious sentiments. He urged members to always channel their grievances through laid down party channels.

A member of the committee and a former Deputy Senate President , Ibrahim Mantu said PDP members in most of the states under the control of opposition parties were being marginalised in federal appointments.

He promised that the committee would see to it that the various observations were forwarded to the Presidency with the view to addressing the imbalances.

Party members who met with the committee were from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Nasarawa and Imo states.Others are Anambra, Edo, Borno, Yobe and Zamfara states.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

NEWS ‘Govt can’t pay N92b ASUU wages request’ Continued from page 1

•Commanding Officer, Special Military Operation Unit in Mubi, Lt.-Col. Beyidi Gurama (second right), displaying some arms, PHOTO: NAN ammunition, explosives and money recovered from suspected insurgents in Mubi, Adamawa…yesterday.

PDP crises: Governors clash at Abuja peace meeting Continued from page 1

challenges being faced by PDP. “He told us that the meeting would be ‘exploratory’ and each of the 23 governors of the party will be allowed to talk for only three minutes on why the party is in crises and the polarisation of PDP governors.

“Shortly after the introductory remarks, the governors started speaking on their grievances and how to resolve the crises rocking the party.

“Virtually all the governors agreed that things were upside down in the party.”

A governor reportedly told Obasanjo: “We know you can address the challenges facing PDP. If we go into election in this state, our party will lose in 2015. Please, don’t be tired to resolve these problems.”

Another source spoke of how a governor said there was no point discussing the points being raised by five northern governors because, in his view, they had made up their mind to go to another party.

“But Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso interjected by saying: ‘No one is defecting to another party; we are not going to any new or merger party. We will remain in PDP and restore order. That is not the intention of the five governors when we decided to intervene.”

A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some of us tried to draw Obasanjo’s attention to the fact that the disagreement on the election of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, was an integral part of the crises affecting PDP.

“Some anti-Amaechi governors shouted no, no, no. They insisted that the NGF crisis had nothing to do with PDP problems. They said the NGF problem was unconnected with the stress in PDP.” On the reported shouting match between Amaechi and Akpabio, a governor, who pleaded not to be named, said Amaechi attributed the crisis to the attitude of some PDP governors, “who will always go behind their colleagues to tell the President a different thing to curry favour”.

Amaechi was quoted as saying: “Each time we all took a collective decision, some of our colleagues will go and tell the President a different story to show that they were not part of it.”

But the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Akpabio, disagreed with Amaechi saying “that is not correct; it is not true.”

Akpabio said the ongoing reconciliation within the PDP is giving chieftains of the opposition party sleepless night.

Responding to a question, the source, a governor, said: “After exhausting ourselves and trading words, Obasanjo merely adjourned the meeting to Tuesday night.

“The former President did not blame anyone and refused to pass verdict on comments or submissions of the governors.”

It could not be immediately ascertained if President Goodluck Jonathan would be part of the second round meeting, which was in progress last night.

Boko Haram damages Nigeria’s reputation, says govt

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HE Federal Government yesterday lamented that the activities of Boko Haram has damaged the country’s reputation.

It described the killing on Sunday of 44 people in Konduga, Borno State by people suspected to be Boko Haram

•UN, UK condemn killings From Yusuf Alli, Gbade Ogunwale Abuja and Isma’il Alfa Abdulrahim, Maiduguri

members as “desperate and isolated.”

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon urged Boko Haram to cease further

attacks.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent violent attacks that have killed scores of civilians in the local-

ities of Mafa and Konduga in Borno state,” his spokesperson said in a Statement.

Mr. Ban called on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and other peaceful means.

“The Secretary-General reitContinued on page 57

but maintained that the government has no such cash.

Speaking in Minna at the yearly National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) with the theme: “Restructuring Nigeria’s Finances”, the minister said the ASUU demand was coming when government was making efforts at reducing the structure of public expenditures.

Her words: “At present, ASUU wants the government to pay N92bn in extra allowances when resources are not there and when we are working to integrate past increases in pensions. We need to make choices in this country as we are getting to the stage where recurrent expenditures take the bulk of our resources and people get paid but can do no work.”

If the demands of the university lecturers are met and “we continue to pay them salaries and allowances, we will not be able to provide infrastructure in the universities”, Mrs OkonjoIweala said.

The minister argued that when she assumed office, “the share of recurrent expenditure in our total budgets had increased astronomically”.

“In fact, recurrent expenditures accounted for about 77.2 per cent of the federal budget and we are now working to rebalance this ratio,” She said.

Maintaining that Nigeria is still suffering from the effect of the 2010 increase in salaries, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala asked “if we want to get to a stage in this country that all the money we earn is used to pay salaries and allowances?”

She lamented also that Nigeria’s over dependence on oil has resulted in deterioration of nonoil tax, noting that in 1970 nonoil taxes accounted for 74 per cent of the country’s revenues, but by 2012 it had declined to only 30% of Federal Government revenues.

“Many states and local governments are also dependent on monthly revenue allocation from the central government.

On average, only 11 per cent of sub-national revenue was obtained from internally generated sources.”

She said the volume of external and internal debts of the

country had been increasing.

“In fact in August 2006 when I left office, we had a total of $17.3bn, comprised $3.5bn in foreign debt and $13.8bn in domestic debt.

The minister went on: “By 2011 when I returned to office, the total debt stood at $47.9bn and the domestic debt had grown to about $42.3bn’.

The minister, however, said the Federal Government had taken measures to revamp the economy, adding that these measures had started yielding fruitful dividends in direct capital investment in the country and in establishment of industries and agro-based firms.

Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Ahmed Ibeto, asked the Federal Government to plug all the areas of wastages in the oil sector of the economy and check pipeline vandalisation across the country.

Aliyu suggested that Nigeria should put more emphasis on the non-oil sector, particular agriculture, now that many countries have discovered and are now refining oil.

The Federal Government Committee on the needs assessment report in Nigerian Universities yesterday reached an agreement with representatives of ASUU on the decaying infrastructure in universities. This follows the adoption the Technical Committee’s report.

The Committee chaired by Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam which rose from a long meeting at the Benue Governor’s lodge Asokoro, Abuja, last night said it had reached an agreement with ASUU to deploy N100 billion for provision of infrastructure on the campuses of 61 universities covered in the needs assessment report earlier carried out by a committee of the Federal Government.

Based on the agreement therefore, the only matter in contention is the issue of the earned allowances which Governor Suswam assured would be dealt with on Monday. since the Federal Government has made substantial offer to the striking lecturers.

The Technical Committee chaired by Dr Banfa, a nominee of ASUU had proposed in it’s report that the N100billion be shared to all the 61Federal Continued on page 57

Obasanjo blames poor leadership on younger generation Continued from page 1

The former president spoke at the Fourth Annual Ibadan Sustainable Development Summit organised by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan(UI), in collaboration with African Sustainable Development Network (ASUDNET).

Commenting on poor leadership in Africa, Obasanjo noted that the crop of younger generation leaders failed the citizens.

The former president also lumpooned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with the “failed generation of leaders”, saying it was the reason he did not hand over to him.

He specifically labelled Atiku as a betrayer while making reference to others who failed to live up to expectation when he invited them to serve.

Obasanjo listed the failed leaders to include former House of Representatives Speaker Salisu Buhari; former Bayelsa State Governor, Deprieye Alamieseigha; former Edo State Governor

Lucky Igbinedion, former Delta State Governor James Ibori; and and his counterpart in Abia State during the last dispensation, Orji Uzor Kalu.

Though he listed former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the list, Obasanjo quickly paused and avoided further comments on him. Tinubu is one of the national leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Referring to his administration as president in his answer to a question. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief said: “We had some people, who were under-50 years in leadership positions.

One of them was James Ibori; where is he today? One of them was Alamieseigha; where is he today? Lucky Igbinedion; where is he today?

“The youngest was the Speaker, Buhari. You can still recall what happened to him.” Obasanjo claimed that the allegation against Tinubu were not properly investigated, adding that a former governor of Oyo State bungled the investigation.

The former president went

on: “I wanted someone who would succeed me so I took Atiku. Within a year, I started seeing the type of man Atiku is. And you want me to get him there? Atiku’s media office, in a statement

by Mallam Garba Shehu, said: -”Yes, President Obasanjo is right. He didn’t know Atiku well. It was later he got to know him as a fighter for democracy and defender of the constitution.”

“I once went to Tanzania because Julius Nyere recognised Biafra. He told me not to mind his aides and others in government. They would say they have one house in town but their five-year old sons and daughters would have houses all over.

“Some of you who are condemning the leadership would get there tomorrow and it will be a different story. Only very few are actually good.

“Abacha, my predecessor, got $750 million. Through our lawyer in Switzerland, we recovered $1.25 billion and the lawyer still said there is probably still another $1 billion to be recovered. In

1979, we had 20 new ships specially built for Nigeria.

When I came back 20 years after, the National Shipping line had liquidated.

“The whole thing is not just about leadership. If we talk about good leadership, you should also talk about good followers. If you talk about human rights you should also talk about human duties and obligations.

“It is sad that after 53 years of independence we have no leader that we can commend.

Then we are jinxed and cursed; we should all go to hell. The problem in Africa is that when one person takes over he would not see any good thing that his predecessor did. Let us condemn but with caution.”

On “Leadership in Africa’s Quest for Sustainable Development”, the former president said the topic came when humanity is in search of innovative ways of managing globally shared challenges.

He listed some of the problems confronting the country as insecurity and unemployment, stressing that good

leadership can stop them all.

Obasanjo said: “The Nigerian state is currently beset with myriad of security, economic, environmental and social challenges. The issue of security is the most pervasive, not only in terms of Boko Haram but also in terms of armed robbery, kidnapping, corruption, drug and human trafficking. We can only ignore this at our own collective peril. Peace and security require effective and proactive leadership and people’s support. Without adequate mechanism to restore peace, the country risks losing more lives and property and in particular, the goal of sustainable development will be out of reach.

“Youths unemployment threatens to further worsen the problem of crime if adequate care is not taken. The vulnerability we are all exposed to because of having millions of unemployed people can only worsen when the problem is treated with neglect. The lack of job opportunities for able and capable citizens will only make them lose hope in the system

•Atiku and thereby become frustrated, and make them desperate and fall into despair, bringing Continued on page 57

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14, 2013

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NEWS NESREA seizes 15 vessels with e-wastes From Olugbenga Adanikin and Jane Maha, Abuja

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HE National Environ mental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has impounded 15 vessels laden with electronic and other toxic waste products, its DirectorGeneral, Mrs. Ngeri Benebo, has said.

She said the seizures were made within the first six years of the agency’s operation.

Mrs Benebo said NESREA, through its campaign against toxic imports, made an importer to pay a $500,000 bonds before being allowed to return with the toxic.

She said: “Through the enforcement of the National Environmental Regulations, 2011, 15 vessels have been impounded for importing ewastes. Such vessels were made to return their offensive cargoes to their ports of origin.

“Several litigation on ewaste importation into the country are still ongoing in various courts; a vessel was made to post a bond of $500,000 before it was allowed to sail back with its ewaste, which it had brought into the country.”

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Chief Press Secretary, Sule Oyofo, NESREA said it had begun the conviction of two top executives in the United States for exporting e-waste to developing countries.

The convicted persons, Tor Olson and Brandon Richter, are executive members of Executive Recycling Incorporation in the US. They were prosecuted by William Martinez and got 14 and 30 months jail terms.

Judge decries abuse of arrest

•Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) protesting the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and fee increment on PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHAEL Ikorodu Road, Lagos...yesterday

PDP close to total reconciliation, says Akpabio T HE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said yesterday the ongoing reconciliation in the party was almost complete.

Addressing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Akpabio denied any rift among the PDP governors.

He said all the PDP governors were working for the progress of the party.

Nigeria, he said, would continue to enjoy good governance under his party.

Akpabio said: “All of us are there because it’s a national party. It belongs to all Nige-

By Joseph Jibueze

A

JUDGE of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Justice Mohammed Yinusa, yesterday criticised the police for abusing their powers to arrest and detain suspects.

He noted that instead of the police carrying out their duties with “care”, they “cage” those they are supposed to protect.

“The police must carry out their duties with care. They are not meant to harass, intimidate and cage the innocent citizens they are meant to protect,” the judge said.

Justice Yinusa made the remarks in a verdict he delivered in a fundamental rights suit filed by a businessman, Manasseh Obadiah Zorto, against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit (SFU); the former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, and other police officers.

Until August 28, last year, the applicant was the executive director of Tita-Kuru Petrochemicals Limited, owned by Danjuma.

He was accused of misappropriating the company’s fund and was subsequently arrested.

“The respondents refused to follow the laid-down procedure. They acted rashly and impetuously. Non-compliance with the law makes the steps taken by the respondents unconstitutional, null and void,” the judge held.

T

•Jonathan briefed on Southwest congress, others

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

rians. I am happy with the progress being made to ensure total reconciliation. I am hopeful that at the end of this exercise Nigeria will continue to enjoy good governance.

“I have just met with the President to report on the progress we are making towards the Southwest’s congress that is coming up on August 24 and the national convention coming up on

August 31. You know I am a member of the Planning Committee.

“I am the Chairman of the Finance Committee and by 3pm this afternoon, the entire Finance Committee will be meeting so that by tomorrow we report to the entire body of the National Planning Committee towards a hitch-free congress in the Southwest and towards a hitch-free national convention. You know that even in the meeting, what we are talking about are part and

parcel of the processes of rebuilding the party and ensuring total reconciliation.

“All the steps being taken are in the right direction to ensure cohesion and bring back all the party faithful, particularly the body of governors. They need to come together to work as one in the interest of Nigeria and the interest of the PDP.” On the five aggrieved northern governors, he said: “I don’t know anything about any five aggrieved governors. I do know that all the governors of the PDP are working towards the success of the party.”

“I am not aware of any five aggrieved governors. But one thing I can assure you of is that

TUC urges govts to avert floods

HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the three tiers of government to check impending floods, which were predicted and reported in the newspapers.

In a statement yesterday, the union’s President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, said: “It beats the imagination of the congress that our politicians are busy quarrelling, engaging in fisticuffs and casting aspersions on one another in electronic and print media, just because of 2015 elections, at a time many Nigerians have died on our dilapidated roads and as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency, ocean surges and floods.

“The congress and other Nigerians are tired of all the drama and laxity in gover-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

nance, which we consider disgraceful, unhealthy distraction and a ploy from some quarters to continually deny Nigerians good governance and dividends of our hardearned democracy.

“In Rivers State, for instance, it is the tax payers’ money that will be used to fix whatever the lawmakers damaged during the free-forall, which took place on the floor of the Assembly recently.

“Just at the weekend, it was reported that it would take the North over 20 years to recover what has been lost since the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency started.

“Last year, several lives

were lost and several states of the federation lost farmlands and livestock to floods, a situation which – from all indications – might lead to food scarcity this year.

“Unfortunately, our leaders are apparently oblivious of the boldly-written handwriting on the wall. We wonder what the fate of the economy would be in the next few years, if this unpalatable trend continues. And what about the adverse effects of the flight of multinational companies and mass importation of foreign goods and services?

“In saner environments, the prediction of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), that floods may affect as many as 90 local government areas in the coun-

try, this year, would keep leaders with conscience awake, but not in our clime.

Our leaders’ medicine-afterdeath approach has never and can never take the country forward.

“Are they waiting for the floods to occur so they can send their condolences and relief materials? Are they waiting for it to happen before action can be taken? These are the pertinent questions bugging the congress.

“We feel pained that the very essence of governance is being defeated. Indeed, it is the anticipation of congress that Nigerians are much the wiser now and will no longer cast their votes for people who, over the years, have betrayed the trust reposed in them.”

Vision 20:2020 not visible, says don

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UNIVERSITY don, Prof Mike Obadan, has said the proposed Vision 2020 by the Federal Government cannot be achieved.

He listed some of the constraining factors as poverty, poor implementation of agriculture and manufacturing policies, among others.

Obadan, who teaches Economics at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), explained that the vision’s blueprint was prepared amidst a deep economic recession.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

According to him, poverty has increased from 54.4 per cent in 2012, meaning that 112,518,507 Nigerians now live in poverty.

The don spoke at the monthly seminar series of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on the topic: Nigeria Vision 20:2020: Prospects and Challenges.

The economic expert

noted that increased poverty has led to low human development.

He said: “Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI) was O.471 in 2012, placing the country as a low human development country with the rank of 153rd of 186 countries.

“The relatively strong growth has not translated into broad-based economic and social development needed to lift millions of people out of poverty and reduce inequalities. Indeed, rather

curiously, the incidence of poverty has been increasing, suggesting that growth has been poverty-increasing.

“Also, unemployment is high and increasing; inequality index is high and worsening while human development is low.”

Obadan noted that the potential challenges of the vision were manifest from the beginning, because the blueprint was prepared against the backdrop of deep economic recession.

•Akpabio

there are jitters in the camp of the opposition, with the meetings of the PDP governors and the national convention, which is coming up. This is because as soon as the PDP puts its house in order, you know the result is that Nigerians will follow.”

Advice for APC leadership From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Ekiti State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Jide Awe, has urged the leadership of the party to rise above partisan interests to win majority support and acceptance across the country.

The party chairman said the APC must “live its name and prove its progressive stand” by ensuring that every Nigerian has a sense of belonging under the new political arrangement”.

Awe spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the party and hoisting of its flag in AdoEkiti, the state capital.

He said: “We further appeal to the leadership of this party to put aside whatever has been dividing us in the past for us to forge ahead as one united entity. Together, we must champion a new course for the development of all nooks and crannies of Nigeria. I think this is our obvious demand to our leaders and I know they will not disappoint us.”

Insisting on the “unanimous” choice of Governor Kayode Fayemi “as the party’s standard bearer in next year’s election, Awe said: “I thank God Almighty that today the arrowhead of our struggle, the governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has been trying as much as possible to put things right.

6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

NEWS

Ex-presidential candidate accused of fraud

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FEDERAL High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday granted bail to the former presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in the 2011 general elections.

Ambrose Owuru was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

He is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding Mr. Ikechukwu Eze of N66 million in Port Harcourt in 2011.

Mr. Justice Aliyu Sulaiman said Owuru must provide one surety, who must be a lawyer with not less than 20 years ex-

Students protest lecturer’s abduction From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

S

TUDENTS of the Rivers State School of Nursing yesterday blocked Ikwerre Road on Mile 4 axis in Port Harcourt with their school bus.

They were protesting the abduction of one of their senior lecturers, Mrs. Daminabo Pual Beauty.

The victim, a lecturer in the Department of Family Health, was abducted on Sunday evening by unidentified gunmen. She was on her way to the campus.

The students said the abduction of Mrs. Daminabo would force them to shut down the school.

They urged the Police Commissioner and Rivers State Government to ensure that the victim regains freedom, or else, they would shut down their campus.

The students said insecurity had become alarming on the campus, adding that this has made them fall prey to rapists.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Nwaorgu Anayochi, said the protest would continue until the victim is freed.

Police spokesperson Mrs. Angela Agabe said she was yet to be briefed on the matter. She promised to get back to our reporter.

Full disclosure advocated

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CIVIL society group, the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has urged the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Dr. Aliyu Jibril Yelwa, on the imperative of full disclosure on public office holders involved in high profile corrupt practices.

HURIWA said the essence of the Freedom of Information law was for the protection, promotion and enforcement of full public disclosure of pertinent information to be acted upon by the anti-graft agencies established to stamp out corruption.

The rights group said treating corruption with kid gloves would aggravate underdevelopment.

It said this in a Freedom of Information request it sent to Dr. Yelwa, demanding the disclosure of the name of the high profile public office holder, whom he alleged in a recent interview with a national newspaper, was in the habit of extorting a federal government agency.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

•Gets N10m bail

perience.

He said the surety must present a sworn affidavit of means and the accused must sign an undertaking to be present in court during the trial.

Mr. Justice Sulaiman also ordered that the accused be remanded in EFCC’s custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

His lawyer, Granville Abibor (SAN), hailed the court’s decision.

Said he: “The court granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

This is fair, considering that the

subject matter relates to N66 million.”

Owuru, through Abibor, urged the court to grant him bail on self-recognisance, being a practising lawyer of about 30 years, having been called to the Bar in 1984; and a vibrant politician.

Speaking to reporters at the court, Owuru, the founder of HDP, denied the allegation levelled against him.

He said the case was already ongoing in a High Court in Port Harcourt.

He accused the EFCC of acting the script of his political

opponents to tarnish his image ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Moving the motion for bail, Abibor said the charges against the accused were bailable and that bail was the right of a person charged with a criminal offence to enable him prepare for trial.

Said he: “Bail before trial is a basic right of the accused to enable him prepare for trial, especially when the offence is bailable.

“The five-count charge for which he is being tried are offences bordering on fraud, forgery and alteration. They are bailable offences.

“The prosecution, in their

19-paragraph counter-affidavit, did not oppose the bail of the accused, neither did they say he had committed any offence and intended to commit any if admitted to bail.

“He is a very senior lawyer, having been called to the Bar in 1984, and a practising politician, who has contested presidential elections twice.

“The essence of bail is to secure the attendance in court of the accused for trial and not for punishment.

“The accused has been in detention since July 31 when he was arrested. If it is embarrassment, punishment, disgrace, he has experienced them. Yet, trial has not started.”

Nigerians angry about unpaid pensions, says commission

N

IGERIANS are unhappy with the country’s pension management system. Sixty per cent of complaints received last year are on pension-related issues, the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has said.

It received over 2,000 complaints from a northern state alone.

The commission’s departments on public and private sectors, banking/finance and insurance also received several complaints.

It said its ability to deal with the complaints was hampered by poor funding and lack of commissioners.

It was not until May last year that President Goodluck Jonathan appointed new commissioners.

PCC’s Publicity Committee, led by Prof. Razaq ‘Derem Abubakar, a commissioner, visited the head office of Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation, on Monday.

Other commissioners in the team included Saba Jimoh (Kwara State), Chelly Okoko (Akwa Ibom), Information Officer, Mr Tunji Olaoye and Head of Public Relations Unit, Chukwumeka Nwosu.

They were received by senior editors, led by Online Edi-

•Prof. Abubakar (left) and Okoko during the visit.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

tor Lekan Otufodunrin.

Abubakar said most complaints come from retirees.

“It is unfortunate that there are those who have spent the useful part of their lives serving this country, but in the end, you deny them of what they are supposed to enjoy in their old age,” he said.

According to him, funding remains a challenge, as salaries are owed.

But this may soon be corrected. PCC’s statutory funding is to be placed on the first line charge.

“That is the only way an Ombudsman like our organi-

sation can truly be independent, restructured and informed.

“We are not supposed to be under the MDAs because it affects our budget. But if you look at the constitution, we are supposed to be on first line charge,” he said.

Okoko identified lack of capacity building, public poor awareness and lack of infrastructure as some of the challenges facing PCC. “The main responsibility of this commission is to carry out proactive investigations against systemic corruption in the system, and this is why the issue of capacity building and infrastructure comes in.

“A few people come (to the commission) because most do not really have faith in the system.

“If we are really positioned to carry out investigations, which a commissioner can initiate, you will discover that we will be tackling many problems in just one fell swoop. This is going to enthrone good governance ultimately,” he said.

Abubakar praised The Nation for its uprightness, national spread and good editorial package.

The PCC was first established by a military decree in in 1975.

Flood: Fed Govt to build resettlement camps

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HE Federal Government is to build resettlement camps in the local governments affected by last year’s flood.

A lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, said this yesterday in Auchi, Edo State, when he addressed reporters.

He said the land for the proposed resettlement camps was being sought by the Federal Government in conjunc-

You will recall that the condition under which some victims of last year’s flood lived was bad. It was not habitable. In fact, some of them had to stay back in these flooded communities because of the situation in the camps From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

tion with some of the states affected by last year’s flood.

Momoh, who said he was pleased with the plan, explained that if this becomes a reality, it will ease a lot of

problems associated with the relocation of flood victims.

He said considering the warning of another flood in some states, the people should no longer nurse any fear.

The lawmaker, however, urged that this must not be allowed to be another political

statement, adding that making it a reality would not only be beneficial to the people, but also to the government.

He said: “I’ve been informed about this plan. I have even been requested to provide land for the camps in the affected local governments in Edo State.

“I have, however, directed this to the appropriate authority to provide the land.

“I see this as a noble idea, which will take care of a lot of problems.”

AIG to officers: stop conniving with robbers

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HE Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG) in charge Zone 6 Command, Mr. Jonathan Johnson, yesterday berated the activities of officers, who, he said, connived with armed robbers.

Johnson, who was at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on an inspection tour of the command, said tough

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

times await any police officer caught conniving with criminals, adding that such officer would be dismissed.

The AIG accused officers of selling ammunition to criminals, aiding and abetting, turning cases upside down, conniving with suspects and engaging in conspiracy.

He said police officers die on a daily basis because of their involvement in crimes.

Johnson also decried extortion of money from motorists.

He slammed officers for leaking information to hoodlums, leading to the killings of their colleagues.

The AIG said it was a policeman, who gave information to a community

in Nasarawa State, which led to hoodlums laying an ambush for the police sent to restore peace.

This, he said, resulted in the killing of over 60 policemen.

He said police officers have turned themselves to security guards of individuals and corporate bodies without any authority assigning them to the beat.

Progressives urged to align with Tinubu, Buhari From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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ATRIOTIC leaders in the six geo-political zones have been urged to eschew parochialism, vendetta and recriminations.

They were also advised to team up with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Alhaji Aminu Masari and other leaders of thought in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to liberate the country from the shackles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Those were the resolutions of a conglomerate of human rights activists under the aegis of the Vanguard for Justice and Equity, at the end of their meeting in Oyo town yesterday.

Addressing reporters, spokesman for the rights groups, Mr. Adebiyi Odekanyin, said unpatriotic Nigerians had been seeing the roles of Tinubu and other intelligent and dedicated Nigerians as embarrassing and uncalled for.

He added: “What Asiwaju Tinubu and his progressives associates are saying is that a drastic disease needs a drastic treatment. In other words, he is telling the nation that on no account is God ready to manifest Himself to cowards.”

Odekanyin said in the United States and other nations, citizens are conscious of the type of people, who would govern them, adding that this attitude has never been imbibed by Nigerians since 1960 when the country became independent.

Said he: “Misfits, kleptomaniacs and street urchins have been our political heroes and heroines”

Multinational gets partner in Nigeria

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

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MULTINATIONAL company, Fotile Kitchen Ware Company Ltd, has appointed QMB Builders’ Mart as its partner in Nigeria.

With this, QMB Builders’ Mart has the franchise to market and distribute the kitchen appliances manufactured by Fotile Kitchen Ware Company Ltd. The Chief Executive Officer of QMB Builders’ Mart, Mrs. Toro Biobaku, said: “At the point of disengagement, the former supplier assessed its distributors in terms of organisation, credibility, sales record and future plans to get the company that can best represent it nationwide. After looking at everything, vis-a-vis the potential of the product, who has the right value, he approached us to take over from him.

Police warn vehicle owners

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HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at the Area Command, Ota to remove them or lose them to the public through auction after 14 days of this publication. They are Toyota marked SMK 247 AV, Toyota DD964LSD, Honda JP881 AAA, Premira EL 112 KRD, Nissan DQ514 JJJ and 20 abandoned motorcycles.

7

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 , 2013

NEWS

PHCN investors give condition for 75% T outstanding payment HE Roundtable of Elec tricity Distribution Companies (Discos) yesterday urged the Federal Government to complete the payment of the Power Holding Company (PHCN) severance package for disengaged staff before the August 21, 2013 date set for the completion of payment from the investors.

Following the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) dateline for the privatisation of the Discos, the investors are expected to pay the balance of 75 per cent for the purchase of the entity on August 21.

But the Disco Roundtable, yesterday told the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo that lenders are insisting on verifying the evidence of the payments before lending them fund to complete the outstanding 75 per cent payment.

Chairman of the Roundtable, Dr. Ransome Owan, said: “It is a condition

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

precedent that the Discos would be handed over free from all legacy liabilities.

Our lenders are mindful of this and are reluctant to approve loans and condition draw down. Therefore, it is vital that full payment obligations to PHCN employees be finalised before the Long Stop Date of August 21, 2013.

Lenders expect evidence of these payments before we can draw down on funds to complete our payments.”

Besides, the Discos sought the Ministry’s assistance in the release of the subsidy contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) model for each of the Discos.

Owan also asked the Minister to ensure adequate funding to the Transmition Company of Nigeria (TCN) to evacuate power produced for delivery to Disco to avoid stranded investment and little benefit to consumers.

He added that the Ministry

should provide “extended five-10 years special tax holidays for electricity distribution companies akin to the Telecom startup assistance to mitigate tariff increases and high cost.”

The Roundtable asked the Ministry to consider extending the Long Stop Date to September 21st, 2013 to allow for the full satisfaction of all Condition Precedent items by the government.

Speaking on the 75 percent payment, the Minister assured the Discos that the Federal Government would do all in its capacity to complete the payment by the end of August.

He said: “You have given us some tasks; on one hand you are asking us to meet up with all the conditions precedent by 21st of August, and on the other hand, you

are telling us that while we meet up with our own, you are not going to be able to meet up with your own. We will do whatever we can, but there is no way we can ensure full payment by the end of August.”

Nebo revealed that from the proceeds of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), $1.6billion has been set aside for the improvement of the TCN. “Parts of the proceeds from the sale of the NIPP projects, as much as $1.6 billion, is been delegated to the improvement of TCN to give us a well deserved transmission network and that should not be your problem now,” he said.

He assured that the Ministry would ensure that it settled the PHCN employ-

40 million Nigerians jobless, says Kolade

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BOUT 40 million Nige rians translating to 23.9 per cent are unemployed, Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) Dr Christopher Kolade has said.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital at a sensitisation forum for firms in the state.

Quoting the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he added that one of the challenges of graduate unemployment is the “inability of the system to absorb the about 300,000 graduates churned out of our tertiary institutions.”

Kolade, who was represented at the forum by the Assistant Director and Head of Services, SURE-P, Anthony Kalu, said:“Firms readily blame lack of experience, high cost of maintaining a large work force and the need to maintain profit above the red

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

line as the reason for not employing the graduates. GIS provides a way out of this dilemma by developing a skill base that firms can benefit from among our graduates at very minimal cost.

He added that the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the programme aims to employ at about 50,000 unemployed graduates in 36 states and FCT in one year.

He said the scheme is targeted at improving the skills unemployed graduates through work placement in registered firms.

The chairman SURE-P, who lamented that only 35 per cent of 2,000 registered firms had met minimum requirement for participation, said over 96,000 unemployed graduates have registered on the GIS por-

tal.

The SURE-P chief, therefore, described the forum as a call to action for the participating firms, urging them to partner with the Federal Government and contribute their quota to addressing graduate unemployment.

“In Kwara State, 46 organisations have registered and five have been approved to take interns. Also, out of the 3,290 graduates that have registered in the state, 21 have been matched to firms and only three have been hired.

“Clearly, there is an urgent need for more firms to participate in this programme and take graduates out of the labour market,” he said.

Kolade said graduates will be placed in profit, nonprofit organisations and selected government agencies

on a one year internship, adding that the interns are expected to acquire professional skills, training and work experience to improve their job placement opportunities.

He said the Federal Government will pay a monthly stipend of N25,000 to the interns while participating institutions will be expected to provide adequate opportunities for work and mentoring, including personal accident insurance.

“Government is concerned about high unemployment rate and is doing everything possible to reverse it. It recognises the fact that stakeholders- Federal Government, state governments, local governments, organised private sector, development organisations, and religious organisations must also resolve to reverse this trend for it to change,” he said.

Fed Govt loses N80b to corporate tax evasion obligations.

Also speaking at the event, From Nduka Chiejina (Asst Editor), Abuja

•Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

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HE Federal Govern ment is losing over N80 billion (or $500 million) monthly from registered companies that refuse to pay taxes.

The Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who disclosed this at the National

Council for Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) yesterday, said the Federal Government is recording this lose because about 75 per cent of the registered firms have refused to their taxes.

She said about 65 per cent of registered taxpayers have not filed their tax returns in the past two years.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala lamented that following the worrisome decline in the oil revenues, additional money is urgently needed from other sources.

She said the government reduced domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011, to N744 billion last

year, and to N577 billion in this year’s budget, adding that the government’s goal is to further reduce it in the 2014 budget.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said the government has also paid part of its domestic debts rather than rolling it over. She said: “Beginning in February 2013, we retired N75 billion worth of maturing domestic bonds. We hope to continue this practice of retiring maturing bonds rather than rolling it over.”

She said the government was working on establishing a sinking fund with an initial capitalisation of N25 billion, saying the funds will be used to retire maturing bond

Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was represented by the Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsudden Usman, decried the high recurrent expenditure by the government. He explained that the government has initiated efforts to reduce waste and duplication in the functions of its agencies.

He listed one of such efforts to include the ramping of efforts in the biometric verification of employees in all the agencies, adding that this trimmed recurrent expenditures from 71.5 per cent last year, to about 68.7 per cent of this yea’s budget.

He said the capital vote was expected to increase to 31.3 per cent as a result of the measure.

Disputed N4.423b between PPPRA, NEITI traced to CBN

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HE N4.423 billion in dispute between the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has been reconciled and traced to the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) account domiciled with the Central

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The resolution of the disputed amount followed a reconcilaitory meeting by the two organisations.

A communique, which was signed by the Executive Secretaries, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and Mr Reginald Stanley of

the NEITI and PPPRA, said: “There is nothing outstanding against the PPPRA.” The communique said the meeting evolved strategies for NEITI and PPPRA to address other issues arising from the NEITI Report, adding that it used the platform of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) set up by Presi-

dent Godluck Jonathan to address remedial issues arising from NEITI’s Report.

The executive secretaries also resolved to ensure the effective communication network between the two agencies for Inter-agency cooperation.

ees in the Generation Companies this week, adding that government would commence the payment of the staff in the DIscos.

He said: “ We understand that you are supposed to inherit companies that are indeed free from all legacies liabilities and we are working on that. We also want to assure you that at the rate that these payments are being made to staff of the various PHCN successor companies that you are acquiring, by the end of this week, almost all the GENCOs would have been paid, and then, we begin with the DISCOs.” He said the Ministry has decided to hold the stakeholders’meeting that the Discos demanded for in the next few days.

His words: “There are obvious reasons that we have chosen to settle the GENCOs and the PHCN headquar-

ters, and then move on to the distribution companies. I will not delve into this, until the stakeholders meeting which we have already decided to hold within the next couple of days.

“With regard to the transition electricity market, three conditions precedent that you mentioned, metering of the grid and constitution of a dispute resolution panel are receiving attention. Be rest assured that we not oblivious of these things.”

He said the Ministry is aware of the challenges highlighted by the Roundtable and had since moved to tackle them.

He accepted that the Discos were at their infancy and would be encouraged to grow through the provision of an enabling environment.

“I would like to share with you that the Federal Ministry of Power is fully aligned with your dream to light up Nigeria.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIBERATED SONS OF GOD MINISYRY The above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 Part C. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To Propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in view of Winning Lost Souls back to God’s Kingdom.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Jonas Ekiprenyo Lewis 2. Mrs. Drusilla Munayon Jonas (Vice Chairman) 3. Belema Ebierinyo Onokuma (Secretary) 4. Ronald Ebinyo Smart (Member) 5. Gelleh Edema Godgift Oghenefegah

(Chairman)

(Member)

Any person having any objection to this registration should report to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: PST. JONAS EKIPRENYO LEWIS

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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CITYBEATS Family seeks govt’s intervention

THE Apelehin Family of Igbobi Sabe community in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State has urged the government to make a declaration on the findings of the tribunal of inquiry set up on the chieftaincy crisis in the community.

In a petition sent to Governor Babatunde Fashola, the family said the tribunal of inquiry which was set up in 1994 and chaired by Justice Waheed Ajao Oshodi, recommended only two ruling houses for the community - Igbobi Sabe and Igbobi Ketu - among other things.

The Otun Balogun of the community, Chief Afolabi Apelehin, told reporters yesterday that there is nothing like the Ijaoye Ruling House being touted in some quarters, saying: "It is merely the name of a street in the town."

He said since the community's last traditional ruler, Oba Lasisi Salami, hailed from Igbobi Ketu Ruling House, it is the turn of Igbobi Sabe, to which the Apelehin family belong, to produce the next monarch, adding that its choice candidate for the vacant stool is Prince Theophilus Adesoji Aderemi Apelehin, whose name, he said, had been duly forwarded to the community's kingmakers.

The family, according to Apelehin, is also worried about the secret activities of an aide of the governor, has allegedly been acting in a manner capable of undermining and frustrating the decision of the Igbobi Sabe Ruling House and the kingmakers.

"It bears no argument that the primary reason the tribunal was set up was to sustain peace, orderliness and cohesion among the people of the community and further strengthen, preserve and sustain the dignity of Igbobi Sabe/Ketu traditional institution," he said. He urged Fashola to address the issues raised in the family's petition urgently.

'How to fight piracy' TO fight piracy, the Federal Government must intervene in the printing industry, the Managing Director of Extension Publication Limited, Mr Sunday Obiyinka, has said.

The printing expert, who said the step is the only way to move the printing industry forward in the country, spoke in his Ibadan, Oyo State office, during a courtesy call by the Commandant, Nigeria Army Education Corps (NAEC), Brigadier-General Sunday Adebayo.

He said piracy and poor electricity were the main challenges facing the publishing business in the country, adding that the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) should look into the matter in order not to make investors lose confidence in Nigeria.

Obiyinka also advised the federal government to improve the standard of education in the country, saying most Nigerian graduates are unemployable.

Brig-Gen. Adebayo, praised Obiyinka's company's efforts at promoting the image of printing industry in Nigeria and said his command would continue to partner with the industry.

Conductors condole with Fashola THE Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has condoled with Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, on the death of his father.

The association's National President, Comrade Israel Adeshola, in a statement, said Pa Ademola Fashola lived a fulfilled life, saying: "We thank God that he gave us a son who is performing wonders in Lagos State. He was a devout Muslim, philanthropist and community leader. His loss is highly irreparable."

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Man, 64, held for alleged impersonation ‘My case is not A different from

MAN, who allegedly earned a living by impersonating lawyers and sureties to bail fraudsters, has been arrested by operatives of the X-Squad Department of the Lagos State Police Command.

The suspect, Agu Ebere (64), was arrested for allegedly using a forged Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to bail a retired Navy Captain, simply identified as Onabo, who was detained for allegedly defrauding a company of N40 million.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), paraded Ebere yesterday at Ikeja.

She said the suspect was arrested on August 7 while attempting to bail the ex-naval chief with the forged C of O. Braide said: "When he presented the C of O to the officer in charge of X-Squad, he suspected him, screened the certificate thoroughly and discovered it was forged. He had been using the same forged C of O to bail people before he was caught. People, including banks, should be wary of fraudsters who are out there with forged documents."

Ebere said: "I knew that the C of O was forged. The person who perfected it for me and collected N60, 000 is now dead. He duped me and gave me a fake C of O. I, therefore, had no alternative than to use it to

those who forged documents and went to Abuja to collect millions of naira,yet heaven did not fall ...’

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

bail people and make money when such opportunities came up. I had been successful until now. The land which I bought for N290, 000 from one Alhaji Onitiri was forcefully taken by members of Oodua People's Congress (OPC) and land speculators. It is for the same land that I paid N60, 000 to get the fake C of O. Ebere, who said he had been doing the illegal job since 1949, added: "I have five children; I fed and trained them in universities. All of them are graduates. Hard times,

feeding and school fees problem pushed me into this illegal job. My case is not different from those who forged documents and went to Abuja to collect millions of naira in the name of oil business and contracts, yet heaven did not fall. This year, I made N1million from 10 of such jobs. I have a registered company.

"I also do registration of vehicles and bring genuine documents to my customers or clients. I have been arrested on bail matters twice.

Lawyers normally don't stand bail; they get bail and look for sureties. • Ebere with the forged C of O ... yesterday They consult us for how to get sureties. They often say don't verify at times." they need sureties on Level 14 in The suspect pleaded: "Please, I the Civil Service with landed propdon't want to go to jail because of erty. If we meet the bail condition, my age." Braide said Ebere would we share the money. We operate in be charged to court for forgery withall courts in Lagos. Magistrate courts out delay.

Groups partner Lagos to train youths

By Uyoatta Eshiet

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HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) have said they could train about one million Nigerians yearly in different industrial skills at their various training centres from next year.

They predicated the success of the initiative on continued support from government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS), employers of labour and appropriate international agencies.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of ITF, Professor Longmas Sambo Wapmuk, stated this at the ITF/NECA graduation ceremony at the ITF Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC) at Ikeja, Lagos.

The second and third batches of its industrial technician trainees, produced 117 trained youths, who got awards and certificates of competence.

Wapmuk said the effort of the federal government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, at giving technical and vocational training and creating jobs for the youth, was yielding positive results.

The Training Manager of ISTC, Mr Hassan Umar, said the training had transformed many young lives, adding that the three batches trained so far covered areas such as: welding and metal fabrication works; mechanical maintenance and machining; electrical and electronics maintenance; instrumentation and process control and automobile mechanic works.

The representative of the Lagos State Government and Head of Service, Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe, said the Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) of ITF/NECA which produced the trainees was designed to promote the availability of middle-

• A cross-section of the graduating beneficiaries level manpower with appropriate skills to meet the identified maintenance needs of industries.

Ogunlewe said the state had successfully integrated Enterprise Education into technical skills training and that it recently hosted its 1st Enterprise Day, for which it also set July 23 of every year aside.

He said the objective is to raise small

business owners early in life that will drive the sector and breathe life to the economy of the state.

He said the state would continue to partner the OPS and other successful enterprises to mentor the trainees.

Ogunlewe said the state, in its effort at equipping the youth, was planning to leverage on technology research to drive socio-economic well

being of its people of the state.

He said the state had established Lagos Research and Development Council to drive the Lagos Innovative Project to foster collaboration among small and medium enterprises, technical colleges and research agencies for rapid industrialisation of the state in particular, and Nigeria at large.

• Justice Ishola Oluwa rtd (sitting) greeting the President, Student Union of Vocational Training Centre, Mr Sunday Oladele during Oluwa’s visit to the centre in Oshodi, Lagos, while others look on.

PHOTO: Gbenga Kutelu

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

EATS CITYB Journalist's

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Badagry killing: Police hunt for culprits

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SPECIAL team set up by the Lagos State Police Command to investigate the alleged killing of two young men and the attempted murder of others by villagers and a member of a vigilance group in Badagry, Lagos on July 21, has swung into action.

The incident, which rocked Tozukame community, Ajara-Badagry, claimed the lives of Ifechukwudi Nwaikpor, 25, and Kazeem Onayemi, 26.

Though Sola Olateju, another victim, survived to tell his story, he is nursing gunshot injuries.

The police team, headed by a former officer-incharge of the Homicide Department, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, The Nation learnt yesterday, had gathered exhibits to prosecute the case.

A source said the team was set up to investigate the alleged involvement of some policemen attached to the Badagry Police Station in the killing.

The policemen were alleged to have watched the victims murdered in cold blood "without doing anything."

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the police station, it was learnt, has since been transferred for allegedly branding the victims armed robbers before investigation was car-

ried out. A policeman who was arrested by the team is being interrogated by detectives.

Members of the team have visited the victims' families at Ajara to take statements.

They also visited the scene of the crime last week.

It was further gathered that the team had arrested about nine persons, including a traditional ruler, in connection with the alleged murder.

"The police team also arrested an officer of the Badagry Police Station, Inspector Adefemi Ashagbon, for his role in the lynching of the two men. The suspects are now being detained at the state command, Ikeja," a police

source said.

The deceased were killed and labelled armed robbers by their killers, but some video clips on YouTube, revealed how they were framed up and murdered in cold blood.

Another video exposed Ashogbon and Sergeant John Sonayon as they stood, watching the jungle justice visited on the late victims.

The video clips also showed a police patrol van with some policemen watching as the victims cried helplessly as they were being mobbed.

Firty-seven-year-old Tajudeen Onayemi, father of Kazeem, a victim, had expressed his disappointment in the police shortly after the incident.

"It is sad that my only son was killed in cold blood

'Danger of poor breast feeding'

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XPECTANT and nursing mothers must breast-feed their babies and not husbands, the Head, Department of Paediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Prof Adebola Akinsulie, has advised.

Akinsulie, who spoke during the World Breastfeeding Week lecture in Lagos, said infant deaths were common among poorly breastfed babies.

He enjoined mothers to breast-feed their babies exclusively for six months, adding that complementary feeding can be introduced from the seventh month until they are two years.

Chinyere Ezeaka, an Associate Professor of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), said Nigeria had the lowest breastfeeding ratio after India, worldwide.

Nigeria has a high neonatal mortality and is second to India in the world.

Babies not breastfed are at the risk of dying from pneumonia and diarrhoea

By Wale Adepoju

Ezeaka, in her lecture entitled Breastfeeding: Ancient Art, Modern Miracle, said inadequate breast-feeding had contributed greatly to the country's high newborn and infant mortality ratio.

She said: "Nigeria has a high neonatal mortality and is second to India in the world. Babies not breastfed are at the risk of dying from pneumonia and diarrhoea, 15 and 11 times respectively, higher than the

breastfed."

Quoting a World Health Organisation(WHO) report on breast feeding, she said, the world average for breast feeding was 39 per cent and in 2008, adding that Nigeria was rated as having 13 per cent.

Mrs Ezeaka said breast feeding was the most effective and inexpensive ways of saving a child's life, adding: "The WHO has recommended exclusive breast feeding till a baby is six months old and up to two years or beyond with complementary food after six months. There is also the long-term benefit of reduced risk of obesity and diabetes."

She urged the Federal Government and private organisations to provide support to nursing mothers by implementing enabling policies on breast feeding.

'Why we're grooming children'

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OME children are enjoying a w o n d e r f u l experience at what is tagged, "2013 Bootcamp," which began on Monday at the GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

More than forty participants between three and 18 are participating in the fiveday summer camping.

The programme is being sponsored by Optimum Impact Children and Youth Development Leadership Foundation, a non-govern-

mother for burial THE remains of the late Princess Adunola Lydia Amobonye (Nee Omoyelu) will be buried at her Owo, Ondo State home on August 24.

The late princess, who is survived by children, grand and great grand children, was 95.

One of her children, Gboyega Amobonye, a journalist, in a statement, gave details of the funeral as follows: Traditional Ajabue dance round the town, August 21; wake-keep at her 4, Ibidunni Street, Ehin-Ogbe home, August 23; funeral service at 10am on August 24 at The Saint Saviour's C&S, Cathedral, off Rantry Road, Ehin-Ogbe and reception at the Methodist Ground.

‘My only son was killed in cold blood and labelled an armed robber ... I'm terribly sad because the police that one should run to when in distress, stood and did nothing to stop his lynching ... I have lost faith in the Nigerian police’

By Jude Isiguzo and Precious Igbonwelundu

By Chinasa Ekekwe

mental organisation.

The chairman of the foundation, who doubles as Principal Partner, J K Michaels Consultants, Dr Omololu Bello, said the foundation aims to transform, inspire and develop leadership capabilities in children and youths.

"We will work with the kids, mentor and groom them to maturity. We will

give them the right direction, develop their intelligence as well as inter and intra-personal relationships. The exercise will develop their competence; improve their problemsolving skills, self-esteem and great inter-personal skills.

It will also strengthen their physical status and teach them how to understand certain values and attributes to cultivate their behaviour as adults," Bello said.

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•Olateju and labelled an armed robber ... I'm terribly sad because the police that one should run to when in distress, stood and did nothing to stop his lynching. To say that I'm disappointed is an understatement. I have lost faith in life. I have lost

faith in the Nigerian police," he had said.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, who ordered the constitution of the team, has restated the police readiness to ensure justice after the investigations.

• The late Princess Omoboye

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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NEWS Ondo is broke, says PDP

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has said the state is broke.

It said this was responsible for the "sack" of over 10,000 council workers.

PDP faulted the government's "so-called staff auditing" and its statement that no worker was sacked.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Wale Ozogoro, PDP alleged that the government sacked over 10,000 workers to reduce the wage bill.

PDP said: "The government has continued to deceive the people that the sacked workers are ghosts.

The commissioner for information said before the staff audit, the number of council workers was 24,000, but it has dropped to 14,000.

“Some people have been servicing corruption by collecting money on behalf of the 10,000 ghost workers.

“The government needs to answer the following questions: How many of those indicted of collecting the ghost workers’ salary have been prosecuted by the government? How long will this audit last?

“What of those who were sacked because they were below 10 years when they left Primary School? Are they also ghost workers? Why is there no development at the local government level?

“The government is broke and therefore embarked on inflicting pain on workers.

The commissioner was economical with the truth. He painted a picture of a virile economy and an unprecedented recovery, which is contrary to the truth.

The party said the government is owing workers about three months salary, adding that it is reckless in the appropriation of public funds.

It said: “The state govern-

Kudirat Abiola: Lagos appeals Al-Mustapha's acquittal

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ment has been the sole runner and user of council funds. It has continued to parade its stooges as caretaker chairmen and executive members as against elected officers, thereby breaching the country’s constitution.

“The council caretaker executives are at the whim and caprices of the governor, who controls their finances, thereby denying the third tier of government even development.

“Council election has been avoided over the years by this administration because of this free fund at its disposal.

“Most painful is the latest justification the administration is giving to its antipeople stands, rather than admitting that its frivolities, misplaced priorities, vulgar spending, excruciating debt burden and maladministration are responsible for the reduction of the work force.

“The LP controlled government has continued to deceive the populace by portraying itself as a progressive party. The running of this government has proved otherwise.

“To shield the fact that the state is broke, they have embarked on a futile mission of screening and unmasking ghost workers while surreptitiously making them pay N5,000 at the Ministry of Education for Primary School Leaving Certificate, all aimed at generating fund to run the government.

When this method was not yielding much, it sacked them.

“We have maintained that Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has plunged this state into unprecedented debt, which generations unborn will remember it for. Accountability, which is the fulcrum of stewardship, has eluded this administration.”

By Adebisi Onanuga

•Al-Mustapha

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HE Lagos State government has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the acquittal of Major Hamza AlMustapha and Mr. Lateef Shofolahan for the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola by a lower court.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, spoke yesterday during his ministry's monthly media briefing.

Ipaye said there were good grounds for the appeal but did not disclose them.

He said: "Having carefully reviewed the decisions of the

respected justices of the Court of Appeal, it is our humble view that there are strong grounds for appeal, which the Supreme Court should have an opportunity to consider.

"This step will ensure that all issues are fully articulated and the victim's family, the defendants and the society are not deprived of the last opportunity provided by the constitution for the resolution of the case."

The commissioner criticised the report of the Amnesty International and the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre on the eviction of Ijora-Badia East residents.

He reiterated the administration's commitment to the welfare of residents and the protection of their rights.

Ipaye described majority of the people in Badia East as illegal residents, who admitted that they moved to the area because of the rehabilitation of the National

•'No going back on Ijora-Badia' Theatre complex by the Federal Government.

He said: "Illegal settlements, unapproved buildings and unsanitary conditions cannot be justified, as these may end up in painful evictions or demolitions."

Ipaye said the area is a swampy strip of land and the least developed in the community, adding that it was cleared in 2003.

He said: "The area was subsequently turned into a refuse dump by illegal residents, who erected shanties there. The area grew gradually into a small community characterised by all the negative features of an urban slum, including unstructured shelter arrangements, regular flooding, unhealthy environment, insecurity and all sorts of nefarious activities."

Ipaye said the government repossessed the area in furtherance of its policy to

provide affordable estates with good infrastructure for the people.

He said: "Before the state embarked on the development of 1,008 housing units in the area, Governor Babatunde Fashola, on April 26 and October 2, 2012, led top government officials to the area to sensitise residents and had several stakeholders' meeting afterwards concerning the government's intention.

"The area of Badia in contention is one of the nine areas identified as slums and earmarked for regeneration under the World Bank-funded Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP)."

On alleged cases of underaged prisoners, the commissioner said the state has put mechanisms in place to identify under aged defendants at every level of the criminal process.

Three remanded for 'burying' minor alive

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N Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday remanded three murder suspects in prison custody.

Amidu Jimoh (25); Maliki Aderounmu (27) and John Joseph (60), a herbalist, allegedly buried a threeyear-old boy alive for ritual.

They were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

Police prosecutor Adewale Amos said Jimoh and Aderounmu conspired to undertake money ritual and solicited Joseph’s assistance.

Joseph, a resident of Osunara in Igangan, allegedly demanded a child

for the ritual.

Amos said Jimoh used his brother's son for the ritual and buried him alive in a shallow grave.

He said Jimoh led the police to the grave after his arrest.

The incident occurred on July 24 at Bada Compound in Igangan, Ibadan.

The pleas of the accused were not taken.

The Chief Magistrate, Alhaja Fatima Badrudeen, remanded the accused in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The case was adjourned to September 16.

Afenifere commiserates with Fashola

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YORUBA group, Afenifere, has commiserated with Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on the death of his father, Pa Ademola Fashola (79).

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said: "While the deaths of loved ones are painful, no matter the age, we are convinced that Fashola has every cause to celebrate his father, who lived a good life and left behind a cherished heritage.

"Torrents of testimonies

from those who knew the deceased have shown that he was a good man and left lasting impressions on those who came his way. Most of these testimonies came from people who knew the man well.

"Our hearts go to the children, grandchildren and the extended family he left behind and we pray the Almighty God will protect, guard and guide them.

"May God grant the family the grace to sustain the good heritage of their departed patriarch. May his soul rest in peace."

•Obadare’s final resting place

Osun votes N35m for Obadare's funeral

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has approved N35 million for the funeral of Prophet Timothy Oluwole Obadare, founder of the World Soul-winning Evangelical Mission (WOSEM.) In a statement, Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget Dr. Wale Bolorunduro said the money was in appreciation of the late preacher's contributions to the state, Nigeria and the world.

He said the money was for the construction of a mausoleum, the burial ceremony and intervention work of the deceased, who died on March 21.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Prophet Bolorunduro described the late Obadare as a great spiritual icon, who made the state proud.

He said the deceased promoted Osun internationally during his missionary duties as the General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

The commissioner said the late Prophet Obadare's mausoleum would attract tourists to the state.

The preacher’s remain will be buried on Saturday at the WOSEM Theology Centre in Ilesha.

Ondo monarch: I remain on the throne

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HE embattled Obalogun of Igoba in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr. Samuel Jayeoba, yesterday said he remains the monarch of the community.

He was removed by the kingmakers for alleged misconduct.

Speaking with reporters in Akure, the state capital, Jayeoba said it was strange that some "fake kingmakers" could meet and remove him.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He said those behind his "purported removal" were out to disturb the community's peace to achieve their selfish interests.

Jayeoba urged the council chairman to intervene.

He refuted allegations that he allegedly converted the community's land to private use and sold three shrines.

Last Thursday, the kingmakers replaced Jayeoba with Chief Bosede Bamidele.

Describing his "removal" as

illegal, Jayeoba said: "It is against the tradition of Igobaland to hold an election for the appointment of a new Obalogun while the incumbent is still alive.

"The kingmakers wanted to cause mayhem, which will not be in the interest of the people. My purported removal cannot stand. It is illegal and baseless.

"Those who conducted the purported election were not genuine kingmakers in the community and the process

was not supported by the local government council."

The council's Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Olu Aderuku, said he was not aware of Jayeoba's removal.

He described Bamidele's installation as "illegal, null and void", adding that the government would not condone any act that could disturb the community's peace.

Aderuku urged any aggrieved indigene to seek redress in court.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 14, 2013

NEWS

Prove Akande wrong, Akinola tells Jonathan ORMER Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Dr. Peter Akinola (rtd) yesterday said the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has a right to air his view on the performance of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The cleric said it is up to the president to prove Akande wrong.

He said the characterisation of Jonathan’s administration as “kindergarten” by Akande was not the “issue”, adding that Nigerians are concerned about how the President has been handling major issues.

The former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) said Jonathan has had the rare luck of being the first doctorate degree holder to occupy the number one seat of the nation, coupled with the privilege of experiencing governance as a deputy governor, governor, vice- president

F

•Cleric urges Nigerians to fight corruption From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

and now president.

He asked whether his experience have helped in his handling of national issues.

Akande, a former Osun State governor, recently said the Presidency is not for the “kindergarten”, a remark that triggered angry reactions from the president’s camp.

Speaking with reporters at his country home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Dr. Akinola said people who do not agree with a government are free to express their opinions.

He said: “Nigerians voted for him (the President), so he has to tell them what he has done to be given a second chance.

“He can be called any name by anybody, that is not the issue. The issue is: Is this government responding to issues affecting Nigeria as it ought to? The president has

‘For Nigeria, endemic corruption constitutes a huge challenge and remains the biggest obstacle to its development.’ a Ph.D and has learnt governance in terms of experience as deputy governor, governor and vice -president, so why are things the way they are in the country?

“Unfortunately a tree cannot make a forest and he is surrounded by hawks and political wolves. So what will he tell Nigerians when asked about his earlier promises.”

As the nation’s centenary

anniversary draws nearer, the cleric urged political leaders to break away from corruption and build a new Nigeria.

The press conference was organised by the Peter Akinola Foundation to mark the concluding part of the “Wake-Up-Call” series of discussions on the debilitating effects of corruption in the country.

Dr. Akinola lamented the absence of leaders with the political will to tackle corruption and urged the nation’s leaders to emulate China, Singapore, Ghana, Botswana and Burundi, which he said have shown the political will to clean their system.

He said: “If there must be hope for a better country, Nigeria must break the corruption jinx. People must realise that corruption does not represent the most disingenuous invention or creation of modern man.

“For Nigeria, endemic cor-

ruption constitutes a huge challenge and remains the biggest obstacle to its development.

“Its harmful effect is the reason Nigeria, which is very endowed, has become a crawling/beggar-nation, with millions of poor, miserable and unhappy citizens.

“Nigeria cannot continue to accommodate corrupt leaders with docility. More so now that the United States, which is Nigeria’s biggest oil importer, is on the throes of becoming self-sufficient in its oil needs.

“With oil no longer the black gold it used to be; with endless external borrowing for no just cause and with corruption unchecked, Nigeria’s future is definitely under serious threat.”

Dr. Akinola urged Nigerians to develop zero-tolerance for corruption at all levels.

He said decisive action should be taken to strengthen the fight against corruption to ensure a bright future.

Osun Osogbo festival begins From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ACTIVITIES marking the two-week long annual Osun Osogbo international festival began yesterday with Iwopopo (traditional cleansing of the city).

The grand finale of the festival, which is the royal procession with the arugba (votary maid) to the grove will hold on August 23.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola is among dignitaries expected at the event.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, flanked by his queens, led his chiefs and eminent indigenes to the Gbaemu, where he prayed for the town’s peace and progress.

Oba Olanipekun urged residents to accomodate tourists expected at the festival.

He thanked the state government for supporting the festival.

Osun PDP meets with aspirants •‘They’re weak, says APC From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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•The widow and her children...yesterday.

Encomiums as journalist is buried in Ibadan

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HE remains of a former Chairman of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State, Mr. Tunde Oluwanike, were yesterday interred in Ibadan.

Oluwanike (43) died on August 2 in a road accident at Osu, Osun State.

The deceased and about 12 NUJ leaders were returning from the union’s meeting in Abuja when the accident occurred.

Oluwanike and two others died.

Other occupants of the bus were injured. NUJ National Treasurer Alhaja Fatimat Abdulkareem and Oyo NUJ Chairman Gbenga Opadotun are still recuperating at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

•NUJ to establish endowment fund From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Oluwanike is survived by his wife, Omolara, and their five children.

In his sermon, Pastor Samuel Ige of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Tower of Blessing Area, Oyo Province 3, urged individuals to give their best to the service of humanity.

He described the late Oluwanike as “a man after God’s heart”.

Pastor Ige said testimonies about Oluwanike showed that he lived a virtuous life.

He said: “Brother Tunde lived well. Though we are sad that he has left us, we cannot query God. We should always strive to do God’s will. If the bell sounds today, can you answer the

call?”

The deceased’s colleagues, friends and family said he lived a “selfless life”.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the government would assist the bereaved family.

NUJ National President Mallam Mohammed Garba said Oluwanike died in active service of the union.

He urged people to pray for the families of the deceased and those recuperating in the hospital.

Garba pledged that the union would support the families of the deceased.

He said the union would soon establish an endowment fund for journalists, adding that a percentage of the fund would be given to

the bereaved families.

Garba said the union would reach out to notable Nigerians to make the fund a reality.

On insurance scheme for journalists, he said the union would soon make it compulsory.

Garba said of the three deceased journalists, only one was insured.

He said: “Because he was insured, his family will get N1.5 million. All journalists must be insured under the NUJ insurance scheme. The scheme is the cheapest in Africa, yet not many people have bought into it. Of the 34,000 journalists in the country, not even 4,000 have subscribed to the scheme.”

A representative of Police Commissioner Mohammed Indabawa and NUJ members from various chapels were in attendance.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has met with four of its governorship aspirants in preparation for next year’s poll.

They are former Minister of Youth Development Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, former Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation Senator Iyiola Omisore and former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Defence Committee Mr. Wole Oke. The meeting centred on how to pick a candidate without rancour.

Speaking with reporters, leader of the party’s State Working Committee Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa said the aspirants were invited to discuss the need to put aside their differences in the PDP’s interest.

The four aspirants resolved to work together for the party’s victory.

They urged the party’s leaders to ensure transparency and fairness in the process of choosing the PDP’s candidate.

When the Publicity Director, Mr. Bola Ajao, asked whether any of them was prepared to step down or take the slot of the deputy governor, they all insisted on the governorship ticket.

Also yesterday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the four PDP aspirants as a bunch of failed politicians.

In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, APC said the PDP aspirants were “too uninformed” to be worthy of a governorship ticket.

It queried the collective intelligence of the PDP aspirants, “who are accusing Governor Rauf Aregbesola of financial recklessness while the PDP-led Federal Government as well as its agencies and the World Bank consistently praise him for his exceptional performance in governance and financial management.

“For the education of these PDP aspirants”, Oyatomi referred them to what the Minister of Finance, Mrs Okonjo- Iweala, said in June: “Aregbesola has ‘demonstrated that good governance is possible with your programmes. You have demonstrated that youth development is possible. Your programmes so far have demonstrated that you (Aregbesola) are a good example of government and governance’. It was in all major newspapers.

“In the same story, the World Bank acknowledged that the Federal Government’s Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) was a replication of the Osun Youth Employment Scheme (OYES) established by Governor Aregbesola within 100 days of administration.

“Again, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, in one of its reports, confirmed that Osun is the best in governance as it relates to the human development index, the poverty index, and the unemployment index.

“Last week, the World Bank described Osun as ‘the reference point in Nigeria in terms of commitment to project execution’.

“According to Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa , who is the Nigerian team leader of the World Bank-sponsored Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP), about 252 communities in Osun have benefited. This success was made possible because of Governor Aregbesola’s major emphasis on water, health, education and electricity needs of the people of Osun.

“Besides, the Debit Management Office (DMO) had said for all intelligent people to hear that Osun State has no debt overhang.

“So, it bothers the APC that supposedly educated people like the paraded governorship aspirants of the PDP would still be asking to know what the debit profile of the state is.

“Such ignorance and possible mischief is not the stuff of which governorship candidates are made,” the APC said, adding that none of the ‘collective aspirants’ have “the essential wherewithal to govern. The PDP foursome failed before and they will fail again.”

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NEWS Four expatriates still missing From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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ECURITY agents are still searching for the four Thais kidnapped on August 9, on their way to work at the Rivers State Government-owned, Israeli-run Mega Fish Farm in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

The representative of Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru constituency in the House of Representatives, Dawari George, called for the victims’ release.

Police spokesperson Mrs. Angela Agabe said the victims will be released unhurt.

Mrs. Agabe said the police were closing in on the kidnappers.

The lawmaker pleaded with the kidnappers to release them unhurt.

Two Nigerians and four Thais were kidnapped in Buguma. One of the Nigerians jumped into the river and drowned.

The gunmen forced the other Nigerian out of the boat and sped off with the expatriates. He was, however, able to swim to safety.

The Buguma fish farm, according to the operators, is one of the biggest fish farms in the country and being managed by an Israeli company, Omida Farms.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda, said: “The abduction is as a result of the insecurity, which has pervaded the state recently.

“The hoodlums feel emboldened to do this because they believe the police are now their friends. Buguma had been calm before now; you can see that the situation is gradually degenerating into something sad.”

Rivers paying salaries, says govt

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HE Rivers State Government has dispelled rumours that it is unable to pay civil servants’ last month’s salaries.

It accused the Felix Obuahled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) of distorting the truth to score cheap political points.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, David Iyofor, admonished the Obuah group, its backers and sponsors to desist from misleading the public.

It said: “It’s amazing how low these people (Obuah group) can go in the name of playing politics.

“You can’t stand truth on its head because you want to abuse and attack the governor.

“Obuah and his co-travellers should stop playing politics with the lives of Rivers people.”

“They claim the governor could not pay workers’ salaries but even before they started peddling their lies, salaries were being paid and the payment is on-going.

“This can be easily verified both from the banks and civil servants; and the state leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC).

“Indeed, Obuah and his fellow co-travellers deserve our pity and sympathy as they seem to suffer from selective amnesia.

“It is therefore grossly misleading, irresponsible and repugnant for Felix Obuah and his co-travellers to say otherwise,”the statement concluded.

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Three killed in pirates’ attack

EA pirates attacked two passenger boats on the waterways of the Niger Delta yesterday.

Three passengers were reportedly killed in one of the attacks that occurred in a community close to Bayelsa and Rivers states.

It was learnt that members of the gang launched their offensive at another commercial boat close to Nembe Town in Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

They were said to have at-

•Trader’s N1.5m stolen From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

tacked the boat and stole valuables, including N1.5million belonging to one of the traders.

The hoodlums also removed the boat’s outboard engine.

The boat that was attacked near Rivers State was said to be travelling from Nembe in Bayelsa State to Port Harcourt, the Rivers

State capital.

Sources said the bandits shot at the boat, injuring some passengers.

Three of the victims were said to have died on the spot.

The incident occurred at an area popularly called Kilometre 46.

Residents of Nembe raised the alarm on frequent pirate attacks on the waterways.

A senior official of the

council appealed to security operatives to live up to their responsibilities.

He said:“The waterways are not safe for legitimate business to thrive.

“We have had many cases of pirate attacks and security operatives should come to our aid.”

Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe said the incident occurred outside the state.

Akhigbe, however, said two passengers were killed in the attack at Kilometre 46.

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; President of the National Council of Women’s Societies in Edo State, Mrs. Omoluru Aigbokhae Eriye (middle) and Mrs Bosede Patricia Ebhomoye, 1st Vice-President chatting when the women visit the governor in his office… yesterday.

Rivers PDP to police: arrest Speaker now

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has expressed dissatisfaction at the seeming delay by the police to arrest the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, as ordered by a Port Harcourt High Court.

The party said its discomfort is borne out of the fact that the state government is frustrating investigations of its officials, who are culpable of crimes and offences perpetrated in the crisis, particularly the July 9 incident at the Assembly.

The PDP, in a statement in Port Harcourt by Jerry Needam, Media Adviser to the factional Party Chairman, Felix Obuah, said the expectation was that the

Commissioner of Police would act swiftly, considering the sensitivity and seriousness of Amachree’s allegation of a grand plot to kill Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The party believes that an urgent response would douse the tension and fears created by the assassination plot and reassure the citizenry of the impartiality and commitment of the police in crime prevention.

“It is important that the police refuse to yield to pressure from the government, as acting otherwise will further leave the people with ill feeling and lack of confidence in the activities of the police.

“We, therefore, call on the Police

Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu, to prove his affirmation by the Inspector General of Police as a professional and non partisan police officer, by respecting the decisions of the court and acting in accordance with the law.

“He should arrest Amachree for raising false alarm, claiming to have uncovered plots by some persons to assassinate an eminent personality.

“In such a serious matter as this, the people deserve to know the truth and see that the culprit(s) are punished accordingly.

“The only way we can get to the truth is by investigating this serious allegation so that even the governor, whose life is said to be in danger can be at peace,” the party said.

JTF seizes vesselswith 198,000 litres of stolen oil

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EN open wooden boats laden with 198,000 litres of suspected stolen Automated Gas Oil (AGO) have been impounded by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield.

JTF operatives also destroyed 27 illegal refineries in two separate operations within the Niger Delta.

The boats were said to have been intercepted by the troops of 3 and 19 battalions of the JTF. Three of the impounded boats were said to be laden with 15,000 litres each.

Six contained 20,000 litres each while one was loaded with about 33, 000 litres.

JTF’s Media Coordinator Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu described the products as adulterated AGO. Nwachukwu said the boats were uncovered at an area where oil thieves set up 16 illegal refineries.

He said the illicit refineries were later destroyed by the troops.

•Arrests 11 •Destroys 27 illegal refineries From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

The JTF official said: “The oil thieves operated with 50 oil cooking tanks, 37 steel reservoirs, 27 large plastic tanks, 40 metal drums and five pits in Ugbokodo, Ajudigho, Saghara, Obegugu and Oghara all in Warri South and Ethiope West local government areas of Delta State.”

He said 11 suspected oil thieves were arrested by the troops from July 26 to August 6.

According to him, five of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to steal crude oil from a pipeline belonging to the Product and Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC).

He said troops of 146 Battalion of Sector 2 arrested the suspects at the pipeline located on Otokolomabie creek in Rivers State.

He said: “Troops of 146 Battalion of Sector 2 deployed on Bonny Island intercepted the suspects along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), where PPMC and SPDC pipelines are laid.

“The suspects were arrested with three fibre speedboats and three barges with which they carry out the illicit activities.”

Nwachukwu said youths of Ogala community in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State facilitated the arrest of a bus used for illegal bunkering activities.

He said the truck laden with stolen crude oil was reported to JTF operatives, who impounded the vehicle.

The media coordinator added that 11 of the illegal refineries were destroyed by troops in Mbikiba and Lagosbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

He said the troops im-

pounded seven wooden boats used by oil thieves to evacuate stolen products.

Nwachukwu took a swipe at oil companies, arguing that most of their figures on oil theft were unverifiable.

He reacted to the claims by Agip that it loses 20,000 barrels per day to the menace.

“These oil companies are usually quick at proclaiming uncertified losses to oil theft but fail to delineate between the loss in terms of differed oil production and what is actually lost to theft.

“The tendency to shy away from being held responsible for oil spillages drives them to adopt all manner of defensive mechanisms, including the use of bloated statistics since their activities are not thoroughly scrutinised.

“Not all declared losses by these oil companies are truly attributable to oil theft.

“At the JTF, we are relentless and our surveillance of oil installations has redoubled.”

Edo teacher surprises certificate panel From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

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T was “confession time” yesterday at the ongoing verification of the papers of 1,300Edo State primary school teachers, found to have falsified their ages in addition to other discrepancies in their credentials.

The teachers appeared before the screening committee, headed by the Permanent Secretary, State Post-Primary Education Board, Hajia Nana Audu.

They were anxious as they waited to be called in.

Those who were yet to be called rushed to their colleague, who had appeared before the committee, to know the drill.

One came out and said: “I told the committee the truth about my age. Anything can happen from here.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said at a Town Hall meeting that an audit on primary school teachers showed that some of them completed their primary education before they were born. Some got their certificates two years ago in the schools where they have been teaching for 15 years.

A teacher at Asologun Primary School, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Mrs. Augusta Odemwinge, stunned the panel when she could not read a sworn affidavit she tendered as part of her credentials.

Oshiomhole, who visited the State Staff Training Centre venue of the exercise unannounced, was appalled.

He said: “If you can’t read, what do you teach the pupils?

What do you write on the board?”

Chairman of the State Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Patrick Ikosimi, who was also at the screening, said the woman’s failure was “an embarrassment”.

He said: “We are committed to partnering with the government to reposition education. What this teacher has just displayed is a show of shame. It shows the decadence in the education sector.

“As the NUT chairman, I have written to the governor that we are in support of what he is doing. He should involve the NUT so that together we can find the culprits.”

Kidnapped teachers released From Osagie Otabor, Benin

FTER 14 days in captivity, three kidnapped primary school teachers were released yesterday.

They were snatched by gunmen at Orhogbua Primary School at Ekenwan village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Sources said they were released at about 3am close to Gelegele village.

Patience Osadoplor, Momodu Aisha and Patience Oroghene were said to have been handed over to their families.

They were abducted on July 30 and a ransom of N60million was placed on them; this was later reduced to N7.5 million.

It could not be ascertained if any ransom was paid for their release.

A husband of one of the victims, who confirmed the release, declined comments.

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WELFARE

Niger to increase monarchs’ salaries Niger

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JOBS

HEALTH

Lamido employs 7,000 youths

Foundation to fight Hepatitis

Jigawa

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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Lagos

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Wamakko pardons detained ruler, inmates

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•Governor Wamakko

DETAINED traditional ruler, Alhaji Suleiman Kurdulla and nine other prison inmates celebrated Sallah with their families after their release from the Sokoto State Central Prisons following an unconditional state pardon by Governor Aliyu Wamakko.

Suleiman was, in 2005, removed as Village Head of Kurdulla in Gudu Local Government Area of the state and thereafter detained.

Four of the freed convicted inmates were females.

The inmates got the unconditional pardon after a brief ceremony presided over by the state Justice Commissioner, Alhaji Nuhu Adamu on behalf of Governor Wamakko.

The Commissioner said the ges-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

ture was in line with the powers conferred on Wamakko by section 212 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Adamu explained that seven out of the freed inmates were convicted of crimes while two were awaiting trial.

Also, Adamu announced the donation of N30,000 to each of the seven freed inmates, courtesy of the state government.

“The gesture is part of the efforts of the state government to further decongest the prison. It is always being extended during ceremonies like Sallah and Nigeria’s independence anniversary.

“This is a holy month of

Ramadan and the state government decided to extend the same gesture to commemorate the Eidel-Fitr,” he said.

He spoke further: “The tenth beneficiary of the gesture was Alhaji Suleiman Kurdulla who was dethroned by the state government in 2005 and he petitioned the present administration which had a second look at his case.

“The state committee on the prerogative of mercy recommended his unconditional pardon after concluding that his petition had merits and Governor Wamakko approved it.”

The state Controller of Prisons Hajiya Hawwa’u Shettima commended the state government for donating two 18-seater buses to the prison.

She added: “We have to also commend the state government for establishing a Ramadan feeding centre at the prison during the Ramadan fast.

“This laudable gesture would go along way in further decongesting the prison. As at now, over 70 per cent of the inmates in the prison are awaiting trial.”

She also cautioned he benefiting inmates to shun all acts capable of bringing them back to the prison.

A spokesman of the freed inmates, Habibu Usman thanked the state government for the gesture, promising to be of good behaviour.

The gesture brought relief to the families and friends of the ertswhile inmates.

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OOD cheer has returned to the faces of victims of a Fulani/Tiv clash in Benue State, thanks to a member of the House of Assembly, Hon Avine Agbom.

The lawmaker, who represents Makurdi North on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), donated relief materials to the people who were displaced by the crisis.

He implored the people to take part in the sharing of the materials, including members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) who were victims of the bloody crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area.

The crisis claimed many lives.

The relief materials included bags of rice, millet, among other items, including personal effects like clothes and cooking utensils.

The donor said the effort was meant to cushion the effects of the crisis on the people.

Hon. Agbom urged the federal and state governments to set up relief camps for internally-displaced persons who are mostly from his constituency.

He also pleaded for more relief materials for the victims.

“The displaced persons have no camp,” he said.

“They can no longer go back to their houses. I want to appeal to the federal and state governments to provide shelter for them. Some are staying at a camp called Duadu where there are no mosquito

• Hon Agbom (fourth left) assisted in presenting the materials to the displaced persons in Makurdi

PHOTO: Uja Emmanuel

A lift for clash victims in Benue

Lawmaker donates relief materials From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

nets, adding that the children have been dying every day for the past two years without any

kind of support from government.”

He stated that the relief materials worth millions of naira

are specifically for the victims of the crisis in Mbalagh and Ayaka wards which are parts of Agan Ward. He added that the second batch would be

spread to other communities.

Responding, President of Mbalagh Women Association, Mrs. Margaret Bija advised the victims of the crisis to be law-abiding and wait for the outcome of government’s intervention in the crisis.

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Niger to increase monarchs’ salaries G

•Member, House of Representatives Hon Aliu Kazeem (second right); Deputy Leader, ItireIkate LCDA Legislative Council Taofeek Gbolahan; Leader of the House Shina Mustapha and Majority Leader Lawrence Aigoro during a public hearing on the council’s bye-law at the secretariat, Ijesha, Lagos

SEMA worried over diversion of relief materials T HE Executive Secretary of Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA),Alhaji Alhassan Barde, has said that the agency will penalise anybody caught diverting relief materials meant for InternallyDisplaced Persons (IDPs).

It would be recalled that thousands of people were displaced in different parts of the state as a result of violent attacks and communal clashes.

Barde told newsmen in Jos that the relief materials were for the resettlement of IDPs. He warned that any person, who tried to subvert the good gesture of the state government no matter how highly placed, would be decisively punished according to the law.

“It is enshrined in the law that any person no matter his position who diverts or assists in the diversion of relief materials will be dealt with.

“Therefore, we have put measures in place to monitor the distribution of materials to ensure that the end users get the materials and find some comfort where they are taking refuge.

“Report reaching the agency indicates that some relief materials meant for IDPs sometimes do not reach the target groups as expected.

“I, therefore, warn that this trend of event will not be taken lightly in the event that such practices persist and are detected,’’ he warned.

Barde said that the state government through SEMA, purchased relief materials worth more than N187 million.

He said the relief had been distributed to no fewer than 30,000 internally-displaced persons in the state.

He told journalists that the agency had completed the distribution of the materials in the Southern zone of the state.

“For the past two weeks we have been distributing the materials. We have gone to Wase, Kanam, Langtang North and Langtang South Local Government Areas.

“We have also taken the relief materials to displaced-persons in Shendam, Quan’pan, and Mikang local governments.

Fed Govt accused of hurting business HE business community operating at at border the Seme Border has accused the Fed-

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eral Government as well as the service providers operating at the borders of constituting a problem to business at the ever-busy border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The business community, comprising importers as well as clearing and forwarding agents said the greatest challenge they experience is the inability of one of the service providers, Global Scan Systems Limited (GSSL), to provide effectively for which they are being paid.

Speaking on behalf of the community, one of the leaders and Managing Director, Savel Investments Nigeria Limited, Chief Samuel Chinedu Madubuike, said the greatest problem of the community is caused by both the Federal Government and Global Scan Systems Limited.

The scanner was supposed to be used to curb smuggling of arms and ammunition and ease the clearance of goods coming in through the border.

By Uyoatta Eshiet

Madubuike said Global Scan Limited was supposed to have installed a functional scanner at the ever-busy border to achieve the purpose for which it won the Federal Government’s contract.

He said the company has been using a dysfunctional mobile scanner since they started operations over seven years ago.

“This temporary mobile scanner cannot control the volume of work at the ever-busy Seme Border. It works for three hours a day then breaks down for another three hours.

On a normal working day, it takes Global Scan about one hour to successfully scan one trailer of goods and this translates to between six and eight trailers a day,” Madubuike said.

He maintained that it is not good for business especially in this era of destination in

OVERNOR Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has announced plan to increase the salaries and allowances of traditional rulers in the state.

Aliyu made the announcement when the traditional rulers, led by Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, paid him Sallah homage at his residence in Minna.

According to the governor, the new salaries and allowances would be captured in the 2014 budget.

He also said that eight guest houses would be built in Minna as befitting accommodation for the eight first class traditional rulers during official engagements in the state capital.

He directed the Ministries of Works, Housing and Local Government to produce the design for the houses and present them to the royal fathers for vetting before construction.

Aliyu said the gesture was to show appreciation for the traditional rulers’ efforts in ensuring peace and stability in the state.

He said the traditional rulers had played a great role in ensuring that their subjects understood issues being canvassed by government at all times.

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ARMERS in Bauchi State have expressed concern that the excessive rainfall recorded in the state, is retarding the growth of their crops.

Some of them who spoke to journalists in Bauchi, said although rainfall was desirable, their crops had been having more than enough for the past two weeks.

They explained that crops like groundnut, beans, maize and tomatoes, needed some break from rainfall to grow well.

“This is the third time within 10 days that I will be planting beans. The ones I planted earlier, did not germinate because of excessive rainfall. From the look of things, even the ones planted last, may not survive,” complained Jarmai Madaki, a farmer in Fadaman Mada area of Bauchi.

Another beans farmer in Bauchi, Sadiq Ala’amin, described the situation as ‘alarming’, adding that if there were no change, poor harvest of some crops, particularly beans and maize, might be recorded this year.

A tomato farmer in Magama-Gumau town of Bauchi, Audu Luka, said that his tomatoes that had already started producing flowers, were completely destroyed by excessive rainfall.

“I had calculated that in two months time, I would start harvesting my tomatoes, but the plants rot away due to too much rainfall.

“I spent about N50,000 on the farm and have now given up any hope of breaking even. The only crop that will survive this rainfall, is rice,” he said.

Our correspondent who visited some villages in the outskirts of Bauchi, namely Tirwun, Badaromo, Inkil and Dabe, reports seeing farmlands washed away by rainfall.

Usman Ali, a farmer in Badaromo, said that his groundnut farm was completely covered by flood in the first week of August.

“When the water finally drained, the damage had been done as the leaves turned yellowish. I am not sure of getting anything reasonable this year,” he lamented.

Consequent on this development, some farmers who intended planting crops that detest excessive rainfall, have been forced to suspend planting for now.

“I am watching to see if there will be a change. If there isn’t, then I may have to plant rice instead of initial plan for beans,” stated Shuabu Usman, a farmer in Inkil.

Commenting on the development in an in-

Briefly

Revival

•Chairman, Apapa Local Government Area Hon Ayodeji Joseph (left) presenting a free GCE form to one of the beneficiaries of the Year 2013 Free GCE forms. With them is the Supervisor for Education,Kamldeen Olasode

THE Cherubim and Seraphim Mountain of has Zion Church, the Valley of Salvation,has begun its annual Ona Ara seven-day revival programme on Monday. Services will hold at 5am, 11am and 5pm-respectively each day at Sajim Avenue of Daleko, Ogurun Road, Mowe, Ogun State. The theme is: Great is the Lord.The church will observe a vigil on August 16 while Sunday,August 18 will be the grand finale According to the host, Prophet D.A. Ikuedowo, who doubles as the General Overseer of the church, attendees will receive salvation, blessings, breakthrough, healing, deliverance, amongothers.

Wamakko advises flood-prone communities S

Niger

He explained that the consultative visit by five governors to past and present political leaders was meant to douse political tensions, adding that the exercise had begun to yield deserved results.

“Some of the results are that we are meeting as PDP governors as a whole and also with some of our elders as a group.

“The President met with us to understand the issues we are talking about.

“So this consultation must continue, not only by the five governors, but by any person who feels that he can contribute to the peace, progress and development of Nigeria.

“Lack of communication is usually the cause of most of our problems”, he said.

Earlier, Abubakar commended the governor for his collaboration with the traditional rulers “which had ensured peace in the state.’’

Bauchi farmers lament excessive rainfall terview with NAN, a Director with the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme, Malam Ja’afaru Ilela, said seeds normally need slightly warm temperature, to germinate.

“By the time there is excessive rainfall and the ground is cold, the seeds become dormant and if there is no change after some time, they will die off.

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•Governor Babangida Aliyu

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OKOTO State Governor Aliyu Wamakko has called on communities in flood-prone areas of the state to relocate immediately to safer places.

Wamakko made the call when the District and Village Heads in Wamakko Local Government Area paid him Sallah homage at the Government House in Sokoto.

According to the governor, the call became imperative in view of the flood alert given by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for 2013 rainy season.

“The agency had predicted that 90 local governments in 10 states, including Sokoto, may record heavy rains capable of causing

Jigawa employs 7000 youths

IGAWA State Government has secured employment for not less than 7, 000 youths from the state into the Nigerian Para military service from 2007 to 2013.

Umar Kyari, the Director of Press to Governor Sule Lamido, who disclosed this in a telephone chat to this reporter, said that the employment has drastically reduced the rate of unemployment among youths in all the local government areas of the state.

Also, Kyari disclosed that so many youths were trained to acquire different skills such as carpentry, clothes knitting and photography, among others.

He maintained that Governor Sule Lamido has been able to cater for the needs of the physically challenged persons in all the local government areas of Jigawa State, with monthly stipends, since he assumed office.

In another development, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, has called on the state indigenes to embrace agriculture, as a means of livelihood.

The monarch, who charged Jigawa residents

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

to embrace agriculture in his Sallah message after the Eid fitr prayer in the state capital, Dutse, enjoined the people to love one another, as well as have the fear of Allah and sustain the lessons of the Ramadan fast.

Furthermore, he praised the state government for creating numerous incentives for farmers, stressing that agriculture will help to empower the communities and reduce poverty.

Also, the royal father urged residents of the state against toying with sanitation, as the environment goes a long way to affect the health and welfare of the citizenry.

Sokoto

devastating flood this year.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed and we are yet to forget the impact of the devastating flood recorded in the state in September 2010’’, Wamakko added.

The governor also said that the state government would do everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of lives and property.

He said that the majority of the 23 local governments of the state were flood-prone, adding, “we are, therefore, concerned about the potential pandemic.’’

The leader of the delegation, Alhaji

Council chief pledges support for youths, women

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HE Chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hon. Abdlefatai Oresanya, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the youth and women in the council to reduce poverty in the area.

The chairman said expressed concern about the warfare of the people saying the manifesto of the newly registered party, All

• Hon Oresanya (middle) and other council officialss at the event.

• From left: President, The Light Bearers, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo Lagos, Brother Aramide Tola Noibi, the Asst Secretary, Sister Adesola Okedairo, the Secretary, Prince Adesegun Akintoye, Brother Segun Ologunro, Mr Akin George and a guest at the wake-keep service for Sister Helen Olusola Caulerick at the Hoares Memorial Cathedral Church, Yaba, Lagos.

Youths seek peace, end of violence

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OUTHS in Lagos State have joined the call for an end to violence and bad governance in Nigeria.

The youth made the call at a ’Peace Walk’ initiative led by The Concerned Youth Initiative for Peace and Development (CYIPD) a non-governmental organisation that kicks against bad governance, socio-religious and political insurgencies in the country.

Participants at the event said they didn’t want to stand by and allow things to go awry as young people kill one another for political, religious and ethnic reasons.

The National Coordinator, CYIPD, Mrs. Ronnie Dim, who spearheaded the ‘Peace Walk’, said national progress is not about provision of necessary infrastructure, but achieving peace and unity which, according to her, is the bedrock of any transformation or development in the country.

Over 5,000 youth volunteers participated in the five-hour street walk which ended at Government House, Alausa.

Dim said she was not surprised at the massive turn out for the procession. “Nigerian youths are fed up with the spate of unrest in the country,” she said.

She further said that “it was unfortunate that we have such nasty situations in our country where young people are involved in risky behaviour at early ages; and sometimes it cul-

By Paul Oluwakoya

minates in violence. We just want to appeal to those responsible for the violence to immediately stop spilling innocent blood. The elite should stop involving the youth in such destabilising acts.”

Dim further said: “We are making a national call. This campaign has been held in some states in the north. We want cessation to all tribal, ethnic and religiously-induced violence including the Boko Haram bloodbath in the northern part of the country and all the other security challenges bedevilling our great country.”

The group also appealed to all political office holders in the country to imbibe the culture of peace in order to realise the Nigerian dream.

In their appeal to the President, the youth said: “We believe that Mr. President and all stakeholders can avert the harsh judgment of history by ensuring the conflicts in the Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Ijaw/Itsekiri, as well as other communal crises within the country; especially the political intolerance and instability in Rivers State that is escalating by the day”.

One of the youth leaders of CYIPD Dickson Iroegbu stated that “nobody is safe again in the country. Imagine a lot of youths now run out of the country because of the increasing spate of political unrest and the disturbing insecurity occurrences.”

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Group to honour Jakande

HE National President of Odo Obara High School, Epe Old Students Association, Mr. Feyi-Abiodun Oyeniyi has said it will honour the former governor of Lagos State with a leadership summit.

Speaking to Newsextra in Lagos , he said Jakande would be 84 years soon and had decided to show gratitude to him for establishing the school which gave most of them the benefit of free education.

He said: “This year Jakande will be 84 and we are are trying to felicitate with him because of what he did to our school. Through his free education policy, most of us were able to go to school. Most of us who currently hold leadership position in various spheres could not have attained this feat if not for what he did for us.

“We have decided to initiate a leadership summit in his honour which will hold annually in the country. We call it Lateef Kayode Leadewrship Summit. We also believe that whatever we can gather to honour this great man that has made impact in our lives cannot be allowed to go unnoticed.”

Oyeniyi added that though the association was not financially buoyant, it has deemed it fit to honour one outstanding Nigerian this country has produced.

“We are not financially buoyant but will launch an endowment fund to raise money for the project. The endowment will be looking at N250 million for the development of our Alma Mater, to make it one of the best schools not only in Lagos State but in Nigeria.

“The summit which was slated for July 19 this year was postponed because of Ramadan

•Governor Wamakko Ahamed Kalambaina, who is also the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government, said the visit was to express appreciation to the governor for his ongoing efforts to transform the state.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

due to popular clamour. The event has now been shifted to the month of September to enable many people participate,” he stated.

He thanked the immediate past governor and the present governor of Lagos State for their sterling leadership qualities which went further to complement that of Jakande.

By Jeremiah Oke

Progressives Congress (APC), is to ensure that everyone in the council receive a better treatment.

Oresanya, who spoke at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party secretariat, said the party is working toward making life better for the masses, even as he urged the people to give them support in the next general elections.

The council chief also said: “It is obvious that the party is ready to make positive achievements because its programmes are all about human development and job creation for the unemployed graduates.”

He also assured that he will ensure that peace reigns in the party.

He urged the party members to stand firm against the intimidation of any opposition party so as to actualise the primary object of the merger.

He said: “I want to start by acknowledging the women and the youth in our midst. We are ready to ensure that we empower the youth in this council. The newly registered APC will ensure that we help the less-privilege youths and women in the council. I am now confident that the newly registered party will dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.”

“We have our machinery at work to ensure that people are well engaged under the platform of our party APC. We also want to ensure that the country is transformed. I am confident that the future of this country is bright.”

According to him, their policies were popular and most Lagosians developed under their leadership, in terms of education and physical development.

“We wish the former governor who will soon be 84 all the best, we wish he can live on and on, above all, we wish the period he was governor could be played back, as for me, that was the golden age,”he said.

“Thank God that today some of the houses estates he initiated and built are now named after him, the estates named after him showed that government recognized what he did.

•Chief Jakande on the left with the association’s president Oyeniyi displaying the banner of the summit

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Defending the indefensible •The earlier Nigeria faced realities about the state of affairs in the country, the better

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S usual with such reports, the Federal Government has disagreed with the latest African Development Bank (AfDB) report on poverty. In a statement personally signed by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, the government contended on Monday that the report covered the period between 1996 and 2010. In effect, it did not take cognisance of the developments occasioned by President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, according to the minister.

It is baffling that the government is always eager to dismiss external reports which merely reinforce what Nigerians already know about their country. When Transparency International (TI) says ours is a corrupt nation to the core, the government says this is not so. When Nigeria is presented as lagging behind in social indices, the government reacts angrily.

Now, it is time to debunk the AfDB report, despite the glaring realities of pervasive poverty in the country.

This is not the way to get out of our challenges. Living in self denial can only aggravate an already bad situation. We agree with the minister that poverty is not peculiar to Nigeria. But what we also know for a fact is that the causes of poverty differ from country to country; so are the approaches to containing it. If many Nigerians are poor, it is not for lack of resources, mineral and human.

Rather, it is due mainly to mismanagement and corruption. And only good leadership can steer the country away from the pangs of poverty. This is

what has made the difference between Nigeria and other countries like India, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan that were in the same league of backbencher countries with us, even up to the 1970s.

Even if we agree with Minister Maku that the AfDB report did not cover the immediate past, that is the last three years when he believed that so much has happened to present a different picture, the fact is that since May, 1999 to date, Nigeria has had only one ruling party, and that is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In other words, granted that the report covered as far back as 2010, the present government cannot distance itself from whatever the situation was at that time, if only for the fact that it is still a product of the same ruling party.

Other claims by the minister can only pale into insignificance when compared with realities. Take the unemployment rate and Gini Coefficient, which measures the dispersion in income and wealth among individuals, that Mr. Maku mentioned. According to him, this is 26 per cent and 0.63, respectively, in South Africa, compared to Nigeria’s 24 per cent and 0.45. The Gini Coefficient for other comparator countries like Brazil, China, and Singapore were 0.52, 0.47, and 0.48, respectively. In effect, going by Mr Maku’s assertion, Nigeria’s economy is doing much better than any other of its size in Africa.

We have heard this claim from several ministers of the present government. Just as we have heard that Nigeria remains the highest destination for Foreign Direct

Investment (FID) inflows into Africa, over and above South Africa and Egypt.

Yet, we cannot immediately recollect how many companies have folded up in the country and relocated to other places in Africa due mainly to epileptic power supply. The power problem is still there; erratic as it could be. Today, generation has dropped from over 3,800 MW to about 2,600 MW. All Nigerians get are excuses why it is deteriorating rather than be steady.

We do not want to join issues with the minister beyond here. His principal’s government might have done a lot to fight poverty, create jobs, and reduce inequality. But what the AfDB report and others before it have said is what Nigerians see and feel. The country will be better off the moment we accept these realities rather than be trading excuses and defending the indefensible.

‘We do not want to join issues with the minister beyond here.

His principal’s government might have done a lot to fight poverty, create jobs, and reduce inequality. But what the AfDB report and others before it have said is what Nigerians see and feel. The country will be better off the moment we accept these realities rather than be trading excuses and defending the indefensible’

Killing intelligence

•Boko Haram attacks on informants is bad for intelligence gathering; it should be checked

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INCE the declaration of a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by the Federal Government on May 14 as part of efforts to curb the activities of the Boko Haram sect, the insurgents routed in those places appear to be fighting like wounded lions.

But, just as one could be thinking that the military onslaught against them has considerably disorganised the sect’s members and weakened their capacity to unleash violence, the attacks, last weekend, in which about 60 persons were killed and which also led to scores of others being injured, in Ngom, Maisarmari and Mailari in Konduga and Mafa local government

‘We urge the security agents to be persistent with the pressure mounted on the Boko Haram because nothing short of its total defeat will do. Intelligence is key here. This explains why the last attacks on the Borno communities are particularly disturbing. The terrorists reportedly attacked the hapless villagers because some of them had been giving out information to the military that had led to the casualties within the Islamist group’

areas of Borno State are sufficient cause for concern.

These latest attacks followed the ones on August 4, on some military formations, including the Mobile Police Base and Bama town in the state. At least 35 persons were said to have been killed in the attacks, according to the figures released by the joint task force. The terrorists had threatened to launch massive attacks as part of their own peculiar way of marking the end of Ramadan. Lt-Col Sagir Musa, the task force’s spokesman said ‘troops have successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists attack on Mobile Police Base and Bama town. Terrorists using sophisticated weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices launched attacks at about 6:45am on 4th August, 2013’.

These attacks are worrisome, especially considering the fact that the state of emergency imposed on the states, designed to last for six months in the first instance, is already three months old. We urge the security agents to be persistent with the pressure mounted on the Boko Haram because nothing short of its total defeat will do. Intelligence is key here. This explains why the last attacks on the Borno communities are particularly disturbing.

The terrorists reportedly attacked the hapless villagers because some of them had been giving out information to the military that had led to the casualties within the Islamist group.

It cannot be denied that such information has been of immense benefit to the military in the campaign against the insurgents. We are afraid of what will happen when such a useful source of information dries up as it is bound to

when people realise that they cannot rely on the government cover for their safety and security. The United States shut 20 of its diplomatic missions around the world on August 4 on the strength of intelligence report of possible terror attacks on US facilities on that day by Al-Qaeda. The point is that insurgents’ capacity for destruction is weakened when their actions are pre-empted.

However, as we have always counselled on the Boko Haram insurgency, force alone cannot solve the problem.

Certain factors begot the phenomenon, just as some factors are nurturing it; it is important to isolate these and find solutions to them. There are economic challenges to face, particularly in the north and central parts of the country where the activities of the sect are felt most.

Governments at the federal and state levels have to come up with job-creation strategies that will take many of the jobless youths away from the unemployment queues. When they are productively engaged, those looking for idle hands to recruit for terror purposes will have to look elsewhere for foot soldiers.

In the same vein, the governments must take another look at the state of education, again in that part of the country, with a view to further expanding the scope to capture more idle youths who should be in school but are not, for whatever reason. The bottom-line is getting these idle hands productively engaged.

Three months may not be enough to rein in Boko Haram; it should at least be seen to be crippling the sect and weakening its capacity to wreak havoc.

Will Israel’s Arabs get a say in its future?

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NCE again, the country wrestles with the difficulty of being a Jewish state and a democratic one at the same time.

There were a number of disturbing findings in last week’s poll by the Israeli Democracy Institute and Tel Aviv University, released just as negotiators were preparing to resume Middle East peace talks in Jerusalem on Wednesday. But one less-remarked-upon point deserves further discussion: Apparently, 49% of Jewish Israelis (a narrow plurality) believe that if a final peace deal is reached at the talks and submitted to voters for their approval, Arab citizens of Israel should not be permitted to vote in the referendum. In other words, if the Jews of Israel don’t support the deal, it wouldn’t be adopted.

To be clear, few people are expecting a final deal to be reached in the near future. And even if one is, the whole idea of a referendum is controversial. The argument in favor is that it would legitimize the final agreement, so that Israelis wouldn’t feel it was imposed on them by their political leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to hold such a referendum, and there are precedents, including the 1998 Northern Ireland referendum on the Good Friday peace agreement.

But the idea of disenfranchising non-Jews in order to ensure that the peace deal is seen as legitimate by a “Jewish majority” is a truly bad idea and one that cuts to the core of Israel’s lifelong identity crisis. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has wanted, on one hand, to be a Jewish state, where Jews can find safety from persecution and guide their own destinies without worrying about discrimination and anti-Semitism. On the other hand, Israel has also wanted to be, and professed to be, a democratic state. Its Declaration of Statehood, issued in May 1948, reflected this congenital dichotomy, noting the “right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate … in their own sovereign state” but also promising “complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.”

That’s a tough line to walk. If Israel is a state for the Jews, how can it also be a state for all? But in certain ways, it has succeeded, making a place for itself as the tiny Jewish democracy in a sea of repressive, authoritarian Arab governments. Today, just over 20% of Israel’s citizens are Arabs — mostly Muslims, but Christian and Druze as well. Though they have undoubtedly faced discrimination, they have been allowed to become citizens, to vote in free elections, to criticize the government and to run for public office.

But if they’re full citizens of a democratic state, why would they now be denied the ability to participate in a crucial national debate? The discussion of disenfranchising them from a peace referendum continues a troubling trend that has included recent proposals to make them sign loyalty oaths and to disqualify certain Arab parties from elections because of their supposed support for terrorism or their refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

It would be highly disingenuous to suggest that the Arab citizens of Israel are all patriotic lovers of Zion.

This is a group that has become more radicalized in recent years and which identifies, increasingly, with Palestinians outside the country’s borders. It is a minority group, but it is growing faster than the Jewish population.

Still, tossing democracy out the window is not the solution any more than it was for the United States when it interned American citizens of Japanese descent during World War II. A better solution would be to treat citizens as citizens and at the same time negotiate hard for the creation of an independent Palestinian state that would ease tension between Jews and Arabs everywhere.

– Los Angeles Times

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

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I had cause to speak on the vexed issue of the relocation of some indigenes of Anambra State from Lagos to Onitsha at a private forum in Lagos last weekend. Based on the facts then available to me, I condemned the action of the Lagos State government (LASG) and also blamed Anambra State government (ANSG) for resorting to letter writing to President Jonathan each time the issue arose instead of confronting the problem frontally. I had also argued that Anambra State government should have screened the alleged 72 returnees, identify those from Anambra State and rehabilitate them while returning the non-Anambrarians back to the sender.

Most unfortunately but not unexpectedly, my views were maliciously and mischievously distorted by the media aides of the Anambra State governor and

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

“Deportation” saga: Anambra’s to blame planted in some national dailies and on the internet. The sole intention was to pitch me against my elder brother, Senator Chris Ngige who had criticized the handling of the matter by the Anambra State government and sow discord between me and my brother silk, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. Let me make it clear that the wicked plot of the Anambra State government has failed abysmally.

Nigerians and Anambrarians can no longer be fooled.

It is noteworthy that at the time I

made the said remarks at the private forum, I was not privy to the exchange of correspondences between the Lagos State government and its Anambra State counterpart.

However, after the event, I read the emerging correspondences and reports on the strong defence mounted by the LASG. It then became obvious to me that the documents showed clearly that LASG had by March 2013 intimated ANSG on the planned transfer of the destitute. It is equally apparent from the documents that it was a

clear case of dereliction of duty by the ANSG. The Anambra State government has no excuse whatsoever not to follow through on the transfer after acknowledging letters from LASG and agreeing on the exchange date. Further reading the letters, I have no doubt whatsoever that the blame for the current debacle rests squarely with ANSG despite its desperation to politicize the matter with the unholy aim of gaining votes from the crisis during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election in November.

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on industrial action over the insincerity of the government and unwillingness to fulfil the agreement it entered into with ASUU in 2009. They keep telling us that what they are demanding for can not be met by any government in the world but somebody can steal billions of naira from the country’s treasury at the expense of millions of people.

Since 1999, we have been promised so many things by the PDP-led administration and none of it has

been fulfilled yet. When Jonathan came into power, despite his campaign promises and the struggles that trailed his emergence, everybody tended to believe and trust him until he ruined our New Year celebration with fuel price hike!

Nigerians are dying everyday as a result of insecurity, we have military men who can secure our pipelines but now we have a group of erstwhile bandits given contracts to secure the pipelines. This is a job military men could do have done without our having to pay them

huge amount of money aside their salaries and allowances.

It is against this backdrop that All Progressives Alliance emerged (APC). I am not saying that APC is 100 percent perfect but if something does not favour someone, you try an alternative. Consequently, Nigerians should join the fight to wrestle power away from a party that cannot settle the crises within it let alone solve the problems of millions of people.

• Waziri Mohammed Mokola, Ibadan

were released. The then Governor Ayo Fayose did everything, including allegedly swearing with the Bible, to convince everyone that he had no hand in it, but with the deaths of Tunde Omojola, attempted deaths of Taye Fasuba, Femi Falana and the many death threats to Chief Afe Babalola (all these people had one problem or the other with then Governor Fayose) at this time, the governor's oath did nothing to convince the masses and the Ekiti elites who seemed to have already drawn

their conclusion.

Seven years down the line, no one has been brought to book for the murder of Daramola. The worst nightmare is that some of the characters who were fingered as culpable in the murder of Daramola are still around, some of them trying to make their way back to the Ekiti Government House and have already started re-opening their pandora box as typified by the violence that recently broke out at the PDP secretariat in Ado-Ekiti.

As we mark the seven years anni-

Why Nigerians should embrace APC

IR: It is high time Nigerians decide what they want for themselves if they really want the country to change for good. We have been roaming about for over 14 years and yet we have not been able to ascertain the right route to take.

Our failures have been a subject of contest since we transited to democracy after many years of military rule.

We thought the emergence of democracy was the beginning of uplift for Nigeria and its populace until now that we have realised that people begin to contemplate if really democracy is good for Nigeria.

We struggle everyday before we could settle for at least a meal in spite of the numerous resources that the country is endowed with. Over the years, the country has witnessed serious mismanagement and expropriation of public funds by the ruling PDP and yet have refused to accept its failure.

For how long are we going to continue wandering in the hands of the PDP? We are denied of everything, there is incessant power outage, lack of free and fair election, lack of good drinking water and most importantly qualitative education.

For more than five weeks now, the

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It is apparent that the controversy would have been averted had the ANSG played its part as agreed. What is clearly in issue is that ANSG wrote to LASG requesting ‘urgently’ for particulars of the destitute claiming to be indigenes of Anambra State so as to “facilitate their integration with their families if they are from Anambra”. LASG responded with a list of 14 names including their particulars and requested the presence of ANSG officials for a screening exercise at the Ikorodu Rehabilitation Centre. Anambra State Government never got back to LASG! Anambra governor now alleges that 72 persons were repatriated instead of only 14. Where is the honour? Where is the integrity?

This is obviously a very sad reminder of the Nigerian Governors Forum election where 16 became a majority against 19 and the Anambra governor was in the fore-front of this show of shame.

The Anambra State government should simply apologise to the Fashola administration for maligning the administration and misinforming Nigerians on the issue and stop this unethical and ungodly ethnic politics. LASG remains the most friendly government to Anambrarians and Ndigbo in general more than any other state in Nigeria.

• Emeka Ngige, SAN Lagos

Ayo Daramola: Seven years on

IR: On August 14, 2006, Dr. Ayo Daramola, Chairman of Ekiti State Poverty Reduction Agency (EKPRA) was murdered in cold blood in his Ijan-Ekiti country home.

Brilliant, intelligent, well-versed, well-connected, well-loved, he was just the perfect person for the job, but some entrenched forces in government at the time didn't really like his meteoric rise which, if not felled, could have seen him to the Ekiti Government House.

Arrests were made. Then, they

versary of the cold-blooded murder of Ayo Daramola - yet again with elusive justice, I sympathise again with the Daramola family of Ijan-Ekiti and with the wife and the kids. I commend also the Government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi which, unlike previous administrations in Ekiti, has been supportive to the family and in fact appointed wife of the late Daramola, Mrs. Kehinde Ayo-Daramola as Special Adviser, Government House and Protocol.

• 'Dimeji Daniels Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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COMMENTS

APC: Nigeria deserves new, not recycled leadership; Suffering: Nigeria is an Emergency

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PC, the new political party should not accept just anyone from other parties, particularly PDP which has ruled since 1999. Al Mustapha will Tony be a huge negative for the APC. PDP’s political Marinho deadwood will not perform better in APC. A change of party will not change these people. The APC already has many forward looking politicians. Give them space and do not tie them up in ‘political favour’ knots. The new electorate is more discerning and desperate for good governance.

Romancing with Babangida, Abdulsalami and players like Danjuma who is not a democrat though wealthy may empower APC with money but will that bring change to save Nigeria from destruction? Buhari’s and Tinubu’s reputation means they should take to the sidelines! No to recycled leadership. We need new leadership!

Hurray, the FRSC has moved its Ogere checkpoint 100metres to where stopping a vehicle will not shut down a lane. Who authorises procedures, supervises, reviews situations and plans for eventualities in FRSC? Strangely, though such hawking is illegal, we see both hawkers and FRSC waving their arms frantically to attract you to stop.

The FRSC should now carve out an FRSC area, free of hawking, for vehicles to be interrogated.

One day the FRSC will remember its old ‘Observe Speed Limits’ and ‘Keep Right’ campaigns. Professor Soyinka will tell them that slowing down vehicles by speed limits and keeping slow traffic in the slow lane except when overtaking or avoiding dangerous road surfaces was the primary goal of the original FRSC. Such actions are more effective than randomly stopping vehicles for vehicle and driving licence ‘particulars and fire extinguisher’.

On Saturday at 9.06am a brand new government issue Ibadan based yellow and deep red commercial vehicle overtook us, four kilometres outside Ibadan on the way to Lagos, at about 140-150kph. That is our problem. Someone is driving at a speed that could kill us and we sit silently praying for a ‘Safe Journey’. That is a threat of GBH, ‘Grievous

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O say that the security situation in the country is both tense and precarious, at the moment, is to beg the question. In recent times, there have been discoveries and interception of arms and ammunition in many parts of the country. This has raised fears and alarm in security and political circles over the real intention of the arms merchants.

While such incidents of arms smuggling is not limited to a particular geo-political zone, the preponderance of opinion is that the frequency of such discoveries all over the country, in recent times, has been on a geometric ascendancy. As a result of this, the level of intelligence shadowing and surveillance in the whole country by security agents has been on the increase. As insurgency remains a major toothache in the northeastern part of the country, where a state of emergency still subsists, the growing cases of arms stockpile in the north-west states are said to be giving security analysts sleepless nights, especially as they look for clues about the motives of the masterminds of this arms stockpile.

In order to unravel the sudden surge in the trafficking menace across our numerous porous borders, security agencies in the country are said to be focusing on both local and external sources. In the first instance, the importation of arms may likely be traceable to trans-national Islamist terrorists arming local jihadists as well as using Nigeria as a transit route in the Sahel arms and related smuggling trade. This line of thought dominated the minds of the top-shots of the country’s security agencies for some time until in the last few months when political motivation began to filter in. Although security agents are yet to find direct linkage between the arms stockpile and political gladiators, fears are rife that the ugly trend of politicking

Bodily Harm’. We must inform the FRSC that commercial vehicles are driven, with impunity, by members of the NUTRW who make commercial vehicles into WMDs- a ‘Weapons of Mass Death’.

What is FRSC waiting for? Mega deaths? The Highway Code shows road safety signs. Even potholes have no warning signs. The FRSC needs new strategies in order to tackle speed and as well as ’particulars and fire extinguisher’ enquiries. The new big multimillion naira billboards sponsored by an oil company, Exxon Mobil I think, encouraging the speed limit are a small very expensive step.

There are cheaper ways of enforcement. Passengers are often too intimidated by the NURTW reputation for violence to report ‘Endangering The Lives Of Passengers’.

Who is there to report to, anyway? FRSC should please add phone in and internet ‘Name and Shame Anti-Speed Campaigns’ where passengers are encouraged to report erring vehicle drivers by ‘Motor Park, Time, Date, Route’ for FRSC to place on their website and investigate. Speed can be controlled by convoys led by demarcated ‘FRSC Convoy Leader Cars’ driving at 100kph.

I and tens of thousands of others suffered silently, but angrily, in yet another totally preventable nearly five hour massive traffic jam on the Ibadan-Lagos on Saturday.

Apparently unknown to FRSC leadership, the FRSC was actually specially set up to deal with, and possibly prevent and then manage major traffic emergencies and rescue the citizenry from their misery through novel approaches to traffic control through short diversions, information dissemination, preventing overtaking on shoulders et cetera. But none of this happened. Nothing happened. The members of the FRSC could not be seen at any of the problem areas in over 30km of traffic. The FRSC made little or no effort beyond trying to arrest a few miscreants around ‘Redeem’. There was no alarm raised by the FRSC. Did the FRSC members report up the chain of command and higher authorities to request assistance for the six vehicles and maybe 15 FRSC members we saw clustered around turnings and junctions? Was any order given to recall FRSC members from other areas and off-duty officials to help deal with the problem? Why were no FRSC members deployed automatically every few hundred metres along

the 20km traffic jam to inform citizens and implement solutions to the massive problem and also keep order and keep vehicles from driving on the road shoulders?

During this emergency, it was a serious if unrecognised emergency, the few FRSC who were seen were casual, disinterested and lackadaisical in attitude and showed no real concern to actually solve the traffic problem. They were not on their phones discussing with superiors and implementing any plan like the ‘FRSC 20KM Traffic Jam Plan’ at panic stations. FRSC knows that one of Nigerian drivers’ major problems is inability to follow the queue.

Queue jumping is congenital among commercial and most other road users. Over 1,000 vehicles overtook us on the shoulders. If they had stayed in line we would have moved faster. If everyone was forced to stay in line on the two lane road the traffic problem would reduce dramatically. This can be done by placing some blocks every 20 metres on the shoulders which will allow parking but discourage driving on the shoulders. Perhaps the designers of the new expressway need to take this up. The suffering of Nigerians is preventable. Nigeria is an emergency waiting for treatment.

PS : Give Nigerians emergency electric power NOW!

‘FRSC should please add phone in and internet ‘Name and Shame AntiSpeed Campaigns’ where passengers are encouraged to report erring vehicle drivers by ‘Motor Park, Time, Date, Route’ for FRSC to place on their website and investigate. Speed can be controlled by convoys led by demarcated ‘FRSC Convoy Leader Cars’ driving at 100kph’

Drumbeats of war across the country could in fact snowball into obvious threats from key leaders who are increasingly getting desperate.

It will be recalled that the arms cache found in Kano is still a mystery despite the ongoing prosecution of the Lebanese allegedly involved in the whole saga. The security agencies are also said to be at a loss over the alleged connection between alleged Hezbollah Shiite agents and the Sunni-led Boko Haramists. Boko Haram is said to belong to the Sunni school of Islam, and therefore, finding a synergy between them and the Lebanese under trial over the arms cache is said to be proving very difficult. What the security agencies are believed to be zeroing on is the possibility that the Shiite group could have its own separate agenda for the country.

Consequently, the Kano arms discovery has thrown up many theories. One of them is the possibility of a non-religious involvement, with political undertone being the chief reason. This theory was said to have given added fillip after the Zamfara State government recently got its hands burnt in an arms importation imbroglio. Abdulaziz Yari, the state governor, had claimed that it wanted to arm vigilance groups in the state in view of recent rising incidence of violent robberies. However, the way and manner the state government imported the arms allegedly without police approval has since become a subject of investigation in Abuja.

And understandably, this investigation is already attracting attention of people within the nation’s security circles.

Though the Zamfara State government has since justified its action on

‘One thing is that, each time there is a security breach in some parts of the country, especially in the North, it has become convenient for security agents to heap the blame on Boko Haram’

the need to combat criminal gangs operating freely in the state, keen watchers of the 2015 drama pointed out that arming vigilantes in the countdown to 2015 sent mixed signals. The belief is that, once Zamfara succeeds in this matter, other state governments will follow suit, leading to proliferation of arms in the country ahead of a potentially explosive electoral year in 2015.

However, while the controversy over Zamfara arms importation is yet to abate, a tanker filled with assorted arms and ammunition, whose source of importation is still unknown, was recently impounded between Kebbi-Zamfara axis. With hundreds of such tankers streaming into the country through remote border areas, fears are mounting that there may be a deliberate agenda by some unknown elements in the country to warehouse arms ahead of 2015 elections.

This is more worrisome because a few days after the arms-bearing tanker was impounded, another arms cache was discovered in the sleepy state of Jigawa, which led to an exchange of fire between security agencies and those described as Boko Haram insurgents. This assertion is astonishing, to say the least, because Jigawa has never once witnessed any Boko Haram attack since the insurgency reared its head in the northern part of the country many years ago. At any rate, the exchange of fire cannot stand in as explanation for the owners of the arms or those who masterminded their importation.

One thing is that, each time there is a security breach in some parts of the country, especially in the North, it has become convenient for security agents to heap the blame on Boko Haram. This situation is scary.

We cannot say for sure that all these arms are imported by Islamists. We cannot prove that. We can also not prove that politicians are behind the menace for electoral purposes. All that is apparent is that there is an

arms build-up across the country.

While the real motive behind this dangerous development is still baffling to security agencies who are probing deeper, Mike Oghiadohme, the Chief of Staff to the President, recently warned leaders and elders in the country against precipitating a civil war in the country through their actions and utterances. He warned such leaders and elders against plunging the nation into avoidable catastrophe, in furtherance of their individual or collective agenda. Analysts argue that Oghiadohme’s warning is a signal that the Presidency already has more facts over security situation, especially arms build-ups in the country, than it is willing to tell the public.

Arms build-up in the country has become a constant issue for discussion within the Nigerian military arena, which is battling insurgency in the North-East. Though the military has not ruled out any trace of political opportunism, suspicions are strong that the Islamists could be behind the development. The wider intelligence community, however, thinks differently. They feel political forces are neck-deep in the menace.

In a recent statement, Sagir Musa, a lieutenant-colonel and spokesman of the Joint Task Force in Borno, while confirming the rising incidence of arms proliferation, gave greater insight into the problem facing the North and the country as a whole. Said he: “Nigeria’s borders are massive with hundreds of footpaths crisscrossing to neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun with links to Mali, Libya and Sudan.” According to him, “from conservative estimate by locals, there are well over 250 footpaths from Damaturu/Maiduguri axis that link or lead directly to Cameroun, Chad or Niger. These paths, which are mostly unknown to security agencies, are unmanned, unprotected and have continued to serve as conveyor

Dele Agekameh belts for arms and ammunition trafficking into Nigeria. It is disheartening and unfortunate that the merchants of death have since devised methods to beat security agencies at the borders, chief among them, through the footpaths.”

Musa explained that “the Libyan and Malian rebels are desperate to exchange arms for money to Boko Haram terrorists, their financiers and collaborators as the sect has since been affiliated to Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb.” This, according to him, “has added to the overwhelming challenge of the influx of illegal aliens, arms, ammunition and sophisticated IED materials into the country and an efficient and effective fight against terrorism.”

Whatever the case is, I believe the security agents still need to critically explore the political angle to all these discoveries. If need be, investigation could be extended to foreign soil. As the arms influx continues, the questions are: Is Nigeria fast becoming a Somalia? Who is preparing for war?

Could the current flexing of muscles by political gladiators be a subtle declaration of war ahead of 2015?

Perhaps, a thorough investigation by the security agencies would provide answers to these probing questions.

Time will tell!

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COMMENTS ‘The elders in the North had been told the home truth by their fellow nothern brother. A strategist does not talk too much, he talks less and strategises on how to move his community forward. The region they are shouting to return the power to in 2015 is burning still, they keep on making inflamatory statements and talking from both sides of their mouth. In this respect, I urge all the Nothern elders and the youth to wake up from their slumber and srategise on how to return the North to its original state.

From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos’

•Gen. T. Y. Danjuma

For Dare Olatunji When all the sheep are dressed as wolves, it is difficult to single out the real from the fake. Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd) has not said anything new. ‘The spirit of Zaria’ prevailed because of the regional structure in place then. It would have been a different kettle of fish altogether if he had lent his voice to the dominating calls for the proper restructuring of Nigeria as a true federation. After all, one person with courage makes a majority. From O. O. Adegoke, Ikhin, Edo State Thank you for your write-up “The spirit of Zaria”. The moment you mentioned St. Paul’s Zaria, I became nostalgic and wished I could turn back the hands of the clock. I remember the strong but healthy competition, between St. Paul’s and my school St. John’s College Kaduna in both academics and sports especially football and athletics. You remember Davies cup and Philips Cup in the 50s and 60s. How I wish Nigeria of today will be like that of the sixties, when Nigerians lived together in harmony irrespective of tribe. Military coups in the sixties, destroyed this country’s match, to greatness. I grew up in Kaduna and I said myself as a full fledged Kaduna State indigene, even though I am from the south by parentage. God help Nigeria. From A. I. Olisadebe Dare, you deserve to be given a professor of journalism for your scholarstic no false analysis of the truth, historical facts of the status of the ‘spirit of Zaria’. You have spoken the mind of anyone that has lived in that great and respected ancient City. Oh, Zaria of yesterday we need that spirit back because I am a benificiary of St.Endas of those joyful days. More grease to your journalistic intellect. God bless you, keep it up sir.

Anonymous The elders in the North had been told the home truth by their fellow nothern brother.

A strategist does not talk too much, he talks less and strategises on how to move his community forward. The region they are shouting to return the power to in 2015 is burning still, they keep on making inflamatory statements and talking from both sides of their mouth. In this respect, I urge all the Nothern elders and the youth to wake up from their slumber and srategise on how to return the North to its original state. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos I observed you never questioned where Danjuma got the N2bn he donated to ABU? This is from a single person, in a country suffering from abject poverty? Anonymous Dare, thanks. The far north leadership need to sit down and tackle the following: child marriage, birth control for men above 40 or four children per man, not per woman, free primary/secondary education, and delibrate control of islamic teachers. Anonymous “The spirit of Zaria”, an insight of historical educational institute of an ancient city. Dare keep it up please. Anonymous T.Y really meant well but the spirit of oppression has disintegrated the union. How many lives has Danjuma touched with his billionaires oil wells? He really means his business of 2015 but Nigerians do not need such old blood with precolonial ideas. This is computer age please. From Abdul, Ikare Dare, great article as usual. I think Gen. Danjuma should be drafted to run for

President in 2015 by the APC. The nation needs him in times like these. What do you think? Anonymous I read you once in a while without making any pronounced comment. But today’s “spirit of Zaria” is not only historical and instructive, but irresistible. I also love the roll call of surnames as if you were a form master. O kare oga Dare. From Ombugadu Francis, Karu, Nasarawa state “The spirit of Zaria” is awesome and a dear tonic at this turbulent time which I believe will be over one day. From Edi, Makurdi Allow Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd) to be the next President and let “the spirit of Zaria” be one of his many points agenda, can such arangement profer any permanent solution to the backwardness of the north or can that be any solution to the present insurgence cum youth restiveness? From Peter Rominiyi, Abuja “The spirit of Zaria” is an interesting piece.

I write to give kudos to General T.Y. Danjuma (retd). What gladdens my heart is that, the respected general has not in any way soiled his good name and reputation. That is why he can speak frankly and bluntly. Can some of the Northern leaders do so? I also praise him for his courage and belief that Zaria just like Nigeria is redeemable. I will implore him not to relent in his struggle to make Nigeria great again. God will surely bless and reward him he is a true patriot and a gallant soldier at that. From Ojo A. Ayodele, Emure Ekiti You probably would not remember me but I knew you as far back as when I was a staff of the Concord Group, member, editorial board, deputy editor, National Concord and Columnist, Sunday Concord. “The spirit of Zaria”, which I have just finished reading, is excellent by any standard and instructive as well (for the North and northerners), which I understand pretty well as an old boy of St Enda’s Teachers College and Ahmadu Bello University. Remain blessed, always. From HRH Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, Emir of Karshi, Abuja.

Your write-up on “The spirit of Zaria” is a masterpiece. I also had that ‘spirit’ in me because l went through the Nigerian Military School (1968-1972). We were 60 in my class and the entire country was equally represented. We schooled and lived as one united family irrespective of tribe or religion. We were, and still are our brothers’ keepers. Till today, we still communicate with one another. I wish and pray “The spirit of Zaria” will return. From Momy G. (NMF/ 506) For Segun Gbadegesin Segun, you now make Jonathan your Prugel Kind just like Hitler and his true Aryan although he was a settler in Germany.

Do you mean that integration of Yoruba into OPC is not ethnic politics or that being Yoruba you know more than Jonathan? From AEO Uyo. If supper patriots like Aminu Kano, Akanu Ibiam, former governor of the then Eastern Nigeria,Gani Fawehinmi, etc, were to come back to life to talk about Nigerian economy being in tatters due to leadership failure, Nigerians are bound to listen to them with rapt attention, because we knew them. Not Danjuma and his likes.Those who, because of their proximity to the nation’s wealth, converted it to their private property should not be the same turning round to talk of leadership failure and poverty in the country and be taken serious. Nobody is deceived.

Until a convincing explanation is given to us on how the same General who has spent his entire life in public service suddenly turn Nigerian Billgate, Danjuma should have no moral justification to talk about the masses

of the people chained down in dehumanising and grinding poverty consequent of bad leadership of which he is an intergral part.

Enough of that deceit. From Emmanuel Egwu Your opinion on Ethnicising Politics was not only timely but was powerful. More grease to your elbow. From Dele Oyewole Re: Ethnising politics. All the political parties are guilty of ethnic politics most especially, the old ACN with we must hold on to our West dance! Opalaba should look beyond Mr President for critique. From Lanre Oseni On this count, Opalaba was right; you were wrong. Have a great weekend Prof. Regards.

From Olu. Re: Ethnicising politics. Well done my dear Opalaba, I really missed you, my thought was that you have chickened away, and I do not see reason why you should when you did not during Abacha time. I have decorated you with Ayekoto of this time, oye a mori o.

From Pastor Esan Ajibola JP, 2 Academy road, Ibadan APC is the party we know. I will make sure APC win in Futo and environs..a party with a posulating desire that trascends everthing that the masses want. Anonymous Yes I believe in all what you have said, it is true it is good to be good, God bless you and God bless Nigeria. Anonymous Nigeria’s problem is that we play tribal and religious politics, it will not augur well for development. Carrying along is answer for transformation. From Gordon Chika Nnorom For Gbenga Omotoso Re: Allah-De: A aaster’s passage. I am most happy for your realism as stated in the last paragraph of your write-up. That had always been my quarrel with your co-columnists as if governments are isolative! Late Papa Allah De loved and was loved. He was upright and transparent. Such a person, we pray, will inherit and be placed in Al-janah Firdauz.

From Lanre Oseni I have just read your column in The Nation: Allah-De: A master’s passage. I must confess that it was well written sir. You make me buy The Nation on Thursdays. From Abiola “Allah-De: A master’s passage” was prolific sublimity. Savored every drop. From Dapo Ogunwusi Dear Gbenga, I read your thoughtful and incisive article titled ‘Allah-De: A master’s passage’. All the masters mentioned were indeed great. But how do we rate ‘Ayekooto’ - Olabisi Onabanjo, Dele Giwa and Tola Adeniyi. From K. W. Mustapha, Ibadan Good piece by you on the back page of The Nation. Surprised, you did not mention late Dele Giwa’s Sunday paralax in the defunct Sunday Concord.

It is like you did not like and still do not like, even in death, Dele Giwa. He was a master of prose, and his contributions to contemporary Nigerian journalism, both as a columnist and a media administrator, remain indelible. He should have also been mentioned in your “Allah- De: A master‘s passage”. From Jamgbadi, Benin City Gbenga, I went through your write-up on late Alade Odunewu in The Nation. To be sincere, the topic “Allah-De: A master’s passage” arose my passion to read about the man’s deed, as a great journalist worthy of emulation, considering your atractive opening paragrph. But from ‘the colunm’s agenda’ to the end, the focus changes, depicting passages of the old and new columnists and their worth. Odunewu’s prediction on Bonfere’s apointmnt is the only place, correlating (1%) with the topic. In short, the gist of your topic is in contrary to what you put down. many people and I will be glad to read about his own passage. From Muili A. D., FRSC

•Jonathan

For Olakunle Abimbola Sir, yet again this past Tuesday you have delivered another powerful sublime writeup. May God bless you. From Ada Chukwuma, Sapele With the registration of APC, 20l5 general election is going to be a war of titans between APC and PDP. l just pray the better side wins so that the nation will move forward. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia state Yesterday’s ripples very very logical. God bless you. From Tunde Akingbade On your “Neither Jonathan nor the North”, I really want to let you know that, if President Jonathan had wanted to toe the ways of Baba Obasanjo, he would have frustrated the effort of INEC to register your party, APC. So you and your opposition party should try and commend him for once.

Afterall you people say anything that happens in Nigeria, the President caused it.

Oga and madam at the top, including Governor Amaechi and his house of assembly palaver.

From General Vic Marine, Port Harcourt Re: Neither Jonathan nor the North.

Beautiful piece with decorous balance.

Personally, I am very happy at the birth of the APC but beyond the euphoria lies the reality of Nigeria’s political situation that needs urgent disection and drastic solution.

For this to happen, the shareholding parties need to have a ‘sovereign national conference’ among themselves to sustain their co-habitation, then agree on the best way to fix Nigeria to the benefit of the majority at the shortest possible time and use this as a launching pad. Some parties will not want this to happen and would do everything to make sure APC fails. May God not allow that to happen because the crash or failure of APC together with Nigeria’s political temperature equals the crash and/ or failure of Nigeria. The APC should start working its talk. From Kayode A., Abeokuta.

Thank you for your write-up “Neither Jonathan nor the North”. We haven seen the birth of APC, let see how it will be nurtured.

The national convention of the party will provide the first test of its decision making strength. From A. I. Olisadebe Thank God the APC was finally registered.

But just as you reflected on, let the organisers be told in clear terms that Nigerians are not just looking for a viable alternative to PDP for the fun of it. We do not need any longer the government of the progresive GDP in paper that can only end up producing more rural and urban poor. Nigerians eagerly await to embrace the people-oriented party anyday,for the better. That is if APC is it.

Every Nigerian is entitled to call for power shift to his own territory or any region of his interest. Nobody is deceived. The people are no fools, having suffered enough deprivations and hardship amidst plenty over the years, courtesy of our purposeless leadership. Jega has really done well by registering the APC at last but he and Jonathan government stil have to complete the circuit by providing a level-playing ground for all d participants failure of which the registration of the party turns farcical.

From Emmanuel Egwu

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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Text only: 08023058761

CELEBRATING THE LATE D.O. FAGUNWA

‘Achebe died an angry man’ – Page 26

‘She was a gem’ – Page 37

•Mrs Fagunwa-Adebayo

‘I knew my father through his books’

‘Folklore can generate revenue than oil’ – Page 38

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 28

•

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

The enduring legacies of the late literary Iroko Prof Chinua Achebe were dug up again as HEBN Publishers Plc and other dignitaries celebrated his life and times in his alma mater, University of Ibadan (UI). EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

‘Achebe died an angry man’

T

HE enchanting rhythm of the mystical flute (Oja) rent the air. Its captivating tunes ushered guests into the University of Ibadan (UI) Conference Centre.

Its rhythm carried with it silent screams of the enduring legacies of the late literary icon, Prof Chinualumogu Achebe, hailed as the Great Iroko of Literature in some quarters. It was not another funeral but a ceremony Celebrating the Life and Times of Chinua Achebe organised by HEBN Published Plc. The rhythm of the Oja, pregnant with meaning, depicted the ambiance of a rustic Igbo community. Its biting melody played by culture advocate Mike Osuji captured the cultural essence of the late sage. The tunes not only prepared guests for the rich literary feast but literarily transposed them to the setting of the epic Things Fall Apart.

As expected, there were reminiscences; there were readings and poetic renditions cultural and dramatic performances from poets like Ikeogu Oke and Ebika Anthony, among other literary festivities.

And even though some of the reminiscences were a recast of what has been said a million times over, it was an epochmaking event that brought together his classmates, colleagues, friends and fans in his alma mater that included: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, HRM Oba Odulana Odugade I (CFR), who was represented by Prof Femi Lana; the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye; veteran writer and Achebe’s classmate, Mabel Segun; Prof Niyi Osundare (New Orleans), Prof Osofisan; the chairman; East African Educational Publishers Ltd, Kenya(formerly Heinemann East Africa), Dr Henry Chakava; Chairman/Chief Executive, HEBN Publishers Plc, Mr Ayo Ojeniyi and Prof Chima Anyadike (Ife).

Holding the prestigious record of being the publisher of the Things Fall Apart and many of Achebe’s earliest works, HEBN said the event was meant to honour one of its own.

Aside from publishing his works and having the late author as a former director, Achebe was also the first General Editor of the Heinemann African Writers Series. Hence, HEBN described the event as “a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest writers of our time”.

HEBN CEO, Mr Ojeniyi, described him as a man of “honour”, “literary guru” and “hero”, saying “he has left us but his landmark endures even for posterity to acknowledge.”

He added that: “Achebe is many things to many people but to us at Heinemann, Nigeria, we lost our author, a friend our director and colleague.”

In death, the late Achebe’s legacies spoke from the grave to challenge the living and re-direct their steps to a patriotic path, it was said. Aside his writings, his legacies as a patriotic Nigerian, who cared so much for the state of the nation, are noteworthy, according to guests.

Chief Aigboje Higo, who chaired the event, was pessimistic about the state of Nigeria. He began with a rhetoric question that re-echoed a major preoccupation of the late author’s last book, There Was A Country, by saying: “Is there anybody in this room who does not know what is wrong with Nigeria or what should be done to make Nigeria right?”

Higo said political office holders should lead by example, urging them to do away with corrupt practices that take the nation backward. While praising the Southwest governors, saying: “They seem to know what is wrong with Nigeria”, Higo said they should reduce their salaries by three-quarters, observing that if done, “there can begin to be hope”.

Beyond reminiscing on his sage’s life and times, Prof Osundare urged the audience to emulate the late Achebe’s legacies and works. Although fulfilled, the poet said, Achebe died an angry man. And Achebe’s anger, according to him, was directed at the way the nation is being governed. He urged all, particularly the leaders, to create a conducive environment for its citizenry.

“Achebe died a fulfilled man and he died an angry person. It is not only by reading his work but by learning from them that we can honour his memory. Let us make sure that we create a country that everyone can live in,” he said.

Achebe, according Prof Anyadike, became an elder rather too early who touched many lives with his wise sayings, adding that this is be seen in the depth of his works. “Achebe used the tradition strategies such as proverbs, anecdotes etc. as elders do in African tradition societies in his literary career to intervene on serious social issues confronting the society at large. That

•Ummul-Qura High School showcasing the picture of the late icon

•From left: Anyadike, Chakava and Segun

•Osundare and Marinho.

PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

CELEBRATION same understanding and self beliefs, which formed the basis of his cultural nationalism, came to the fore and began to produce in him the qualities he would develop in his characters, notably Okonkwo, Ezeulu and Beatrice.

Achebe was, therefore, able to formulate, even in those early years the themes that informed his literary and political career.

‘Achebe died a fulfilled man and he died an angry person.

It is not only by reading his work but by learning from them that we can honour his memory’ - Osundare

‘Above all, he showed with his own life, that leadership by example is not only possible but indispensible in any effort that would release and manage the productive energies’ - Anyadike

“Above all, he showed with his own life, that leadership by example is not only possible but indispensible in any effort that would release and manage the productive energies either being misused or laying on facts in Nigeria and Africa today.”

Describing Achebe as “our beacon of light to the world”, Ven Prof Obaro Ikime said the late author’s patriotism and commitment to Nigeria is worthy of emulation.

Segun recounted her earliest days with the writer, noting that people, especially publishers, should pay more attention to giving writers their due remunerations while alive.

The presence of pupils from schools across the state, including the UI Staff School and Ummul-Qura High School made the hall was full. However, the absence of students and lecturers, which was as a result of the strike, was also felt. This, the National President, Association of Nigerian Author (ANA), who represented the Vice-Chancellor, said showed that all was not yet well with the nation, saying measures should taken to change.

Other attendees were veteran broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mr Yanju Adegbite; Tony Marinho; Dr Bunmi Babalola, Prof Adedeji Awoye and Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Booksellers Ltd, Mr Kolade Mosuro, among others.

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Girlz Hostel to hit the airwave Girlz Hostel, a new TV drama, produced to promote social and cultural interactions between campus and society will soon hit the airwaves, reports LATIFAT RUNSEWE

Y

INKA Babalola’s drama piece, Girlz Hostel reflects not only the need to protect the girl-child, but it is an eye opener to the problems facing female students in many institutions of higher learning in the country today.

The sit-com, created by Yinka Smart Babalola but written and co-produced by Lara Tubosun, is expected to storm the airwaves next month. It is a new television drama that showcases the daily experiences of students who live and study outside their campuses.

The drama features the lives of six female students in their ‘off campus’ hostel in a typical Nigerian university, and has now been recorded into 13 hilarious episodes. But the producers hinted at a preview session recently that more episodes are on the way, as the cast (comprising mainly students of the University of Ibadan) would be on location recording subsequent episodes.

The first 13 episodes provide a mind boggling, yet hilarious comedy which displays the exploits of an aged caretaker; Baba RSK (Hafiz Oyetoro) and six female students; Mama T (Ifechukwu Achife), Wura (Abiola Kasali), Sidikat (Goodness Emmanual), Ibinabo (Cynthia Abagwe), Tokunbo (Mary Ann Amakor) and Mercy ( Mary Ann Eziekwe) in the hostel. With largely comic roles that are somehow exaggerated for effects, the girls find themselves in a world of intrigues and survival. There is the older Mama T who tends to lord it over the remaining girls but whose ego is deflated when the other girls hatch plans by her sugar daddy, Uncle B (Yinka Smart Babalola) to seduce Wura with money.

First, the randy Uncle B offers Wura the sum of fifty thousand naira in exchange for sex but a pretentious Wura discloses this to other girls and they all lay ambush for the old man.

The latter visits Wura on a Friday, believing the other girls had left for home, only for them to pounce on him and ridicule him for his unfaithfulness.

In another episode, the same Uncle B tries to seduce the only Moslem in the hostel, Sidikat, but this backfires as Sidikat slaps him thus humiliating him before Mama T and other girls.

There is also the ploy by Wura and other girls to prevent Mama T from renting a room in the hostel, hence Wura deceives Baba RSK that her friend would take the room on

•Cast of Girlz Hostel

DRAMA condition that Baba RSK befriends her as compensation for late payment. But the plan fails as the girl discovers the plan and ultimately loses the room to Mama T. The strength of the sit- com lies in the power of the illuminating script, which is well interpreted by the cast and creatively directed too. It also enjoys good camera work, with the shots imaginatively made to reflect the mood, time and action.

On the vision behind Girlz Hostel, Babalola said he was moved by the increasing social problems confronting female students living and studying outside their campuses in Nigeria. He noted that there are many lessons for parents

‘On the vision behind Girlz Hostel, Babalola said he was moved by the increasing social problems confronting female students living and studying outside their campuses in Nigeria. He noted that there are many lessons for parents to learn in the situational comedy, adding that the drama aims at entertaining and educating all classes of viewers’

to learn in the situational comedy, adding that the drama aims at entertaining and educating all classes of viewers. As a thorough bred theatre artiste, parent and theatre teacher, Babalola said there are problems in the tertiary educations which subject students to harsh and precarious conditions, and that parents ought to know and monitor the lives of their children and wards especially from the stages of puberty until they attain adulthood. Babalola explained further that he decided to tap into the talents of some of the students on the University of Ibadan campus to realise his vision through the drama.

Also explaining the birth of the Girlz Hostel, Tubosun who has written, composed and performed in several other similar entertainment/sit-coms like My Mum and I, About to Wed, City Sisters and Bella’s Place, hinted that the original idea by Babalola was to be executed by three partners.

Tubosun disclosed that the sudden death of Ify Omalicha, another consummate dramatist and poet, in March 2012 prevented the drama from hitting the screens at the targeted time. She however noted that the vision of the trio of Babalola, herself and the late Omalicha was to expose the lives of most campus girls, and to some extent, boys and men, to the public domain. The aim, according to her is to air the sit-com on such popular television stations as the NTA, DSTV, MITV, AIT and many others. Also, part of the dream was to use drama to promote social and cultural interaction between the campus and the outside world.

Echoes from the wood opens at Terra Kulture

W

HERE did she get the strength and energy to carve such magnificent works? Why chose to be a sculptor, a rather back-bending career? These are few questions that will run through your mind when you encounter the works of Veronica Otigbo-Ekpei.

Otigbo-Ekpei is a perfect example of “what a man can do, a woman can do even better.” Like many artists who use various media to tell stories and express themselves, she is a female sculptor, who chose to express herself through wood.

Her upcoming exhibition with a theme: Echoes from the wood, an exhibition of sculptures and button art that document her views, feelings and thoughts about life will hold at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos beginning from August 24 and 30. ‘The exhibition is an attempt to share the thoughts in wood, what has become my voice and language that are clearly translated through my sculpture works’, she said at a preview session recently.

From the wood, Otigbo-Ekpei has been able to achieve inward view by balancing a realistic sculpture technique with addition of symbolic allegorical elements. Her works can be seen as a form of visual storytelling, with each work suggesting a narrative and emotional quality.

One of her works, which will be on display at the exhibition, Broken Dream portrays her view on the controversial issue of Child Bride in Nigeria. ‘My works speak volumes about my thoughts and feelings from the sketches and the finishing work’, she added.

She will be exhibiting works which are in three categories, the first category consist of works such as Out of Waste, Something Beautiful, which are in series. According to her, ‘these are woods with natural formation that I saved from burning to ashes following the outcry by the wood. I painted the wood with acrylic paint to breathe life into it, to show that out of waste, something beautiful can be achieved’. This, she said, aims at supporting the ongoing global campaign against deforestation and bush-burning.

The second category of sculpture on display is carved out of different kinds of wood. They include Fisherman, Drummer, Musician and Shoemaker which represent the dogged-

By Udemma Chukwuma

ness, tenacity, resilience and survival spirit of the real Nigerians who work so hard, but have little or nothing to show for it.

But for African Lady, Flower, Sunset, Dripping Colour, Teenage and lot more are created out of trial. ‘Each time I visit the market where I purchase materials for my sculptures, I found lots of bright-coloured buttons staring at me in the face, and I could not resist the temptation of making experiment with them.

‘The buttons are of diverse colours, shapes and sizes; they are made of plastic, glass, metal, clay and rain. I use them to transform a plain surface, to an original work of art using adhesive to fasten them together’.

According to her, ‘the world of the woods, a world offering perfect quiet and solitude, exists side by side with the realisation that there is also another world of people and society’s obligations. They try to reach-out, to speak to us and sometimes even make suggestions, but are not heard because they speak with their mystifying whispers through sound wave and chemical reaction.

‘The unseen forces in the wood are yearning for attention, incidentally and on five years interval are inching to express themselves through my works.

However, Otigbo-Ekpei has been an active force in this male dominated field of contemporary Nigerian art. She has been practising and creating amazing works for twenty years. This conveys that she does what she is doing not just for storytelling or to express herself alone but due to her passion for art and sculpture.

“It gives me joy and satisfaction seeing wood in its rough and shapeless form being transformed into an unbelievable object of communication”, she said, adding that it is what keeps her practicing.

She has held five solo exhibitions, ten group exhibitions, and seven commissioned works, calendar illustrations, including books, which she authored.

Otigbo-Ekpei is a 2005 masters degree holder (Sculpture), from the University of Lagos.

•Behind a Successful

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

28

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

CELEBRATING D.O. FAGUNWA For three days, many aspects of the pioneer Yoruba novelist, the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa’s books were subjected to scholarly critique by literary giants from across the globe at an international conference in Akure, Ondo State. Like some aspects of his books, the circumstances surrounding his death were shrouded in controversy. The forum that was organised to commemorate the golden anniversary of his death, provided opportunity for the Fagunwa family to debunk rumours that the late writer was a mysterious man who either died by drowning in River Niger at Bida, or in a motor accident. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

Literary scholars extol Fagunwa’s virtues

Common thread in Fagunwa’s books Prof Niyi Osundare “The late Fagunwa’s imagination was fertile, his perspective wide and sensibility very deep. In fact, his imagination was frontier less. And you find all that touches mankind in his books. He understood men so well that he even represent men with animals and humourise them. He went to forest turned it to a parallel plain of existence and his forest looks more humane than the society.

His books also talk of love, loyalty, hard work, perseverance, complexity of life, the dualism of life, as depicted by some of the characters such as Akaraogun, Ifepade, and Ifepiya. It might not be surprise to learn that Fagunwa must have read works such as Gulliver’s Travel, and works by Robin Crusoe and Dan Defoe. His books are a phenomenon of quest with a purpose but much in abstract.

I

T was a rare gathering, attracting mostly Yoruba scholars from across the globe. They made no pretences about their mission to Akure, the Ondo State capital, last weekend.

They gathered to celebrate the literary landmarks of the pioneer Yoruba language novelist, the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa who passed on 50 years ago. Central to the celebration was the critical appraisal of the different aspects of Fagunwa’s imaginative writings.

The international conference was organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Fagunwa Study Group, Fagunwa Foundation and the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC).

Two governors, Dr. Segun Mimiko of Ondo State and his Ekiti counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and some traditional rulers such as the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesunmbo Kiladejo, Oba Dokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke Ila, and representative of the Oba of Oke-Igbo, Otunba Olu Adegbite from the state were in attendance to perpetuate the legacies of the renowned writer who would have turned 110 years this year.

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka who gave the key note, canvassed for the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s indigenous languages and cultural values. He extolled the virtues and relevance of Fagunwa’s literary works.

Soyinka who spoke on Fagunwa’s Forest Tapestry: Heroes and Heroics, morals and moralists, analysed the relevance of the late author’s works in modern day Nigeria, saying that Fagunwa’s philosophy is all about selfless service to community and balancing of ethics (se boti mo).

Fagunwa, he said, identified with everyone in his works and expressed his devotion to communal cause. According to him, heroes are different from heroics, and that heroes could be found anywhere except that the society often refers to the real heroes as failures or losers.

He said Nigerians should avoid the ABC syndrome of (Amnesia, Blindness and Compartmentalisation) if the society must move forward.

He added that ‘we should hold his works as a mirror to all our pretentions,’ noting that Fagunwa’s works could be likened to another book; Six characters in search of author written

by Luigi Prandelo, the Italian writer.

Govenror Mimiko corroborated Soyinka’s position saying everyone has a role to play in the society, adding that it is the synergy that would bring to help the society. He noted that literature has the very foundation that could transform the society. “We need to define our heroes and heroics because we are in a critical juncture in our nation where we have heroes as villains,” he added.

Governor Fayemi who extolled the virtues of the late Fagunwa, said there is a dearth of role models in the society, noting that Fagunwa’s legacies should evoke great passion in literature among the youths. He said that 50 years after

Prof Olu Obafemi

•Soyinka

Fagunwa’s death, his celebration shows that his works remain timeless. “Fagunwa live and worked as a teacher. The preservation of our language is strongly tied to our civilization as a people. We must never allow our language to die.

Today, Fagunwa’s promotion of knowledge has been justified as the UN sets aside August 9 as the international day for indigenous people across the globe,” he said.

Culture,Tourism and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke represented by Executive Secretary, Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma said that rekindling memories of this great literary icon through a conference of this nature redirects ‘our attention to the need to celebrate virtues and recognize those that have contributed positively to societal growth. “Holding this conference at this period of our history reminds writers and those in the creative industry of the roles they can play in our country’s desire for development. A good writer not only dissects life, its challenges, events and people in a honest and humane way, he teaches, admonishes and holds the torch of hope, especially in an atmosphere of despondency. Replete in Fagunwa’s works are positive role models, which can be emulated to assist Nigeria’s desire for development,” he said.

Director General of Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale said the decision to hold the conference was primarily to rekindle the profound memories of the sterling qualities and contributions of the late Fagunwa to African literature, arts and culture.

The opening ceremony was not all about speeches as there were performances by the Ondo State cultural troupe, while young Iwalewa Olorunyomi of Bodija International School, Ibadan, read fluently in Yoruba language some pages from Fagunwa’s book.

Also on stage as solo act was Akaraogun, who rendered excerpt from adapted Langbodo.

The conference attracted scholars such as Prof Niyi Osundare, Prof Femi Osofisan, Prof Kole Omotoso, prof. Jacob Olupona, Prof Dele Layiwola, Prof Karin Barber, Prof Dan Izevbaye, Odia Ofeimun, prof Adeleke Adeeko, Prof Harry Garuba, Prof Olu Obafemi and Prof Olaaoye Abioye. Others were Prof Oyeronke Oyewunmi, Prof Olubunmi Smith, Prof Gbemisola Adeoti, Dr. Akin Adesokan, Sola Olorunyomi, Tejumola Olaniyan among others.

“The late Fagunwa’s stories are very serious works of didactic moral lessons. They propagate quality, sincere love, and punishment for misbehavior. He showed the essential value of using language and literature as vehicle of culture.

He used indigenous language to understand the world view as well as promoting entertainment value. He removed border between physical and spiritual, and all these come into the tales.

My attraction to adapting Aditu Olodumare was that as a young pupil in primary school, I was so fascinated by the adventure. Again, the dream vision in the book was compelling and there was a thin line between dream and reality.”

•Osundare.

PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

‘My husband was not a mysterious man’ Chief Adebanke Fagunwa, the 81-year-old widow of the late Chief Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa relives how he died and where he was buried at St. Luke Church Cemetery in Oke-Igbo, Ondo State. She says she did not marry a mysterious man. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, who was at the conference reports.

In the beginning

“M

Y late husband as a manager with the Heinemann Books travelled to the northern part of the country on November 16, 1963 publicising the books of the publishing firm. On Saturday December 7, 1963, he slept at Bida while returning to Ibadan.

He wanted to leave Bida early in order to reach Ibadan on time he decided to take a ferry (Pontu), which was the popular means of transporting both passengers and vehicles across the Niger River. To board the ferry was based on first come first serve. The driver told us the story of how everything happened.

My late husband left for the River Niger

bank at about 6am and walked down the river bank reading a book when suddenly he slipped and fell into the river. He got drowned and rescuers were unable to find him that day until Monday. He was found under a capsized canoe.

Rescuers’ findings

Searchers found that his dresses were still on him as well as the cap. His remains were brought to Ibadan on Monday December 9. On December 10, his corpse was taken to Oke Igbo, his home town for burial. His funeral was conducted at St. Lukes Church, Oke-Igbo, and there was church publication on the burial. And the church has every evidence about his burial till date. I would love

that Nigerians should be shown his burial ground at Oke Igbo. When I saw what was written on the conference programme about the controversy surrounding the death of my husband, I discussed with the Ondo State government officials and promised to put the record straight. The permanent secretary in the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism promised to visit Oke Igbo to see things for himself.

Resolution

The family is ready to exhume the remains of my late husband to ascertain that he was actually buried at Oke-Igbo so as to dismiss the rumour that he was never buried because he drowned in River Niger.

My late husband was never a mysterious

•Mrs Fagunwa

man. I did not marry a mysterious man. In fact, until his death, he never belonged to any cult as he was a devoted Christian. He believed in God till he died.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

BUSINESS

29 NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

Nigeria’s maiden Sukuk bond set for market with N10b N IGERIA’S first Sukuk bond issue is ready for the market following regulatory approvals by financial services authorities, signaling a landmark that is expected to significantly deepen and diversify the Nigerian capital market.

Global outstanding Sukuk reached $245.3 billion by the first half of the year.

Sukuk is an alternative finance instrument premised on Islamic asset finance principles. Unlike interest-paying conventional

ByTaofik Salako

bond issue, Sukuk makes returns to the investors through sharing of profit or cash flow from the underlying asset with them in addition to redemption of the principal upon maturity.

Managing Director, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, a major party to the Sukuk, confirmed the regulatory approvals and preparedness of the parties to launch the

first-ever Islamic bond issue in the Nigerian market.

He said the Sukuk, being issued by the Osun State Government, will seek to raise N10 billion in its debut issue with further issuances building on the market response.

He said parties to the issue were ready to open application list for the bond issue following compliance with all regulatory requirements and pre-issuance processes and documentations.

Balogun said parties to the issue were expecting the National Pension Commission (Pencom) to conclude the review of the investment guidelines for pension fund administrators, which will allow them (PFAs) to invest in Sukuk bonds.

“We have regulatory approval to open our first Sukuk, we have only delayed a bit to allow the dislocation at the money market to settle and to allow

PFAs to be able to invest in the bond,” Balogun said.

Director, Securities and Investment Services, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Mary Uduk, also confirmed the Osun State Sukuk as Nigeria’s first Sukuk noting that the apex capital market regulator had worked in earnest to provide regulatory framework that makes the emergence of the Sukuk possible.

SEC’s Rules on Sukuk Issuance in Nigeria under•Continued on page 32

Group pledges to stamp out fake phones

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•Vice President Namadi Sambo in a handshake with Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, during the 2nd Joint Meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) Board and National Council on Privatisation (NCP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...on Monday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

‘Nigeria’s software industry worth $1b’ N IGERIA could earn as much as $1 billion yearly from the software sub-sector of the information communications technology (ICT) industry if it is well developed, the Chief Executive Officer 70th Precint Osamede Unweni has said.

He said Lagos could become a software hub for the West Africa sub-region the way Bamgalore is to India and other parts of the world.

According to reports, the Indian software industry has grown from $ 150 million in 1991-92 to a staggering $ 5.7 billion, including over $4 billion worth of software exports in 1999-2000.

India exports software and services to about 95 countries. The share of North America (United States & Canada) in India’s software exports is about 61 per cent.

But Umweni, said Nigeria could borrow a leaf from Indians by making efforts to develop

Mortgage financing to cost N25tr - P 30

By Lucas Ajanaku

the nation’s software industry.

The nation, he said, has enormous untapped potential in software development.

“Nigeria could earn about $1 billion from a well-developed software industry. Earnings could even hit the billion dollar mark because the industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. It also includes computing and mobile technology. For instance, China-based telecoms equipment maker, Huawei, announced early this year that it made $35.5billion from sales, which is even close to Nigeria’s oil sales in the same corresponding year.

“We are yet to include the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple and others. I believe that if the right policies are put in place and pursued consistently, it will boost

national GDP,” he said.

He commended the Minsiter of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Jonhson, for taking the bold initiative to set up the software incubation centre in Lagos. “In India, start-up incubation centres play very significant roles. They are the places where entrepreneurs launch new setups and change the game of business by minutes. Business incubation programmes or centres like that of Yaba will provide support functions, mentorship and resources to individual entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial setups,” he added. This will enable them to get all the expert advice and technical guidance that they need to survive for a longer time, unlike most other entrepreneurial ventures that fizzle out within a few months of their launch,” he said.

Power Privatisation: Shortlisted bidders scurry for funds

- P31

RESIDENT, Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA), Mr Iyke Nwosu, has promised to stamp out fake and substandard phones in five months if given government’s support.

He spoke at his association’s office in Ikeja, Lagos last weekend.

He said the low quality phones is affecting their business, noting that some of his colleagues end up at the police station after a transaction when the phones are returned for low performance.

He said from their investigations, the association has traced many of the fake products to Chinese traders who have no address and have expired work permits and passports.

He asked the relevant agencies of the government to assist his members to deal with these economic saboteurs whenever they are apprehended.

He regretted that most times when the association’s task force apprehend the fake product importers and hand them over to law enforce-

B

By Okwy Irogebu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

ment agencies, they return to the market more daring to trade in their fake phones and accessories.

“Our main challenge is to deal with faceless suppliers of fake products in the country,” he said.

The PAPDA chief called on the government to discourage Chinese businessmen from retail trading. He also advised buyers to beware of phones or accessories from street vendors, stressing that they are not members of their association.

He said: “Over 5,000 vendors are in this market but we have only 1,500 as our members. I advise prospective buyers to always patronise known shops and plazas in the market and desist from buying on the streets from those who have no fixed address and would probably not have guarantee for any purchase.”

Nwosu pledged the support of his association to the planned e-registration of phone products and dealers.

‘Banning shrimp trawling not in economy’s interest’

ANNING shrimp trawling because of harm it causes the marine environment and sea bed, will not be in the interest of the economy, Prof Martins Antekhai of Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University (LASU) has said.

He was reacting to the ban

by Costa Rica on shrimp trawling.

Antekhai said many employed youths in the Niger Delta would lose their jobs if the government decides to shut the sector.

For the region, he said shrimp is an important marine stock for foreign trade and employment.

According to him, the highest rates of incidental catch of non-target species has been associated with shrimp trawling.

By Daniel Essiet

Shrimp trawling, Antekhai said, is one of the most unselective and damaging fishing methods in the world.

This is because bycatch of commercial and non-commercial species may significantly outweigh catches of target species.

This, along with the impact of bottom trawls on the benthic environment, Antekhai noted, can result in significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems.

He said fishermen catch sizeable amounts of bycatch, which is thrown dead over the side of the boat because there is no demand for it.

He said large quantities of juvenile fish are wasted in attempt to make shrimp

Raising quails for a living - P35

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

30

MONEY

Mortgage financing to cost N25tr A

BOUT N25 trillion is needed to bridge the housing gap estimated at 18 million units and growing by two million yearly, a report by Consolidated Discount Limited has indicated.

The report, tagged: “Retrogressive view on the Mortgage Refinance Company (MRC),” said the company, established by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assist bridge mortgage funding gap, was expected to issue N60 billion bond, which would boost the bond market.

The MRC supports mortgage originators, such as Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), to increase lending by refinancing their

• MRC plans N60b bond Stories by Collins Nweze

mortgage loan portfolios.

It said the capital market provides an important opportunity in closing this gap and, to a huge extent, has led to the development of the fundamentals associated with countries with strong mortgage systems.

According to the report, the growth in the mortgage/housing sector through construction, is a vital means of generating employment and has played a pivotal role in enhancing productivity of the populace in countries with a sound

mortgage model.

The MRC is to provide short-term liquidity and medium to longterm funding and guarantees to mortgage finance lenders. It is expected to increase annual mortgage origination in Nigeria to 200,000 from an average of 20,000 mortgages within the next few years, representing an increase of 900 per cent.

The firm is expected to act as an intermediary between originators of mortgage loans and the capital market which are typically looking for long-dated high quality se-

curities. Also, the operations of the MRC are expected to enhance the development of the secondary mortgage market which is still at its infancy.

Already the World Bank has committed $300 million interest-free capital to the project, while other local investors have equally shown interest.

Also, Resort Savings and Loans, said it would commit N200 million to the proposed MRC. The implication of these commitments and other interests, it said, is increased funding to the mortgage/housing sector.

“Our forecast also indicates there will be a need to access funds from the capital market if the PMBs and DMBs can pull together more mortgage originations. To a large extent, this may help to deal with one of the twin issues confronting a viable mortgage system in Nigeria,” it said.

It said the impact of the existing land use act may constrict potential gains that would accrue from the establishment of the mortgage refinancing mechanism. The Nigerian Land Use Decree of 1978 nationalised all land in the country and notionally handed over its administration to committees constituted at state and local government level and these constitute a huge constraint to business. This limitation would have to be removed if the level of investments

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

desired in the housing sector is to be attained.

The report said the mortgage market in Africa is relatively small which has led to pent up demand that could serve as a major growth driver for housing in the continent. The performance of mortgage market in Africa has been strongly linked to the performance of the various economies. South Africa is the biggest economy in Africa and equally has the most decent (size and structure) mortgage system. Mortgage accounts for 26 per cent of South African’s GDP while it accounts for a one of Nigeria’s.

‘How to deepen microcredit’

T

• From left: Director, Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, Mr Lanre Adeniyi; Group Managing Director, Artee Industries Ltd., Mr Haresh Kaswani; Group Head, Retail Banking Group, FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd., Mr Tunde Owolabi and Managing Director/CEO, I-One-C, Kelechi Dozie, at a retail banking conference in Lagos.

CBN unveils plan to curb cyber fraud

B

ANKS’ Information Technology (IT) capabilities will be benchmarked with global best practices to check rising cases of cyber fraud and build confidence in on-line transactions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

CBN’s Deputy Director, Banking Supervision Mr Ibedu Onyebuchi, said banks must wake up to the realities of cyber fraud and boost their IT platforms to prevent hacking. He added that when they do, hacking would be easily tracked and checked.

Onyebuchi spoke at the launch of United Bank for Africa’s (UBA’s) 24hour online real time Security Operations Centre (SOC) & Forensic Lab in Lagos.

The facility assists the lender to monitor online transactions in all its branches, both locally and internationally, to check fraudulent transactions. He said the UBA facility would be used to benchmark others.

He said banks must improve on their IT to ensure that they were not just rolling out e-channels, but also protecting their customers.

“We cannot continue to roll out e-channels without securing the channels. Transactions have moved from the banking halls to the e-channels, therefore we must control all aspects of these channels, both internally and externally,” he said.

Onyebuchi said by strengthening IT in banks, management can be sure that depositors’ funds are secured and the customers too will be confident that their deposits and on-line transactions are protected.

He said as the CBN is preaching e-banking, the banks should also move in that direction, but noted that such cannot be practiced without adequate control. He said it is important that when customers do on-line transfers and other transactions, there must be security guarantee on those transactions.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc, Mr Phillips Oduoza, said the centre provides all round security monitoring for all electronic banking transactions in the lender’s networks in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

He said the SOC empowers the bank to securely deliver electronic banking services to its customers, effectively manage all form of information security threats and protect its systems, network and electronic banking channels against fraud, adding that the bank decided to invest in the information security infrastructure because of its commitment to protecting its customers’ transactions.

Oduoza maintained that any serious banking institution that wants to succeed in this digital age cannot afford to ignore information security, as any major compromise of bank’s system and network has potentials for colossal damage.

“We partnered with top Information Security Organisations that worked with the bank to upgrade our information security infrastructure in Nigeria and 18 African countries where we have presence. The drive towards cashless economy and migration of customers from

banking halls to channels, demands that we put in place systems and processes that would protect our customers and the bank, hence the establishment of this centre,” he stated.

Group Head, IT Risk Management, Sam Okenye, emphasised that the deployment of fraud detection solution in the SOC and the 24 hours-seven days a week monitoring, would help guard against fraud and also protect customers against e-channel fraud.

He said the rising use of e-channels has come with implications for both the bank and customer, adding that there is now less personal contact with customers executing banking transactions, which also increases the risk of identity theft, e-channel fraud, insider fraud and increased cost of control for banks.

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) financial inclusion policy is to deepen microcredit scheme and support gender-based lending in the country, Managing Director, Renaissance Credit Nigeria, Olusegun Akintemi, has said.

He spoke at the Quarterly Chief Executives meeting of the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) in Lagos.

The theme was: Consumer lending in Nigeria: Funding, dynamics and challenges.

Financial inclusion policy entails the promotion of grassroots banking and development of alternative payment channels mainly via e-payment to encourage broadbased transactions among bank customers.

Akintemi said unlike the developed world, excluding South Africa, credit markets in sub-Saharan Africa for the most parts are still immature. He said with over 170 million people of which 57 per cent are aged within 18 and 65, Nigeria was well positioned to explore opportunities in sub- Saharan Africa consumer markets.

He said Nigeria has one of the highest urban growth rates, with cities ranked among the fastest growing in the world.

“On a micro level, the presence of and access to micro credit to meet consumption and short-term needs of a massively growing labour force, many of which do not

have bargaining power on interest rates, would enhance the financials of organisations providing credit,” he said.

He said the middle class was estimated at 23 per cent of the population, making case for retail lending which thrives on numbers. He described the group as reasonably educated, highly aspirational and strongly optimistic about the future.

“They have an increasing interest in getting post graduate foreign education as this is perceived to improve chances of securing better paying jobs. Also, buying property or starting a business is largely regarded as a major investment outlet rather than equity, bonds or other asset classes.

The average income of this group is put at between N900,000 to N1.2 million annually,” he said.

Akintemi said an estimated 70 per cent of the emerging middle class have bank accounts which they operate mainly for savings.

However, a huge number do not consider commercial banks helpful with regards loans and would rather borrow from friends and relatives.

He said consumer lending if structured correctly, would present the target market the platform to satisfy their diverse needs, the providers of capital would benefit from increased risk portfolio returns and investors.

Nigeria, Ghana drive Ecobank’s growth

T

HE profit of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is driven largely by its Nigeria and Ghana operations, Afrinvest West Africa Plc has said.

A half-year report of the ETI Group released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange showed that the lender performed impressively in first half of 2013, with significant improvements in both top and bottom line results.

The investment and research firm said Nigerian operations continue to drive the group’s activities, contributing 43 per cent of total revenue, followed by Ghana. Notice-

able improvements can also be observed in other regional African countries i.e. Southern and Central African region, while the East Africa region was dampened by results from Kenya.

“The 2012 consolidation of the group and the acquisition of Oceanic Bank has boosted the bank into the Tier-1 sphere of the Nigerian banking space and it continues to enjoy benefits of the inorganic expansion strategies of the group,” Afrinvest said.

The bank’s revenue grew 19.4 per cent to N195.3 billion while bottom line or net profit grew 94.2 per cent to N26.9 billion. It said the in-

crease can be attributed to performances in Net Interest Income (20.3 per cent year-on-year growth) and other operating income (27 per cent year-on-year growth).

The Group’s Cost to Income ratio (CIR) moderated by 3.1 per cent from 58.1 per cent in half-year 2012 to 55 in half year 2013 compared to 72 per cent recorded for 2012 fiscal year.

This brings to fore the Group’s conscious effort to curtail its cost in the near term. The recent inorganic expansion strategy (acquisition of Oceanic Bank) of the bank significantly grew the bank’s loan and deposit.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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MARITIME

Firm denies N486m monthly income from NIMASA T HE Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL) has dismissed claims by some operators that it earns N486 million monthly from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for providing platforms to combat crime on the waterways.

Speaking with The Nation in Lagos, its Managing Director,

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi, Assistant Editor

Winfred Itima, said what the company is paid by NIMASA depends on the revenue the agency collects monthly based on its intelligence reports, monitoring activities and the provision of platforms.

He said there was no specific monthly remuneration due to his

company because the contract stipulates that the company would only be paid if NIMASA surpasses the revenue benchmark it is expected to generate.

At the end of every month, he said, NIMASA totals the revenue collected and gives his company 50 per cent of whatever amount that is over and above the benchmark. No official of the company,

he said, could claim to know how much is due the company in a month because that depends on whatever NIMASA makes above its benchmark from which it determines how much should be paid Global West.

He said there were months the company did not get anything from NIMASA because it could not surpass the benchmark, adding that in such situations, it went to the bank for loan to run its operations.

Itima said Global West had met its part of the contract by providing the platforms needed for patrol, monitoring and other opera-

tions through bank facilities which run into several millions of dollars.

Itima said although it was still servicing such facilities, it is also expecting three more platforms to enable it to cover the Port Harcourt area in the next three months. It is expected to get to Warri area in the next eight months.

On where to access funds to finance acquisition of the new platforms, he said the cash would be facilitated through more bank loans, adding that the banks are willing to give the firm the loan because it has not defaulted in the payment of past loans.

Service providers’ contract extended

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• From left: Managing Partner, SIMADEN Capital, Mr Michael Adeniyi; Managing Director/Principal Consultant, PRM Africa Limited, Mr Mike Dada and President, Institute of Directors, Mr Titus Awagu, at the World Market Roundtable and Investors’ Forum, at United Nations headquarters in New York, USA.

Fed Govt blamed for corruption in ports • Group seeks Ministry of Ports and Customs

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GROUP, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), has berated the Federal Government for not allowing Nigerians to reap the benefits of the port concession carried out seven years ago.

The group blamed the government and the concessionaires who took over the ports from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Customs for corruption, inefficiency and high cost of operations at the ports.

The group, during an interaction with reporters in Lagos, said ports privatisation in other countries were done to benefit the economy, the citizens and successor companies, noting that the exercise had not benefited Nigerians except the few ‘money bags’ and foreigners who took over the ports from the NPA. Its National Coordinator, Comrade Chukwu Osita, told reporters that ports concession anywhere in the world is done with the primary aim to improve efficiency, bring about better port infrastructure and services with the

By Uyoatta Eshiet

attendant benefits to all parties.

He noted that in Nigeria it is only the concessionaires that are benefiting while Nigerians continue to grapple with high cost of operations at the ports.

He noted that the Federal Government actually had good intention towards the ports but failed to follow it through with the right appointments and policy implementation to ensure transparency and corruption-free operations in line with global best practices.

Osita stated that President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation programmes in the Nigerian ports, which were meant to reposition the ports will not succeed because the system in place in the ports has been polluted with bribery and corruption. He said this has brought with it inefficiency and has made it unbearable for the stakeholders.

He said that there are numerous challenges, which demand urgent attention by the government to save the ugly situation. Osita cited

some of the issues to include the faulty Nigerian Custom Cargo Alert System, multiplicity of cargo clearance points and delays in the scanning of containers. He said scanning of containers by the Service Providers is delayed because the scanning companies deceived the government and brought in very old and refurbished equipments that break down often.

Osita said there are infrastructural decay and maintenance neglect and IT failures in some of the Customs Commands while shipping companies delay service delivery. He said the issue of withholding of container deposits by shipping companies to the detriment of the clearing agents who might have taken the risk of getting loans from the banks to clear the goods for their principals is going on unabated.

The group stated that unclean and unconducive ports environment, lack of provision of parking lots to enable stakeholders discharge their legitimate duties by the concessionaires, amendments and forgeries of vital documents and lack of equipments.

HE contract for the six preshipment inspection agents (PIAs) for the exportation of petroleum products has been extended by one year by the Federal Government. The government also appointed two monitoring agents to oversee the operations of the six PIAs. According to a circular from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the issue, the contract extension expected began from June 7, 2013 to the same period next year.

The circular signed by Batari Musa, the Director in charge of Trade and Investment, with reference number: TED/FEM/ FPC/GEN/01/012, dated May 4, 2013 on the appointment of additional Pre-shipment Inspection Agents for oil and gas export under the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS), said authorised dealers and the public are hereby informed that the Federal Government has extended the contract for the under-listed pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs) for a period of twelve months with effect from June 7, 2013.”

According to the circular, while Globalscan Systems Technology Limited is to handle Qua

Iboe, Bonny and Pennington terminals, JBIS Integrated Resources Limited has been allocated Akpo, Agbami, Erha Bonga and EA terminals and Robinson International Energy Limited is expected to handle terminals at Yoho, Brass Oyo, Antan, Oso Ebok and Okono.

Similarly, Trobel International Nigeria Limited got Okwori, Okoro, Ukpokiti, Escravos and Obe, while Candid Oil Services Limited is expected to handle Abo, Usan, Forcados,Tulja, Odudu and Ima; and Gulf Inspection Services Limited (GIS) is to take charge of all gas terminals.

The two monitoring agents, Messrs Arlington Securitas Limited and Swede Control Intertek Limited will oversee JBIS Integrated Resources Limited, Trobel International Nigeria Limited; Gulf Inspection Services Limited (GIS) and Robinson International Energy Limited; Globalscan Systems Technology Limited and Candid Oil Services Limited.

The circular noted that “all authorised dealers, oil and gas exporters and the general public to take note of the provision of the circular for compliance”.

Agents bitter over high examination cost

I

MPORTERS and agents are complaining about the scanning of their cargoes because they are subjected to 100 per cent examination at Tin-can Island Container Terminal (TICT).

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) said the process makes their members pay more for consignments.

Its National Secretary, Uchu Block, who spoke on behalf of the group, said TICT is worse than other terminals at TinCan. He noted that most goods scanned there are referred for physical examination resulting in about 10 days further delay.

He cited what happened to him recently, saying a client imported a 20-foot container of completely knocked down (CKD) suit cases that came in through TICT. He said the container was routed for scanning and after it was done, the result showed that there was discrepancy because of the zip and other components of the item.

He noted that the container spent extra 10 days at the port before physical examination was performed on it while his client had to pay N30,000 more than the duty on the consignment as terminal operator and shipping company charges.

Ship owners deplore govt’s failure to enforce Cabotage Act

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HE Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN) has deplored the Federal Government’s inability to enforce the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003 (Cabotage Act) to enable them participate in crude oil lifting.

Speaking with The Nation in Lagos, ISAN General Secretary Captain Niyi Labinjo urged the government to implement the law to give indigenous shipping companies opportunity to participate in oil business.

The country, he said, exported about 2.5 million barrels of oil

yearly, wondering why indigenous ship owners are not empowered to lift about 1.5 million barrels.

The banks, the ISAN scribe said, were willing to give them loans if the government could give them appreciable quantity to carry.

He gave the example of Brazil where the government approves about 700 agencies which issue certificate of compliance on local content.

Labinjo said about five years ago, the government trained 200 cadets under the National Seafar-

ers Development Programme. He noted that since there were not enough shipping companies to work with, the cadets have been jobless.

He advised the government to provide enough funds for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom, to enable the academy to produce skilful cadets for the nation.

He, therefore, sought proper compliance with Nigerian Content Act and encouragement of the association to participate fully, in the cabotage regime.

“We will continue to press the

government. We’ll continue to make our views known about the need for proper compliance with cabotage; about the need for proper compliance with the Nigerian Content Act.” If I have a government that is insisting that this year out of the 2.5 million barrels of oil that Nigeria exports, 1.5 million barrels would be carried by Nigerian and they say ISAN take this 1.5 million barrels, go and carry it, we will gladly go to the bank; the bank will give us money and we will do it.

“So if you now say what is our expectation then we will now say

this year we will struggle to carry the one million the government has given to us and hopefully by next year, we will do 1.5 million barrels. That is the expectation.

“That is what has happened in the case of Brazil. Their government insists that you must use local content and the government approves about 700 agencies which were issuing certificate of compliance on local content.

“So if you are producing this locally and it is being used by the oil and gas sector, someone will intend to continue to do it,” he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

THE NATION INVESTORS

Sukuk bond set for market with N10b

•Chairman, Berger Paints, Mr Clement Olowokande (3rd right); Managing Director, MrTor Nygard (3rd left); Directors Mr Nelson Nweke (left), Mr Abi Allison Ayida; Company Secretary, Mrs. Pheola Caulcrick; Dr. Oladimeji Alo and Olawale Akinpelu (right), at the completion board meeting of the company in Lagos ... on Thursday.

NASD OTC begins trading on WAMCO shares T HE NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading platform has started real trading with the epoch-making exchange of deals on shares of Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. Trading summary obtained by The Nation showed that two deals worth N8.85 million were struck on 17,700 shares of WAMCO, making the maker of Peak Milk brand the first company to be traded on the secondary market for unlisted securities.

The deals were struck at N500 per share, which would have made WAMCO the second highestpriced stock after Nestle Nigeria, if the company were to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, NASD Plc is a registered OTC trading platform for unquoted securities including equities and bonds.

NASD is owned by several investment and financial institutions as well as strategic investors.

It is registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an organised trading platform for unlisted securities.

Three other firms, including Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc (NDEP), Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc and Food Concepts Plc have also been admitted and registered for trading on the OTC Several stockbroking firms, which are members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), have also signed on to the OTC trading.

These included GTI Securities, Anchoria Investment Securities Limited, APT Securities and Fund Limited, BGL Securities limited, Capital Bancorp and FCSL Assets

E

and Management Company Limited among others.

Trading on the NASD OTC is expected to gather momentum as the trading platform steps up efforts to source private placements and unlisted public offerings.

Besides, the NASD would also offer trading platform for shares of companies who voluntarily delisted their shares or were compulsorily delisted by the NSE if they meet the requirements of the OTC. A source in the know of the operations of the OTC had said it would create a liquid and transparent secondary market for shares in private limited liability companies and public limited liabilities companies which had balked at listing on the NSE after initial promises of listing.

During the 2005-2008 market boom, several private limited liability companies had converted to public limited liability companies and floated IPOs to raise funds from the capital market with assurances that they would list their shares after the conclusion of the offer.

While some have listed, many companies that floated IPOs have backed down from listing their shares.

Retail investors have said the nonlisting of the shares of the companies which had undertaken IPOs during the stock market boom have locked down their funds without any verifiable means of accessing such funds.

Investors also have some N300 billion stuck in several delisted companies. The NSE had delisted not less than 44 companies since 2009 largely due to failure to meet listing requirements for the main board. Many companies had how-

ever opted for voluntary delisting, including Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC).

The NSE had in several batches invoked compulsory delisting to clear what it considered as irredeemably inactive firms.

Some of the delisted companies included Okitipupa Oil Palm, Grommac Industries, Incar Nigeria, Intra Motor, Rietzcot Nigeria, Albarka Air, Aviation Development Company, Ceramic Manufacturers Nigeria, Wiggins Teape Nigeria, Onwuka Hi-Tek, Beverages West Africa, Ferdinand Oil, Foremost Diaries, Tate Industries, Footwear and Accessories Manufacturers, Aboseldehyde Laboratories, BCN, Christlieb and Maureen Laboratories.

Others included Epic Dynamics, Liz-Olofin and Company, Nigerian Lamps Industries, Niyamco, Oluwa Glass Company, West Africa Glass Industtry, Aba Textile Mills, Asaba Textile Mill, Enpee Industries, Flexible packaging, Krabo, NewPak, Nigercem and Tropical Petroleum.

Managing Director, NASD Plc, Mr Bola Ajomale, said the NASD would trade in all investment instruments approved by SEC including shares of unlisted multinational companies.

“We will open up with equities and bonds many of which are currently being traded on the black or grey market in the first phase,” Ajomale said.

He added after the initial formative period, the NASD will move to trading on commercial papers and then other complex instruments like derivatives and options.

He pointed out that as an OTC market, the NASD would not have a trading floor like the traditional exchange but rather trading will be done through the internet and a hosted platform leased from the NSE.”

External debt hits $6.9b in Q2

XTERNAL debt stood at $6.9 billion at the end of June, the quarterly data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) have shown.

According to analysis by the FBN Capital, the debt portfolio represents 2.6 per cent of last year’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that Nigeria’s new medium-term debt strategy is to achieve a 60/40 mix of domestic and external obligations in public debt.

By Collins Nwewze

It explained that the debt balance at end of last year was 87/13.

The firm said the strategy was driven by the DMO’s estimate of a cost differential of 800 basis points in favour of external borrowing.

“The DMO’s chosen mix is not unusual for a frontier market. In the case of Kenya, it was 54/46 at end2011. We note that 80 per cent of the external debt burden in June was due to multilateral agencies, and

therefore on concessional terms,” it said.

The World Bank group is by far the largest creditor. However, the total for end-June excludes figure the Federal Government of Nigeria’s recent $1 billion Eurobond.

Last week Ghana also tapped the international capital market (ICM) and had to pay more than it would have liked because the timing of its issue was poor and because its elections, unlike those of Nigeria, carry substantial macroeconomic risk.

line that Sukuk shall be structured as Sukuk Ijarah – leased contract; Sukuk Musharakah– sharing contract; Sukuk Istisnah– exchange contract; Sukuk Murabahah– financing contract; and any other form of contract that may be approved by the Commission.

According to the rules, eligible issuers of Sukuk include public companies including Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), state governments, local governments, and government agencies as well as multilateral agencies.

The rules stipulate that any issue, offer or invitation of Sukuk by a public company which is capable of being converted or exchanged into equity with the intention of being listed shall be subjected to the additional requirements stipulated in the listing requirements of a securities exchange.

The global market for Sukuk issuances has continued to grow with more than $26.6 billion issued during the second quarter of this year to bring total issuance for the first half ended June 30, this year to $61.2 billion.

The Global Sukuk Report by the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) indicated the primary Sukuk market in the year has shown great resilience, recording month-on-month growth since January, this year, except in

•Continued from page 29

June, which saw a noticeable slow down.

According to the report, the Malaysian market recorded $18.4 billion worth of Sukuk papers in second quarter of 2013 while Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed $4.5 billion and $1.4 billion.

“Aside from government issued Sukuk, the primary Sukuk market witnessed a number of issuances in the power and utilities, industrial manufacturing and financial services sectors in second quarter 2013, totalling $2.1 billion, $2 billion and $1.8 billion. Government issuances, which made up 65.6 per cent of the market in first half 2013, were up 10.8 per cent year-on-year while power and utilities Sukuk, accounting for 13.6 per cent of the market, were up 90.5 per cent over the period,” the report noted.

Global outstanding Sukuk reached $245.3 billion by the end of first half of this year, rising by 7.0 per cent from $229.3 billion recorded by the end of 2012. The 2013 first half performance represented an increase of 16.4 per cent on comparable period of 2012.

Malaysia has the largest secondary Sukuk market with $148.2 billion, about 60.4 per cent of the global market size as at end of first half.

Power privatisation: Shortlisted bidders scurry for funds

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OST of the shortlisted bid ders for power companies being privatized by government are scurrying for funds from the domestic and international capital markets as deadline for the final payment for the power companies draws near.

The Federal Government had unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) into 11 power distributing companies (discos) and six power generating companies (gencos). The 11 discos and six gencos are currently being privatized. However, the transmission business of PHCN is still vested under government control through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

A chief executive of a leading financial services group confirmed that shortlisted bidders for the power companies have stepped up efforts to raise funds.

The source said that the investment banking arm of the financial services group was handling many fund raising mandates for the shortlisted bidders for the power generation companies.

Government has indicated September 2013 handover date for the power companies. The power sector privatisation guidelines require full payment as a pre-condition for the handover of the companies to preferred bidders. The shortlisted bidders have only paid 25 per cent of their commitments and expected to make up the balance of 75 per cent before the handover.

Market sources indicated that the power companies were exploring all opportunities to raise funds including through long-term debts and equity issues as well as shortto-medium term loans from banks.

They said gencos and discos were also in discussions with banks to work out modalities special financing arrangements that meet the peculiarities of the power sector.

The Nation had recently reported that banks’ chief executives, Governor and top officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and several experts had mulled a collaborative effort to develop amenable financing framework that would serve as financial industry’s master template for lending and funding of the Nigerian power sector.

The strategic funding plan, which is being developed under the auspices of the Bankers’ Committee with active participation of top management of all banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other key stakeholders, is a linchpin in the Bankers’ Committee’s programme for 2013, which largely focused on aligning the Nigerian banking system to provide adequate financing to meet the peculiarities of the power sector Sources in the know of the funding strategy and banks’ collective initiatives indicated the funding strategy would provide the banking industry with a kind of master agreement or template that would foster best practices, remove inconsistency, ease access to funding and encourage regulator-operator understanding as banks move into the still-evolving power sector.

While individual bank may adapt the funding strategy to suit its internal structure and terms, the template would provide overall guidelines, structures, terms and concepts among others for the entire industry.

The funding strategy would enable banks to provide well-structured finances to support investments in gas transmission pipelines, upstream gas developments, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants, gas processing facilities, key infrastructure, port, real estate, pipe milling and fabrication yards and gas supply and gas transportation infrastructure among other.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

33

THE NATION INVESTORS

Two infrastructure funds to open new M investment channels

ARKET operators are working on Nigeria’s first-ever infrastructure funds, which will create dedicated pool of funds for investments in infrastructure.

Mutual funds, otherwise known as collective investment schemes, are joint investment vehicles through which investors can pool funds and invest in chosen basket of securities with a view to optimise returns and reduce risks.

A mutual fund is usually categorised by the class of assets that forms the primary focus of its investments. Thus, there are equity funds, money market funds, bond funds, real estate funds, ethical funds and balanced funds among others.

An infrastructure fund will largely invest in a particular infrastructural project such as roads, railways, airports and

other utilities, although a small fraction of the fund might be invested in some other instruments to provide liquidity.

Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension, Mr Demola Sogunle, said operators have been working to debut infrastructure fund as an investment vehicle in the Nigerian capital market.

He noted that there is prospect for success of such investment vehicle in Nigeria as the existing investment guidelines for pension fund administrators (PFAs) allow them to invest some five per cent of their assets under management in infrastructure.

He added that PFAs are allowed to invest 20 per cent of their assets under management in hous-

ing instruments such as Real Estate Investment Trust (Reits).

This can provide additional inflow into infrastructure fund as the housing or similar component of an infrastructure project can be structured to receive from the 20 per cent allocation.

Sogunle, who runs Nigeria’s largest PFA, expressed the willingness of his firm to invest in such funds as infrastructure funds and other asset classes that would help to stimulate the growth of the economy.

He, however, said PFAs would be guided by three key parameters of safety, liquidity, and reasonable risk-adjusted return in their consideration for investments.

He added that market regula-

tors and operators need to address challenges of political risk, inappropriate risk-return profile and sanctity of terms and contracts in order to attract large and sustained investors’ funds for infrastructural development.

Net value of registered mutual funds in Nigeria now stand at N116.56 billion with mutual funds’ investments and participation still largely concentrated in equities.

Latest statistical report on net asset values (NAV) of mutual funds by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) obtained by The Nation showed that mutual funds closed the first half at N116.56 billion, the latest available figure.

The latest report underlined the remarkable improvement in the values of mutual funds. Net assets value of mutual funds had stood at N87.27 billion by July 27, 2012.

Net asset value is determined by subtracting total liabilities of a fund from its total assets. The net asset value can further be divided by the total number of units of the fund to determine the unit price.

According to the report, equitybased funds remain the largest and most populous investment schemes with 18 funds that accounted for N45.34 billion, about 39 per cent of the total net asset value of mutual funds.

Money market funds, which invest mainly in money market instruments such as treasury bills,

have the second largest segmental net value at N18.68 billion.

Bonds funds placed third with net value of N16.54 billion while real estate funds, with two funds, accounted for N15.97 billion.

Further breakdown showed that investors’ values in balanced funds- mutual funds that seek to invest in a balanced mixture of equity and debt instruments, totaled N10.31 billion while ethical funds accounted for N6.83 billion.

Umbrella funds pooled N2.59 billion while the only Exchange Traded Fund (ETC) accounted for N283 million.

The report indicated that Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund was both the largest equity-based fund and largest mutual fund with net asset value of N14.53 billion.

Two other funds under management of Stabic IBTC- Stanbic Money Market Fund and Stanbic Ethical Fund, were the leaders in the money market and ethical segments with N15.65 billion and N3.61 billion.

Kakawa Guaranteed Income Fund (KGIF), a mutual fund under Kakawa Asset Management Limited, which was recently acquired by Investment One Financial Services Limited, was the leader in the bond segment with net assets of N4.46 billion.

Union Homes ‘s Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit) was the leader in the real estate market with N13.68 billion while FBN Heritage Fund, being managed by FBN Capital Markets, was the largest balanced fund with N5.12 billion.

About five per cent of investors in the capital market engage in mutual funds, a paltry fraction that underlines the tendency of most retail investors to invest in the market directly.

Ghana eyes $250m Eurobond

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•From left: Managing Director, Lotus Capital Limited, Hajara Adeola; Deputy President, Nigerian Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME), Sir Orimadegun Agboade and NASME President, Alhaji Garba Gusau, at the regional workshop on Islamic bonds forInfrastructure development in Abuja ... on Monday.

IOSCO moves to establish supervisory colleges for rating agencies T

HE International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has recommended the establishment of supervisory colleges to regulate internationally active credit rating agencies (CRAs) to strengthen and maintain the integrity of the rating system.

In its final report on supervisory colleges for CRAs, IOSCO said the establishment of supervisory colleges for CRAs is aimed at improving the integrity of CRAs as part of its effort to enhance investor protection and the fairness, efficiency and transparency of securities markets.

According to the global body, the dispersion of internationally active CRA affiliates worldwide poses a challenge to supervisors as their perspective may be limited to the CRA activities in their jurisdiction, thus the creation of a CRA college could ultimately enhance the effectiveness of supervisors’ risk assessment and oversight of internationally active CRAs by facilitating information exchange and cooperation among them.

IOSCO defines a supervisory college as a collaborative arrangement between supervisors that seek to promote information sharing, consultation, and cooperation in order to enhance risk assessment of internationally active CRAs and to support effective supervision of such CRAs. It noted global concerns about the integrity of CRAs, pointing out that supervisory colleges would provide

mechanism for sharing and discussing of information with the goal of promoting a better understanding of the risks faced or posed by an internationally active CRA and how relevant supervisors are addressing these risks.

The IOSCO final report also provided preliminary guidelines on how to constitute and operate supervisory colleges including the type of information that might be discussed or shared.

The report outlined that the supervisory colleges could undertake inspection or examination of findings in terms of CRA´s compliance with local or regional laws and regulations, implementation and adherence to the IOSCO Code Of Conduct for CRAs and the establishment and operation of rating models and methodologies, internal controls, procedures to manage conflicts of interest, and procedures for handling material non-public information among others.

“Where desired by members, a CRA college may facilitate consensus recommendations on how to address key risks faced or posed by the CRA through heightened supervision and or targeted examination and inspection activities, consistent with national laws,” IOSCO stated In another related development, the Committee on Payment and

Settlement Systems (CPSS) and IOSCO have also released a report to provide guidelines for trade repositories (TRs) on authorities’ access to trade repository data.

Trade repositories are entities that maintain a centralised electronic record of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives transaction data. TRs play a key role in increasing transparency in the OTC derivatives markets by improving the availability of data to authorities and the public in a manner that supports the proper handling and use of the data. For a broad range of authorities and international financial institutions, it is essential to be able to access the data needed to fulfill their respective mandates while maintaining the confidentiality of the data pursuant to the laws of relevant jurisdictions.

The joint report by provided guidelines to TRs and authorities on the principles that should guide authorities’ access to data held in TRs for typical and non-typical data requests.

The report outlined the expected data access needs of authorities using a functional approach complemented by an illustrative data access mapping that aligns each function to the minimum level of access authorities would typically require in support of their mandates and responsibilities.

HANA may return to the international bond market within the next four months to raise up to $250 million to finance operations of its cashstrapped power utilities, Finance Minister Seth Terkper has said.

Ghana has already issued a second $750 million Eurobond in July to refinance debts and also fund capital projects, Reuters reported.

“Ghana will remain in the market as part of our strategy to raise funds to support capital projects and one such area is the power sector. We are looking at a smaller amount of $200 to 250 million to support our power utilities,” Terkper said.

He said the country was repackaging its bond issuance calendar to include the foreign

bond and it is possible to go back to the market later this year.

Apart from last month’s Eurobond, the government plans to issue its first 100 million cedi ($47 million) seven-year domestic bond on August 22. Ghana already issued three 400 million cedi three-year bonds between January and June this year to roll-over maturing debts.

Terkper said the key objective for the bonds is to reduce the country’s debt profile which is around 50 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.

“Overall, our focus is to accelerate growth by using the funds to support our infrastructure needs including self-financing projects that will drive us into our prosperity,” he said.

Vitafoam gets Sales Head

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ITAFOAM Nigeria Plc has strengthened its sales and marketing team with the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Okoli as the foam-manufacturing company’s head of sales and marketing.

Okoli, an award winner, brings a wealth of experience spanning over two decades to Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. Until his appointment, he was the head of Government Business and Export-fast moving consumer Group (FMCG) and Pharmaceuticals Division of May and Baker Nigeria Plc. He has also worked for blue chip companies, such as Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and SKG Pharma Limited, among others.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy from the University of Benin; Postgraduate in Business Management from the University of Calabar and Master of Business

•Okoli

Administration (MBA) with specialty in Marketing from Imo State University.

He is a member of many professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Marketing and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

INTERVIEW Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Toyin Ayinde is a Town Planner. He worked in the private sector for 28 years before joining the State Government in 2011. In this interview with OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE, ASSISTANT EDITOR, he speaks on planning approvals, building control, model city plans, and building height approvals, among others.

Deficiency in design, standards cause delays in approvals

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AVING been in the private sector for that long, I’m sure as a town planner you had periods of frustration with some government agencies in a bid to obtain approval for a client?

One of the things I learnt here is the marked difference between the public and private sector. In the private sector, processes are usually faster, goals are faster accomplished not because it is necessarily more organised, but because there is focus and you deal with less bureaucracy.

In some cases the private sector does not have a wide spectrum of personnel that public sector has but within the limited resources they have, they are focused, they are goal oriented and as such they are faster.

In the public sector, I discovered that we have a wide spectrum of human resources and that probably is a plus for the public service, but there is also the bureaucracy and the hierarchy of positions where files must pass through the subordinate, to the superior officer and it goes on like that probably until you get to the governor. It makes it slower than the private sector.

So, I find the public sector not totally inefficient. Its efficiency is just slow. All that needs to be done really is to increase some speed and that will bring me to what I have now done as a private sector person. I’ll tell you the way I work here.

I’ve been in the commissioner’s office before I got here and I know the loads of file that you are likely to see in their registry that makes members of the public look for an easy way out and get their files to the attention of the commissioner.

ment; go and correct it. And you know it is like when you are driving along an express with other vehicles and you have a malfunction in your vehicle by the time you park either to check your vehicle or you want to ease yourself and you get back to the road, you may never catch them again because by the time you now get back to the road there may now be some blockages, hindrances, there may just be a reason you can’t attain the speed on which you were before. It’s the same thing, when somebody has started a process and then you now run a comment on it when he goes back, he may not come back with the same zeal which he brought in.

So what the prescreening does is that, we won’t allow you to bring it in if it is not likely to get approved so from the initial stage we check all of your drawing, if you are not okay we tell you not to come in. At that point we have not asked you to pay.

We are also saying go and fulfill all your statutory obligations ensure your taxes are paid, you have your titled document. So when you have all them ready, you now come to us.

What have you done differently in terms of time saving to stop people from short cuts?

I have a principle which works for me; files don’t sleep in my office except there is a particular reason to keep a file or is waiting for one activity to be completed somewhere, I treat files within 24 hours.

The files I’m about treating today should have been treated yesterday, but because I was away to Abuja, that is why those files are there.

Ordinarily, they would have been out, so there isn’t that opportunity for anyone to come to my office to request that their file be brought from bottom to the top.

When I don’t finish my files, I take them home; by the time I’m coming tomorrow they are done. So, that gives me the courage to ask any officer, what are those files doing in your office? With that I have been able to increase speed. Unfortunately, as a consultant it took me five years to get approval six floor building.

But under my watch, we’ve been able to process a 15 floor approval in three months.

Why is there so much change of use of buildings in the state?

I want to let you know that there is no processing of papers for change of use anymore but we must understand the dynamics of a settlement. Settlement is like a living organism and it needs to be understood and planned for.

Ikorodu Road, for instance, was designated residential when the population of Lagos was less than four million but now that is designed as a 10-lane road it is unreasonable to still call it a residential area because it has been built up as a business area. By the time an area become dual carriage roads you have increased the speed of traffic and have turned it into a high street. The idea is that we must be ready to accommodate growth. But even at that uses are not changed without permission.

What is the solution to obtaining quick approvals for building construction?

One of the major steps we are taking is the pre-submission screening process. What that intends to achieve for us is to remove bottle neck before they become bottle neck. Applications have been stored in our office for reasons of non-tax compliance, deficiency in design, non compliance with some design standard. We take those applications in and it is only when they have started the process that we now begin to write the com-

Have you been able to achieve the 30-day approval plan target?

The 30-day target was set a long time ago; now people get their approval within two weeks in this ministry on my watch. We have made available relevant information on our website to make the process less cumbersome, we are moving on to e-planning submission where you don’t need to see us physically.

But you can’t say that about Ikeja GRA as there are many change of use and they claim to have permission from you?

Before Ikeja GRA became what it is today, commercial vehicles were not allowed to drive into the area. The only vehicles that went into GRA in those days were either private cars or taxis, but with increase in population, especially with the Secretariat, a demand for regular transportation became imminent. As we develop as megacity, land value is also increasing. When Ikeja GRA was created, nobody envisaged that Lagos would become this large. Now, it makes little sense what the plots of land were then because many of the houses were built on an acre (Six plots) and there were bungalows.

•Ayinde

Land values have changed and become more expensive when people acquired it. You can’t expect them not to make gain from it by turning it into a commercial outfit. No doubt that at some point land value in those places increased to a non-reasonable level such that for an investor when you eventually buy a parcel of land, you are not thinking of just one limited development but multiple structures. For instance, if an investor purchased 1,000 square metres of land in Ikoyi for N1.6billion, what kind of building do you expect him to put up?

Definitely, it can be a bungalow, but high-rise that would give him return on investment. Realistically, we are trying to work on reviewing quite a no of our schemes because land values have gone up.

That is why we are working on a number of model master plans for certain areas because the government is embarking on providing massive infrastructure in the newly planned schemes. For us in the state government, real estate is important because the bulk of our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is from there and we want to give the best of it.

On the heels of the new model plans what is the new height approval for Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki buildings?

We are approving 15 floors maximally for Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island. We are proposing 10 floors but they are still under review.

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LCCI urges passage of Petroleum Industry Bill

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PERATORS of business concerns under the aegis of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have called on the National Assembly to urgently pass a landmark energy bill, saying the legislation holds the key to solving corruption and other forms of fiscal problems in the country, Platts said.

According to Platts’ report, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), designed to radically overhaul Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, from fiscal terms to restructuring the state oil firm Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has been stuck in parliament for more than five years because of disputes between the government and foreign oil firms.

“Enacting a competitive, inward looking Petroleum Sector Act, the PIB, by the Federal Government of Nigeria is germane to curbing corruption and other forms of fiscal leakages in the oil and gas industry,” the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an umbrella group for Nigerian businesses, said in a statement,” Platts reported.

“While we note that the passage and implementation of the PIB will not entirely eliminate the problem, it would expand investment, curbing corruption and other forms of fiscal leakages, further stabilizing the economy,” it added.

The chamber expressed concerns over the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria’s oil sector due to “structural gaps in its regulatory, fiscal and business practices which have supported high [levels of] inefficiencies.”

The chamber, one of Nigeria’s most influential economic pressure groups, has membership drawn from all sectors of the economy, including foreign oil companies operating in Nigeria, such as Shell and ExxonMobil.

Lawmakers held a public debate on the PIB in July, which threw up sharp disagreements among legislators in two key areas, namely a special fund for communities hosting oil fields and facilities, and extra powers granted to the oil minister.

Oil executives have said the continued delay in the passage of the bill has brought uncertainty to businesses and has held up billions of dollars of investments in exploration and production.

Meanwhile, UK-based country risk monitor Business Monitor International has projected that the PIB could be passed by the first quarter 2014. “Adoption of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which we expect around Q4 13-Q1 14, would be a strong signal for investors that Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector is ready to move forward,” BMI said in its latest report on the Nigerian oil industry.

China to spend $275b to fight air pollution

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HINA will spend $275 billion over the next five years improv ing air quality — roughly the same as the gross domestic prod uct (GDP) of Hong Kong, and twice the size of the annual defence budget.

According to report by Wahington Post, there’s an old hypothesis, known as the environmental Kuznets curve, that suggests that countries will sacrifice clean air and water in favor of economic development — but only up to a certain point. Once they get rich enough, the calculus shifts, and countries start spending more on environmental goals. China appears to have reached that point.

There are plenty of reasons for the about-face. Not only is China’s air pollution triggering angry protests, but it appears to be hurting the economy, too. One recent MIT study suggested that coal pollution in northern China had shaved as much as 5.5 years off life expectancy. (Some statisticians, like Andrew Gelman, have criticized that precise estimate, though everyone agrees coal pollution has a sharply negative effect on health.)

The Economist, meanwhile, wonders whether China’s anti-pollution binge will curtail the nation’s coal use and carbon pollution quickly enough to help the world avoid drastic global warming. (Since 2000, China has accounted for about two-thirds of the growth in the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions.) That’s a much trickier question.

On one hand: Several Chinese cities are beginning to experiment with cap-and-trade policies that will set hard ceilings on the amount of greenhouse gases that factories and power plants may emit. But the targets themselves can often get weakened in negotiations between state-owned firms and local officials. What’s more, the Chinese government has been cracking down on and jailing environmentalists, the sort of outsiders who would typically help ensure these policies are actually working at the local level.

This follow-up Economist article suggests that China has plenty of reason to care about climate change: “China will suffer as much as anywhere.

Already its deserts are spreading, farmland is drying out and crop yields are plateauing. Climate change may make matters worse. It has 80 million people living at sea level who are vulnerable to rising oceans and higher storm surges.”

Greece needs a 21st Century Marshall Plan

T their White House meeting last week, U.S. President Barack Obama assured Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of his support as Greece prepares for talks with creditors on additional debt relief amid record-high unemployment.

The U.S. should also endorse a new blueprint for recovery based on one of the most successful economic assistance programs of the modern era: the Marshall Plan.

It is clear by now that the European Union’s policies in Greece have failed.

Projections that government spending cutbacks would stop the economy’s free-fall proved to be wildly optimistic. The 240 billion euro ($319 billion) bailout from the euro area and International Monetary Fund has shown little sign of success, and Greece is experiencing its sixth year of recession.

The spending cuts and tax increases,

along with the dismissal of huge numbers of public-sector employees, demanded as a condition of the loans and assistance have only deepened the economic pain.

Instead of changing course, however, euro-area economists have responded to bad news by revising their forecasts to reflect lower expectations. Those numbers document a staggering record of mistaken assumptions that has led to today’s failure.

In December 2010, the so-called troika of lenders — the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund — predicted that their measures would move Greece’s unemployment rate to just under 15 percent by 2014. A year later, it changed the forecast to almost 20 percent.

This month, the Hellenic Statistical

Authority reported that unemployment rose to a record in May, with a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 27.6 per cent. The rate was 64.9 per cent for people 15 to 24.

Bold declarations that belttightening would produce growth have been pared back, too. Since 2010, the troika has gradually dropped its forecast for 2014 gross domestic product (in money terms) by almost 40 percent. IMF staff reported last week that GDP contracted 6.4 percent in 2012 and will drop 4.2 percent this year before expanding only a little in 2014.

Yet, despite admissions that mistakes were certainly made, no consideration is being given to ending austerity measures. Nor has there been effort to devise a renewal agenda for Greece. The Marshall Plan offers a spectacularly successful model that could easily be adapted.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP

Success didn’t come easy to photographerVictor Ohaekwu, who owns Portrait Studios. Obstacles, challenges dotted his way up. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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T the heart of Ipaja, Lagos, is a young entrepreneur, Victor Ohaekwu, who is aiming to turn Lagos into a global photo industry.

Ohaekwu was never keen on photography in the first place. He had his mind on medicine at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. But he lost his parents, so he couldn’t continue his academic pursuit. Selling photography materials was an interesting option, he told The Nation.

He had a friend who gave him some some products on credit. As he sold and repaid, other distributors built confidence in him.

After six years, he decided to open his first studio on Lagos Island. He self-funded the business.

He was able to acquire equipment to establish the studio.

Equipment such as professional digital SLR Camera, Studio high-

Why I went into photography speed sub-dye photo printer, computers with preloaded software, photo paper and ribbon print pack.

Gradually, he built his clientele.

They come from vendor referrals such friends, venue coordinators, florists, DJs, and others in his area.

Despite the economic climate, the business has survived, and is growing. He runs workshops for photographers.

Photography is growing in popularity due to increasing use of digital cameras. He familiarises students with the features of their cameras, offers photo-editing workshops using Photoshop Elements and Adobe Photoshop.

For beginners, the minimum equipment required are a laptop computer, projector, printer and some software.

On his challenges, he listed funding.

He has a degree in Business Administration from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). His business background has helped him in running the outfit.

His plans for the future?

In the short-term, he wants to drive the business to actualise his dream. The longer-term objective is to grow and expand across the nation, he said, adding that presently he has shops in Aba, Onitsha, and Bayelsa. He plans to

expand to more states.

He said over the years, photography has witnessed a lot of changes, and has grown to become a profession. He saw changes coming early and capitalised on them by refocusing his talents. He has more than 20 employees. Much of his time is spent in meetings and dealing with administrative details.

Ohaekwu said the company has not achieved astronomical sales growth because of lack of funding.

With increased competition and many consumers taking professional quality photos on their own, he is working on strategies to create a business with more

• Ohaekwu

growth potential than his studio.

However, he needs more funding to bring in state-of-the-art equipment and also help enthusiastic those eager to become self-employed.

OAU, firm to train entrepreneurs, students

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HE Institute for Entrepreneurship Development Studies of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and a firm based in Lagos, Garu Tech, are to hold a two-day training for students and prospective entrepreneurs from August 17 to 18 at the university auditorium.

According to the Chief Executive of Garu Tech, Lukman Garu Lawa, the partnership involves training students and professionals to meet the evolving demands of the auto diagnostics market and foster economic stability.

Students, he noted, would learn about auto business entrepre-

neurship, self-assessment and starting a business plan.

Whereas students continue to demand an entrepreneurial education, he said the downtrodden economy craves an influx of jobs from small firms.

He said the workshop should inspire members to take innovation and entrepreneurship into their own hands, sharing key lessons they learned while developing their own businesses.Given the current challenging job market, he said the students need to learn to become more entrepreneurial in bringing in new businesses.

Establishing fruit juice processing plant

N •Oladipupo with a pan of quail eggs.

Despite that the country is facing economic challenges, for one local business the future is looking bright, reportsDANIEL ESSIET.

Raising quails for a living

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E started his business by accident. He was aboard a vessel when he had an accident which affected his hand, thereby truncating his career as a marine engineer in the 90s.

Thereafter, Stephen Oladipupo started arable farming, an area he had a background in. He later branched into mini-livestock.

He started with N4,000. But, today, his business Adeoyin Farm Nigeria Enterprise, Otta, Ogun State, has grown and he is in the forefront of promoting quail birds as an alternative.

According to him, quail eggs are a remedy against digestive tract disorders, such as gastritis, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

He said the eggs can help cure anaemia, increase hemoglobin level and remove toxins and heavy metals from the blood.

It also helps in the treatment of tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, diabetes and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Besides, it promotes good memory, enhances brain activity and regulates the nervous system.

Quail farming is a new venture for poultry farmers. Nigerians are becoming more aware of the benefits of healthy eating and have

started looking for healthy supplements. This, he said, is responsible for the demand for quail eggs.

Currently, there is a large and rapidly expanding market but supply is low. This, in his view, is the greatest advantage that those already in quail farming are enjoying.

Through hard work and perseverance, Oladipupo wants to run a successful quail farming enterprise, supplying quails and pickled quail eggs to a niche market.

Quail eggs take about 16 days to hatch and the birds are adults at six weeks. At six to eight weeks, under artificial lighting, they lay an egg a day. He learnt the hard way – through trial and error. He threw away a lot of eggs, because they would rot after two weeks.

He set very high standards for himself.

He said young graduates can go into raising goats, rabbits, poultry, quail, guinea fowl and snail farming.

For him, networking and staying up to date with the latest trends is key to entrepreneurial success. According to him, persistence, hard work and having an

idea that doesn’t “suck” are keys to small business success.

He said entrepreneurs have to adapt to changing conditions, learn from failures and success.

He wants to make a difference by informing, encouraging, and inspiring others.

According to him, entrepreneurship is the vogue now, especially with the economy. The unemployment rate is very high.

As university graduates can’t depend on finding a job right out of school, he said. New entrants have to be able to create opportunities where there are none.

Across the country, there is a resurgence of domestic animals in backyards. He said the industry needed people with entrepreneurial drive, plus strong sales, marketing and operational skills. According to him, farmers are and can be great entrepreneurs.

He noted that there is a need for people to shift from simply being food consumers to food producers. The opportunities for raising micro-livestock, he maintained, are many and there is a number of resources that provide the necessary tools and resources to raise the animals intelligently.

IGERIANS drink a lot. This is why drinks sell very fast. Today, fruit juice and milk drink enjoy good patronage with a large market share.

Investing in fruit juice and milk flavoured products (chocolate and strawberry) is a good business opportunity.

The basic equipment, machinery and facilities required are informed by the products and packaging materials/pack sizes recommended in the products and packaging section. The production facilities could be locally fabricated (manual) or imported sophisticated/automatic process production. The cost of production equipment ranges from N15 million to about N120 million, depending on the promoters’ financial ability and choice.

The major raw materials include raw fruits (from local farmers), fruit juice concentrates for juice and drinks to be imported to argument farm supplies and provide the varieties in the range of products. Food ingredients (food flavours, acidulates, preservatives, stabilisers) granulated sugar, outer trays and shrink wrapping, nylon materials are to be imported.

Packaging materials will include Tetra Pak (paper and pre-printed Doyle packs). The availability of the fruit juice concentrates is not in doubt as they are produced abundantly in different parts of Europe, America, Asia, South Africa, etc.

Basically, two methods are used for reducing or eliminating the pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms, depending on the products concerned. For fruit juices and fruit drinks alone, the pasteurisation process is all that is necessary.

Pasteurisation simply employs the principles of heating the product to a temperature of 75-900C (depending on equipment design

By Edwin Agbaike

and product) at a certain contact time ( 3 -8 seconds, depending again on equipment design and temperature applied), and suddenly dropping the temperature to about 20-250C (depending on filling room temperature). This treatment is usually enough to take care of spoilage organisms associated with fruit juices and fruit drinks.

The other method is sterilisation, usually applied to highly microbiologically sensitive products susceptible to pathogenic and spoilage micro-organism in the milk and yoghurt products.

The processes that take place at the packaging stage depend essentially on the type of packaging material, and the packaging equipment itself. Packaging material made of paper, sachet nylon, Doyle packs, employ the form, fill and seal principles.

This is in sharp contrast with PET or Plastic (PVC) or Glass packaging materials, where different equipment forms the bottle and other equipments does the filling.

In form, fill and seal, the same equipment accompanies the three stages.

A small sized fruit juice plant set up in any of the urban cities of Nigeria stand the chance of reaping huge daily incomes for the promoters. A turnover of about N140 million of its 45 per cent installed capacity utilisation at first year operation is expected. This will give a first year after tax profit of about N28 million, which is 20 per cent of turnover.

For a well packaged and comprehensive feasibility report, which is also a pre-requisite for fund sourcing and proper implementation of this project, please contact us through krisedbrilliant@yahoo.com or call 08023381900.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

BP fails to buy Fortie • Vital Group offers West African grades

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P Plc failed to buy North Sea Forties blend at a lower price than a previous trade. Eni SpA sold Russian Urals at a smaller premium than the last bid.

Vitol Group offered four West African grades for loading next month. Caspian Pipeline Consortium will cut daily crude shipments from the Black Sea to an eightmonth low in September, a preliminary loading program obtained by Bloomberg News showed.

North Sea BP was unable to buy Forties for Sept. 2 to Sept. 6 loading at $1.15 a barrel more than Dated Brent, according to a Bloomberg survey of traders and brokers monitoring the Platts pricing window. This compares with plus $1.30 for the last trade on August 8.

Eni didn’t manage to sell Forties for August 23 to August 25 at $1.10 more than Dated Brent, the survey showed.

No bids or offers were made for Brent, Oseberg or Ekofisk crudes.

Reported crude trading typically occurs during the Platts window, which ends at 4:30 p.m. London time.

Brent for September settlement traded at $108.09 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange at the close of the window, compared with $107.36 in the previous session. The October contract was at $106.77, a discount of $1.32 cents to September.

Ekofisk crude supply was affected by a compressor halt at the Ula platform, Jan Erik Geirmo, a BP press spokesman in Stavanger, Norway, said in an e-mailed response.

“Gas turbine powering a compressor at Ula had a breakdown as of Wednesday evening August 7th 2013,” he said. Ula was unable to handle output from the Tambar, Blane, Oselvar fields, which feed into Ekofisk, according to BP. Mediterranean/Urals Eni sold 100,000 metric tons of Urals to Statoil ASA at 65 cents a barrel more than Dated Brent for loading Sept. 1 to Sept. 5 on a delivered basis to Rotterdam, the survey showed. That is 15 cents less than a bid on Aug. 9.

CPC will ship 2.35 million tons next month, compared with 2.87 million tons in August, according to the schedule. That’s equal to 602,268 barrels a day, versus 719,226 barrels this month. That’s

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the least since January. The September program comprises six cargoes of 134,000 to 135,500 tons each and 18 consignments of 80,000 to 90,000 tons. Libya’s biggest oil export terminal, Es Sider, shut today after opening yesterday, hampering the nation’s ability to sell its most valuable commodity.

The brief opening allowed two tankers to berth at the facility and they may be turned away tonight if no crude loadings occur, the port coordinator, Captain Abu Ejela Al Zanati, said today by phone from Es Sider. Another six vessels are anchored outside the port.

The Kirkuk crude pipeline resumed at 8 p.m. local time yesterday at Turkish port Ceyhan, according to Turkish port agent Boutros Maritime & Transport SA. Pumping has stopped due to low production. This is not unusual because flows normally occur during evening, the agent said in an e-mailed note.

Vessels arrived yesterday are expected to wait for 10 days for loading and about 950,000 barrels are available for loading, it said.

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. will supply full volumes in September to customers in Europe, unchanged from this month, according to two refinery officials with knowledge of the matter.

West Africa Vitol was unable to sell Nigeria’s benchmark Qua Iboe grade at $5.10 a barrel more than Dated Brent for September 10 to September 15 delivery to Rotterdam or Lavera in France and also offered Escravos for September 5 to September 10 delivery at a premium of $5.30, the survey showed. The company failed to sell Nigerian Brass River and Angolan Saxi blends for September 1 to September 5 delivery to Rotterdam or Lavera. Brass River and Saxi were offered at plus $4.70 and $3.20 a barrel to Dated Brent. A decline in demand cut freight rates for very large crude carriers from West Africa to China to the lowest since July 1, according to shipbroker Simpson, Spence & Young Ltd. “In West Africa, Asian demand has been weak, particularly for Angolan crude from Chinese buyers,” the shipbroker said in an emailed statement. Angola’s crude loading program for October is expected to be released later this week.

Miners buoyed by China newsflow, gold price

UROPEAN shares steadied around two-month highs on Monday, propped up by mining stocks after positive newsflow out of top metals consumer China, as investors awaited German economic data later in the week.

Heavyweight basic resources stocks advanced 1.2 per cent after reassuring numbers on the Chinese economy last week.

The sector was also helped by a report in the South China Morning Post saying Beijing was quietly offering financial stimulus to key cities and provinces.

Mexican silver and gold miner Fresnillo, up 6.6 percent, and Randgold Resources, 2.5 percent firmer, were among the biggest gainers as gold hit its highest level in nearly three weeks.

The FTSEurofirst 300 closed up 0.45 point at 1,230.03, while the euro zone’s blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 firmed 0.1 per cent to 2,827.15 points.

With the summer holiday season fully underway and no significant macroeconomic data set for release until later in the week, volumes

were thin, with trading on the FTSEurofirst 300 just 70 per cent of its 90-day daily average.

German ZEW economic sentiment data, due at 0900 GMT on Tuesday, could confirm the euro zone’s powerhouse economy is stabilising after narrowly avoiding a recession early this year.

“There’s a chance that we could see an upside surprise, just on the basis that we’ve seen decent numbers out of the euro zone and out of the UK over the course of the last couple of weeks,” CMC Markets trader Matt Basi said.

“Any significant beat could send us much higher on small volume but I think the likelihood is that an in-line number will see us just continue to drift sideways until bigger numbers later in the week.”

German second quarter GDP data is due on Wednesday. A Reuters poll forecasts growth of 0.6 percent but a German government minister said on Friday it was likely to be 0.75 percent, its strongest rate in more than two years, although the pace of expansion would slow in the second half of 2013.

• From left: Former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, Kayode Garrick; Dr. Chris Nwoji of Royal Exchange Healthcare Ltd and Mr M. O. Chiedu during the Nigeria-Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast meeting in Lagos.

U.S. wants firms to share Africa’s trade’s benefits

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MERICAN companies should share the benefits of trade with sub-Saharan Africa as the U.S. examines extending duty-free access for imports from many nations on the continent, Trade Representative Michael Froman said.

The U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act, approved by the U.S. Congress in 2000 and extended in 2004, is meant to boost economies on the world’s poorest continent.

The law eliminates import levies on products ranging from textiles to manufactured items for about 40 sub-Saharan African nations that meet criteria including good governance and poverty reduction.

AGOA may be renewed before it expires in 2015.

“How do we think about AGOA in the context of two-way, reciprocal trade agreements?” U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said, in copy of speech handed to reporters today in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“As we think about renewing AGOA, we certainly do not want U.S. firms to be put at a competitive disadvantage in the rapidly growing and dynamic African

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US. posts $98b budget deficit in July

HE United States ran a bud get deficit in July, although government revenues increased from a year earlier due to tax hikes and a strengthening economy, a report from the Treasury showed on Monday.

The U.S. government spent $98 billion more than it took in last month, with the deficit driven by spending on healthcare programs, pensions for the elderly and the military.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected deficit of $96 billion.

The United States customarily

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market,” Froman said.

The U.S. is cognizant of the terms of free trade deals being discussed by the European Union and some Africa nations, Froman said. The EU is negotiating to give preferential market access, known as Economic Partnership Agreements, across most of the continent before an October 2014 deadline.

AGOA doesn’t go far enough in helping African exporters become more competitive, President Barack Obama said last month on a three-nation African tour. The U.S. also wants to help African countries ease trade and investment barriers by simplifying customs procedures and improving the flow of goods across borders, among other measures, Obama said.

Stronger Ties The U.S. and the five-nation East African Community, a common market of about 135 million people, are discussing trade facilitation and investment agreements to strengthen commercial ties, Froman said today in a separate

statement.

U.S. imports from sub-Saharan Africa fell 33 percent to $49.7 billion last year as shipments of oil, mineral fuel, precious stones and metals declined. Of that amount, $34.9 million was shipped under the terms of AGOA, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s website. Total twoway trade was $72.3 billion, down 24 percent from 2011.

Oil remained the largest portion of AGOA imports accounting for 86 percent of the total. Under AGOA, the top exporters were Nigeria and Angola, the largest oil producers in Africa, the continent’s biggest economy, South Africa, as well as Chad and Gabon, according to the statement.

AGOA, which is being reviewed

by U.S. and African officials in Addis Ababa today and tomorrow, should be extended another 15 years to 20 years, South Africa’s Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe said in an interview today in the city.

“We feel that will give us space to do a lot of development and for industrialization to take place,” Thabethe said.

runs deficits in July as there are few tax deadlines during the month.

The country has run full-year budget deficits continuously since 2001, and the amount of red ink has grown immensely since 2009 when a surge in unemployment fueled higher spending on the social safety net.

But this year, the deficit appears on track to narrow substantially.

One major reason is that Washington ratcheted austerity efforts by raising tax rates, which has helped tax receipts. It has also slashed the federal budget, although in July to-

tal spending rose to $298 billion from $254 billion in the same month of 2012.

Another factor that has been leading to a lower deficit is the steam that appears to be gathering in the U.S. economy. That is also lifting tax receipts, which rose to $200 billion in July from $185 billion in July last year.

So far in the current fiscal year, which began in October, the federal government has run $607 billion into the red, a narrowing from the $974 billion deficit chalked up in the same 10 months of fiscal year 2012.

next year, with Chinese growth still slowing and India wracked by a currency in free-fall.

But even the smallest sign of a recovery in Europe augurs well for the rest of the year.

“Add it all up, and it’s a more positive picture for the global economy late this year and next,” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said.

“It feels like the global economy is stabilizing, and by year’s end, certainly as we move into next year, growth will be accelerating, led by the U.S.” “But I also anticipate some growth out of Europe and stable growth out of the emerging world.”

Business surveys last week supported that view as companies in the United States and Britain prospered, while there were signs Chinese firms might have passed the worst of their mid-year lull.

In the past, however, similar indications of global recovery have

emerged, only for that recovery to be trampled.

Europe’s major economies showed signs of improvement in early 2011, even while the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone was worsening.

Two interest rate hikes from the European Central Bank midway through the year led to a chokehold on credit, especially in southern Europe, and turned the risk of another euro zone recession into an inevitability.

Guide to the furture Central bank policymakers are determined not to repeat that mistake, as evidenced by the adoption of forward guidance at the Bank of England and European Central Bank.

Minutes from the BoE’s August meeting on Wednesday will shed more light on Governor Mark Carney’s plan to link its policymaking to an unemployment rate threshold of 7 percent, subject to caveats on inflation and financial stability.

Global Economy: Seeking European signs of sturdier global rebound

TENTATIVE view that the global economy is emergi n g from its lull could harden into conventional wisdom by the end of this week if, as expected, data show the euro zone’s lengthy recession has ended.

While Europe is still the world’s biggest trading region, some of its recent major exports - financial market panic, banking scares and political uncertainty - have dragged on the world economy over the last three years.

There are now signs of a nascent recovery, led by Germany and perhaps Britain.

Wednesday’s data are expected to show the euro zone economy grew 0.2 percent in the second quarter, according to a Reuters poll. That would mark an end to the recession that took hold in late 2011.

That won’t change the U.S. position as the main engine of economic growth in the world, at least until

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

37

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

CELEBRATING D.O. FAGUNWA Mrs Diwura Fagunwa-Adebayo, a financial consultant was less than three when her father, the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa died. Apart from stories by her mother, most of what she knew of her late father came from books such as Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole (1938) and Igbo Eledumare (1949), which he wrote long before she was born.

She recalls her growing up without a father, how the books shaped her perception of life among others, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

But I my thought pattern and writing skill are greatly influenced by my father’s writing. I am deep when I write and am sure I took that aspect of him. I love to read, which is my favourite past time and to seek knowledge. I can’t stay idle.

I must find something to read.

Influence on my philosophy about life

His writings did influence my view point about life generally. You can’t read any of my dad’s books and not learn a lesson. To some extent, my father’s books contain many lessons you can find in the Holy Book, and they are like direct and real life experiences and advices to the readers.

Adaptations and translations of his books

I am not an authority in Fagunwa’s works but at the conference in Akure scholars have shared different perspectives of his works. I have not consciously compare notes on the translations and adaptations by other authors with a view to see if justice was done to the original works of his. Moreover, his works are sufficiently difficult to translate. And if people feel that the works have touched them to the extent that they can translate into other languages and formats, well and good.

Knowing my late father

I did not have direct personal relationship with my late father because he died when I was less than three years old.

So, at that age, I certainly never knew him. In fact, I got to know him mostly through his works and what people told me about him. The bulk of my intimacy was got from his works. That was how I was able to get an insight into the kind of person he was.

Adaptation into movie

Inspiration for his works

I am not in position to actually say how he got his inspiration to write those classics in Yoruba language. The bit I can say about that is that his works were very old, much older than me. His last work was written in 1959 when I was not born. Again, the lots I knew about him was through my mother. In fact, I can’t say much on that than to say he was just an imaginative writer.

Lessons from reading his five major books

I have read the five major books-Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole (1938), Igbo Eledumare (1949), Ireke Onibudo (1949), Irinkinrindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje (1949) and Aditu Eledumare (1961). The lesson and impression I drew from my father’s works are that his works are satirical, he uses imaginative to tell stories on philosophy of life. At the end of all the imaginative writings, was a lesson or two to learn.

His books are what you can call a ‘book on lessons of life and morals’. In Ogboju Ode for instance, he concludes that in life one needs perseverance. Again, the works are timeless as the lessons they teach are similar to what any religion could teach- being good to your neighbor, perseverance, tolerance, hard working, being a good husband and wife.

Also, in one of his books from which Prof. Wole Soyinka took an excerpt at the conference, the lesson from that is that when you are setting your goal, don’t set a small one make it big. Another lesson is that we should celebrate the stars among our leaders while the leaders should set good examples for followers. These are timeless instructions. In Ogboju Ode too, Fagunwa advised mothers on how to raise their children. What I alsoappreciate about his works is that they are versatile. He wrote about love, relationship about man and woman in Ireke Onibudo and Aditu Eledumare. Again, he eulogises food in a format of a Yoruba prayer that says Mo gba Olorun gbo, and adapts it as Mo gba Onje gobo…..iyan ni alaga, which reveals a different dimension

•Mrs Fagunwa-Adebayo

‘I knew my father through his books’ of his works.

In fact, one unique thing I appreciate about his works was the unusualness of the names of his characters. Ahondiwura, Mobodiran, Baba Onirungbon yeuke, Kako Onikumo ekun, Iranade, Efoye etc.

Celebrating Fagunwa 50 years after

May be god’s time is the best. And maybe it is destined that this is the time he will be celebrated. Recall that when he died, we were all very young and my mother was busy working hard to raise us. My mother was 31 when my father died.

Most fascinating book of all the five

I don’t know now, maybe I need to read them again to pick one. I think all the books are fascinating then, but now that I am older when I read them again, I will have a definitive favourite.

Influence of Fagunwa’s writings on my life and career

For career choice, no. I took to banking unlike my father.

‘She was a gem’

Royalty from the books

Yes we are very concern about royalty from his books. The foundation, which is a non-profit organisation is looking into all these areas. We are articulating how the royalties can be taken care of. But as an NGO, our focus is not primarily on the royalties from the books. It is not desperate about royalties.

The foundation was set up to perpetuate Fagunwa’s legacies because we feel there are lots of lessons will be learnt from them. One of the ways to perpetuate the legacies is encouraging the translation of the books into other languages.

Also, we will be holding annual lecture and other platforms through which his legacies can be perpetuated. In fact, we can’t do it alone.The conference at Akure is more of an initiative of the Fagunwa Study Group than any other persons. The members of the group are not relations of Fagunwa but scholars who believe in his works and their coming together was not prompted by anybody. This shows that Fagunwa’s works are appealing to a wide range of scholars.

My take on the conference

I am happy my father wrote books that scholars such as Prof Wole Soyinka, Prof Niyi Osundare, Prof Kole Omotoso and Prof Jacob Olupona who are renowned intellectuals are sufficiently motivated to leave their comfort zones to spend three days examining his works. It confirms my conviction that his works are timeless and relevant to humanity till thy kingdom come.

I am sure when he was writing the books like lots of geniuses never thought they would go this far. He was just enjoying his passion. He would not expect that 50 years after he passed on, scholars will gather to discuss the works.

I am proud of the feat and am happy to have such a father.

Again, it shows that the works merit what is happening today.

POEM

Between the past and present heroes

Many who knew her describe her in superlative terms.

The late Justice Regina Nwodo, wife of former Information Minister Nnia Nwodo packed with beauty and brain. Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General WORGU BOMS pays tribute to her

By Yomi Oguntoyinbo

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DIEU beautiful, brilliant, Justice Regina Nwodo! With deep grief, I received the news of the passing of the Hon. Justice Regina Obiageli Nwodo who, until her transition, was a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. Justice Nwodo was, before her appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA), a Judge of the Federal High Court and infact, presided over its Port Harcourt Division. It was while here in the Port Harcourt Division of that Court that I had the privilege of appearing before her. Calm, humble (but obviously, easily irritated by any slothful, slovenly and illprepared counsel who appeared before her), Justice Nwodo brought dignity and respect to her court and her judicial duties as a Judge of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt as we did not hear, even for once, of any corruption or corrupt practices associated with her. She was conscientious and assiduous in her judicial duties.

As the news of her passing filtered into Port Harcourt Bar, all who knew her, especially members of the Bar who heard the news, were stunned and momentarily speechless. Many did not know that she had been ill, which lack of knowledge heightened the shock and disbelief associated with the sad news.

Educated in the universities of Middlesex (LLB 1982) and London School of Economics (LLM 1990), this beautiful and brilliant lawyer started her judicial career in 1985 as a Magistrate in Enugu and made it to the Country’s Court of Appeal before she was prematurely plucked by Death, the Bad Reaper described by the hristian Scriptures as Mankind’s ‘The Last Enemy’.

We at the Port Harcourt Bar and indeed, the organised Bar in Rivers State, mourn Justice Nwodo and will forever remem-

It is one of the projects the Fagunwa Foundation is considering. There are some reputable movie producers that have indicated interest in the project. But we don’t want the production of low quality film. The producer must be one that is reputable and very vast in the understanding of his works.

There are heroes; and, there are heroes!

Heroes who knocked out injustice And heroes who murder justice Bread, butter, milk on our table some gave; Yet, hunger and guns others forced

•The late Justice Nwodo

TRIBUTE ber and cherish her imperishable judicial contributions to our corpus juris through her judicial activities whilst she served here at the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court.

Our hearts and prayers are with her families and those she left behind. May they be consoled by the realisation that Regina was respected and admired by all as a virtuous and incorruptible and knowledgeable personality. There is another reason they should especially be consoled: the fact that the pain of the loss is shared by many.

May the Almighty God, the God of all comforts, heal all that are broken-hearted, teach us that are still alive how to number our days so that we can bring in a heart of wisdom into how we live the remainder of our lives, forgive the departed her sins and admit her to His Glory, Amen!

Like a pig those heroes sweated blood To free us; laboured to prosper us While these heroes sink their teeth deep In our flesh; suck our blood dry.

Slaves, they conspire to make us again There are heroes; and, there are heroes!

Heroes who freely educated everychild; and, Heroes with unemployment whip able adults to stupor.

Some clothed with heroic efforts; Others with horrifying, tyrannical deeds Heroes who’re patriots with kind hearts; And the ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ kind of heroes.

Those Heroes purged, purified, cleansed the land; yet, With impunity these heroes gravely corrupt the land.

With the former we were safe; With the latter we are terrorised and traumatized!

Need I say more... than, See, if could spot the difference

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

38

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

El-Rufai, Julius Agwu for LABAF 2013

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•From left:Okpako, Nabofa, Alagoa, Darah, Ogwude, Ayakoroma and other scholars at the event.

PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

Scholars and critics under the auspices of the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA) gathered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to devise means of galvanising the enormous wealth that folklore and oral tradition holds. EVELYN OSAGIE reports the sector has the potential of becoming a major revenue earner if harnessed.

‘Folklore can generate revenue than oil’

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IKE worthy emissaries of the gods, they came representing Obatala, Sango, Oya, Ogun, Olokun, Amadioha and more. In their words, they did not spare those who have relegated the ways of the ancients (folklore and oral tradition), while advocating that the resources the sector holds be harnessed and protected for a greater good.

Folks call them scholars and proponents of folklore and oral tradition, but they choose to be known as the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA).

These culture emissaries from within and outside the continent thronged the Oyo State capital, Ibadan last week to celebrate African folklores and oral traditions at a three-day conference. And the focus was Documentation and Safeguarding of Nigerian Oral Literatures and Traditions.

In the face of globalisation and the electronic age, where do these historical changes leave Africa’s cultural heritage? With the speculation that many world languages and cultures are endangered and may go extinct 50 years from now, Africa’s leaders should pay more attention to preserving, protecting and exploiting the immense potentials of its folklores, which is “the foundation of sustainable development and modernisation”, it was said. One way to do so, according to the emissaries, is through documentation.

Africa, Nigeria in particular, they said, cannot make progress in its quest for economic and technological advancement as envisioned in the continent’s Transformation Agenda without a methodical interpretation of the sciences and knowledge encoded in oral literature and folklore. They challenged African leaders’ over their unwillingness to invest and fund projects that document and promote their ancient heritage.

To drive home the point, the conference keynote speaker, Prof Karin Ajinke Barber from Birmingham, United Kingdom, cited this quote from a Malian folklorist, Ahamdou Hampate Ba to, “Every old person that dies is like a library destroyed by fire.”

In her address, she said leaders should pay attention to the urgency to record, document and safeguard genres of intangible cultural heritage, noting it is also the mandate of the UNESCO Convention to which Nigeria is a signatory.

She said: “Regrettably, Nigerian governments do not fund documentation and safeguarding. Government implements economic injunctions from the World Bank but neglects those on culture, which is the foundation of sustainable development and modernisation.

“Without a systematic interpretation of the sciences and knowledge encoded in oral literature and folklore, Nigeria cannot make progress in its quest for economic and technological advancement as envisioned in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and Vision 20:2020. Urgency is a necessary remedy against perishable wealth such as oral heritage whose libraries are human beings.”

While it is an acknowledged fact that the oil and gas sector is the main stay of the economy, the culture emissaries are of the view that in the folklore and oral tradition lay untapped revenue earners with the potential of surpassing that of the petroleum sector. With an estimate of about 620 languages, which is 40 per cent of the African total of 1,500 languages, Nigeria is, therefore, the most endowed site of folklore and oral tradition, according to scholars. Its linguistic diversity, NOLA President, Prof Godini G. Darah said, is further enriched by the emerging technologies of electronic communication that serve as platforms for harnessing the folk and oral media of arts, e.g. radio, television, telephone, e-mail, Internet, facebook, twitter, blog, YouTube, etc.

“The resources of oral literature and folklore constitute the largest and richest reservoir of knowledge and information

HERITAGE in Africa and Nigeria. These data are created, manifested, and transmitted through numerous media of communication and documentation. The economic and technological advancement of Nigeria into a modern, democratic, and selfreliant nation is not feasible unless and until we collect, classify, translate, interpret, interrogate and harness all the ancient and contemporary data of knowledge encoded and propagated in oral media,” he said.

While urging stakeholders to wake up to their responsibilities, he observed that traditions, creators, carriers, curators, and transmitters/interpreters of or oral heritage have become endangered due to neglect, ignorance, neo-colonial education and socialisation, academic curricula/syllabuses, hostile government policies, inadequate funding of research, dwindling interest in professional work, social and economic changes, new technology, urbanisation, etc.

Reiterating Prof Barber’s words, he said: “The Government of Nigeria has two development manifestos: (a) the 26-page 2011 to 2015 Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, (b) the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 Document. In these two fundamental prospectuses of national development, oral tradition heritage is not mentioned or recognised. This means that there will be no budgetary provision for the collection, study, storage, and utilisation of oral tradition resources from 2011 to 2020, a period of 10 years. The implication is that Nigerians will attempt to march into the future as a blindfolded people, without the knowledge of its past and the present heritage of knowledge accumulated over the millennia. All the countries and economies that Nigeria aspires to catch up with in 2020 invest billions and trillions of dollars on the exploitation of their oral traditions.”

Observing the number of experts engaged in research, teaching, documentation, and utilisation are not enough to cope with the volume of work to be done, Darah described the near absence of academic journals, studios, and allied resources to propagate and transmit the results of fieldwork and studies as worrisome. He, therefore, called for an increase in the number of institutions offering oral literature and folklore courses, which, he said, is presently too small.

Kenyan literary scholar Prof Chris Wanjala said the onus is on the academics to lecture the authorities on the potentials the sector holds. “I think that if we could educate more leaders they would appreciate the need to not only safeguard our cultural heritage but the institutions that would help us to contain and promote it, then, we can say: ‘we are in business’. But if after we have worked so hard and are excited in the preservation of our cultural identity and lose the same institutions that we seek to preserve and promote, then we have lost it all; and are losing a great deal.”

Emeritus Prof Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa of the Niger Delta History, Culture, environment and Community Development, called for collaborative efforts by diverse groups involved in generating, producing and dissimilating cultures such as comic art and stand-up comedians, musicians, actors, academia, new media and government, among others.

Also in attendance were Prof Nduak Otiono (Canada); Emeritus Prof David Okpako; Prof Ademola Dasylva; Prof Segun Adekoya Ife); Prof Michael Nabofa (Bayelsa); Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), President Prof Remi Raji; Executive Secretary, National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr Barclays Ayakoroma and Prof Sophie Ogwude (Abuja), among others.

ORMER Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and comedian Julius Agwu, will be guests at the 15th annual Lagos Book and Art Festival, running from November 15 to 17 at the Freedom Park on Broad Street in Lagos. It is organised by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA).

El-Rufai, author of The Accidental Public Servant, a searing insight into governance in Nigeria, will be interviewed in public by Martins Oloja, editor of The Guardian in what promises to be a very provocative conversation.

Agwu, who has just published his biography, Jokes Apart – How Did I Get Here?, will open the Green Festival (children) segment of the three day festival with a mentoring talk and performance skits to a throng of 8-15 year olds.

The book In My Life is the working title of the comedian’s engagement with the kids.

The 2013 edition of the LABAF has as theme: Nigeria’s Centenary, The Lagos Narrative and will feature 10 panel conversations around 20 fictional and non -fictional books on politics, art, romance, the economy, business, religion in the course of the three days. There are book displays, a visual art exhibition, a jazz concert, live poetry and spoken word sessions,, an art party, a film documentary for adults and lots of workshops, readings and excursions for children, the LABAF is a grand cultural picnic with a heavy book content.

Culture Ministry holds workshop

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HE Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Na tional Orientation will hold a skill acquisition and capacity building workshop in Makurdi, Benue State between August 15 and 16. Also, in the next one month, the programme would cover three other states, namely: Edo at Ihievbe, Auchi; Ondo at Owo and Sokoto in Sokoto State.

In Makurdi, the participants who are drawn from the local community would be guided by experts to sharpen their skills in such trades as fabric weaving, Ange cloth making, traditional hair styling, bead making, tye and dye, pottery as well as performing arts (Swange). According to Mrs Lizzy Ihezue-Iwuamadi, Assistant Director, Cultural Industries, the Culture Ministry will also hand over the key of the Culture Industry Centre in Markurdi to the state government for monitoring and effective utilization of the facilities by the benefitting community.

In Edo State, participants would be trained in bead making, Jewellery designs, carving and sewing while emphasis in Ondo, whose Centre in Owo is located within the palace of the Oba and near the Museum is in Aso-Oke weaving, bead making, craft and pottery. In Sokoto, traditional style carving, sewing, blacksmithing and pottery would be highlighted.

It would be recalled that in its bid to reposition the Culture and Tourism Ministry as a key sector for economic growth and development, the Culture Ministry in 2009 commenced the project, tagged, “Developing Cultural Industries in Nigeria”. So far, seven states have benefitted from the establishment of the Cultural Industry Centres, each of which has a standard hall for exhibitions, workshops and other creative expressions, standby generator, smaller rooms equipped with sewing machines, beads and jewellery accessories, outdoor kiln and dye pits among others for hands on skill acquisition by participants.

Monarch marks 40 years on throne

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From Usman Abudah

HE rocky town of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State wore a colourful look when High Chief Joseph Mayaki Akpeji (JP) entertained guests from far and near to mark his installation as the Otu of Igarra and head of Anona Clan. He also celebrated his 81st birthday with various traditional troupes performing.

The outing reminded one of the late Nigerian and world acclaimed writer, Chinua Achebe who said: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history will always glorify the hunter”.

The Otu’s outing was attended by eminent personalities that included Hon. Peter Patason representing Akoko – Edo Constituency at the National Assembly, Prince Clem Agba, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Hon. MacDonald Obasuke, State Commissioner for Commerce and Industries and Chief Oseni Elamah, the Executive Chairman of Edo State Board of Internal Revenue.

Also present were prominent Igarra high chiefs including Chief Ojo, the Oshindase of Igarra, Comrade Taiwo Akerele, the Project Coordinator of SEEFOR of the World Bank and representatives of Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Secretary to Edo State Government and Chief Oladele Balogun, Federal Commissioner Public Complaints Commission.

In his address, the traditional ruler described the day as “a great one for me and the Anona people who 40 years ago, brought the stool of Otuship in line with modern realities” and called on his people to look forward with one mind to the future and be prepared for dialogue rather than confrontation as weapons of correcting our differences” He also appealed to the government and Igarra people that “the present chieftaincy situation is a disservice to the entire Igarra people wherein about 60 per cent of the indigenes are outside government patronage.

The House of Representative member, Hon. Patason who chaired the occasion paid glowing tributes to the celebrator whom he described as a forefront educationist, grassroot motivator and politician.

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Striding at 60, touching lives Tomorrow, Chief Louis Onwugbenu will mark his 60th birthday. He recalls how he got this far and his love for philanthropy, ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports

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N a society where self is predominant, it is rare to find people who are truly selfless amidst stupendous wealth. That is the story of Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Louis Carter Group Limited, Chief Louis Izuchukwu Onwugbenu (aka Louis Carter) who will turn 60 years tomorrow.

Onwugbenu who is also known as Okpata Ozuora Nnewi meaning that his wealth is going round his people, is into importation of motor and motorcycle parts as well as manufacturing. He has since diversified into agriculture, food processing, general merchandise and real estate with branches in Korea, Japan, Malaysia, England, France and United States.

The 30-month-civil war denied him the opportunity to get beyond primary education which he had at St John’s Primary School Egbo, Uruagu Nnewi. But at 13, his knack for business took the better part of him, with his parents training him in the rudiment and values of business, especially honesty and hard work, which are hallmark of business life. These, he said, remained his guiding principles.

He disclosed that “at age of 38 years, I built the magnificent lecture theatre for the student nurses of Nnewi Medical Campus of the then Anambra state University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) commissioned by former Military Governor of Anambra state, Lt Col Herbert Obieze (Rtd) in July 1991. That led to the upgrading of the state university to its current federal status.

“Let me not start counting people I have given scholarship particularly the indigent students from primary school to secondary and tertiary as well as post graduate levels. I didn’t go to school and I was able to conquer my world just because God’s hands were upon me but if it is now, I will surely have limitations.

I was not privileged to be in school but my children had the best education both here and in London. I started business in 1972 and God enabled me to get to the level I am today. It was not overnight but through dint of hard work and perseverance despite all the challenges and betrayals by people highly trusted.

“If it is today I can’t get to this height because the world has gone digital and education is at the center stage of all skills and trades. And youths should be encouraged to go to school and stop thinking that because we didn’t go to school and made it in life, they too should not go to school and will equally make it. Lack of education is a limitation and a minus for everybody no matter how highly placed.

“In my 60 years on earth I travelled extensively and been to all parts of the globe in the course of business transactions with attendant exposure. As a result, I have come to realise that education is the bedrock of every human endeavour and the pillar of life. And that any society that does not have solid foundation for education of her citizens is doomed. Hence, my passionate love for and interest in education. ‘’It is most unfortunate that youths of today lay more emphasis on the ‘end and not the means’’. They are more interested in acquiring wealth without having the basics of foun-

F

•Onwugbenu

PHILANTROPHY dation of life which is education. The world is a global village and business today is technology driven quite unlike in the 70’s and 80’s when we were growing up in business the analogue era. They always look up to those who have made it in life without asking how they made it in life. ‘’I therefore advise the young entrepreneurs today to before anything acquire education instead of looking up to those who have excelled without knowing how they made it.The business environment is fraught with encumbrances such as fraudsters , intrigues and perfidy.

How he survived treachery I Business environment,’’ as a true Christian and given my deep rooted faith in God following the virtues of hard work, honesty , transparency and fear of God which my late Mother inculcated in me, it would not have been easy for me to excel in business in particular , and life generally. People called her ‘Omakaa’ because she would always resign her faith to God in every situation which no doubt must have given her longevity because she died at the age of 93. ‘’Personally, I faced lots of daunting challenges especially these past few years. That was when I realized that all that glitters is not gold. As an industrialist who engaged more than 700 employees, I sometimes address them , drawing from the Holy Book the account of betrayal of Jesus by one of the 12 apostles, Judas, with a kiss because of money and Peter, the Sur. Apostle who denied his master in time of need. It is a great lesson which influences my life. ‘’My journey to stardom is not without the ugly side which, in any case , I would want to recall but where it pained most is that it came from close relations and confidants who betrayed the confidence reposed on them when it mattered most. ‘’ Indeed , I took all these with equanimity of mind and a deep sense of responsibility , despite the vicissitudes of life , I still thank God for his immeasurable blessings he has continued to shower on me and my family, more so , giving me life to attain the age of 60. My success and achievements in life have made me to forget the sorrow and pains of the past hence I am giving glory to God. Continuing, Onwuegbenu added: ‘’I am 60 years old. I was born on the Assumption day 15th August 1953 and for God to add this grace to me is not a mean feat. And therefore I should

count my blessing one by one as my late mother Cecilia Onwugbenu taught me because in all situations she always glorified God. I am buying land and building schools for Nursery, Primary and Secondary. It is a way of giving back to the society God’s blessings.

“Because I know the essence of education and I know the pains of parents who could not afford their children’s education the first set of bright students in the St Louis Secondary School , Uruagu Nnewi will study for free, no matter their number from JSS 1-3 at least for now. They would go through a screening text to be administered by the Board of Trustees of Louis Carter Foundation.

“I bought the land and built St Louis Nursery/ Primary School since 1998, and now the St Louis Secondary School I have bought the land and the building for that will be remodel to an ultra modern school. This three storey building is for the secondary school.

“Again, this one you are looking at now is the government owned St Louis Nwafor Uruagu Primary School but since the government of Governor Peter Obi handed it back to the mission I am remodeling it to a three storey modern structure from initial one storey that was there. I equally built St Louis Catholic Church Uruagu Nnewi, the parish house when I celebrated my 25 years silver Jubilee and 50 years of age, then the Chapel of Adoration, which I built in 2012.

“Now that I am 60 years, I am adding to what I have done to glorify God in line with what my mother does while alive. I have equally unveiled a foundation known as Louis Carter Foundation to streamline my charity in various levels with a team specifically charged with managing it for posterity sake.

I have instructed my children, eight of them to continuously pay money into it as a legacy for me whether alive or dead.

So, the cash will continue to flow into the foundation.

“I have been doing Charity since my life and they are countless and thousands have benefitted in employment, education scholarship, medical care, empowerment and just you name it all spheres of life.

The church is celebrating its 10th anniversary also on the same day and on a lighter note I am giving out my daughter in marriage, so it is a lot of activities packed in one. My inspiration comes from the seed an Irish priest Rev Fr. Kettle, my mentor who baptised me and my god father, the late Joseph Okoye, then school headmaster sowed in me and my late mother’s dexterity and acumen. They are an inspiration to me till date. Another inspirational scenario was when I ate with Rev Fr Basil Onwuasomba now Monsignor and Vicar General of Onitsha Diocese who was ordained in 1958. He motivated me after the Irish priest left first Sunday after the war.

“I am 28 years in mind and 60 in age and as I invest in education, I praise Governor Peter Obi for handing over the schools to missionaries. My children trained here and abroad and I am sure children of some other parents will be trained abroad though my foundation.

“My political intention is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by building to the glory of God and the foundation is for a legacy for the posterity. I didn’t have the privilege to go to school but I went into business and God blessed me. We should encourage our young one to go to school before business or anything they want to do because today’s world and then weren’t the same.

We are going round hospitals including the Teaching hospitals compiling names of people who could not pay their bills and we are setting them free by undertaking their bills as part of my 60 years anniversary. We have seen people who were in hospital for seven months and more for lack of funds. We have trained countless priests and Reverend Sisters. I equally would encourage our youths to be disciplined and upright for money is not everything? They should have God and have everything.” He is a model to upcoming young business entrepreneurs and his level of humility is amazing and disarming. Thus, he is an inspiration in diligence, humility, godliness, perseverance and determination.

Art World opens office

ORMER president of the Society of Nigerian Artists Mr Kolade Oshinowo has blamed the poor performance of art students nationwide on inadequate structures in the academia. He said unlike their days, students of art these days are not studying art with the enthusiasm and commitment it deserves.

Oshinowo spoke last Saturday at the inauguration of the new corporate head office of AB Artworld, in Surulere, Lagos.

“The standard of everything in Nigeria is collapsing, you cannot isolate one place. It is collapsing because… are the teachers motivated? Are the students really ready to make a commitment? Is it a case of put Yaba-Tech and get Higher National Diploma (HND).

“It also has to do with the admission process of institutions, the teachers and the standard that have been established in such institutions.

“In my days, I had to break out with my father because I told him I am studying fine art, and he won’t take any of that. ‘Out of my house,’ he said and I left. So, how will I then get to the university and be wasting time? I paid my fees myself. That is the type of commitment that I said is missing,” he noted.

He stressed that the appalling state of fine art studios in most institutions is contributing to the situation, adding that the situation could

By Udemma Chukwuma

FACILITY be corrected if the students and lecturers are ready to make commitments.

“We need dedication; we need a lot of reorientation and a lot of commitment. It is individual effort like what my good friend; Alex Ewuzie is doing.”

He also praised the newly inaugurated Artworld Art Centre, which he described as a world class art centre. “The artist community is delighted that Artworld has taken a new dimension. A structure like this that has facilities such as exhibition, framing space and art materials shop is a good development. I don’t think we have anything like this in Nigeria; it’s one of its kinds. Chairman of the occasion and owner of the centre, Mr, Alex Ewuzie, said: “Artworld is shifting the way things are done amongst creative individuals and institutions in Nigeria. With the inauguration of this complex, we are further seeking to fill certain voids by offering an art gallery and studio space for emerging and established artists to present their works while fostering and developing critical and artistic dialogs. The new art gallery and studio will serve as a crucial space for artistic exchange and interactions”.

He disclosed that the art centre would be a

• From left: Oshinowo, Adebowale, Prof Bruce Onobrekpeya and Dotun Alabi

reputable platform for workshops, seminars, and creative interactions providing needed opportunities for emerging artists to learn, work and share confidently their works. “The outlook for African and specifically Nigerian creative economy remains promising, with in-

creases patronage of art and artists from the continent,” he said.

The opening ceremony also witnessed a group art exhibition, featuring works by Fidel Oyiogu, Tyna Adebowale, Jefferson Jonathan, Peter Akinwumi and Victoria Udondian.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

BEHOLD !

21ST CENTURY BATHROOM Makeshift bathroom at Tomaro Village, Apapa, Local Government, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

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Passion, a road to success

HE Commissioner of Police, (Medical, Southwest zone), Mrs. Chinwe Okafor has said that those who are unique and best in their field of work are those who have passion for what they do. She praised the author of the new book Driven by Passion for her understanding of various life challenges which human beings encounter and the solution to tackle those challenges.

Chinwe, who recommended the book for policy makers, government agencies, government ministries and everyone, said “the book is an inspirational collection that contains words on several areas of life, which also goes further to make citations from biblical scripture and other motivational writers. No doubt, the book is an expression of great courage, commitment and passion by the author.” She spoke at the launch of a new book, Driven by Passion in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos recently.

The author of the book, Mrs. Ada Okafor said the new book would serve as a resource material to everyone through it life’s encouraging words and also provide insight on some of the steps to improve ourselves as humans.

“The words were triggered from my personal life experiences, and are meant to inspire people positively at every step of their lives. The only thing that I did was to turn the experiences into learning, which forms the core contents of this book. The name came as a result of my passion to make a positive impact on humanity. The birth of this piece of work is one of my ways of making such an impact,” she added.

Dr. Olusoji George observed the necessity of passion in individual lives. “As humans, we cannot achieve the best in our work of field if we do not have passion for what we do.

Passion drives us to put our best and maximum output to what we do which makes us

By Olushola Orebajo

unique among others,” he said.

According to George, the first step in achieving life’s success is to discover our competencies and focus in life. Depending on the outcome of this discovery, we begin to set goals.

He raised a question saying “if an author doesn’t have passion for writing, would his/ her book be a success?”

He said if ‘we must improve ourselves, then we must eliminate any form of negativity in our lives. We must continuously engage ourselves in the activities of life that aids improvement which will create opportunities for us.’

The book, Driven by Passion will provide words to lean on in every situation of our daily lives, empower people to step up and be on top of life’s challenges. It is recommended for everyone who desires some words of comfort, in the course of climbing the ladder of challenges towards success.

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HE Art Republic will between November 27 and 30 hold an art writing workshop at the Ofu Obi Africa Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu. The programme will through interactive exchanges and exercises, workshops, seminars, and personal practical projects, sharpen and shape the appreciative skills of the participants so as to make art critics more responsive to the daunting challenges of the art profession in Africa. It will also bring to the fore the artistic essence of art critique and critical writing as a backup and complement to studio practice and as the live wire of a dynamic art scene. The workshop is open to studio artists, visual arts faculty, art students, art journalists, MFA students, art history students (MA and Doctoral), and others.

A statement by the organisers said keynote speakers would include Prof. Ola Oloidi of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Frank Ugiomoh of the Department of Fine Art and Design University of Port Harcourt, and Prof Chike Aniakor of Cross River University of Technology, Calabar.

It stated that talks would be given by some of

Art critique workshop holds in Enugu

the resource persons while much of the workshop sessions will be devoted to hands-on critical writing on selected themes and open discussions/critiques of practical works, including writing done by participants at the workshop. Participants will be expected to take part in roundtable discussions on art and its theories and writing techniques. “Excerpts from the roundtable will be published in the workshop proceedings on our website or any other form to be determined by the Art Republic and its partners,” it added.

Registration/participation fee is N5,000 for artists and non-students and N2,800 for students. This entitles participants to workshop materials, tea and closing cocktail. Registration opened on www.artrepublic.co on July 30. Registration forms can also be requested from encounters@artrepublic.co. Payments will be made on arrival at the venue of the workshop.

The organisers will not be responsible for board and lodging of participants.

Life In My City Festival exhibition opens in Lagos

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HE maiden of Lagos zone exhibition of Life In My City Art Festival, (LIMCAF) will open tomorrow, Thursday, August 15, at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos by 4pm. Life In My City Art Festival is the pan-Nigeria visual art competition for young Nigerians not older than 35 years of age organised by a registered not for profit foundation – the Life In City Art Initiative.

A statement by Mr. Ato Arinze, Lagos artist and member of the Lagos Organising Committee, said the exhibition which is organised in collaboration with the Alliance Francaise, Lagos would be opened by Pro-

fessor Yusuf Grillo.

This year is the seventh year of the competition and the grand finale is held every October at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

Exhibition of selected works from the first stage of the programme nationwide are held in the following zones in August / September every year: Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Calabar, Auchi and Enugu.

Because of logistic challenges, it had not been possible to hold an exhibition for entries from Lagos before now.

After the exhibitions at the zones, the grand finale exhibition and award night is held in October of every year in Enugu fea-

turing the very best 100 or so artworks selected by a national jury of some of Nigeria’s best art personalities.

Adjudication at all levels is by carefully chosen juries of art academics, practitioners and teachers whose names are not made public until the actual event and after. The national jury for the 2012 edition was headed

by Prof. Jerry Buhari of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Prizes for top finalists range from the lowest consolation prize of N20,000 to a top overall prize of N500,000. Past top winners have come from Zaria, Uyo, Enugu, Ibadan and Lagos.

42

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

NEWS •President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the leader of Mara Group, Ashish Thakkar who visited him at the Presidential Villa.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

•From right: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Abia State Governor Theodore Orji; Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero at the second joint meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) Board and National PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN. Council on Privatisation (NCP) at The Presidential Villa, Abuja... on Monday.

•Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (second left), his Deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (left), former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige (middle), Prof Pat Utomi (second right) and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Oyinlomo Danmole (right) during their condolence visit to the governor on the death of his father, late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola at the Lagos House, Marina... at the weekend.

•From left: Plateau State Head of Service, Da Ezekiel Dalyop; Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic, Mr Dauda Gyemang and Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Athanasius Dashen, at the Induction Course for Civil Servants and Voluntary Agencies in Plateau... on Monday Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (seventh left) and his wife Abimbola (eighth left) with members of the Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter during their condolence visit to the governor on the death of his father, late Pa Ademola Fashola at the Lagos House, Marina... on Monday

•From left: Acting Chairman, Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo; Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (Bridge) Consultant Mrs Nawe Kamukama, and UNDP/Bridge Representative, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, at The Bridge Election Administration Module Workshop in Enugu... on Monday

•From left: Public Diplomacy Officer, US Consulate General Ms. Rhonda Watson, President,Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and Public Officer, US Consulate General Mrs. Dehab Ghebreb at the consulate’s forum for opinion leaders...on Monday.

•Royal Ambassador Volunteer Group, Port Harcourt, during the march Past at the 2013 International Youth Day Celebration in Port Harcourt... on Monday.

•Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh receiving an award of excellence from Ms. Adel Shaw at the 2013 Africa Icon Award in Chicago, USA.

POLITICS

43

WEDESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

•Mark

•Ekweremadu

•Yero

• Sen. Usman

Correspondent TONY AKOWE writes on the persistent clamour for the creation of state by the people of Southern Kaduna to preserve their identity.

Southern Kaduna renews agitation for state creation

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HE agitation for the creation of a state by the people of Southern Kaduna started in the 1950s. Its leaders supported the agitation for the creation of a Middle Belt Region.

The area was called Southern Zaria. It was part of the old Zaria Province.

In 1975, the Southern Kaduna leaders made a formal request to the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel for the creation of a seperate state. The request was repeated in 1987 and in 1996. The panels set up by the federal government recommended that a state should be created for them. But the military government did not implement the recommendation. Therefore, they lost out.

The people alleged injustice, pointing out that their request failed, despite their marginalisation in Kaduna State.

In this dispensation, the agitators have turned to the National Assembly for help.

However, the announcement by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, that none of the proposed states met the criteria jolted the agitators of new states. Among those who felt that Ekweremadu, who is the Deputy Senate President, was being economical with the truth was the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Dr Epharim Goje, who is clamouring for the creation of Gurara State from the Kaduna State.

Goje accused the Senate Committee of jumping into the conclusion, without giving the agitators the opportunity to work to meet the criteria. He said that, al hough state agitators were asked to update documents submitted to the committee, the Senate created the impression that those agitating for states did not meet the requirements.

“What I expect the Senate to do is to say that, if there are certain things missing, update them in view of the realities on ground.We know that the process is cumbersome, but that is why the senate committee is there in the first place. They are supposed to propose amendments that will make state creation easier. It was because we knew that the process is cumbersome that we held those sessions to ensure that, when people who genuinely need a state make the demand, they get it. The Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate are the organs we need to create states. Once the two-thirds of those Houses say yes, this is what we want, why should we be denied?”

However, those who signed the request for the creation of Gurara State out of Kaduna State were not the the right people. The wrong signatorie, who signed the document as lawmakers representing the area, are no longer in office. For example, out of the seven members from the area in the National Assembly who signed the document, only Yakubu Umar Barde and Godfrey Ali Gaiya are still serving as federal legislators. Also, many of the local govern-

ment chairmen and councillors who signed the document have left office.

The agitators were given a second chance by the Senate to amend their presentation. The senator representing the Kaduna South District, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, quickly returned home to ensure that they did not missed the opportunity. She gathered the Southern Kaduna elders and opinion leaders to inform them that a new window of opportunity had opened for them and that the Senate Committee on State Creation may reconsider its earlier stand by giving the agitators the opportunity to correct the anomaly in their requests and represent same to the committee.

Usman told them that the amended request will be treated by the committee on a first come, first serve basis. She said that, in accordance with section 8(1) of the constitution, only serving lawmakers at the state and National Assembly and local government chairmen and councillors should sign the request to make it valid.

According to her, of all the requests presented to the Committee, only 17 partially complied with the law and they were processed by the committee, pointing out that none of the 17 complied with the provisions of section 8(1) of the constitution. therefore were rejected.

Usman said: “At our last meeting, those of us who are from areas requesting for states made a case to the committee. We told the committee that, as the representatives of the people, we should be able to make provisions for state creation and that we should be given the chance to correct the errors in the requests.

“Those who are not requesting for states agreed with us and, at the end, the chairman of the committee agreed that those requesting for states be given a second chance to correct their mistakes and submit, but warned that it will be treated on first come, first serve basis. If you look at our presentation, you discover that many of those who signed the document we presented are not even necessary.

“What the constitution requires is that only elected representatives of the people, who are members of the National Assembly, State Assembly, elected local government chairmen and their councillors should sign the document. In the past, I have been accused of going into other areas and those people who made

that allegation are still around. That is why I have restricted myself to my zone only before people go round to say I want to contest for the office of the governor. It is my aspiration to see that we have a state of our own and with your support, we will actualise this dream. We will not abandon it now”, she said.

The Southern Kaduna people believe that they have all it takes to have a state of their own. Their best chance came during the Abacha regime, but lack of unity of purpose by the agitators robbed them of a state. There were more than one request for a Southern Kaduna State. The groups requested for different places as capital. While the majority wanted Kaduna as the capital, other groups wanted Kafanchan and Zonkwa as capital.

They lost the opportunity as Abacha turned his back on them although the list of states that were created came out from the office of the Principal Staff Officer to Abacha, who happened to be a high ranking officer from the area. However, the people seem to have resolved the issue of state capital in favour of Kafanchan, which appears to be central to all the local government areas constituting the proposed Gurara State.

Goje, reiterated that the people have all it takes to have a state of their own. He said: “We have the capital, the human resources, the land and every other thing that it takes. Our state has a lot of potential and we are capable. If they give us Gurara State, I am saying that we don’t need the federal allocation. We can survive without oil money in Southern Kaduna under the new Gurara State. If we are given a state, we couldn’t be worse than states created by the military.

“All we need is to harness our potential. If we are given Gurara State, it will be one of the model states in this country. We have the capability and we are saying give us this state and see what we can make out of it. We are also saying that it is one of the ways you can bring about peace in Kaduna State”, he said.

However, the agitators face opposition from the northern part of the Kaduna metropolis, especially Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Lere local government, which is located in the Northern Senatorial Zone.

Goje is not disturbed by this because, according to him, “my colleagues from the northern

‘We hereby solemnly, unanimously and unequivocally resolve that, in the supreme interest of peace, security, development and welfare of our people, the present Kaduna State should be divided into two. We declare that this decision is not based on any ill-motives or ill-feelings or desire to hurt anybody or any group whatsoever’

part are also asking for their own state and we have a very good understanding between ourselves. The only gray area is how to handle Kaduna metropolis, which we will do through a round table negotiation and for the border communities. We will do a referendum for them to decide where they want to go. As far as we are concerned, we have an agreement with our brothers in the northern part of the state. We are prepared and working towards it to ensure that Kaduna State is divided into two.

“My two senators - Makarfi and Nenadi Usman- are really working hard to make sure that they mobilise us to meet up with the requirement and whatever it takes for us to have a state and I am sure that the senator from zone two, even though he comes from a different political party, I am sure he shares the same dream”.

The consciousness about the bebefits of an additional state is growing. A committee of elders set up by the state government, immediately after the sharia crisis in 2000, recommended the splitting of the state into two. The committee report, which was accepted by a government white paper said: “We hereby solemnly, unanimously and unequivocally resolve that, in the supreme interest of peace, security, development and welfare of our people, the present Kaduna State should be divided into two. We declare that this decision is not based on any ill-motives or ill-feelings or desire to hurt anybody or any group whatsoever.

“We declare that in the new state, by the grace of God, we shall ensure justice, fair play and equity to all people regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliations. We declare that there shall be no interference with the rights of the people on their religious beliefs and traditions; and we declare that in the pursuit of the above declarations; we have taken cognisance of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution”.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly also passed a resolution sponsored by 11 members of the House on October 17, 2002 supporting the splitting of the state into two, in accordance with a position prepared by the delegates to the National Constitutional Conference.

Senator Usman, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Constitution review, has motivated the Southern Kaduna agitators to repackage their request. They have got 100 per cent support from the elected representatives of the various local government areas that are supposed to constitute theproposed state and submitted the document to the National Assembly for consideration. The document, it was gathered, will be presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is expected to conduct a referendum on the request, following its approval by the Senate.

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THE NATION WEDESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

POLITICS Hon. Lanre Odubote represents Epe Constituency in the House of Representatives. He spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on the constitution amendment, national security and crisis in Rivers State.

‘PDP ‘ll overcome crisis’

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Youth Leader aspirant Hon. Solomon Bamola spoke with MUHAMMAD BASHIR on his vision for the party and preparation for the special PDP convention.

‘APC is a mass movement’ H W OW would you assess the newly registered All Progressives Congress

(APC)?

The APC started shaking the polity at its infancy. It started at the point of the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. It was the coalition of all opposition parties, who with other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), came together to vote for Tanbuwal. And I can say that APC has been in place since the House was inaugurated in June 2011.

So, if the APC is now registered, it is just to say, kudos to the people in the National Assembly. We thank God for our leaders for being able to come together this time around, having seen what we did at the National Assembly, to consolidate our position. APC is going to send the PDP away. PDP is insensitive to the peoples’ wellbeing, it is very reckless and corrupt. Talk of anything that is anathema to democratic culture, it is the PDP. The party is associated with the imposition of poverty on the people.

It does not believe in empowerment of the people, it’s a party that refuses to implement the budget of the people. PDP is a party that refused to believe in democratic institution, otherwise, how can a parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pass a resolution and the party says it is just a mere advice. When it was good for them to use that advice to become the President, they did. They believe in the parliament then, but they are now comfortable not to implement all the resolutions of the House. See what happened in Rivers State, if not for the House of Representatives, Governor Rotimi Amaechi would have been removed from office by now. But we took that decision to save him.

The APC, in conjunction with some of our friends in PDP worked to bring peace to Rivers State.

That is why we have some little peace in the state. So, APC is that party that has come to liberate the oppressed, it a mass movement and thank God, today Nigerians are reasoning along that line. By the time we face them in 2015, PDP will realise that it is too late for them. I am not surprised, this is the same PDP that does not believe in the creation of local governments, they are now contesting elections in those created by the Lagos State government. They never saw anything good in the Local Council Development Areas. As far as I am concerned, APC is moving up politically.

The National Assembly has not spoken with one voice on the issue of local government autonomy. Why? I personally voted against local government autonomy on principle.

Though my people thought I should vote along that line of autonomy for the councils. How can you give autonomy to local government when the federal government is still holding on to our revenue from Lagos State, there is no principle of derivation, no principle of true federalism. They say Nigeria is a federation, what type of autonomy are you giving to local government? The law stated categorically under Section 7, the local government is an appendage of the state. So, why are you now contravening the constitution? So, as far as I am concerned, local government autonomy is an aberration, it is a part and parcel of the state.

As a person, I am not in support of local government autonomy.

The Presidency has often ignored the resolutions of the National Assembly.

What does that portends for checks and balances?

All over the world, if you are talking of democracy, you must be talking of the institutions. The legislative arm is the parliament for the purposes of governance. Here, not less than 360 representatives are directly elected and 105 senators also directly elected by the people. But on the executive, only two people were directly elected, the President and the vice. Every other person in the executive is appointed.

They are like liability to the President, they are not constitutionally recognised except the Attorney General.

If an institution that is properly recognised is being disobeyed, that means you are fishing for chaos. You are not respecting the tenet of democracy. The Assembly is where issues must be canvassed. That is where we have to do work on the revenue, which is tied to budgetary allocation. Between me and you, why do you have to violate the law when you have signed it and now you are refusing to implement it? We are not saying we are going to impeach him, we are now asking you people in the media and the civil society to appeal to PDP for them to respect all the democratic institutions. A situation whereby an institution like the parliament is passing a resolution and the Presidency is disobeying it, is undemocratic. You are calling for anarchy because when that resolution was brought to you, you singed it.

Now look as the security challenge, the parliament invited the President to come and brief us about what is happening in the country, about a year ago

•Odubote

but the problem is still there and he still want us to be allocating money to him.

Unfortunately, we have not yet advanced to that level when constitutional rules have to be implemented to the letter. If it were to be in places where democratic culture are well instituted, the President would have gone by now. We cannot be allocating money to him without proper accountability. We don’t know how much he has even given out over the so called terrorist attack or the JTF and the National Assembly that has the power to allocate the money is calling you and you are refusing to obey. So, Nigeria should not be an exception where rules are obeyed. My position is this, I am very bitter with all these impunity from the PDP led government because by the time you disobey a fundamental institution of democracy, you are calling for anarchy and crisis.

Now that the House of Representatives has taken over the Rivers Assembly, what happens?

What has happened is just a temporary measure for the whole thing to calm down. The only advice that I will give the people who say they are the majority party is for them to put their house in order. The House is dominated by PDP people; see the way they are behaving on the camera during the crisis in Rivers Assembly, have you see any ACN state behaving in like manners?

See us at the National Assembly, we are the most peaceful people, if you are making contribution, you do that intelligently. See the way we brought out Tambuwal, see the way Nigerians gave us kudos on the matter. Now that the APC has emerged, we will lead and others will follow because PDP has failed the people.

•From left: Representative of Lagos State Chairman (ACN) Otunba Henry Ajomale, Mr Adekunle Olayinka, Elder the party, Alhaji Akanni Seriki, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Chief Tunde Temiomu, at the kick off ceremony of new All Progressives Congress (APC) logo by the Senator at his constituency office in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

HY did you withdraw as an aspirant for the position of the PDP National Youth Leader in the last convention?

Nothing happened really. As a loyal party member, one must learn to defer to the elders of the party. The leadership of the party made an announcement that all those that are aspiring for the position of the National Youth Leader should drop their ambitions and give support to a particular candidate, who was perceived to be the choice candidate for the office at that time. It was to ensure steady internal democracy. And because we believed that the interest of the party is of utmost importance, we temporarily threw in the towel and lent our full support to the party’s chosen one.

Why are you now in the race?

It is because I am not satisfied with the representation that the party has among Nigerian youths. Obviously, the former youth leader tried, but I believe that more and advanced steps can still be taken towards the perfection of the party’s youth representation. I am certain that the position is an immense one that could do a lot more for the youths of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We want to make the PDP the impenetrable and largest political party in the sub-Sahara Africa. That is the key factor that gives me the drive to, once again, contest for the office of the National Youth Leader, and, if given the opportunity to represent the youths of Nigeria in the party, I plan to make huge impact on the lives of the youths and ensure that they have a sense of belonging and participation in governance.

I will also continue to make government understand why the youths must be more actively involved in governance. Concisely, my policy thrust, if elected as the National Youth Leader of PDP, will guarantee that the youths are given 40 percent affirmation in governance, just as our mothers are nearly at the peak of their 35 percent participation in governance. The youths are the engine room of the government of any nation and they must be carried along. A new engine should run with care, if it is the owner’s desire for the engine to last longer. So, the youths are to be fast-tracked with absolute attention, protection and they should be given their rights so that they can see Nigeria as a country they own and think of what they can do positively for the country, not what the country can do for them.

Are you saying the current administration has not carried the youths along in governance?

The government can, furthermore, do better by involving private companies and talented individuals to come in and complement the efforts of the government in the areas of youth development.

The creation of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the laudable designing and subsequent implementation of a workable National Youth Policy, with special focus on youth employment and engagement, deliberate efforts to involve youths in governance and in decision making process, efforts to resolve the leadership crisis in the National Youth Council of Nigeria are some of the deliberate steps taken by the PDP government to address the youth concerns in Nigeria. I think this is quite commendable. It therefore, points to the fact that government is moving away from the deficit-based approach of dealing with the youths and it is creating the enabling environments to institutionalise youth matters with all the key stakeholders and that also includes helping the youths to take their rightful place in government and in the society in general. The newly instituted Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) of the administration has created more opportunities for highly creative youths to get start-up grants to establish businesses that will further create and generate more employment opportunities for other less privileged young persons. Do not also forget that agencies like SMEDAN, NERFUND, NDE, NAPEP also target economically viable youth population and have also been properly positioned to serve the youth more productively even though there are always room for improvements as we progress even as a democratic nation.

I am of the opinion that we need to place more emphasis on developing more result-oriented strategies to deal with the issues of quality education at all levels, with a view to embedding enterprise education as ka ey component for boosting the capacities of young school leavers’ view towards addressing the rising rates of unemployment and to impact positive civil and citizenship orientation on them. We must also note that government alone cannot do everything; other stakeholders such as the private sector, NGOs, business community, religious organizations and so many more all have critical roles to play in the development of the Nigerian youth to a desired standard of behavior and empowerment. I must commend the efforts of the PDP - led government under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan for the commitment exhibited in addressing challenges facing the youths of this great country as seen in some of the recently launched programmes. It is on this premise that I also wish to ensure that the Youth REAP project key effectively into government’s strategies with a view to ensuring that the overall objective of instituting efforts to address youths’ needs is fully realized within the framework of effectively collaboration among the key stakeholders.

The PDP is facing some internal challenges. What is the way out?

Let us examine the PDP, being the biggest political party in the black and let me relate it to “a one big family” viewpoint. We all know that it’s practically impossible for a big family to completely avoid quarrels. And when they do quarrel, there’s no need for an outsider to come in and settle their internal squabbles. It is the role of each individual in the family to come to an acceptable agreement in order to ensure that all the free-for-alls simmer down. PDP is a very big party, and you know they say the bigger the head the bigger the headache. But I am telling you that, with the leadership of the party headed by the national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, we will always come out stronger, virile and big• Bamola ger as usual.

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The virus can be ten times more infectious than HIV/ AIDS. The virus is not easily noticeable until it has ravaged the liver for sometimes more than 40 years, and when it becomes obvious it is always too late the treat

Foundation to fight Hepatitis

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ORE Nigerians can be saved from death through Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has been inaugurated to screen and treat detected cases.

With many living with the virus in ignorance, the foundation is geared towards screening, vaccinating and educating Nigerians on the importance of the disease.

Hepatitis B infection causes inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects hominoidea, including humans. The foundation has identified the prevention of Hepatitis B virus infection as paramount because, “the virus can be ten times more infectious than HIV/AIDS. The virus is not easily noticeable until it has ravaged the liver for sometimes more than 40 years and when it becomes obvious it is always too late the treat,” stated the founder, Dr Joseph Onigbinde.

At the inauguration of the foundation at Parkview Estate,Ikoyi, Lagos State, medical doctor and founder of the foundation, Dr Onigbinde said he was embarking on preventing the disease because many Nigerians are losing their

H

IGH-PERFORMING secondary school pupils in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State have been given cash awards by an organisation, the Razak Foundation.

The foundation owned by an oil businessman, Comrade Razak Obe gave out cash valued in thousands of naira to the best students in all the secondary schools in the council.

Some of the recipients got N20,000, some N10,000 each depending on which cadre of the secondary school.

This was done in order to encourage and challenge other stu-

•Nwachukwu (right) and Dr Ibeka at the event

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

lives to it. “As director of Hepatitis B program in New York University,USA between 2006 and 2008 I was privileged to

lead a team of medical researchers to investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B chronic infection among the minority population of New York. We screened over 2, 600 participants, and of the 2, 600 people that we screened only five peo-

ple tested positive. And of the five that were positive four of them were Nigerians and the fifth person was a Togolese,” he said.

Dr Onigbinde said the NGO will sensitise the public of the dangers of Hepatitis B. “With the World Hepatitis B Day

celebrated on 28 July the NGO will kicked-off its project on the same day in Lagos at Ropheka Medical and Dental Hospital premises. We will use Lagos State Project as a pilot study. We will then move on to other states. Although it will not be easy funding this massive project but we are passionate about making a change in Nigeria,” he explained.

The Chairman Ropheka Health Foundation, Senator Bode Olajumoke, said he only agreed to play a part in the Foundation because he sees the idea as a laudable one. “It’s unfortunate that Nigerians are not given to charity because this idea is a lofty one, I encourage all Nigerians to be a part of this. In the US Foundations such as the Rockefeller Foundation are given to charity because they have better understanding. The private and public sectors should vigorously support this mission,” he said.

Senator Olajumoke said although he is very versatile he had little knowledge of the virus called Hepatitis. “In the US a league of rich women began propaganda about the deadly virus known as HIV/AIDS today because their husbands were promiscuous but in the end they got their husbands to stop promiscuity and also help others to abstain from sex or use protection. We can also educate Nigerians but it can only be achieved if we support this project.”

He appealed for support from well meaning Nigerians and organisations as the NGO needs funds to take the fight to other parts of the county.

Philanthropist honours pupils in Ondo From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

dents to value education and perform better.

The beneficiaries were picked from nine schools which included Anglican Grammar Schools in Ijare, Holad High School, Ilara-Mokin, Jooro High School, Ibule, Ayo Grammar School, Ipogun, C.A.C Comprehensive High School, Ijare and among others. All the schools are in Ifedore local Council.

Speaking at the event, held at Ilara-Mokin, Obe who is also an indigene of the community, said it was high time stakeholders rose up to save the already collapsing educational sector of the country.

He said he was inspired to help the nation in making some great changes, particularly in the education sector.

The oil magnate said: “This is a nation where absolutely nothing works. No country can

achieve its destiny without education, not just education, qualitative education.

“We should educate the people and encourage them to be educated; through that you must have started building a block that will deliver a great nation tomorrow. That is why today, we have spent close to millions of naira by rewarding excellent students in our community.

“This is the third edition of the programme and I hope to do this throughout my lifetime even my children will continue this programme because our progress as a nation depends solely on our progress in education.

“The human mind is our fundamental resource. Education should occupy the top of our priorities list if we must build a great and prosperous nation from this abyss of physical underdevelopment, wanton governmental malfeasance, cultural polarization, fiscal rascality, moral bankruptcy, ubiquitous corruption, primitive prejudices

and counterproductive stereotypes.

“It is my quest to help midwife the change our nation needs that informed my decision three years ago to institute this modest reward system that recognizes the hard work and brilliance of the students who distinguish themselves in their studies” Obe, who is aspiring to contest 2015 general election for Ifedore/Idanre federal constituency seat, advised the government to build physical infrastructures in education, adding that this would make people to know that education is what transforms a man for a better future.

The overall best student, Miss Opeyemi Afolayan who spoke on behalf of other students, commended the initiator of the programme, saying it has created challenges among students in the community.

She also urged other stakeholders to emulate Obe’s gesture by saving the country education system from total collapse.

The human mind is our fundamental resource. Education should occupy the top of our priorities list if we must build a great and prosperous nation •Chairman, Somolu Local Government Area, Hon. Gbolahan Bago-Stowe presenting a CD copy of the free GCE form to one of the beneficiaries at the secretariat

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NEWS 40,000 artisans for training From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

F

ORTY thousand artisans in Abia State are to be trained in craft production.

They would be exposed to 40 specialised, identified and commercially viable areas to produce products that could be exported.

The artisans would be trained by international experts from the United States, Thailand, and South Africa and would be certificated by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

This information was announced at the Southeast, Southsouth orientation for partners and stakeholders of the Global Export Market Access and Expo (GEMAEXPO) in Umuahia.

Wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Orji said GEMAEXPO would teach the artisans and exporters modern dimension of international business transaction.

She said the programme was aimed at replicating the Asian Tigers economic ingenuity and foresight by harnessing the artisans to exploit and produce crafts.

Madam Kene for burial

Anambra unveils social security scheme

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday unveiled the Unique Social Security Scheme for indigent Anambra elders above 75.

Unveiling the programme yesterday at the Women Development Centre, the governor said the law setting up the State Indigent Relief Law

was passed in June and signed last month.

He said the initial N1 billion made available for the project covered July to December.

The governor said the state has a special account for the project in which his administration has provided enough money for the

project till December next year.

Obi said the aim was not to burden his successor.

Assuring the people that his administration is hinged on sound planning, he said the measures were put in place to enable his successor to take off seamlessly.

The Chairman of the occa-

sion, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, said Obi’s decision to start assisting the elderly not only showed him as a good father, but also a visionary.

He appealed to those in charge of the project to have the fear of God and humbling spirit to render services without hindrance.”

•The expired drugs

T

Onitsha traders give NAFDAC expired drugs

•The late Madam Kene

RADERS at the Bridge Head Drug Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday voluntarily handed over expired drugs worth over N25 million to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The Chairman of Onitsha Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers Union (OPPMDU), Kenneth Nwosu, while handing over the drugs to Dr Christiana Esenwah, assistant director of NAFDAC in-charge of Onitsha Special Zonal Office, said most of the expired drugs were submitted to the union executives voluntarily.

Nwosu noted that some were seized by the Task Force against Expired, Fake and Sub-standard Drugs.

HE remains of Madam Josephine Muwaru Kene (95) will be buried in Enugu State on Friday.

The internment will be preceded by a funeral service at Christ Church, Isikwe Aci, Enugu State. A service of songs and wake will take place at the family compound tomorrow.

A

T

•Drugs worth N25m From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

His words: “They are products of many pharmaceutical companies within and outside the country. We also handed over a handful of fake drugs discovered by the Task Force,” he said.

Nwosu said the union had re-enforced its Task Force to enable members to work round the clock.

He said: “The Task Force will track down any suspicious product or their dealers.

“We have also opened more channels of information flow between the traders and the Task Force. People can now drop

information in a box without mentioning their names,” he said.

Mrs. Esenwah praised the traders for their bold initiative.

Esenwah said: “This bold initiative is a giant stride to rid the market and Onitsha of expired drugs.

“This goes a long way to show that NAFDAC partnership with traders in its fight against fake, sub-standard and adulterated drugs is yielding anticipated results.

“We are grateful for this step of ridding this market of unwholesome, expired, fake and sub-standard drugs for the benefit of all.”

She, however, said the agency was still looking up to the market executives to do more.

Civil Society groups protest ASUU strike in Lagos

coalition of civil societiy organisations under the aegis of the Joint Action Front (JAF) marched yesterday in Lagos, calling for the implementation of the 2009 agreement the Federal Government signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The protest’s theme was “Save public education in Nigeria”.

Besides, JAF is calling on governments to implement the 26 per cent (of budget) allocation to education as recommended by the United Nations (UN).

The protesters, who got public applause sang solidarity songs and displayed placards, some of bore inscriptions, such as No education, no future; We want free education; Students and Workers unite to save our education; Education is a right; and Enough is enough.

At Idi-Iroko and Jibowu on Ikorodu Road, the protesters stopped the convoy of the Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari.

Mr Abiodun Aremu, the JAF Secretary, who led the

By Medinat Kanabe

protest, threatened further showdown with government, should there be no impact after the protest.

He said: “Arise, Nigerians and save public education.

The federal and state governments must implement the 2009 ASUU agreement or else will shut down this country. It is either education or nothing.”

JAF was represented by other unions, including ASUU, Non-Academic Staff Union and Allied Associations (NASU); National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT); College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU); Senior

Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU); Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP); Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT); and Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education of Nigeria (SSUCOEN), National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and parents, among others.

The protest started at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) office in Tejuosho, Yaba at 8.00 am, passing through ever-busy Ikorodu Road. It then coursed through Ojuelegba, Jibowu, Obanikoro, Anthony and Maryland resulting in a heavy gridlock.

At Maryland Roundabout, Aremu told a large crowd of students and unionists who came from Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Ekiti to participate in the protest that next week, Kano, Ibadan, Owerri, Calabar and the Federal Capital Territory will begin their own rallies.

ASUU National Treasurer Mr AdemolaAremu said the rally was to bring the authority’s attention to the poor state of public schools from basic up to tertiary levels. He said the scenario had remained because Nigerians seem to have developed apathy for such development in the past.

The Chairman NANS

(Zone D), Comrade Monsurudeen Adeyemo of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo State said Nigeria could only drift from abject poverty to opulence, if governments are committed to total education of the masses.

“If we embrace education, there will be a total migration from poverty in Nigeria,” he added.

ASUP National President ChibuzorAsomuga said the best schools in those days were public schools, adding: “Why can’t our children have the same education we had.

It is time to put education on life support in Nigeria, especially technical education.”

White Paper on Orosanye panel’s report coming, says Sambo

W

ORKS on the White Paper on the Stephen Oronsanye Committee’s Report on Rationalisation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would soon be finalised, Vice President Namadi Sambo has said.

The Vice President spoke at the opening of a two-day National Council on Finance and

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Economic Development Conference (NACOFED) in Minna, the Niger State capital.

He told participants that the Federal Government was addressing the lopsidedness in the capital and recurrent expenditures and reducing the recurrent expenditure to sustainable levels.

Sambo added that the government was also increasing the fiscal space for supporting capital projects.

Speaking through the Minister of Economic Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, the Vice President said the Federal Government’s reforms in public financial management were yielding results.

According to him, a process

for reducing wastes and duplication in the functions of government agencies has been initiated.

Sambo said: “Recurrent expenditures will be trimmed further from 71.5 per cent in 2012 to about 68.7 per cent of the 2013 budget while the capital vote is expected to increase 31.1 per cent from 28.5 per cent.”

Interim APC chair in Anambra From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed former state chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Pat Orijiakor, as its interim Anambra State Chairman.

Former Deputy National Vice Chairman Annie Okonkwo, who resigned his position in Awka on Monday, said Orjiakor’s appointment was to make sure the party was not lagging behind.

Okonkwo said: “The party has found out that the only person to lead, pending ratification of every other thing, is Orjiakor.

“The gentleman is a vibrant person with vision; and for our party to move ahead of others, we have to appoint him before a substantive chairman emerges.

“APC cannot be allowed to operate in a vacuum; it has been like sheep without a shepherd, so we cannot continue like this.”

Orijiakor said: “It is the handiwork of God for me to lead the eminent persons in APC, but what I am promising members is that I will not fail them.

“This is the era of truth, I will not lead my members astray, but one thing is sure, and that is APC is going to take over from Governor Peter Obi on March 17, next year.”

Aba is getting attention, says Orji

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday said the state’s commercial capital, Aba, is receiving adequate attention.

He spoke against the backdrop of complaints on the refuse situation and bad roads in the city.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ben Onyechere, Orji said: “I have never lost sight nor waivered in my resolve to revise the infrastructural decadence in Aba for which reason the city’s commercial activities were almost halted because of impassible access roads.

“The situation, which is as a result of long neglect virtually, seemed an uphill task because of the enormity and extremity of disrepair for which government is now spending a fortune to rectify.

“Aba is not the only area which was abandoned in the past but its residents were hypnotised to have believed deceitful propaganda with which the city was held down for a long time.”

He said government had embarked on the repair of roads, according to priority.

Important roads, he said, had been fixed as the government is now moving into the remote areas.

The governor’s spokesman recalled that the Second Republic Governor of the old Imo State Sam Mbakwe “wept in Aba and tried his best but since after him, no other tangible attempt had been made in Aba before we came into power.”

He said “in spite of the natural and human-induced impediments, government is determined more than ever before to continue the ongoing rebuilding of the roads as well as activating the newly-built power plant in other to alleviate the infrastructural deficits.”

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-08-13

FCMB sells City Securities Registrars

F

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc has concluded the sale of its share registration subsidiary, City Securities (Registrars) (CSRL) Limited.

The sale was part of the commercial bank’s unbundling of its non-core banking businesses in compliance with the new banking regulatory regime.

CSRL was acquired by Cardinal Stone Partners Limited (CSP), a full service investment banking firm established in 2008.

In a statement made available yesterday, group managing director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said the transaction was concluded at the end of a competitive bidding exercise that involved CSP and six other bidders.

He explained that the divestment was in compliance with the new banking model introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which requires banks to divest from non-core banking businesses.

According to him, the selection of Cardinal Stone as a worthy buyer of the marketleading registrar business followed a competitive exercise that sought not only to secure the interests of FCMB shareholders by getting a fair and competitive price for the com-

•Equities slip further by N71b

By Taofik Salako

pany, but also find a buyer who has the credibility, capacity and governance standards that will give CSRL’s clients, the necessary comfort.

He added that just as the bank had done in all six divestments done, the sale of CSRL was done at arm’s length and conducted to the highest professional standards.

Balogun assured that CSRL will continue to enjoy the bank’s support and patronage considering its pedigree and achievements.

Chief executive officer, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited, Mr. Femi Ogunjimi, said the acquisition of the CSRL was strategic to his company’s long-term growth agenda as it will further position it as a trusted financial advisor and principal of choice to clients in their investments and businesses.

He said CSP will be retaining the CSRL team led by Mrs. Motunde Dada as managing director in demonstration of the new owner’s confidence in the team’s proven track record and also in order to ensure seamless transition.

CSRL is one of Nigeria’s largest independent share

registration companies and it manages share registers for many leading corporate and quoted multinationals. It provides access to an investor database of more than 1.3 million investors.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market remained on the downtrend with two in every three price changes ending on the downside. Aggregate market value of all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped from valueon-board of N11.975 trillion to close at N11.904 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI) slipped from 37,813.43 points to 37,589.60 points. With 38 losers to 19 gainers, the downtrend was exacerbated by losses by several highly capitalised stocks. UAC of Nigeria topped the losers’ list with a drop of N6 to close at N55. Nigerian Breweries followed with a loss of N4.31 to close at N169.99. Guinness Nigeria lost N1.79 to close at N248. Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria dropped by N1.50 to close at N98 while Mobil Oil Nigeria and Presco lost N1 each to close at N119 and N36 respectively.

Total turnover stood at 378.59 million shares valued at N4.78 billion in 5,814 deals.

Banking subsector accounted for 211.90 million shares worth N2.57 billion in 2,081 deals. Sterling Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 59.62 million shares valued at N172.4 million in 147 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-08-13

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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MONEY LINK

T

Banks to contribute N105b to sinking fund

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has signed the resolution trust deed with the existing 24 banks for them to contribute 0.5 of their total assets to the sinking fund. This will amount to about N105 billion from the banks to help cover the cost of the banking crisis of two or three years ago.

This disclosure was made by the Director, Banking Supervision of the CBN Mrs Agnes Tokunbo Martins at the end of the Bankers Committee meeting in Abuja yesterday. Mrs Martins noted that “initially what was in place was a memorandum of

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

understanding where the banks on their own agreed to contribute .3 per cent of their total assets to the cleanup of the banking system at that time, but today the deed has been signed and what’s in the deed now is that the banks have agreed on their own to contribute 0.5 per cent of their total assets and 0.5 per cent of 33 per cent of their off balance sheet items to the sinking fund.”

Bankers committee agreed with the governor on the rational for the policy and agreed to help meliorate

the difficulties. The CBN’s Director of Banking Supervision added that with this development, the banking system is safe as there’s no incidence that we have to fall back on tax payers’ money.”

She said the 24 banks hold about N21 trillion in assets in various proportions and the percentages they hold these assets differ from bank to bank. As a result “each bank, will contribute 0.5 per cent of their total assets and we will calculate 33 per cent of their off balance sheets items and then take another 0.5 per cent of that” she said.

New GDP figures out in December

N

ATIONAL Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said it plans to release new figures for gross domestic product (GDP) in December.

Bloomberg said Nigeria is updating its GDP base year to 2010 to give a better indication of the size and composition of its economy. The country’s GDP is currently based on production patterns in 1990.

The data are now slated for publication on December 10, the Abuja-based National Bureau of Statistics said in an

Stories by Collins Nweze

e-mailed statement. Yemi Kale, the head of the agency, confirmed that 2010 will be the new base year, according to an e-mailed response to questions. He said in May that the agency was also considering 2012 as a possible base year, after consulting experts from inside and outside government.

The schedule for release of the new GDP data has been changed several times. While the statistics bureau’s

website still mentions a target of October 24, Kale said in May that it may not happen until next year.

Nigeria’s economy, the second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa, was estimated at $268.7 billion last year and is forecast to expand 7.2 percent this year by the International Monetary Fund.

The true size and composition of the economy hasn’t been properly reflected in the annual calculations, which don’t capture the activities of companies created since 1990, according to Kale.

GTBank upgrades social network service

G

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc has upgraded its Social Banking offering on Facebook to accommodate Instant GTBank Account Opening.

In a statement, the bank explained that with this upgrade, prospective customers of the foremost bank can open accounts and immediately get their account numbers while on Facebook, without having to visit any GTBank branch.

Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; Mr. Segun Agbaje said the upgrade will make it more convenient for people to commence banking relationships with the Bank. Agbaje explained that all people have to do while on Facebook is fill the account opening form, upload their passport photograph and signature mandate and immediately get their account number.

GTBank Social Banking is a unique

offering pioneered by the bank earlier in the year that allows people open GTBank Accounts, make Account Balance Enquiries, perform Money Transfers and purchase Airtime on Facebook. The bank remains the leading Nigerian financial services provider in the social media space with over 1.3 million followers on Facebook alone, the largest followership for any Nigerian company.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Moghalu to discuss African economy in US

•Moghalu

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu will tomorrow be discussing key economic issues concerning the African economy in the United States of America.

Moghalu, will be the keynote speaker at the event holding at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, a United States think tank in Washington D.C. The event comes with the theme “Africa as the Last Frontier: Why It Matters in the Global

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 13-08-13

SYMBOL PAINTCOM CHAMPION JOSBREW EVANSMED TRANSEXPR WEMABANK UPL JAPAULOIL VITAFOAM MANSARD

O/PRICE 1.70 16.10 0.81 4.32 0.73 1.00 3.80 0.50 4.16 2.21

C/PRICE 1.87 17.71 0.89 4.74 0.80 1.09 4.09 0.52 4.30 2.26

350m EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.17 1.61 0.08 0.42 0.07 0.09 0.29 0.02 0.14 0.05

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current 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

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

CUTIX CUSTODYINS UACN IPWA VONO COURTVILLE HONYFLOUR NASCON TRANSCORP ASHAKACEM

O/PRICE 2.21 1.61 61.00 1.05 0.63 0.87 3.21 11.50 1.40 23.78

C/PRICE 1.99 1.45 55.00 0.95 0.57 0.79 3.05 11.01 1.35 23.01

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8

2-7-12 27-6-12

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Date

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.22 0.16 6.00 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.16 0.49 0.05 0.77

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

LOSERS AS AT 13-08-13

SYMBOL

Economy”.

Steve McDonald, Director, Africa Programme and Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity at the Woodrow Wilson Centre will be the co-speaker.

“In the wake of President Obama’s visit to Africa, many have taken note of an increased emphasis on the continent’s role in the global economy. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and author of Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last Frontier’ Can Prosper and Matter, Kingsley Moghalu, will share his experiences and thoughts on how the region, which had previously been largely ignored, can become a key player in international economic affairs”, the Woodrow Wilson Centre said in a statement issued on its website. The event will be webcast around the world.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

less policy that was introduced to ensure that they are encouraged, the cost of keeping those costs in the banks are being reduced or the banks are bearing those costs themselves and we think this will actually help the banks to mop up deposits.”

The immediate effects of the withdrawal of 50 percent public sector funds he explained “is that deposit rates will go up and to that extent we expect that lending rates will go up we believe that at some point there will a dampening effect on these and the banks will eventually bring down the lending rates just as we expect that deposit rates will come down over time.”

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

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The banks, he said, will have to develop strategies to encourage the private sector to bring their cash into the banking system “and for that reason we are all aware of the cash-

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Movement

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NEWS Boko Haram destroys Nigeria’s reputation, says govt Continued from page 4

erates his firm conviction that no objective can be attained through such violence,” the spokesperson stressed.

Britain said the attack is “contemptible and cowardly” in a statement by its Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds, it pledged to “stand with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Information Minister Labaran Maku said the spate of insecurity being perpetrated by the sect has slowed down the performance of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Maku, who spoke to reporters at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, insisted that the insecurity is politically-instigated.

According to him, but for the insecurity in the land, the Jonathan administration would have made appreciable progress in terms of development in the various sectors.

“Boko Haram has damaged the reputation of Nigeria. A

report of a bomb explosion makes more news globally than commissioning of projects. We have been doing well in an atmosphere of negative reports. This government is the most documented in the Nigeria history,” he said.

Maku said despite the constant threat of insecurity, the nation’s economy has improved.

He warned international agencies, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) not to dictate to Nigeria, but should give advice where necessary.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima was all grief as he visited Konduga yesterday.

He was told by District Head Zannah Masu Yale that a woman was among the 43 killed. Thirty others, he added were injured in the attack on people at a Mosque. He said 78 houses were burnt.

The traditional ruler urged the government to deploy more troops.

The governor, who cut short his trip out of the state, donat-

ed N5 million and four vehicles to boost the youth volunteers in Konduga in the fight against insurgency.

He also donated N250,000 each to families of the 43 dead and N50,000 each to the 36 injured victims who are also to be treated at government’s expense. He also gave N50,000 for rehabilitation while houses burnt will be compensated according to the number of rooms.

According to him, the amount to be given for each of the burnt houses will be between N100,000 and N400,000.

Shettima, who was emotionally shaken by the level of damage, told the grief- stricken people who thronged the palace of the District Head in their hundreds that the State Government would always identify with them at all times.

“What happened to you is unfortunate and you understand that whatever happens to you directly affects us all and we identify with you at

this hour of grief” he said.

He praised the gallantry efforts of the security operatives and the youth volunteers which led to the death of five of the insurgents and the recovery of arms, saying: “you made me proud by your commitment toward the restoration of peace in the State”.

Shettima inaugurated a Committee headed by the member representing Konduga in the House of Assembly to assess the level of damage and report back to government within the shortest possible time.

He also raised a committee made up of the chief Imam, the district head, caretaker chairman, leader of the civilian JTF among others to manage the compensation cash.

The governor commended the courage and perservarance of one of the victims, Mmalam Mairami Makinta, whose house was burnt.

He also pleaded with the Military Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Police Commissioner to imme•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (middle), with 100 Year-old Modigbo, a beneficiary of Elders Welfare Scheme (left) and the Igwe of Ndi Ikelionwu, Prof.

Chukwumeka Ike, during the presentation of a Cheque of N1billion for the payment of indigent elders of Anambra State aged above 75, stipend of 5,000 per month for July to December.

North harmonises groups for 2015

T

HE North announced yesterday the formation of a Joint Action Committee to harmonise the interests of the various groups working towards winning power in 2015.

The groups’s spokesman and former Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, told reporters in Kaduna that the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum and some groups from the Middle Belt have agreed to collaborate in their approach to the 2015 elections.

Baba-Ahmed said part of the objective of the group is to improve the unity and cohesion of the diverse people of the North in pursuit of goals and objectives which affect every northerner.

He noted that the various groups in the committee have decided to devolve some of their responsibilities to the joint committee, but they will continue to exist as separate groups.

The committee was essentially created to reduce waste in energy.

Baba-Ahmed said “this is a collaboration to improve the way the North will approach 2015, politics generally and all other developmental issues. My statement says that one of our objectives is to take full advantage of the many options and opportunities that are available to the North.

“We want to see a situation

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

where the North plays a very informed, disciplined, strategic role in the manner in which politics is played in this country.

There are many options available and we want to be sure that we work with those that will take the decisions to make sure that the north takes the best position in the interest of the people of the North.

“Let me say that this collaboration is unique. It is one of the very few efforts that all northerners have made that involve the genuine participation of all northerners. Our committee does not recognise core or subsidiary North.

“We recognise fundamental equality of northerners because the problems of the North affect all northerners equally. What happen, to the northerner in Benue happens to the northerner in Zamfara. We see the same level of poverty, insecurity and con-

cerns. Those who use words like core northerners have no idea and we don’t want to operate with that kind of mindset.

“All northerners are equal and we realised that we have been divided by these kind of talks.

There is no such thing as core North. We are united by our common heritage, our history, our poverty and our contemporary exposure to the same kind of problem.

“We are weakened by the day.

There is no northerner that will tell you that he is better of because of his tribe or religion. So, this divide and rule has not worked for any single northerner.

He said: “I don’t know about the elitist north. The masses have to be led by somebody because they cannot lead themselves and the Nigerian masses have been let down by the elites for too long.

“Many people have claimed to

be leading the North and they have let the people of the North.

The elite themselves are rediscovering their potentials to lead and will submit their leadership to the goals and aspirations of the ordinary northerner. The elites cannot work without the masses.

“Our group is to make sure that the best candidate with the best interest of Nigeria emerges President in 2015. If any group said that one North is dead, they are entitled to their opinion. I am sure that they have their reason for saying that. What I know is that there is a north.

“There are many other options we are looking for and we will not limit ourselves to the issue of northern Presidency because it is only one of the options available to the North and we are going to work with others all over the place and we are going to be very strategic about the manner in which we work and advise politicians in this regard”.

KWSIEC fixes August 31 for Offa rerun

T

HE Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) yesterday fixed August 31 for the rerun of Offa Local Government.

The KWSIEC chairman, Dr. Uthman Ajidagba, told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, that the electoral body’s decision was in compliance with the February 22 verdict of the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

State High Court, which ordered a rerun into the council, following an appeal suit between the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) vs Abdulwaheed Segun Olanipekun and 98 others.

The rerun, Ajidagba said, would also include the councillorship election, as further directed by the same court in the

consolidated councillorship election appeal between Rafiu A. Ibrahim vs Musemil Giwa and 10 others delivered on July 23.

The KWASIEC chairman attributed the delay in the conduct of the rerun to the declaration of emergency rule in Offa Local Government by the state government in February, following a renewed clash between Offa and Erin-Ile communities.

diately deploy more troops to the Area to check against future occurence and equally implored the people to continue praying until peace is fully restored in the State and the Country as a whole.

Chairman of the Youth Volunteers in Konduga, Mallam Lawan Ajid, said,the deployment of more Military personnel would help in galvanising the youths to conduct their operations successfully and assured the governor that with the support of the government and the people, the youth volunteers would restore peace in the state in no distant time.

Interior Minister Abba Moro said the army is making progress in the war against Boko Haram militants, despite the Konduga killings.

Abba Moro dismissed the attack as “desperate” and “isolated”.

“The security agencies of Nigeria have been able to push the Boko Haram sect from their major strongholds,” he told the BBC..

•Shekau

Apart from Konduga, 12 others were killed at Ngom village, close to Maiduguri, according to reports.

Although Boko Haram has not commented on the Mosque attack, its leader Abubakar Shekau, said in a YouTube video on Monday that his group is responsible for the recent attacks including the one that targeted the police and the military.

He said this showed that the army’s claims to have inflicted heavy losses on the group were “lies”.

‘Govt can’t pay N92b ASUU wages request’ Continued from page 4

and state universities for intervention in the areas of rehabilitation and construction of lecture theatres and lecture halls; renovation and construction of libraries and laboratories and rehabilitation and construction of hostels.

According to Dr Banfa, the 61 universities were categorised into four based on the size of students enrollment.

Suswam said President Goodluck Jonathan had agreed to flag off the construction of projects under the N100billion stimulus package in a University to be selected to symbolise the commencement of construction work in all the universities. He said the new projects to be under-

taken would be standardised such that all the Universities will enjoy similar facilities in terms of the new projects.

“I am confident that very soon the students will resume.

As a leader in this country, I am worried about the strike, Mr President is absolutely worried and everybody is concerned that the students should not stay at home more than necessary” he stressed.

The Implementation Committee meeting was attended by the Ministers of Education, Labour and Productivity, and other education funding agencies of the Federal Government including the Central Bank of Nigeria, NNPC, PTDF, NITDA, NCC, TetFund among others as well as the President of ASUU.

Obasanjo blames younger generation Continued from page 4

up many problem for the system as a whole.”

In his brief contribution, the Vice-Chancellor, UI, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, said lamented the failure of only 36 governors to conduct a credible election within the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), saying it is a manifestation of the leadership malaise in the country.

“We have not raised question about the scenario where 35 people found it difficult to conduct a credible election in this country. I then have concern about how 2015 election would be,” Adewole said.

A discussant, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, said: “The task of leadership in Africa has been quite challenging. Africans have been so unfortunate.

The question is whether our

leaders wanted development or power.”

Another discussant from the Institute of Sustainability and Peace, United Nations University, Tokyo, Dr. Obijiofor Aginam, said: “Unemployment is a bomb that has exploded and manifested itself in hunger, violent attacks, crimes and killings.”

PUBLIC NOTICE I formerly known and addressed as Miss. NWOSU CHINYERE SABINA now wish to be known as Mrs. EKERUO CHINYERE SABINA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I formerly known and addressed as Miss. JOY TUBONEMI AGGO, now wish to be known as Mrs. JOY OSAYANDE OJO. All former documents remain valid, general public please note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AGBELO GOLDEN LADIES CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Lady (Hajia) Zaniab Obada Founder 2. Lady Stella Omah President 3. Lady Clementina Alasa Secretary 4. Lady Medinat Ugbokhe Financial Secretary 5. Lady Josephine Igeweh Director of Socials 6. Lady Kate Akambe Provost 7. Lady Sametu Asaolu Member OBJECTIVES: 1) To promote unity and oneness among the members and Agbelo-speaking people, towns and villages from which the members are drawn.

2) To aid economic growth and development of the members.

3) To encourage literacy in Agbelo-speaking communities.

Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the REGISTRARGENERAL, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tugris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARRISTER JAFARU ADOKUTU

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS Keita wins Mali election as rival concedes

I

BRAHIM Boubacar Keita is to become Mali’s new president after his rival conceded defeat in the second-round runoff elections.

Ex-Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse said he had congratulated Keita on winning the vote and wished him good luck.

Cisse’s concession, hours after he complained the election had been marred by fraud, will deepen optimism for Mali’s recovery.

“The general feeling here is that people are actually happy that this has come to a peaceful end, and that Mali finally has a president,” he said.

Keita, a former prime minister, inherits a broken nation and must still negotiate peace with northern rebels.

“This is the symbol of the new Mali. Of a Mali, now confident of its success, following

the line that the voters have wished for and have wanted. I believe it is Mali that has won.” said Keita on Monday.

No official results have yet been released following Sunday’s runoff but Keita was believed to have won by a wide margin.

Keita swept the July 28 first round with nearly 40 percent of votes on a ticket to restore order after a March 2012 military coup allowed separatist rebels to seize control of the northern two-thirds of Mali.

Cisse said on Monday that the vote had been tainted by intimidation. However, international and local observers said that, despite small irregularities, the process had been credible.

“This election, from a democratic standards point of view, is a success,” said the head of the European Union Observer mission, Louis Michel.

•Cisse

“It is an election that allows Mali now to start finishing the process that it has begun: the return to a normal democracy,” he added.

French President Francois Hollande said the vote was a victory for democracy and vowed France would “stand by” the west African country.

“What has happened since the French intervention... up to the election of a new Malian president is a success

•President Keita

for peace and democracy,” Hollande said.

France sent thousands of troops in January to break rebels’ grip on northern Mali.

It now aims to pull out its contingent to a rapid response team of 1,000 troops to face the scattered threat, while handing broader security duties to a 12,600-strong UN peacekeeping mission being deployed.

Israeli PM Netanyahu undergoes hernia surgery

T

•Namibia’s worst drought in 30years: Children roaming their neighbourhood in quest of basic essentials.

PHOTO: MATAS

Clashes kill 18 rebels in central Syria

P

RESIDENT Bashar Assad’s forces killed at least 18 rebels in central Syria in clashes near the country’s main north-south highway, activists said yesterday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighting took place overnight in Hama province near the town of Morek, which straddles the major road that links the capital, Damascus, with the largely rebel-held northern provinces.

Since last year, the government has been battling rebels for control of the highway, which the regime wants to keep open so it can resupply its forces bogged down in fighting in the contested city of Aleppo and elsewhere in northern

Syria. The opposition wants to cut the route to prevent supplies and reinforcements from reaching those troops.

The fighting is part of the broader battle in Syria’s civil war for control of the country’s north. Over the past year, the rebels have pried free most of the northern countryside from the regime, while the government still holds the provincial capitals, with the exception of Raqqa and parts of Aleppo.

Last week, opposition fighters captured a major air base in the north near the border with Turkey and swept through a string of villages in the heartland of President Bashar Assad’s Alawite sect in Latakia province on the Mediterranean

Kuwait pulls cleric from TV over sectarianism

G

OVERNMENT officials in Kuwait have pulled a prominent cleric off television over previous comments they say stoked sectarian tensions and promoted an al-Qaedalinked rebel group in Syria.

Shafi al-Ajmi’s show, “Following the Path of the Prophet,” premiered on Monday on state television in Kuwait.

By yesterday, Information Minister Salman alHomood said the show had been cancelled and that an investigation had begun to determine who was responsible for putting the cleric

on the air.

“The ministry of information does not approve of airing episodes for any individuals who instigates hatred and promotes such rhetoric,” al-Homood told journalists.

Al-Ajmi regularly writes anti-Shia comments online, suggesting that the Shia faith should be banned in Muslim countries.

He also gained notoriety in the Gulf kingdom when he appeared in an online video in which he celebrated the beheading of a leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group and his son.

coast. Those advances were some of the most significant rebel gains in months against government forces, which have been on the offensive in central Syria and around Damascus.

More than 100,000 people have been killed in Syria since the country’s revolt began in March 2011 with largely peaceful protests.

The conflict slowly shifted into a civil war that has destroyed many of the nation’s cities, forced millions from their homes and shattered the economy.

HE office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that he has successfully undergone hernia surgery.

Netanyahu’s office said he is recuperating at a Jerusalem hospital following surgery for an umbilical hernia. A medical team diagnosed the hernia after Netanyahu felt pain on Saturday.

The Prime Minister was given general anesthesia, and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon was appointed acting Prime Minister during the few hours Netanyahu was unconscious. Netanyahu will be released later Sunday to recuperate further at home.

The weekly Cabinet meeting has been postponed.

The prime minister’s office says Defense Minister Yaalon is leading a ministerial meeting on prisoners’ affairs in Netanyahu’s place.

Ministers are expected to approve the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of U.S.-led IsraeliPalestinian peace talks that begin this week.

Peru says Shining Path leaders killed

T

WO top commanders of Peru’s Shining Path Maoist group are believed to have been killed in a clash with government troops in southeast Peru, President Ollanta Humala has said.

Intelligence sources on the scene indicated that the group’s number-two commander, Alejandro Borda Casafranca, known as “Comrade Alipio,” was among the three dead.

Also killed, according to the intelligence, was Antonio Quispe Palomino, “Comrade Gabriel,” the younger brother of the guerrilla group’s leader, Victor Quispe Palomino.

The attack would be the biggest blow to the rebel group and the drug-trafficking operations it controls since the military captured a top ideological leader last year.

“It’s a severe blow to terrorism,” Humala said, predicting that remnants of the group would go into a leadership crisis.

Humana told reporters that authorities were performing autopsies to confirm identities.

The third man was said to be a right-hand man to Borda Casafranca who goes by the nom de guerre “Comrade Alfonso,” according to Humala.

The clash occurred on Sunday night in Llochegua, a heavily jungled area in the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro River Valley where Shining Path fighters work in partnership with cocaine traffickers.

The rebels took refuge in the region after the Maoist group was disbanded in September 1992 with the capture of its paramount leader Abimael Guzman.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

59

NEWS

‘Death‘ll come when you are not ready’ •Buhari, Tambuwal, governors honour Fashola’s dad

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T was a gathering of dignataries yesterday at the main bowl of Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) where a Fidau was held for Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola.

As expected, there was heavy traffic from CMS to TBS. Guests came off their posh vehicles and walked a few kilometres to the square.

They were followed by itinerant drummers, street urchins, who sang their praises to eke out naira notes.

Many of the guests were dressed in red and yellow head gears and caps.

The large tents were beautifully decorated with yellow and red colours with a big banner bearing the photograph of the deceased with the inscription, “Farewell Papa”.

The arrival of Governor Fashola, his siblings and other dignitaries signalled the start of the event, at about 2pm.

Leading the Fidau, an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muheedeen Bello, offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased as well as members of the Fashola family.

In his sermon, Chief Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad said the death of Pa Fashola is a lesson that death remains an inevitable end that everyone must face.

Ahmad urged leaders to live an exemplary life and shun the temptation of amassing public wealth, reminding them that the day of judgement would reveal how they served the people.

"Often times, we forget about death and think of how to acquire property. How foolish and unmindful have humans become to remember the futility of life because death will come whether you are ready or not" To the leaders, the cleric said, "There will be no SSS and despatch rider, all the paraphernalia of office will be lost and you

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro and Tajudeen Adebanjo

will be caught up in a serious traffic. Every leader will be brought in chains on the day of judgement" "It is not the number of years we live that matters but how well we live; we should always live according to Allah's wishes and impact positively on the lives of others while alive".

Former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and 10 governors led the list of prominent personalities who came to pay their last respect to the deceased.

Governors present at the event include Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Senator Abiola Ajumobi (Oyo); Aliyu Babangida (Niger); Muritala Nyako (Adamawa); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Captain Idris Wada (Kogi) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa). Deputy Governor of Imo and Ekiti States were also there.

Other dignitaries are include, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Secretary to the Federal Government Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chief Pius Akinyelure; Mr Wale Edun; members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, amongst other top government funtionaries.

There was also tributes and recitation of school anthem from the Old Boys Association of Methodist Boys High School, where Pa Fashola had his secondary education, from 1949 to 1954.

Members of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Eagles Club, Premier Club, Island Club also paid tributes to their late member.

See Photos on Page 61

Kalu defaults in land use charge payment, says Lagos govt

L

AGOS State Government last night declared former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu as a defaulter in the payment of the land use charge.

It said the ex-governor’s Ikoyi house was sealed off as a result of his indebtedness.

In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Aderemi Ibirogba, the Lagos government said: “The fact is that Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu’s property in Park View Estate, Ikoyi was distrained, pursuant to Section 40 of the Revenue Administration Law of Lagos State for failure to pay the statutory annual land use charge despite three separate notices delivered to the said property.

“As a government driven by law and process, the Lagos State Government will ordinarily expect all law abiding residents to discharge their responsibilities to the state.

“If, in spite of failing to do so, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu wants to give ethnic colouration to a routine performance of its duties by

‘As a government driven by law and process, the Lagos State Government will ordinarily expect all law abiding residents to discharge their responsibilities to the state’ an agency of the state government, which in this case is the Land Use Charge Office, under the Ministry of Finance, he is welcome to do so.

“However it should be noted that when the issue was brought to the attention of the Governor, Tuesday evening, he directed the agency to unseal the property and that an additional 14 days grace period be given to Mr. Kalu to pay the said charge. ”It should be emphasised that notices like these are served on defaulting property owners on a regular basis who ei-

•Kalu

ther comply or contact the Agency to raise any objections they might have to such notice. Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu, like every other citizen, must fulfil his obligation to the State.

Kalu had in a statement said his criticism of alleged deportation of Igbo by the Lagos State government, led to the sealing off of his house.

The statement by Emeka Obasi, his media adviser, said the sealing off, was “done as a revenge for the criticism by Kalu, who is the Coordinator of Njiko Igbo, a group fighting the cause of the Southeast.”

Obasi said the property had been there for several years and that sealing it after just two weeks of his boss criticsing Fashola over the deportation issue was an indication that there was more to it.

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NEWS PA IBRAHIM ADEMOLA FASHOLA (1933-2013)

•From left: The deceased’s daughter-in-law Mrs Abimbola Fashola; wife of Oyo State Governor Mrs Florence Ajimobi; Dr Muiz Banire and Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

•Cross-section of children of the deceased

•Ogbeni Aregbesola (left) and Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN)

•Gen Buhari (right) Chief Tom Ikimi

•Mrs Olufunsho Amosun

•Former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande

•Alhaji Dangote (left) and Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas

•Mallam Nasir el-Rufai

•Mr Dele Alake (left) and Mr Jide Aderoye

•Otunba Subomi Balogun and Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa

•Gen Alani Akinrinade

•Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule (right) and Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye •Hon Hakeem Bamgbola •Hon Benjamin Olabinjo

•Sheikh Ahmad

PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘Speed can be controlled by convoys led by demarcated ‘FRSC Convoy Leader Cars’ driving at 100kph’’

TONY MARINHO

VOL.8 NO.2,577

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is fitting and quite thoughtful that General Godwin Alabi–Isama has chosen Nelson Mandela’s birthday to present his book, The Tragedy of Victory. For Mandela, in so many ways, exemplifies the generosity of spirit which you will constantly encounter as you read this sprawling book. In Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela’s engrossing and deeply moving chronicle of his extraordinary life, he shares the honour and glory of the successes of the anti-apartheid struggles, not only with all the comrades with whom he served long jail terms, but also with many others who supported the struggles. For instance, on page 601 of that fascinating book, Mandela pays the following tribute to one of his comrades: “In Plato’s allegory of the metals, the philosopher classifies men into groups of gold, silver and lead. Oliver Tambo was pure gold; there was gold in his intellectual brilliance, gold in his unfailing loyalty and in his tolerance and generosity, gold in his unfailing loyalty and self-sacrifice. As much as I respected him as a leader, that is how much I loved him as a man”.

Gratitude matters. Appreciation of the good contribution of others humanises us all. When you recognise the goodness of others, you’re actually laying the building blocks of what will make humankind endure and survive. It doesn’t diminish you; the world is incredibly richer for it.

The total lack of this kind of generous spirit in General Olusegun Obasanjo prompted General Alabi-Isama to write The Tragedy of Victory.

Three years ago, when General Godwin Alabi– Isama turned 70; he came to Nigeria from the US to celebrate his birthday. His close friend, General Alani Akinrinade who attended the ceremony, gave him two copies of General Olusegun Obasanjo’s My Command. By that time Alabi-Isama had heard about the book but had never read it. Akinrinade had told his friend that the book would turn his belly. It surely did. General Alabi-Isama discovered that there were so many distortions of fact in the book, and he immediately dismissed it as a tapestry of inaccuracies. As he read it, he marked out not less than eighty two passages in My Command where General Obasanjo simply told outright lies to massage his ego and damage the reputation of his colleagues. Alabi-Isama then thought that since he was still a moving encyclopaedia on the three Marine Commando Division, it was time to tear the painted mask of Obasanjo’s lies.

In My Command, the achievements of gallant officers like Benjamin Adekunle (The Black Scorpion), Alani Akinrinade, Godwin Ally, Ayo Ariyo, Ola Oni, Isaac Adaka Boro, Ahmadu Aliyu, Roland Omowa, Sani Bello, SS Tomoye, Yemi Alabi, Philemon Shande, Musa Wamba, Mac Isemede, Sunny Tuoyo, Audu Jalingo, Ignatius Obeya, and their informants like Ndidi Okereke – Onyiuke, Margaret Eyo, Florence ItaGiwa and many other women who made the 3 Marine Commando Division such a formidable force, are tainted and belittled. Blessed with very good memory, General Alabi-Isama, in Tragedy of Victory, offers a ferocious and damning critique of General Olusegun Obasanjo’s vainglorious claims of his gallantry. He sets the mangled records straight with absolute passion, precision and indignation. To him, history matters because it is meant to inspire and instruct posterity.

He shares George Santayana’s view that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

And because Nigerians have been made cynical by many decades of lies, all claims that AlabiIsama makes he supports with abundant evidence. If this book is a 671-page to me it is in part because the memoirist illustrates his story with 450 pictures, 36 maps and 20 documents. It is also partly because the author meanders. He repeats himself many times.

By and large, his responses to General Obasanjo’s claims show that he was a more competent soldier, military strategist and theorist than OBJ, who tends to mistake good luck for profound gift and talent. Alabi-Isama simply did his duty and left politics in the army for all the crafty war profiteers who have been described by Wole Soyinka in Jero’s metamorphosis as DGS – Desk Generals. As Chief of Staff of 3 Marine Commando Division, he was very demanding of everyone – he was hard on his men and women without ever losing tenderness. Deep knowledge was central to his strategy and tactics, so he sought for it everywhere.

Indeed, one very important duty of the 3 Marine Commando women was collecting vast data about Biafran soldiers and their operational orders. The 3 Marine Commando Division operated in a very difficult terrain of creeks and mangrove forest comprising the present Riv-

OPEN FORUM By KUNLE AJIBADE

A combatant's chronicle of the Nigeria - Biafra War ‘Chief

•Gen. Alabi-Isama

ers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states.

Those young men and women fighting for the unity of a country that would later abandon them demonstrated uncommon patriotism.

Consider the courage of a young officer who just got shot in the war front, and as he was about to die, he asked his commander, AlabiIsama, who was carrying him, “Have I tried?

Those young men were brave people. Consider the immense talent and heroic move of Captain Gbadamosi King, the Nigerian Air Force pilot whose air-to-air operation was the first, not only in Nigeria’s history but was the first in Africa. Consider also the exploits of those ladies who cheered up the troops when their morale was down. The book is dedicated to Alabi-Isama’s mother who solidly supported the war efforts of her only son.

This was war at the Atlantic theatre. A very difficult place to fight to keep Nigeria one. Each time situations became intractable and confounding; it was either Akinrinade or AlabiIsama who were ordered to go and sorts things out. Many of the troops died of malaria, dysentery, cholera; cold and snake bites. One soldier was swallowed by a 50-foot-long snake. The troops had to kill the snake with the soldier still inside. s the troops were getting tired, the Biafrans redoubled their efforts.

Helped by France, they launched deadly attacks. With the capture of Port Harcourt by the 3 Marine Commando in 1968 and the capture of Enugu and Umuahia in April 1969, Biafrans had lost three of its major capitals. Uli-Ihiala then became its centre of gravity. But Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, the commanding officer, did not see Uli-Ihiala that way.

Missing the point completely, he ordered that OAU (Owerri, Aba and Umuahia) be captured as an October 1 1968 Independence gift to General Yakubu Gowon. It was a complete disaster. General Alabi-Isama says he warned his commander against the operation, but Colonel Benjamin Adekunle did not listen. The 3 Marine Commando Division that had given a good account of itself in Bonny, Calabar, Warri, Ugep, Obubra, Oron, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Itu, Eket, Abak, Etinan, Opobo, Bori, Okrika, Port Harcourt, Degema, Buguma, Abonema, Finima, Nembe, brass, Ahoada and part of Midwest now became a butt of joke in other divisions. Other blunders followed.

Suffering from stress, all those who criticised Benjamin Adekunle constructively he regarded as cowards. The case became so bad when he decided to get both Alabi-Isama and Akinrinade killed in an ambush. They escaped to Lagos where they reported to General Gowon the crisis of confidence in the 3 Marine Commando.

But Gowon was very reluctant to remove Adekunle thinking that, with the Agbekoya riots and protests in Ibadan, many people would shout, “ethnic cleansing” if a non-Yoruba officer was brought in as a commander. He, therefore, asked Akinrinade and Alabi-Isama to suggest a Senior Yoruba Officer he could use.

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Bola Ige accepted to review My Command because he thought General Olusegun Obasanjo was a good friend. But since Ige’s assassination, has the general not been dancing on his grave?’

Akinrinade suggested Obasanjo—not Oluleye, not Sotoye, not Olutoye because Akinrinade and his friend were simply desperate to have a commander who would listen to them and implement Alabi-Isama’s operation Pincer 2, a plan that they were sure would end the war in 30 days. Obasanjo was not an infantry officer, he was in the Army Engineers Corps, but Akinrinade rooted for him because he thought he was his friend. General Gowon, who suspected that Obasanjo would not want to go to the war front, asked Akinrinade and AlabiIsama to go and persuade him which they did.

Of course, General Gowon was right. General Obasanjo was furious that they suggested his name. He thought these men wanted him dead.

While Akinrinade was civil in his dealing with him, Alabi-Isama was impatient; he told him off, wanting at a point to walk out after several hours of talking without any food or drink from their host. Alabi-Isama would soon pay the big price for doing that to Obasanjo who obviously has what the medical experts call pachydermatous memory for slights and insults.

When General Gowon gave the order that all divisional commanders at the war front, who had been there for two years, should be replaced and the then Colonel Obasanjo was made the commander of the 3 Marine Commando Division both Alabi-Isama and Akinrinade thought they had won but their victory is part of the tragedy recounted in this book. General Olusegun Obasanjo’s did not take over the 3 Marine Commando until 16 May 1969. As soon as he did, he simply sidelined Akinrinade and Alabi-Isama. He went after all the members of the dream team of the Commando with vengeance. The winning force that was being praised for fighting gallantly to keep Nigeria one was now fighting a war of attrition. George Ininh who knew how to play the politics of genuflection which Obasanjo wanted rose meteorically during and after the war.

Four days after he resumed duty, Obasanjo’s first battle experience as a commander of 3 Marine Commando Division was a disaster. In what Alabi-Isama describes as a complete disregard of the sound advice of his sector commanders, he ordered Godwin Ally to attack Ohoba, a town 40 kilometres south of Owerri. The Division lost over 1,000 troops. This loss still enrages Alabi-Isama, who suggests that in a saner society, Obasanjo should have lost his commission on account of that tragedy. Why would he be bothered? Did the high command in Lagos ever sanction Murtala Mohammed of 2 Division for ordering an Asaba – River Niger crossing, against the advice of Akinrinade in which about 2,000 troops died by drowning and bullet wounds in the River Niger? Alabi-Isama reminds us many times that Obasanjo, the blundering Commander of 3 Marine Commando Division “had no battle experience and had never fought at any of the three fronts of the

war. He had never commanded a battalion or a brigade, now he had to command a division in battle. That was why his military administration and logistics placing was that of a cadet”. t was because of his tactical error as a com mander that he was almost killed in an ambush when he visited Col. Iluyomade’s unit. He had to flee from the ambush and got shot in the bottom. Alabi-Isama’s take on that is that true generals do get shot in the chest, not bottom. Before Obasanjo was posted to 3 Marine Commando Division, Alabi-Isama, in consultation with Adekunle and other officers, had three plans – Pincer 1, 2 and 3, strategies and tactics which their division knew would win the war. Pincer 1 would be a monstrous operation that was meant to level many towns in Biafra. As if to impress those who doubted his ability, Obasanjo wanted his troops to settle for that. If the 3 Marine Commando had used that plan, Alabi-Isama argues, the charge of genocide that Chinua Achebe raises in his book, There Was a Country would have been justified. Thankfully, reasons prevailed. The commander finally listened to his officers. Pincer 2 was used. And it took only 23 days for the 3 Marine Commando Division to put an end to the Nigeria-Biafra War. Biafra surrendered, not to Obasanjo, who was not at the war front, but to Alani Akinrinade, who was very much there.

It was a triumphant and self-centered Obasanjo, who rushed to Lagos with Effiong and some of the Biafran officers. And the real heroes of that war were then forgotten. But Alabi-Isama was not only forgotten he was later persecuted and dismissed from the army by General Olusegun Obasanjo who was then the head of state. Alabi-Isama was accused of stealing money which he did not know anything about. He was even accused of being part of the Dimka coup. The two officers who refused to implicate him suddenly died mysteriously. But as James Frederick Green would say their organised slaughter did not settle the dispute; it merely silenced an argument which The Tragedy of Victory has now brought to the front burner. Before his unjustified persecution, General Alabi-Isama was the likeable Principal General Staff Officer of the Nigerian Army. He was a well-decorated officer. He gave the Nigerian Army his best shot. And he was a role model. It is important to remember that our history is full of this kind of bad behaviour. Let me explain that with just one example. In 1980, Chief Bola Ige accepted to review My Command because he thought General Olusegun Obasanjo was a good friend. But since Ige’s assassination, has the general not been dancing on his grave?

Of course, The Tragedy of Victory is not only about the civil war and the 3 Marine Commando Division even though it is the major plank of it, its centre of gravity. There are other+ interesting stories. The story of his humble early life, how he joined the army after his secondary school at Ibadan Boys High School, his military training in Zaria and England, his peace-keeping mission in the Congo where he helped to kill a huge and notorious hippopotamus that had been terrorising a village for many years. There is a sense in which the story of the Nigerian Army mock battle in Ibadan which he, and his troops won foretold the victory of the Nigeria-Biafra war in the Atlantic Theatre. We are told of how he was captured by the Biafrans, how he was sent to Kirikiri prison for wrong accusation. We are moved by the story of Azuatalam the wonderful swimmer who was later recommended to be recruited into the Army by General Alani Akinrinade. The reader is told of how AlabiIsama, and his officers arrived at their strategies and tactics like the dilemma strategy. As Generals, Yakubu Gowon and Adeyinka Adebayo write in their introductory remarks, this is a book about military strategies, tactics and campaigns. There is the interesting story of the visit, in 1993, of Stella Obasanjo to his American home where Stella stayed for a pleasurable week. You will not miss the story of how he saved General T.Y. Danjuma and Domkat Bali from being killed by the Dimka coupists. inally, it is clear from our reading of this book that when we yield our hallowed ground to clueless people, they will grow and nurture their weeds on it, thereby suffocating the flowers of the land. May our country have the good sense to always choose good people who will reproduce their goodness in others.

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•Ajibade, Executive Editor of The News, read this review on July 18 at the public presentation of The Tragedy of Victory at the NIIA, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, Lagos.

•Mohammed Haruna returns next week

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