The Nation August 03, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Dana plane’s engine faulty two years ago

NEWS

•‘Engine changed after incident’ Page 10

Why education is my priority, by Aregbesola NEWS Page 56

•Osun to deliver Millennium Schools

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2206 FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Lagos bans phone use while driving

By Miriam Ndikanwu, Staff Reporter

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ELLO! It is an offence to use the telephone while driving in Lagos – courtesy of a new law signed yesterday by Governor Babatunde Fashola.

The Lagos State Road Traffic Law restricts movement of commercial motorcycles (aka Okada) and articulated vehicles.

Okada operators are barred from major streets in the nation’s business and financial capital. Articulated vehicles, except those carrying petrol, are precluded from moving between 6.a.m and 9.p.m.

Commercial vehicles are also barred from unauthorised picking and dropping of passengers. Selling of alcohol and spirits at motor parks are outlawed.

Fashola said the law will make citizens live better as it will make the road safer for them, improve their life expectancy and solve their environmental and public health issues.

Apparently to underscore the importance of the law, its signing took place at the BanContinued on Page 4

BANNED: •Phone call while driving •Okada on highways •Trailers on highways before 9pm •Alcohol sale at motor parks •Alms begging on highways •Hawking on highways

•United States’ Serena Williams returning a stroke to Danish Carolina Wazoniacki during the women quarter final tennis game at the London Olympics...yesterday PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Budget: Okonjo-Iweala begs Tambuwal to stop crisis From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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•Speaker Tambuwal

ORRIED by the budget implementation face-off between the Executive and the House of Representatives, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to pull the brake.

The Minister, who had a two-hour meeting with the Speaker, pleaded with him to prevail on the House to resolve the conflict with the Executive.

But the Speaker told the Minister, who is also coordinating the economy, that the budget implementation row is neither personal to him nor the Minis-

THE MINISTER’S FIGURES

N4.7tr •Total budget released N404b •Cash between April and N324b •(56% cash backed) N184b •(41.3% utilised) ter.

Tambuwal said it is in the interest of all Nigerians for the economy to be in

N85b •Statutory transfer for N95b •Payment domestice debts spent on N449b •Cash personal costs N95b •Overhead cost a better shape through effective budget implementation.

Sources told The Nation that the Min-

ister, who appeared before a Senate Committee yesterday, had a no-holdsbarred audience with the Speaker in London on Monday to find “amicable solution” to the budget execution logjam.

A source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to speak to the media, said: “The Minister took time to give the details of budget implementation so far and why the mass release of funds had been very slow.

“She said the budget implementation Continued on Page 4

•PROTEST IN BENIN OVER MURDER PROBE P57 •LASU ADMISSION LIST P42

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

2

NEWS LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

‘I’m as much Nigerian as I’m British’ •President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), his wife Patince (second left), Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar (second right) and members of the Nigerian delegation to Trinidad and Tobago during visit to the Prime Minister in Port of Spain... on Wednesday

Back in the 1970s and 80s, Nigerians born in the Diaspora loved to represent their fatherland at global competitions such as the Olympics. Today, the story is the opposite. STELLA BAMAWO and AKEEM LAWAL profile some athletes of Nigerian descent representing various countries at the London Olympics Games.

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• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) signing the Lagos State Road Traffic Law at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji (second left) and Lagos PHOTO: NAN Commissioner of Police Umar Abubakar Manko

•Senate President David Mark (second left) launching the Mobile Tv in Abuja at the second anniversary of Nta-Star Tv Network ... yesterday. With him are Chairman, Star Times Group, China, Pang Xin Xing (left), Minister of Information Labaran Maku (second right) and Chairman, Senate Committee On Information and Media Enyinnaya Abaribe

• Senator Gbenga Ashafa presenting an LCD television set to Miss Ogidan Faith (left) during the free monthly Information Technolgy Communication (ICT) traning programme organised by the senator ... yesterday. With them are Miss Ochu Martha PHOTO: MUYIWA HASAN and Mr. Simileoluwa Liyele

HILIPS Idowu - Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Phillips Olaosebikan Idowu MBE (born December 30, 1978 in the London Borough of Hackney) is a Nigerian-English triple jumper. He was the 2009 World Champion, the 2008 World Indoor champion and reigning 2010 EAA European Champion representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as 2006 Commonwealth Games champion representing England and 2007 European Indoor champion. He also won the silver medal representing Team GB at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

He is a member of the Londonbased Belgrave Harriers athletics club and has been for much of his career.

Despite his successes he has at times been accused of inconsistency and of failing to fulfill his potential.

His championship record since 2008, especially his gold medal at the 2009 World Athletics Championships, has addressed these criticisms.

Idowu was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in Hackney, in East London . He describes himself as “the clean-cut black guy who used to dye his hair all them crazy colours and who’s now got these studs”.

Margaret Adeoye – Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Margaret Adeoye (born April 22, 1985) is a British athlete who competes in the 200 metres. She will represent Great Britain at that distance in the London Olympics.

Her personal best for the 200m was gained on June 24, 2012 when she ran the distance in 23.09s in a qualifying heat of the Olympic trials, going on to win the final the same day.

Eniola Aluko – Football (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Eniola “Eni” Aluko (born February 21, 1987, in Lagos) is a Nigerian– born, English football forward who plays for Birmingham City Ladies of the FA WSL. Aluko moved with her family to Birmingham when she was one year old. Since she grew up in England, she chose to represent England at international level.

Although born in Nigeria, Aluko was called into the England set-up at the age of 14. She chose to remain loyal to the English coaches who had given her the opportunity to play international football, but said: “The main thing for me is for people to understand that choosing to play for England doesn’t mean that I don’t support Nigeria. I’m as much Nigerian as I’m British. Of course, Nigeria means a lot to me, it’s part of me, but I’ve been brought up by English coaches.”

Ifeoma Dieke - Football ( Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Ifeoma Nnenna Dieke (born February 25, 1981) is an American–

born, Scottish football defender, currently playing for Vittsjö GIK of the Swedish Damallsvenskan. Since 2004, she has appeared on 90 occasions for the Scotland women’s national football team. Dieke was born in Amherst, Massachusetts to Nigerian parents, moving to Cumbernauld in Scotland when she was three years old. Dieke and fellow Scot Kim little were the only non–English players selected in the Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics.

Dieke made her Scotland debut in January 2004 against Greece and earned her 50th cap against Northern Ireland in May 2009.

In 2012 Dieke was selected for a place in the Great Britain team at the 2012 London Olympics. Dieke was one of only two non-English players in the squad. She played alongside Casey Stoney in central defence, but suffered knee ligament damage in the second group match and had to withdraw from the squad.

Oluwadamilola Bakare – Volleyball (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Oluwadamilola Bakare (born September 22, 1988 in Kaduna) is a Nigerian–born, English Volleyball player who plays for VC Argex Duvel Puurs, Puurs and BEL. Abdul Buhari – Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Abdul Buhari (born 26 June 1982 in Nigeria) is a British athlete who competes in the discus throw.

Buhari is a member of the Newham and Essex Beagles club and is coached by Mark Wiseman. He works two days a week in the City of London , in operations support for investment bank Credit Suisse and spends the rest of the week training in Loughborough.

Buhari missed the 2010 Commonwealth Games due to injury. In 2011 he set a new personal best distance of 65.44 metres (214.7 ft). He won the UK Trials and Championships with a throw of 63.32 metres (207.7 ft), qualifying for the 2011 World Championships, held in Daegu, South Korea in the process. At the Championships he had a best throw of 60.21 metres (197.5 ft) in the qualifying round, finishing 30th out of the competing athletes and failing to advance to the final.

Buhari represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland, but failed to reach the discus final. At the 2012 GB Olympic Athletics Trials on June 24 in Birmingham, Buhari finished third with a best throw of 60.93 metres (199.9 ft); Lawrence Okoye won the event with a throw of 63.43 metres (208.1 ft), securing automatic selection for the 2012 Olympics, and Brett Morse finished second with a best of 62.27 metres (204.3 ft). In July 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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NEWS LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

•Oluwadamilola Bakare

•Temi Fagbenle

•Lawrence Okoye

•Okoro

Cook and Katharine Merry.

Born to Igbo Nigerian parents in Newham, east London, she was raised less than one mile from the 2012 Summer Olympics stadium in Stratford. Ohuruogu studied at University College London, where she graduated in Linguistics in 2005.She also played netball during her undergraduate studies. Christine has 8 siblings, one of whom is Victoria Ohuruogu, a top sprints competitor in her age group. She also went to St. Edwards Church of England School, Romford, Essex and Trinity Catholic High School, Woodford Green, Essex.

Ohuruogu is a member of Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club.

She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours, and conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the University of East London.

Marilyn Okoro - Athletics ( Great Britain and Northern Ireland ) arilyn Chinwenwa Okoro (born September 23, 1984 in London) is a British athlete of Igbo Nigerian ancestry. She finished third in the 800 metres at both the 2007 and 2008 IAAF World Athletics Final. She was on the bronze winning 4 × 400 m relay at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics. She represented Great Britain at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and finished sixth (1:59.53 mins) in the semifinals.

On June 26, 2007 Okoro graduated from the University of Bath with a B.A. degree in politics and French, then starting her first season as a fulltime athlete. She speaks four languages (English, French, Spanish and Igbo) and sings in the jazz band The Felonius Monks.

Marilyn suffered an injury plagued 2009 outdoor season, though she battled through the pain barrier to finish a very credible 8th in the World Championship 800m final in Berlin. Okoro was also included in the squad for the 4x400m but was not selected in the line up to run in the final. During the 2009 winter Okoro, along with training partner Montell Douglas had major knee surgery to try to eradicate the problems that hit her ’09 track season.

There has been some criticism that the Lee Valley track produces more injuries than championship performances.

Okoro has been criticised heavily (most famously by UK Athletics coach Charles Van Commenee) for her tactics and constant front running tactics.

Lawrence Okoye - Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Lawrence Okoye (born October 6, 1991) is an English track and field athlete who competes in the discus throw. He is the British record holder in the event.

Born in Croydon, London, he began training full-time in the discus in September 2010 after a promising career as a junior rugby union player.

In his first international outing he came sixth at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Athletics. He won a gold medal at the 2011 European Athletics U23 Championships in July 2011.

He threw a British record mark of 68.24 m at the Hallesche Werfertage Meeting in May 2012.

Anyika Onuora - Athletics ( Great Britain and Northern Ireland ) Anyika Onuora (born October 28, 1984) is a British sprint athlete who specialises in the 100 and 200 metres, and also the 4×100 metres relay.

Her first major junior international competition was the 2003 European Athletics Junior Championships, where she finished fifth in the 100 m event and won a silver medal with the British 4×100 metres relay team. She competed in her first major senior tournaments in 2006: at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games she reached the semi-finals

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•Margaret Adeoye

•Philips Idowu

•Abiodun Oyepitan

•Abdul Buhari

•Andre Iguodala

•Anyika Onuora

•James Dasaolu

•Ifeoma Dieke

•Ayodele Ikuesan

•Innocent Emeghara

•Christine Ohuruogu

•Eniola Aluko

he achieved the Olympic ‘A’ qualifying standard with a throw of 65.24 metres (214.0 ft) at a meeting in Barnet, London.

Buhari was selected to compete for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the men’s discus alongside compatriots Lawrence Okoye and Brett Morse. The event will be held at the Olympic Stadium on August 6 to 7.

James Dasaolu – Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) ames Dasaolu (born September 5, 1987) is a British sprint athlete who specialises in the 100 metres.

He began his career in competitive athletics relatively late, first competing in 2006. However, Dasaolu made steady and significant improvements in his first few years; his 100 m personal best in 2006 was 10.75 seconds, then 10.33 seconds in 2007, and 10.26 seconds in 2008.

The 2008 season saw Dasaolu rise up the national rankings and introduced to the UK Athletics warm weather training camp. Under the tutelage of Coach Michael Khmel at Loughborough University and training with 2006 World Junior Champion Harry Aikines Aryeetey and former European Junior Champion Leon Baptiste, Dasaolu won

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the 2008 England under-23 championships and reached the semi-finals at the British Olympic Trials.

The 2010 season saw Dasoulu make his senior GB debut when he represented GB at the European Championships in Barcelona after finishing second only to Dwain Chambers in the UK trials with a time of 10.23. However he disappointed at the Championships where he stumbled through his heat with a time of 10.40 and then crashed out in the semi finals with at time of 10.31.

Temi Fagbenle - Basketball (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Temitope ‘Temi’ Fagbenle is an American-British female basketball player of Nigerian descent.

She has been chosen for the Great Britain team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Fagbenle was born on September 8, 1992, to a Nigerian family in Baltimore, Maryland, United States and has eleven siblings. Her family moved to London, United Kingdom when she was aged 11 and she began playing basketball at the Haringey Angels club. When she was fifteen she returned to the

United States to study at Blair Academy in New Jersey. She attends Harvard University.

She is 1.93 metres (6 ft 4 in) tall and weighs 79 kilogrammes.

She has represented Great Britain at the under-16, 18 and 20 levels and competed at the 2011 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship held in Serbia.

She was named in the British team for the women’s basketball tournament at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London having been fast-tracked into the senior side from the under-20s.

Christie Ohuruogu - Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Christine Ijeoma Ohuruogu MBE (born 17 May 1984) is a British athlete, who specialises in the 400 metres; the event for which she is the current Olympic and former World and Commonwealth Champion. Her victory in the Beijing Games was the 50th gold medal for Great Britain in Athletics at the Olympics.

Ohuruogu’s Personal Best of 49.61 ranks her third amongst British women 400 m runners, behind fellow Olympic medallists Kathy

of the 100 m and won her second silver medal in the 4×100 m relay with the English team. Five months later at her first European Athletics Championships, she achieved the same feat again, reaching the individual semi-finals and taking another silver medal with the relay team. She also competed in the 2006 IAAF World Cup, representing Europe, but finished last, despite recording a season’s best for the team.

A technical lane mix-up with the United States team resulted in a poor performance for the British team and disqualification for the American team.

Onuora was chosen to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a back-up runner in the relay team; however, ultimately she did not compete for the team.

She competed at the 2009 Manchester City Games in a 150 metres street race, winning the “B” final of the women’s event.

She is the sister of former footballer, Iffy Onuora.

Abiodun Oyepitan - Athletics (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Abiodun Adesola “Abi” Oyepitan (born December 30, 1979) is a British sprint athlete, who specialises in the 100 and 200 metres. She won the 100 m at the 2001 Summer Universiade and at the 2002 Commonwealth Games she took a bronze medal with the 4 x 100 m team. She became one of Britain’s best female sprinters, becoming the first British female to reach an Olympic final in a sprint event since Kathy Cook. However, following her performance in the 2004 Athens Olympics, she suffered an injury, which all but brought her career to a halt.

She made a winning comeback in 2010, competing in the Diamond League and winning a silver medal for England at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in the 200 m and a gold medal when she anchored the 4 x 100 m relay team to a win.

Andre Iguodala – Basketball (USA) Andre Tyler Iguodala (born January 28, 1984) is an American professional basketball swingman with the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Iguodala was born in Springfield, Illinois. He is the son of Linda Shanklin. His older brother, Frank, played for Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois and the University of Dayton. His mother is of African American descent while his father is of Nigerian descent.

Iguodala is listed at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and 207 lbs. (94 kg). Iguodala played his high school basketball for Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois. He later attended the University of Arizona, playing for two years before declaring for the 2004 NBA Draft, where he was drafted 9th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Iguodala is a swingman, meaning he can play the shooting guard or small forward positions. As an NBA player Iguodala is known for his ability to defend, his great athleticism and his ability to run his team playing the role of a point forward.

Ayodele Ikuesan – Athlete (France) Ayodele Ikuesan (born May 15, 1985 in Paris, France) is a French athlete who specialises in the 60 meters.

Ikuesan competed at the 2009 European Athletics Indoor Championships. She has a sister, Bola and two brothers, Shina and Kola.

Innocent Emeghara – Football (Switzerland) Innocent Emeghara (born 27 May 1989 in Lagos) is a Nigerian-born Swiss footballer who plays for French club Lorient in Ligue 1. He has represented Switzerland three times, the first being as a last-minute substitute in a European Championship qualifying match against England in June 2011.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

NEWS Lagos bans phone use while driving Continued from Page 1

•A crowd at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Ibadan...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Niger Delta oil spill investigations a fiasco, says Amnesty

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MNESTY International and the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) yesterday described as inconsistent, the claim by Shell that spills in the region are caused by sabotage.

Oil spills from the oil giant’s pipelines are due to poorly maintained pipelines, according to experts contracted by the agencies.

A report by the international agencies made available yesterday, also accused Shell of ignoring the evidence of poor management of pipelines whose leak is cause of corrosion in the Bodo creek area as against what its experts found out.

“The investigation process into oil spills in the Niger Delta is a fiasco. There is more investment in public relations messaging than in facing up to the fact that much of the oil infrastructure is old, poorly

maintained and prone to leaks – some of them devastating in terms of their human rights impact,” said Audrey Gaughran, Director of Global Issues at Amnesty International.

“No matter what evidence is presented to Shell about oil spills, they constantly hide behind the ‘sabotage’ excuse and dodge their responsibility for massive pollution that is due to their failure to properly maintain their infrastructure and make it safe, and to properly clean up oil spills.”

The report said Amnesty International and CEHRD asked United States company Accufacts, which has many years experience in examining oil infrastructure, to examine photographs of the pipe at the leak point.

The report by the group is quoted as saying: “This is apparently due to external corrosion. Notice the layered loss of metal on the outside of the pipe

around the “stick” from pipe wall loss (thinning) due to external corrosion. It is a very familiar pattern that we have seen many times on other pipelines.

“Shell has said locally that the spill looks like sabotage, and they completely ignore the evidence of corrosion. This has generated a lot of confusion and some anger in the community,” said Stevyn Obodoekwe, Director of Programmes at CEHRD. “We have seen the pipe and brought an expert to look at it, and it seems pretty clear it is corroded.”

The report said when Amnesty International contacted Shell’s headquarters to ask for evidence to support the claim of sabotage in Bodo, Shell said the company had not claimed that the cause of the spill was sabotage and the joint investigation had not been completed. However Shell could not

explain the statements made locally to the community.

Shell has claimed that the joint investigation team, which includes community members, the regulators, Shell staff and representatives of the police and Joint Task Force, was not able to complete the oil spill investigation because local youths threw stones at them.

Last year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) issued a major report on the effects of oil pollution in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta. Little has changed, as this latest oil spill at Bodo demonstrates. Among its findings, UNEP confirmed that Nigerian regulatory agencies “are at the mercy of oil companies when it comes to conducting site inspections”. UNEP also found that Shell had failed to adhere to its own standards in relation to maintaining its infrastructure.

quet Hall, Ikeja House, to accommodate the large turnout.

Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Chief Judge Ayoola Philips, members of the Executive Council and enforcement agencies were there.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Ade Ipaye listed the provisions in the law, among which is the prohibition of motorists from eating and making phone calls while driving.

He said the law also stipulates that where no specific penalty is specified, a fine of N20,000 for first offender and N30,000 for subsequent offences or maximum of three years imprisonment or both subsequently for offenders.

It bars motorcycles, popularly called Okada, carts, wheel barrows and tricycles on specific routes, including the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, Eko Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Victoria Island-Lekki-Epe Expressway and all bridges.

Where permitted, commercial motocyclist can only operate between 6am and 8pm.

Motorcycles of courier companies are exempted - on the provision that they must have an engine capacity of 200cc, carry prescribed number plates and identification, be fitted with proper mail cabin and must not carry any passenger.

The law also restricts the movement of trailers within the metropolis from 6am to 9pm. Fuel tankers and long vehicles for carrying passengers are exempted.

Defaulting trailers will be impounded and offenders will pay N50, 000 fine or imprisonment for six months.

Fashola described the law

as the government’s response to the growing challenge of road and traffic management and the need to ensure that those who choose the state as home are not shortchanged by regular traffic offenders.

He said his administration was committed to addressing transportation challenges, adding that the law, which took about 18 months to prepare, would complement government’s efforts in providing adequate road signs, traffic lamps as well as a traffic radio.

The Governor urged motorists to comply with the law, adding that its success will be defined more by the voluntary compliance of motorists and road users rather than in the number of arrests traffic management officers make daily.

Fashola said: “There are rules that operate in many cities that compare with this state. We have been to many of these cities and we comply, why is it difficult to comply at home? Our lives will be better if we comply with this law.

“The deputy governor and I are the only ones that have immunity from arrest, but we would subject ourselves to the law because no one will be above this law.

“Those who are ready to live with the realities and the complexities of our state are welcome and those who can’t should stay away. Those that drive against traffic when we queue are cheating us and we will not allow such to happen again. If we cannot reclaim back our sane society for the coming generation, I think we have failed.”

He lamented the increase in road accidents, saying that 722 cases of accidents on okada were recorded at the State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja between January and July.

Continued on Page 7

Okonjo-Iweala insists budget performance is 56 per cent

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INISTER of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday maintained that the 2012 capital budget has attained 56 per cent performance so far.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke at an interactive session with the Joint Senate Committee on Appropriation, Finance, National Planning and Public Accounts in Abuja, also stated that Nigeria is not broke as being speculated.

Of the N4.7trillion 2012 budget, the Minister said the Federal Government has made N85billion statutory transfers, N95billion payments for domestic debts and spent N449billion on personnel cost and N95billion on overheads.

She noted that a situation where capital budgets are allowed to spill over to the New Year is not a good budgetary practice and “we need to change”.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba sought explanation from the minister for failing to appear before the committee on three occasions.

The Minister blamed “miscommunications” for her nonappearance and apologised, saying: “I must say that there was a miscommunication about

Budget: Okonjo-Iweala begs Tambuwal to stop crisis Continued from Page 1

plan put in place was not being adhered to by MDAs, especially their poor response to utilisation of funds.

“She explained that there is a tight implementation plan to curb waste and ensure that Nigerians have value from the funds released to the MDAs.” Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, it was said, denied deliberately delaying release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). She explained that some ministries had actually got full release of their funds, it was learnt.

The sources said: “She later reeled out facts and figures to back her points on the budget implementation procedure. She disclosed that the release of funds is being fast-tracked now.

The source described the Minister as From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

which day it should be and, therefore, there is no way I would have been told and not appeared. I sincerely want to apologise, if there has been any miscommunication on that issue.”

Ndoma-Egba, who said the Senate had decided to put the matter of her absence “behind us”, however, noted that the performance of the budget was of major concern to Nigerians

“humble” during the mutual session.

But at the end of the meeting, Tambuwal reportedly told the Minister that “our concern about budget implementation is not personal; we want the system to run its full course.”

The Speaker was quoted as saying: “I respect you; the issue is not about your person or my person but it is about having the budget implemented for the benefit of Nigerians. The House does not have anything personal against the President and you.

“She also begged the Speaker to prevail on members to show some understanding and see the process as part of improving the system. She pledged that the Executive would take into account the observations of the House to increase the percentage of the implementation of 2012 Budget.”

because it is through the budget implementation that “we deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians”.

He said as much as the National Assembly is ready to admit it whenever it fails, it would resist being made scapegoats over the failure of others.

He added: “This, certainly, is not going to be a family meeting, it will be a Nigerian meeting and we are making it as open as possible so that every Nigerian will get to know what

Another source, who also pleaded not to be named, said: “Having received many entreaties and interventions from the Executive and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the onus is on the Speaker to brief the House on what transpired during the recess.

“From what transpired so far, the House may soft-pedal on its impeachment threat and give acceptable benchmark for the 2012 budget implementation.

“The House might also extend the tenor of the 2012 budget by one or two months to ensure appreciable implementation. These are options that might be tabled before members in September.”

In spite of the rapprochement to the House, some Senators met in Abuja yesterday on the Executive’s stand on the budget.

truly is happening.

“You know in the many years of military rule that the National Assembly did not exist, Nigerians got used to living without the National Assembly.

“Now, everything that goes on because Nigerians have gotten used to living without the National Assembly is blamed on the National Assembly.

“We will like to take responsibility for where we go wrong but what we certainly will not take responsibility for is the

failure of others.

“If others fail, let them take responsibility. Where we fail, we will take responsibility. We are willing and we’ve always been the whipping boys of Nigerian politics.

“We will continue to take the whipping, but we will not be the scapegoats for anybody. We will not be the excuse for anybody not to have done his or her duty.”

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala insisted that the Executive and the Sen-

ate are on the same page on the issue of ensuring total implementation of the budget.

She blamed the media for her travails, saying she was “amazed” over their write-ups and “twisted” comments on official press release from her office to explain the budget performance.

The Minister said: “I want to say two things: there is no difference between what the Senate and the President want to do.

“The President has been insistent on the need for full implementation of the budget and that results are achieved. As a result, he has been holding meetings on the use of resources so that Nigerians can get what they are looking for.

“We have been open and transparent on the figures we have. I want to say that when I read papers, I am amazed with some figures; some section of the media has been misinforming the country.

“We sent out a press release, detailing all what has been done regarding the use of resources, but even with written comments, it has been twisted, thereby leading to misinformation. I appreciate this opportunity to dialogue.

Continued on Page 61

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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NEWS

‘Never again’ll Nigeria witness a calamity like Dana crash’

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HEY wore long faces and black clothes, fighting back tears. Wife, children, brothers and colleagues of the late Dr. Godwin Ike Abugu were in a gloomy mood at the service of songs held yesterday at his Ogudu GRA, outskirts of Lagos home.

Abugu died in the Dana Air plane crash. He was 52.

He is survived by three children and a wife, Uzoamaka, who is in the third year of a five-year degree programme.

The deceased’s relatives, friends associates and colleagues announced a N30-million Dr. Ike Abugu Trust Fund to cater for his family for 15 years.

Many described the deceased as a simple, easy-going man who showed true integrity in his society and his church, St Andrews Anglican Church, Ogudu.

The Vicar of the church, Ven. Sam Olajide, gave a sermon from Ecclestiatics 4, where the Bible promises the faithful that there is an appointed time for everything under the heavens.

Ven. Olajide said: “God deter-

• Widow of the late Abugu Uzoamaka (second right), his brother Emmanuel and two of his daughters, Ijeoma (left) and Chinaemerem at the service...yesterday PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

By Nneka Nwaneri, Staff Reporter

mines the number of our days but we as individuals determine how we spend our days. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promisory note but today is all you

have got.”

The late Abugu’s brother, Sir Emmanuel Abugu, said all the holes his late brother left behind would be filled.

He said: “We say never again to a

calamity of this nature, where young men and women are cut-down in their prime due to widespread corruption and recklessness.”

The late Dr Abugu was the immediate past president of the National

Police responsible for unlawful killings, says Amnesty T ‘ Children continued to be detained with adults

HE Amnesty International has accused the police of being responsible for hundreds of unlawful killings in Nigeria.

In its annual report for this year on the state of human rights, it said the country’s human rights situation has deteriorated.

Amnesty said the justice system remained ineffective, with around two thirds of all prison inmates still awaiting trial. There were 982 people on death row and no executions were reported, it said.

It noted that forced evictions continued throughout the country, and violence against women remained rife, even as violent attacks attributed to the religious sect Boko Haram increased, killing more than 500 people.

Amnesty said corruption remained endemic, while police operations remained characterised by human rights violations. It gave several instances.

The report said: “Hundreds of people were unlawfully killed, often before or during arrests on the street. Others were tortured to death in police detention. Many such unlawful killings may have constituted extrajudicial executions.

“Many people disappeared from police custody. Few police officers were held accountable, leaving relatives of those killed or disappeared without justice.

“Police increasingly wore plain clothes or uniforms without identification, making it much harder for people to complain about individual officers. Special task forces, including the Special Anti Robbery Squads and SOS, committed a wide range of human rights violations.

“In early 2011, the Bayelsa State government set up Operation Famou Tangbe – “kill and throw away” in the local language – to fight crime. Many officers linked to the operation reportedly unlawfully killed, tortured, arbitrarily arrested and detained people. Suspects in detention reportedly had no access to their lawyers or relatives.”

Amnesty said the police frequently disobeyed court orders. For instance, it allegedly refused to release Mallam Aliyu Tasheku, a suspected Boko Haram member, after a court granted him bail on March 28. He was finally released in July.

By Joseph Jibueze

“There were consistent reports of police routinely torturing suspects to extract information. Confessions extracted under torture were used as evidence in court, in violation of national and international laws,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty said the government did not publicise the findings of a report on the July 2009 clashes between Boko Haram and security forces, in which more than 800 people died, including 24 police officers and Boko Haram’s leader, Muhammad Yusuf.

It added the police and security forces rounded up scores of people in relation to violence in the North, but few were successfully prosecuted or convicted.

“Previous commissions of inquiry into the Plateau State violence reportedly named suspected perpetrators, but no criminal investigations were started during the year,” Amnesty said.

Amnesty said 72 people were sentenced to death in the past year,

in police and prison cells. The country’s one functioning remand home remained overcrowded

‘

with 982 people on death row, including 16 women. Fifty-five people had their sentences commuted and 11 were pardoned. No executions were reported.

“Many death row inmates were sentenced following blatantly unfair trials or after more than a decade in prison awaiting trial,” it said.

On violence against women and girls and children’s rights, Amnesty said the authorities consistently failed to prevent and address sexual violence, or to hold perpetrators to

account.

“Children continued to be detained with adults in police and prison cells. The country’s one functioning remand home remained overcrowded.

“No investigation was carried out into the violent clash on 29 December 2009 in Bauchi, in which 22 children were killed. Many were reportedly shot by the police,” the report said.

Amnesty said freedom of expression was curtailed, and a pattern emerged of intimidation and attacks against human rights defenders and journalists, with several being threatened, beaten or arrested by police and security forces.

On the Nigeria Delta, Amnesty said environmental laws and regulations were poorly enforced, partly due to government agencies being compromised by conflicts of interest.

“In August, the UN Environment Programme revealed the devastating human and environmental effects of decades of oil spills in Ogoniland. It found the contamination to be widespread and severe, and stated that people in the Niger Delta have been exposed to it for decades,” said Amnesty.

Kofi Annan resigns as UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy

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THE United Nations(UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday announced the resignation of the UN-League of Arab States Joint Special Envoy for the Syrian crisis, Kofi Annan.

Ki-moon said: “Mr. Annan has informed me, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Nabil El Araby, of his intention not to renew his mandate when it expires on 31 August 2012.

“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Annan for the determined and courageous efforts he has made as the Joint Special Envoy for Syria,” Ban said in a statement at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Annan, a former UN Secretary-General, was appointed in late February to serve as the high-level representative of the SecretariesGeneral of the UN and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis.

He was to provide good offices aimed at •Mr. Annan bringing an end to all

violence and human rights violations, and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.

Syria had been wracked by violence, with more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began some 17 months ago.

In recent days, there have been reports of an escalation in violence in many towns and villages, as well as the country’s two biggest cities, Damascus and Aleppo.

As part of his efforts, Annan put forward a six-point peace plan to help end the Syrian crisis.

The plan called for an end to violence, access for humanitarian agencies to provide relief to those in need, the release of detainees, the start of inclusive political dialogue, and unrestricted access to the country for the international media.

“The hand extended to turn away from violence in favour of dialogue and diplomacy – as spelled out in the six-point plan – has not been not taken, even though it still remains the best hope for the people of Syria,” the UN scribed added.

He noted that both the Syrian government and the opposition forces continue to demonstrate their determination to rely on ever-increasing violence, and that, in addition, “persistent divisions” within the Security Council have themselves become an obstacle to diplomacy, making the work of any mediator vastly more difficult.

Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.

His remains will be interred on August 25 at his home in Igbo Eze North Local Government of Enugu State.

Groups urge end to impeachment plots against Jonathan From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

A COALITION of some sociocultural groups from the Southeast, Southsouth and Southwest yesterday urged the Senate and House of Representatives to shelve impeachment plot against President Goodluck Jonathan or face the consequences.

It alleged that those who plotted against Jonathan when he was acting President in 2010 are still behind the latest impeachment threat.

The coalition comprises Southsouth and Southwest Mandate, Ndigbo Consultative Forum, Niger Delta Justice and Mass Movement and the Fourth Force, The groups in the coalition gave the warning to the House after a meeting in Abuja.

The Interim Coordinator of the coalition, Mr. Zuokumor Tito, who spoke with reporters, said the impeachment plot is a new Northern agenda against the President.

Tito said: ”We are ready to effectively counter any move to coerce or humiliate President Jonathan out of office.

“Since Nigeria gained independence from the colonial masters, which government has carried out 100 percent budget implementation? Not even in the developed countries, like Britain, America and others.

“If members of the House of Representatives are looking for an avenue to arm-twist the president for exposing corrupt members of the House or to commence the second phase of the Boko Haram destabilisation plot, they should come out plain for Nigerians to judge. They are pretending to be lovers of the Nigerian masses when they are alleged to be gulping 25 percent of the entire resources of the nation.

“Ironically, the same people are also alleged to be cornering juicy contracts in government ministries, departments and agencies while the poor Nigerians are dying of hunger. Till date, members of the National Assembly have refused to tell Nigerians how much they earn monthly.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

6

NEWS Candidate promises amenities The Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has promised a massive rural electrification programme for the state, if he is elected.

The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president spoke yesterday during a campaign tour of Akoko South East Local Government Area.

He noted that epileptic power supply is the bane of economic and industrial development of Nigeria.

The frontline lawyer said the rural electrification programme would be executed in partnership with an indigenous company, which manufactures transformers for the tropics.

“With this solution, there will be an upsurge in the success of small scale businessmen, who have gone under. These are hairdressers, barbers, welders and carpenters, among others.

This is in line with the commitment of the party to improving youth employment and entrepreneurship,” Akeredolu said.

In a statement by the party’s Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, the governorship candidate promised a social welfare package for the aged and prompt payment of pensions and gratuity to retirees.

He said the days of playing propaganda or paying lip service to the welfare of senior citizens are over.

Mimiko is alien to Yoruba, says T Akeredolu

HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation yesterday criticised Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko for asking the electorate not to vote for those he described as “aliens” in the October 20 governorship election.

In a statement by the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr Idowu Ajanaku, the party described the governor’s statement as “contemptuous”.

Mimiko allegedly spoke at the inauguration of a night market in Idanre, where he urged Ondo electorate to avoid

being polluted by “aliens”.

The campaign organisation noted that such a statement was least expected of a governor.

It said: “This is unbecoming of a governor who, instead of basing his campaign on issues, is trying to deceive the people.

As a matter of fact, the question of who is an alien in Ondo State should be thrown back at him. Is it Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), a son of Owo, the cradle of progressive politics in Nigeria; or Chief Bisi Akande, the

National Chairman of ACN; or Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the party’s National Leader, who Mimiko ran to for help when his mandate was stolen, who are aliens in Ondo State or Yorubaland?

“Indeed, if there is anybody that can be described as an alien in Ondo State, it is Mimiko himself. This is against the background of the claim by many people of the state that the man has his origin firmly rooted in Igbiraland, Kogi

State. This is because ‘Mimiko’ is an alien Yoruba name. It is a fact that his grandfather’s name is Atiku, which is not a Yoruba name.

“Thus, in as much as ACN wants the campaign to be issue-oriented, the party will not hesitate to go deep into history to debunk false claims.

“ACN has dominated the South West and even Edo, in the South South. Therefore, if there is any alien government in place, it is that of the Labour Party (LP), which is strange to the people of Ondo and Yorubaland.”

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right); former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba (second right); Mr. Adegboyega Adekoya and Dr (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Fagbemi, during afuneral service for the late Erelu Olayiwola Oyesola Aina, at Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State...yesterday.

I’ve represented my people well, says Ekiti lawmaker

H

OUSE of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele has rendered an account of his stewardship to the people of Ifelodun/Irepodun Constituency in Ekiti State.

The lawmaker said he has represented the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and his constituents well, thereby justifying the confidence reposed in him as the people’s servant.

He noted that democratic representation is an opportunity from God to serve the people.

Bamidele spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during his empowerment programmes for his constituents.

The lawmaker promised to work with Governor Kayode Fayemi to succeed in taking the state to an enviable height.

He said: “I will continue to work with Governor Fayemi.

I represent all of you; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Congress for Pro-

T

•Renders account of stewardship

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

gressive Change (CPC) and ACN. I will not do anything that will jeopardise public interest. We should all work together to take Ekiti to a higher level.

“Ekiti has the highest number of governors than the old Ondo State. Only Governor Niyi Adebayo completed his tenure. We had a one-month governor; a three-month governor; a one-day governor.

Ekiti must not become a failed state. If you see me reaching out to all people, it is because it is my driving force.”

The lawmaker recalled the last ACN senatorial primaries in Ekiti Central, saying the report on it showed he won by overwhelming majority.

According to him, he had to abide by the party’s verdict as a loyal chieftain who believes

in internal democracy.

Bamidele added: “Party leaders had other reasons.

Some said I was the youngest.

Others said I had served as a commissioner. Others still said I should surrender the ticket.

They got everyone that was important to talk to me. I too was talking to people in the streets of Ado-Ekiti to give peace a chance. Though I did not contest for House of Representatives, the party insisted I should go there.”

The lawmaker thanked the state ACN chairman, Chief Jide Awe, who he said was attacked during the turbulent days.

He said: “If we must scatter our party and step on the blood of people, it is not worth it. In the House, I assure you that we are working. That is why I compare notes with other representatives from

Ekiti. I will also continue to work with our governor.

“As part of my efforts at ensuring legislative vigilance and constructive parliamentary activism, I take active interest in bills, motions, reports and resolutions presented on the floor of the House on issues that will positively impact on the people.”

According to him, violence against women, the plight of the disabled and insecurity are his areas of focus in the House.

The lawmaker said he is working on some bills, including A Bill for an Act to repeal the Flag and Coat of Arms, Laws of Nigeria; The National Assembly Budget and research Bill; A Bill for an Act to Amend Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 to Increase Retirement Age for Academic and Non-Academic Staff; and A Bill for an Act to Harmonise the Retirement Age of Polytechnics and

•Bamidele

Colleges of Education Staff.

Bamidele said he has contributed, through analyses, to the consideration of 10 other bills.

To ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians and stem budget failure, the lawmaker said he has brought to the floor of the House motions on the late submission of 2012 budget; the quality of education in the country; Nigerian flag and Coat of Arms; and the repositioning the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC).

Suspected LP thugs, SSS invade Ondo newspaper

WELVE suspected Labour Party (LP) thugs yesterday invaded a newspaper distribution centre on Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

They removed about 2,000 copies of this week’s edition of a local newspaper, Rocket News.

The hoodlums were allegedly led by two persons, who claimed to be officials of the State Security Service (SSS).

The newspaper was said to have published a story on the alleged fraud in the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

It was learnt that the story gave details of how the former

•ACN to Mimiko: stop attacking opposition From Damisi Ojo, Akure

commission’s former chief, Prince Debo Ajimuda, and four others, allegedly defrauded the intervention agency with “forged receipts of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE)”.

The invaders stormed the distribution centre as early as 5am, asking for the newspaper’s editor.

The editor, Rotimi Ogunleye, said the invasion was an attempt to prevent the paper from reporting the rot in Ondo State.

Ogunleye said it was worri-

some that the LP administration is increasingly becoming intolerant of opposing views, especially as the governorship election draws nearer.

He said: “It is unfortunate that suspected thugs of the ruling LP took away copies of our newspaper. I must say that I am not surprised. For more than four days now, I have been receiving frightening text messages from some people, threatening to kill me if we did not stop publishing the paper.”

Ogunleye promised to continuously be on the side of the masses in the fight to rescue the

state from the “grip of those who have been holding on to its jugular”.

The Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said the reign of terror the ruling Labour Party (LP) unleashed on the opposition in the last one week shows the desperation of the Olusegun Mimiko administration to hold on to power at all cost.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Agbede, the party said the development is at variance with the people’s expectation.

It said: “Having been in the

news for three and a half years unchallenged, Mimiko and his “agents” cannot stand the fact that attention has shifted to opposition parties, particularly the ACN.” ACN condemned the mopping up of the last edition of a local newspaper, Rocket News, by security agents in Ondo State.

It noted that the move was aimed at muzzling the press to suppress information.

The party said it is unnecessary for the government to confiscate a newspaper that published stories the state government regarded as uncomplimentary.

Contempt: Court orders processes served on PDP leaders

By Eric Ikhilae

A

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the service of court processes on the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on a contempt proceeding pending against them for violating the court’s orders.

Justice Mohammed Idris gave the order after an initial hearing in the contempt proceedings against the party, its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and the sacked National Auditor, Mr. Bode Mustapha.

A fresh contempt case was filed on behalf of the Ogun State Executive Committee (Exco) of the party by its Chairman and Secretary, Adebayo Dayo and Alhaji Semiu Shodipo.

The plaintiffs said they were compelled to take the action following the “willful disobedience, violation and defiance of the orders” contained in the court’s May 2 judgment.

They prayed the court to commit to prison the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja, Oyinlola; National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; and Mustapha.

Also named are: Senator Lekan Mustapha, Dave Salako, the convicted Chairman and members of the purported Ogun PDP Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ireti Oniyide; Tunde Oladunjoye and Fasiu Bakenne.

If they are found guilty, the alleged contemnors risk between six months to oneyear imprisonment.

Justice Idris ordered that the plaintiffs’ motion on notice and other processes be served on the contemnors through substituted service “by delivery of same to an adult inmate of the addresses which the alleged contemnors gave as their addresses in previous communications and/or as listed in the motion”.

He fixed August 8 for hearing on the motion on notice.

The party pleaded with the court “to nullify all and any congress or purported congresses organised and conducted by the first alleged contemnor (PDP) and/ or its organs, officers or members (including the second to the 11 th alleged contemnors) in Ogun State in July and August 2012, in violation and defiance of the orders contained in the judgment of this court delivered on May 2…”

Police warn vehicle owner

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HE Lagos State Police Command has warned the owner of an abandoned vehicle parked at Ilemba-Hausa Police State at Ajangbadi, Lagos, to remove it or lose it to an auction.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide said the vehicle is a Volkswagen wagon Vanagon with registration number (Abuja) XL147ABC. She urged the owner to remove the vehicle within 21 days of this publication.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

7

NEWS Nigerian wins $100,000 scholarship

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From Adeola Oladele-Fayehun, New York

NIGERIAN, Olujimi William, who enrolled at Harvard University, is the winner of this year’s 7UP scholarship.

William was given $100,000 to fund his two-year studies at the prestigious school.

7UP said this is its way of encouraging young Nigerians to pursue business skills and leadership training at one of the top business schools in the world.

William said: “Harvard style of teaching is fantastic. It’s a school where students sit together to discuss academic issues and seek solutions to them.

“An institution of global presence where chief executive officers believe no one knows everything. It is a diverse school where you find almost all courses of study, even the military come for military training. Learning continues even after the classroom.”

Every year, a Nigerian is awarded the scholarship to enjoy high quality education at the prestigious university.

The scholarship was initiated in 2011 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the company in accordance with its vision of a “greener future.”

Last year, the award was given to Misan Rewane, a Nigerian who has completed her first year at the school and who is interning at The Bridge International Academies, a franchiselike network of ultra low-cost, fornon-profit private schools, delivering high-quality education for less than $4 a month.

Anthem becomes official prayer •Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli flanked by celebrity photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi (left) and Marketing Manager, Nokia, West-Africa, Kesiena Ogbemi, at the Media Breakfast-Launch of Nokia 808 PureView, held at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

Taxi driver honoured for returning N18m

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TAXI driver, Imeh Usuah, yesterday received an award from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for returning N18 million left in his car by a passenger.

Also, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola is to receive N30,000 from the Agency for stopping soldiers driving on the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) dedicated lane.

The Director-General, Mike Omeri, made this known in Abuja while giving the award to Usuah.

Fashola, on July 17, arrested two military officers, who drove on the dedicated BRT

F

•Fashola gets N30,000 lane.

The two military officers were accosted on the BRT lane at the Outer Marina in Central Lagos.

Col. K. I. Yusuf drove a green Peugeot 406 with registration No BO1 - 150 NA and Staff Sgt Adeomi A.J drove in a black Toyota Camry car.

Realising that the game was up, Col. Yusuf came down from his car, saluted several times and kept muttering: “I am sorry, very, very sorry.”

Fashola described the incident as unfortunate , saying that those who ought to

defend democratic values were the ones violating them.

Omeri said every Nigerian who did good, including Fashola, would be honoured by the agency.

The NOA DG, who eulogised the exemplary life of the taxi driver, said every Nigerian “who toed the path of honesty and displayed rare integrity must be celebrated”.

He said for Fashola to have stopped the soldiers on the BRT lane, NOA would not hesitate to honour him.

Omeri said the award would

be given to any Nigerian, irrespective of status or class.

Usuah, who plies the airport road, said he was at a car wash, when he discovered there was a bag in the car.

“My mind went back to the man whom I dropped at a hotel and I immediately alerted my chairman and he instructed me to go back to the place where I dropped him. I saw him and delivered his bag to him.“ Oche Elias, who represented the Minister of Aviation, said it was a rare display of honesty, adding that it was ‘‘a huge integrity and trust exhibited

by Usuah”.

Ex-FCT minister clarifies first ladies’ land tussle

ORMER Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Aliyu Moddibo Umar has clarified the air over the controversy surrounding the plot of land allocated by the FCT Administration for the building of the continental secretariat of African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM).

He said he allocated the plot to AFLPM in 2008.

According to Moddibo, who served as Minister of FCT between 2007 and 2008, it was his successor, Adamu Aliero, who re-allocated the land to the Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF) belonging

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

to former First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar’ Adua, two years later.

The former FCT Minister made the clarification in an interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America (VOA), which was monitored in Abuja yesterday.

According to Moddibo, there was no controversy as the land was allocated to AFLPM and a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) prepared for the mission.

Moddibo said: “When I became minister, I brought the idea for the building of the secretariat as a legacy the former

First Lady would leave behind.

“I consulted former President Umaru Yar’ Adua and advised him on the project.

“I told him that AFLPM needed a secretariat to build an edifice like the Women Centre built by the late Maryam Babangida and the National Hospital built by Maryam Abacha.

“He (Yar’ Adua) agreed and told me to look for a land.

“When I found the land, I prepared a C of O and the Structural Design of the proposed secretariat before I reported back to him.

“He thanked me and direct-

ed me to meet his wife with the proposal.

“After a discussion, she accepted the idea and set up a committee, which comprised the FCTA and Foreign Affairs officials as well as Mrs. Maryam Abacha, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Muhammad and Mrs Jonathan.”

The former FCT Minister said the late President warned him not to allocate any land to his wife or children.

He clarified that he allocated the land to an NGO (AFLPM) and not an individual.

Aliero could not be reached for comments.

Lagos traffic law bans phone use while driving Continued from page 4

“Of this number, 568 were male and 154 were female. At the accident and emergency centre at Toll Gate, 252 accidents were recorded from January to July, out of which 35 persons died. 50 per cent of the victims were okada riders, 27 per cent were passengers on okada while 23 per cent were passersby.”

The Governor also charged traffic management agencies in the state to ensure motorists comply with the law saying that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the purpose of the law is achieved.

The law specifies penalties for driving unregistered,

unlicensed vehicles or vehicles without valid identification marks, an offence which attracts a penalty of N20, 000 for first offenders and N30.000 or three years imprisonment or both for subsequent offences.

Any trailer contravening the law restricted movement between 6am to 9pm - will be impounded and N50.000 fine imposed or imprisonment for six month for the driver.

According to the law, it is henceforth an offence to sell alcoholic drinks, herbal or pharmaceutical drugs within 100 metres of a bus stop, terminus or motor park; hawk, vend or offer for sale any item of goods or services or beg or

solicit for alms or engage in cleaning windscreens or any part of a vehicle on the highway or bridge. Other offences include displaying of wares on walkways, dropping or picking of passengers on fast lanes or undesignated bus-stop by commercial vehicles.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is empowered by the law to designate as bus lanes for priority service, a

side of Ikotun-Ejigbo-Cele Expressway, Iyana-IpajaAgege, Pen Cinema, Ojodu Berger; Iyana-Ipaja-IdimuIyana-Iba Roundabout, Iyana-Idimu-Ikotun, Berger3rd Mainland-Tafawa Balewa Square, Iyana-OworoAnthony-Oshodi-Mile 2Apapa, Sango-Iyana-IpajaOshodi and Orile IganmuMile 2- Okokomaiko roads, during peak hours of 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

CORRECTION Deaconess Grace Adetutu Famuagun, mother of Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, is mistakenly referred to as “the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State” on page 25.

–– Editor

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HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has adopted the second stanza of the National Anthem as the official prayer at all public functions.

Minister of Environment Hajia Hadiza Mailafia made this known when she visited the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri.

She said FEC now recites the second stanza of the Anthem as a national prayer in all its meetings and was committed to ensuring that all public functions follow this example.

Omeri said the NOA has

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

been advocating the adoption of a national prayer at public functions to engender the spirit of cohesion and unity, especially in supplication to God. Omeri said the practice of saying separate prayers by different religious faiths at public functions divides the group.

Ogun and Niger states governors Ibikunle Amosun and Muazu Babangida Aliyu had adopted the second stanza as official prayers at all public functions and schools in their states.

200,000 inmates to farm

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HE Federal Government has inaugurated a committee that will maximise the potential of over 200,000 inmates in the development of agriculture across the six geo-political zones.

The committee, known as the Steering Committee of the Prisons Agricultural development Project, will establish larger agricultural farm sites to utilise the physical labour force of inmates.

Minister of Interior Abba Morro said the inmates, who will constitute the majority of the workforce, will earn salaries, which would be paid to them at the end of their jail terms.

Explosive found in church

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DISASTER was averted on Wednesday at the Dunamis Church in Nyanya, Abuja, when an explosive, suspected to be a bomb, was discovered under a seat in the church.

The explosive concealed in an Aluminium container was discovered under a seat in the Children’s Section around 9.30pm.

The mid week service had barely finished when the

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

item was discovered.

The Head of the technical unit, Godstime Asuquo, yesterday, said the FCT Anti Bomb squad were contacted immediately to detonate the explosive.

“As we are preparing for another prayer meeting this evening, the church is planning to recruit more security personnel,” he said.

10 ex-militants get scholarship

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

EN ex-militants have been offered scholarship up to Master’s level at the Carribean University, Trinidad and Tobago.

The 10 were part of the 57 ex-militants sent to National Energy Skills Centre (NESC) in Trinidad and Tobago by the Federal Government under the amnesty-training and rehabilitation programme for Niger Delta youths.

The training cost the Federal Government over $6 million, as the reciepients have been equipped with various skills, which they would use ,especially in the oil and gas sector either as employees or entrepreneurs.

They are the first group of trainees from the programme, who are now certified in Automotive Service Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operations and Millwright and Shielded Metal Arc Wielding.

Hundred ex-militants were initially pencilled for the training.

Fifteen were dropped as a result of health challenges and 28 deported for lacking in character.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who concluded his two-day visit to the country on Wednesday, reminded the youth of the importance of education .

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar assured Jonathan that her country is pleased to be a part of the Amnesty.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2012

8

NEWS

Police parade man, 25, for alleged rape of girl, four •Urge fleeing N2.6b pension scam suspects to report self

A

25-year-old man identified as Femi Owolabi was yesterday paraded by the Oyo state Police Command for allegedly raping a fouryear-old girl.

The suspect who is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, allegedly committed the crime on July 30.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Clement Adoda said the victim’s mother, upon discovery that her innocent girl had been defiled, reported the matter at the Agugu Police Division.

She (mother) was quoted by the police as saying that her little daughter had blood stain all over her legs while coming out from the suspect’s room .

“She reported further that on a closer observation, she discovered that the girl was bleeding profusely from her private part. On receipt of the report, detectives went after the suspect and got him apprehended”,the police said.

Also paraded were a fake policeman identified as Mr Daniel Ashu and a robbery gang alleged to have disguised as prophets to rob their victims of their valuables.

The names of the suspects were given as: Tunde Adeyinka, Sunday Olanrewaju, Popoola

From Oseheye Okwuofu,Ibadan

Omotayo.

They were arrested in a building along P- Ajao Area of Ogbomosho.

The police chief said: “One AK 49 rifle, two locallymade double barrel pistols with five live cartridges, two AK 47 rifles, one double sim Techno handset, one Nokia handset, one Toyota Camry saloon car marked Lagos MUS 159 AG, one unregistered motorcycle, three cutlasses, some cleric’s garments and some charms. were recovered.

“When asked if he committed the crime, he confessed that he used that to deceive his victims.

“On interrogation, the arrested notorious criminals confessed to be a gang of criminals who engaged in inter-state robberies, especially within the Southwestern geo-political. The arrested suspects who claimed to be “Woli” (prophet) will soon be charged to court.”

Speaking on the seven suspects arrested over the alleged N2.6 billion pension scam uncovered at the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission Pensions Board, the police commissioner advised the suspects on the run to report themselves at the state police headquarters in their own interest.

He said the discovery of the N2.6 billion scam was

Murder of Speaker`s aide shocks lawmakers

L

AWMAKERS in the Imo State House of Assembly yesterday expressed shock over the alleged murder of Speaker Benajmin Uwajimagu`s aide, Pastor Emmanuel Adoba Adoa, who was allegedly killed on Wednesday at his Okuka residence in Owerri West Local Government Area, was the Speaker1s special adviser on administration.

A source said Adoba was butchered by his assailants after tying the hands and legs of members of his family.

Having gunned him down, the hoodlums reportedly used sharp matchete to dismember his body into pieces.

• Leader of the robbery gang in cleric robe

•Members of the robbery gang

’

•Motorcycle thieves

•Ashu in mobile police uniform...yesterday

Abductors of Anambra monarch demand ransom in dollars

T

HERE was anxiety yesterday over the fate of kidnapped Ukpo monarch Igwe Robert Eze, as his abductors allegedly insisted that the ransom demanded for his release be paid in United States dollars.

Igwe Eze was abducted at about noon by a four-man gang on Sunday from the palace in Ukpo, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, shortly after returning from a service at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, near his palace A palace source said on Monday that his abductors demanded a N100 million ransom.

The monarch is businessman Prince Arthur Eze’s younger brother.

It was learnt yesterday

•Community raises N60m as groups plan protest From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

that the kidnappers raised the ransom stake by insisting that it be paid in hard currency.

Their insistence came in the wake of efforts by the Ukpo community to raise N60 million, an offer that was allegedly spurned by the kidnappers.

According to a source, “they (kidnappers) called a cousin to the Igwe and insisted that they be paid in dollars. They said they should be paid $100 million. That is the position as at now.

“And you know Arthur Eze, the Igwe’s brother who can afford such money is abroad. So, the situation is

unfortunate and hopeless.”

Reacting through its spokesman Raphael Osigwe, the state Police Command said they are on top of the situation.

Osigwe, however, declined to reveal the strategies being employed to track down the abductors. He preferred to keep such tactics secret.

He debunked insinuations that the police were colluding with the kidnappers on the negotiated ransom, saying that the police would never enter into such compromise with hoodlums.

Osigwe also said that he was not aware that the monarch’s family has established any contact

with the kidnappers.

But some rights groups are warming up to protest against the police command over rising crimes in the state.

Some leaders of the groups told The Nation in confidence that they would demand the reorganisation of the state police command.

In their reaction to the abduction of their colleague through Nawfia monarch, in Njikoka Local Government Area, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, royal fathers in the state said more proactive measures must be taken to save the traditional stools.

The monarch regretted that the traditional institution had become endangered specie.

Abia govt empowers youths with 250 tricycles

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday expanded the scope of his administration’s empowerment scheme, with the distribution of 250 tricycles to youths from the 17 local government areas.

The scheme was designed to reduce the crime rate in the state.

Speaking at the inaugura-

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

tion of the tricycles in Umuahia, Orji said that the programme approved by the state executive council as part of the youth empowerment programme for youths.

According to the governor, his administration has been on the fore-front of the

‘ Her little daughter had blood stain all over her legs while coming out from the suspect’s room

campaign for poverty reduction since it came on board more than a year ago.

He recalled that the practice in the past was the distribution of wheel barrows and bicycles, “but now, the trend has changed to tricycles and very soon, it would graduate to vehicles”.

Represented by his Com-

missioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Emma Nwabuko, the governor said that the government would continue to help the youths to help themselves and their families.

He assured that the largesse wouldbe extended to those who were not captured in the first phase of the

scheme.

According to him, the government changed its initial plan to collect a down-payment from lucky beneficiaries.

“But on a second thought, I decided to change that, so that once you collect the tricycle you are not going to pay anything, it is free,” the governor explained.

reported to the police command on Wednesday morning by the state government.

According to him, the police immediately ordered officers from the SCID to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged scam .

He said that the suspects have been helping detectives in their investigations.

According to Adoda, two other suspects are being trailed by the command in connection with the alleged scam, adding that the command would leave no stone unturned at getting into root of the scam.

NECO officials demand N2,000 from applicants From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

A

GAINST the directive of the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Examination Council (NECO) Prof Promise Okpala, officials of the examination body are extorting pupils in Anambra State, it was learnt yesterday.

Prof Okpara had warned NECO employees against imposing additional levies on pupils writing the examinations supervised by the body.

The Nation learnt that Okpala’s warning followed complaints on the sharp practices of NECO officials in some parts of the country, especially in the Southeast.

The NECO chief went a step further to publish the circular he personally signed and sent to all NECO offices across the country.

But in defiance to his directive, it has been business as usual in Anambra State, where applicants are being asked to pay additional N2000 to register for NECO examination.

Some of the candidates who pleaded for anonymity complained that the officials continue to extort them despite Okpala’s directive.

They alleged that the officials collect N9, 550 as against the statutory N7, 550 advertised in the newspapers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Policeman recovers car with force

By Miriam Ndikanwu

IT looked like a movie, but it was real. A armed police officer stormed the Iponri Office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), shot into the air and forcefully removed his impounded car.

The workers ran for their lives and only returned after he left.

Reliving the incident, LASTMA General Manager Babatunde Edu said a red Mercedes Benz car with registration number JV 23KJA was apprehended at Oyingbo for parking on the BRT dedicated lane, in violation of the law.

Film premieres today A MOVIE, Last Flight to Abuja, will premiere today at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos.

The star-studded movie produced by Obi Emelonye of the Mirror Boy fame, features Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; Jim Iyke; Hakeem Kae Kazeem, Jide Kosoko, Celine Loader, Uru Eke, Anthony Monjaro, Uche Odoputa, Charles Granville, Franca Brown and others.

The movie borders on the ills in the aviation sector and how negligence and ineptitude can lead to a plane crash.

•From right: Provost, Ansar-ud-Deen College of Education, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, member, House of Representatives Hon Yakubu Balogun and Registrar, Mr Kelani Odelade at a seminar at the School hall, Isolo, Lagos.

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Crashed plane had history of engine failures, says DANA

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HE DANA plane, which crashed in Lagos on June 3, killing all 153 on board, had "a history of engine failures", the airline said yesterday.

DANA's Head of Corporate Communications Tony Usidamen told Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, the coroner conducting an inquest into the crash, that the history dates back to two years.

The plane's engines, he said, were first discovered

Tenants appeal to Fashola to vacate restriction order

T

ENANTS of Houses 1 and 5 Anikantamo Street, off Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, yesterday appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola to assist them access their apartments cordoned off by the police.

House 3, Anikantamo Street, which collapsed on Wednesday, rendered four families homeless and property worth millions of naira destroyed is flanked by the two buildings.

Four families were rendered homeless and properly worth millions of naira destroyed in the collapsed building.

Mrs Funmi Ogundiran, a resident of No 1 Anikantamo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the adjacent buildings were cordoned off along with the collapsed one.

She said: “Since the house fell and policemen were called in, we have not had access to our house which is No 1. Anikantamo.

“My family and I had to go to a relation's house to pass the night. We cannot even get money to buy food to eat. It is as if it was our building that collapsed. We did not take anything out; because when they came we were outside the building looking at the wreckage of the collapsed house.”

Mrs Ogundiran urged the government to order the security agencies to allow them enter their houses to get some necessities.

A resident in No. 5, who refused to give her name,

told NAN that they rushed out of their apartments when they heard the sound of the building coming down. ``As I am here, I came out with nothing; I don't even have pants on. I had just a piece of wrapper tied around my body when I rushed out.

“This cloth I am wearing, someone just sewed it. You can see that it is new," she said.

Mrs Ahdijat Oshodi, whose family resided in the collapsed building, urged on the governor to come to their aid.

She said: "We have nothing - money, clothes, shoes just everything that we have was destroyed in the accident."

One of the victims, Mrs Shade Olowu, appealed to the governor to assist them recover the two-month rent paid to the developer, one Mr Kilani, alias Baba Luku, barely two hours before the incident. Mrs Olowu said it was only the mason who was working on the building when it fell that sustained some injury.

According to her, Baba Luku had earlier collected from the tenants two years rent in 2011 and promised to reinforce the failing pillars in the building but did not do so. The tenants alleged that the building was in bad shape when it collapsed, adding that it had been under rehabilitation for two years.

Effort to get the comments of the developer failed as several calls to his mobile phone were not answered.

By Adebisi Onanuga

to be "faulty"on April 19, 2010, following "a bird strike."

He said the engines were "completely changed"after the incident.

Asked by a lawyer, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, if he was aware that the plane on May 23, this year, had “hydraulic leak,” Usidamen said he was not aware.

When Mr Akintunde

Bakare from the Ministry of Justice demanded the names of the engineers, who certified the plane as airworthy, before it flew on June 3, Usidamen could not give their names.

Annoyed by Usidamen’s response, Magistrate Komolafe warned that he would be arrested if he didn't provide the engineers’ names.

Usidamen said all the engineers, who certified the

plane fit, and several others still work with DANA. He said the ill-fated plane was in "good and perfect working condition" when it flew out on June 3.

"The aircraft was in perfect condition for flight on the said day," Usidamen insisted, adding that if it was in bad shape, it would not have been allowed to fly in accordance with international law.

He added that earlier that day, the plane had gone on two trips, and was on the third trip when it crashed.

An Air Safety Investigator with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Emmanuel Dialla, told the coroner that the agency’s officials would soon leave for Miami and Arizona in the United States (US) to meet manufacturers of the crashed plane.

Dialla told the coroner sitting in Abule-Egba, a Lagos suburb, that the meeting was necessary in order to get vital information about the plane.

AIB, he said, does not have the manpower and laboratory equipment to further its investigation into the crash.

According to him, the investigative team recovered 15 per cent of plane wreckage because the remaining parts melted in fire.

He said investigators were able to get the wings, tail and engines of the aircraft.

Answering a question by Bakare, Dialla said AIB's principal function is to investigate accidents; gather evidence, state reasons why the accident occurred and also file a report on its findings.

DPO reads riot act

By Jude Isiguzo

THE Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Elemoro Police Station in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, Mr. Sunday Edobor, has said he would not hesistate to deal with any group fomenting trouble in the area.

Edobor, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), gave the warning while reacting to a shooting incident at OkoOlomi area of Bogije, in IbejuLekki on Wednesday, where many people sustained various degrees of injuries. The DPO confirmed that investigation into the incident has started and that the three suspects arrested have made useful statements to the police.

"The suspects have made statements. The police would not fold their hands and watch a bunch of miscreants turn this area into a war zone.

We shall deal with them decisively," the DPO said.

The victim, AbdulRashidi Ismail, told our correspondent that he was eating outside his house, when he suddenly heard repeated gun shots. He said as he attempted to flee, three bullets hit him on his right arm.

Mr Femi Bakare, a businessman at Oko-Olomi blamed the incident on his opponents in a case pending at the Lagos High Court.

Bakare said despite an injunction from the court, his opponents have remained lawless, harassing and intimidating his camp and routinely hiring armed thugs to unleash mayhem on innocent residents.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

SON adopts ISO26000 CSR guidelines From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

T

HE Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has formalised the adoption process of International Standards Organization (ISO) 26000 Guidelines for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) The Director-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu said the adoption is an integral part of global practice, stating that this will put an end to the issue of oil spills and environmental hazards in the Niger Delta region.

He spoke at a national workshop on the Nigerian Adoption Process in Abuja, asserting that it will no longer be business as usual in the country.

He said: “We know what has happened in the Niger Delta region before now, but I can tell you that if we promote ISO 26000 and adopt it in Nigeria, it would be difficult for those kind of things to happen again in the future.

“That is why all hands must be on deck. I would suggest that both federal and state governments adopt and promote it, by ensuring that we all imbibe the tenets and principles of ISO 26000.

“ISO 26000 would become a cap of the internal business process in organizations in such a way that whatever you want to do, you have to ask yourself questions like, whether it is good for my employees, is it good for the environment, is it good for business ideals, is it the kind of profit that I would be proud to talk about? At the end of the day, you have to do the right thing.

For now, what we want to communicate here is that we are going to rigorously pursue any hindrance to power supply. And to ensure that we clean up the system, we have to make sure that we deliver more reliable power to the country.

- Prof Barth Nnaji, Minister of Power

Nigeria records 2.7mbpd oil production N NIGERIA’s oil output has gone up to 2.7 million barrels daily, from 2.4 mbpd, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, has said.

Yakubu who disclosed this yesterday when the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam led a delegation on a working visit to the NNPC Towers, Abuja, said the significant milestone was recorded as a result of the security measures put in place by the Federal Government.

The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Fidel Pepple, in a statement, said the security measures put in place by the Federal Government in the Niger Delta region was beginning to yield positive results as shown in the increased crude oil production in the country.

“We want to thank the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for his great initiative to restore security

• NNPC pledges to revive Makurdi depot From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

with regards to pipelines and our crude oil production facilities and we thank the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke for driving the process. I am glad to report to you that in crude oil production, yesterday, we recorded an all time high of 2.7 million barrels. This has not been recorded before,” the GMD said in the statement.

He appealed to all the State Governments, Local governments, communities and other stakeholders to work in partnership with the Corporation to safeguard the pipelines and other strategic national assets in order to reduce wastages.

He said NNPC is ready to

collaborate with the Benue State Government to restore the Makurdi depot, adding that a similar collaboration with the Abia State government recently led to the recommissioning of the Aba depot after being closed for seven years.

He said as soon as the pipelines supplying petroleum products from Aba to Enugu, and Enugu to Makurdi depots are certified all right, the Corporation would commence immediate supply to the area.

“We have not had any negative report from the Enugu to Makurdi pipelines, and as soon as we do our integrity check and it’s okay, we will commence supply to the Makurdi depot,” Yakubu said.

On the efforts by the Corporation on gas infrastructure, the GMD noted that various gas pipeline projects are presently on-going across the country to support the industrialisation efforts of the Federal government.

Yakubu enjoined Governor Gabriel Suswam to assist in convincing other Governors to buy into the Petroleum Industry Bill recently submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law, saying the bill makes provision for the growth of private initiatives in the petroleum Industry.

Speaking earlier, Suswam commended the NNPC for the Kerosene Direct initiative, saying the scheme has helped tremendously in the distribution of the product to the people of the state.

He stated that the State Government was willing to partner with the Corporation in the resuscitation and expansion of the Makurdi depot, development of gas infrastructure and its ethanol project.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi addressing delegates at the High-Level Trade and Investment Summit on Nigeria in London on Wednesday.

Taxpayers to enjoy N.2m relief allowance, says FIRS T

AXPAYERS are now entitled to a Consolidated Relief Allowance (CRA) of N200,000, a top official of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has said.

Coordinating Director, Field Operations of FIRS, Samuel Ogungbesan, who stated this yesterday in Abuja at a workshop organised for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the amended Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), 2011, said the allowance was a major highlight of some “radical changes’’ introduced in the new PITA. The Act mandates the President, the Vice President, Governors, their deputies and other political office holders to pay taxes on their

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

allowances with effect from April.

He listed other highlights of the amended PITA to include a penalty of N5 million or imprisonment for three years or both for failure to confirm Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) from the tax authority that issued same, the introduction of Consolidated Relief Allowance of N200, 000 or 1 per cent of gross salary or whichever is higher plus 20 per cent of gross salary, and that all taxpayers are now mandatorily required to file self-assessment of their income tax returns.

Ogungbesan explained that the new law empowers the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct at source from budgetary allocation to MDAs the amount of tax that they failed to deduct and remit to the relevant tax body.

“The Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2011 introduced some radical changes into the administration of PITA, hence the need for this sensitisation exercise, so that all stakeholders will be familiar with these changes, and nobody will be caught on the wrong side of the law,’’ he said.

FIRS’ acting Chairman, Kabir Mashi who declared the

workshop opened, said the workshop will provide a unique opportunity for participants to seek clarifications on the grey areas of the amended law. “Feel free to ask questions and make this workshop as interactive as possible so that at the end of the programme, we shall be better informed to discharge our responsibilities under the law,’’ he said.

In a statement, the Director, Communications and Liaison Department, Emmanuel Obeta, said taxpayers have been segmented into Large Taxpayers (LTO), with turnover thresholds of N1 billion and above, Medium Taxpayers (MTO), with turnover of N200 million and above and Micro and Small Taxpayers with below N200 million turnover.

Nnaji, PHCN, workers meet on reforms

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

T

HE Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, yesterday held a crucial meeting with workers and management of the 18 successor companies from the unbundled Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), on the final phase of the power sector reform exercise.

With the Power Minister, were the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Nwogu, the Power Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dere Awosika and labour representatives.

The meeting was at the behest of the governmentlabour negotiating team, which requested the minister to directly address the workers and explain the government position.

The minister told the workers that the reform of the power sector has entered a final stage and that government is ready to do what is necessary to see to its conclusion, including taking care of workers’ welfare.

He reaffirmed that no PHCN worker would be sacked as a result of the privatization. “The plan is to pay severance benefits to workers; the fund for this is ready and will be disbursed at the appropriate time,” he said.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant, Media to the Minister, Ogbuagu Anikwe, said Nnaji held the meeting to have a face-toface interaction with the workers and to answer questions that may be agitating their minds over the ongoing privatization exercise.

“It is important for you to see me, ask me questions and get straight answers, rather than depending on third-party information that are often doctored by people with ulterior motives,” the minister said.

The government’s position was also reaffirmed by Awosika, who said she was appalled by the fact that workers of PHCN are being deliberately misinformed about the reform exercise and how it affects them.

She said the severance package for workers has been set aside and shall be disbursed in accordance with the reform time-table.

She called on workers not to be misled by their leaders to think that government does not have the will to implement the reform, adding that no amount of chanting or blackmail would deter the government from going ahead with the reform.

Labour Minister, Chief Wogu, said he accompanied the Minister because he is keenly interested in how the parties are comporting themselves as the reform enters the crucial stage. It is important to reaffirm that the reform cannot be reversed, and that government will ensure that workers get their rights, he said.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS PENCOM allays pension contributors’ fear over axed PFAs

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THE National Pension C o m m i s s i o n (PENCOM) has assured of the safety of funds of contributors to any of the Pension Funds Administrator (PFAs) that failed to meet the N1 billion new capital base.

In a statement issued by the Head, Communication Unit, Emeka Onuorah,

Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

PenCom said, pension fund assets were in the custody of pension custodians and not the PFAs, adding that the Commission has initiated the process for the revocation of the licenses of PFAs that failed to meet the new

capital base.It said this was in line with the provisions of Section 54 of the Pension Reform Act (PRA), 2004.

“The commission has issued 28-day notice of its intention to revoke operating licences of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) that failed to meet the new capital base of N1 billion.

The commission would

like to assure the public, particularly contributors to the affected PFAs of the safety of their pension fund assets in the event of revocation of their licences.

“This is because pension fund assets are securely in the custody of Pension Fund Custodians licensed and strictly supervised by the commission in accordance

with the PRA 2004,” it said.

The statement added that as at June 30, out of 24 licensed PFAs, six met the new capital base before the circular on it was issued, while 12 PFAs met the new base after the circular was issued, three were acquired, two did not meet the new capital base while, one was under regulatory supervision.

Fed Govt urges quarry operators to comply with regulations

Q

QUARRY operators all over the country have been advised by the Federal Government to comply with the laws, rules and regulations guiding their operations for the mutual benefit of all.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, gave the ad-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

vice when members of the Ondo State Quarry Owners/ Operators Association visited him .

The Deputy Director, Press, Marshall Gundu, said in a release that Sada urged the quarry operators to take care of the environmental and commu-

nity related issues in carrying out their operations, adding that everything was being done by the Federal Government for its sustainable development.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Association of Ondo State Quarry Owners/Operators, Sylvester I. Enabunlele,

said the purpose of their visit is to show appreciation to the minister for lifting the ban imposed on quarry operations in Ondo State in September 2011 due to operational lapses which was lifted in June 2012.

Mr. Enabunlele assured the Minister that all his members would continue to abide by the laws, rules and regulations

guiding quarry operations in the country.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Linus Awute, said the visit is indicative of the improved relationship between government agencies and investors, which he said should be sustained.

FCTA sells grain at 50% subsidy From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday flagged off the sale of grain to Abuja residents at 50 per cent subsidy.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, who flagged off the sales, said the gesture is aimed at cushioning the high cost of food items, especially during the Ramadan season She said 11, 548 bags of maize, 2196 bags of guinea corn, 5070 bags of millte all in 50kg bags are to be sold to the FCT residents, Area councils,Government Agencies and various farmer association at a 50 per cent subsidy, that maize and guinea corn would be sold at N1,800, while millet will sell at N2,250 per bag.

“The FCTA is working towards increasing the storage capacity by another 1000 Metric tonnes with the completion and handover of the modern specialized warehouse at Tunga maje. It is our hope that with the increased capacity, the Administration will continue to carry out her obligations towards reducing wastage and ultimately ensure food security in the Territory,” she added.

The Minister urged staff of the Agricuture and Rural Development to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution and sales of the grains so that the objectives of the buffer stock programme could be achieved.

Shippers urge more investments in maritime industry

P

RESIDENT of the Indigenous Ship owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Chief Isaac Jolapomo, has urged the Federal and state governments to invest more in the maritime industry. He gave the advice at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in Lagos yesterday.

He expressed concern about the collapse of passenger traffic in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, noting that the situation was similar to what happened in many other countries. He said NIMASA was proactive in convening the meeting, adding that the agency was right in calling the stakeholders together and for developing the shipping industry.

“We are saying that there is no way forward for the maritime industry unless the Federal and State governments invest in the industry, so that people could be trained,’’ adding that developing shipping would certainly create employment opportunities and generate funds for the government.

Prof. Pat Utomi described the meeting between NIMASA and the stakeholders as strategic, adding that the stakeholders should execute the resolutions they made with passion.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

POLICY

SERVICE

RELIEF

Keke Maigida in, Okada out

Orji to give free treated nets

Party chief lifts residents

Kwara

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Abia

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

Lagos

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Joy as Oshiomhole pays patients’ medical bills

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•Governor Oshiomhole

HERE were shouts of joy across the wards of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) as Governor Adams Oshiomhole picked up the medical bills of patients held back by the hospital management over their inability to defray the cost of their treatment.

Oshiomhole was visiting the hospital to see some patients when his attention was drawn to the plight of the indigent ones who could not pay their bills and were

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

consequently not allowed to go home.

Oshiomhole offset the bills through the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cordelia Aiwuzie.

The Commissioner delivered sum of N12m to the hospital management on the instruction of the governor.

It was, however, gathered that a woman who told Oshiomhole that her daughter was also held at the

hospital after being discharged, absconded with the money given to her by the governor in spite of pleas by the hospital management to pay up and take her daughter home.

Over 50 persons across the hospital wards including newborns were ‘detained’ by the hospital over their inability to pay.

Tears of joy flowed down the cheeks of the ‘prisoner’ patients and their family members when they learnt about Governor Oshiomhole’s gesture.

They fell on their knees, thanking God for using the governor to set them free as many of them, it was learnt, were treated since last year.

Uduak Mary, Shuaibu Daniel and Emmanuel Chukwu had lost hope of reuniting with their families after undergoing successful treatment owing to the huge debt they incurred during treatment.

Emmanuel Chukwu’s case was •Continued on Page 48

K

NOWING what happened to them, residents of 17 communities in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Anambra State, easily broke into songs and dance. Their representative at the National Assembly, Hon Charles Odedo, fed them, in addition to providing jobs tools and cash.

The people knew the gesture would make a profound difference in their lives. There was enough rice to last them some time. There were vehicles to ease transportation challenges. And there was cash to boot.

The people sang and danced, hailing Odedo, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) member of the House of Representatives.

The benefiting communities are in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state which included Umuoji, Oraukwu, Uke, Eziowelle, Abacha, Abatete, Nkpor, among others.

The lawmaker gave out ten brand new vehicles to these communities, over 5,000 bags of rice, cartons of sugar, while individuals pocketed between N10,000 and N50,000 each to empower them.

The vehicles included four Mitsubishi L-300 buses and six Toyota Camry cars, one of which was given to Chief Ikechukwu Ekwensi, son of renowned novelist, Cyprian Ekwensi.

Not only these, Odedo has what he calls annual poverty alleviation programme for his constituents which the women celebrate each year.

Before now, the lawmaker had given out 10 Mitsubishi L-300 buses to about eight wards in Idemili South under his empowerment programme.

Also, under Hon Charles C. Odedo Empowerment Programme, in Idemili North Local Government Area, 39 persons have been established in piggery, trading, poultry, sewing and okada business in the communities that make up the council area.

In Idemili South that has Nnobi, Akwu-Ukwu, Nnokwa, Alor, Oba, Awka-Etiti and Ojoto, 31 persons have been empowered from the communities.

These programmes, Newsextra

•Hon. Charles Odedo

•The items distributed

Anambra communities relish job tools Lawmaker provides welfare items From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

gathered have been running even before Odedo ventured into politics.

Newsextra gathered that the ACN lawmaker has attracted different projects to all the 17 communities that make up Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

Some of the projects included a classroom block with modern toilets at Akwu Ukwu, skill acquisition centre at Ogidi, Idemili community library and 500KVA transformer to Eziowelle community.

Others included control of flood and erosion at Umunnebo village while over nine other projects are ongoing in Uke, Oraukwu, Nnobi, Alor, Ideani, Ojoto, Akwu Ukwu

and Nnokwa.

According to some of the benfiaciaries, Odedo has made a name for himself in Idemili North and South federal constituency.

It was also learnt that the lawmaker has many students under his scholarship scheme in his constituency from primary to higher institution.

Newsextra learnt that he has been distributing bags of rice, 200 cartons of tomatoes and cash gifts to his people during the Christmas and new year festive periods since 2008.

Ngozi Nwankwo, a hair-dresser from Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area, told Newsextra that the lawmaker has been a fa-

ther to the fatherless and a messiah to many widows and widowers in the zone.

Also, Kenneth Ibekwete, who is a beneficiary of the lawmaker’s gesture, from Alor, said he was short of words to describe the ACN man.

One of the Okada riders from Eziowelle, Sunday Iloka, told Newsextra that Odedo is a gift from God to the people of Idemili North and South.

“Different people come to us to vote for them with lots of promises, but this man is different; some of us can now see that something good can come from politics”.

“He does not play politics that way others play it, this is a typical example of sincerity in politics

from what I have observed, the politics played by those in ACN is quite different from others”.

Odedo told Newsextra that his concentration on Idemili North for now was as a result of the kind of votes he received from them during his re-election bid.

He said that he received over 16,00 votes from the area alone out of about 27,000 votes cast, not minding that he is not from the area, while he got over 12,000 votes from his South area.

“So, the North gave me the bulk of the votes that gave me victory and that is why I want to thank them in a special way before my own people.”

“Again, another thing that motivated me into doing this is that some people see politicians as liars based on unfulfilled promises after campaigns, and when they are voted into power, they forget their constituents, I do not want to be part of that generation”.

“When you look at the areas ACN lawmakers and Governors come from, the difference is always clear, I do not want my people to see me as more of a talker than a doer, I am a very positive person”.

This is not the end of what I am going to do for my people, there are still a lot; I still have some time to stay in the House and by the time I come out from the place, they will see a huge difference between ACN and other political parties,” Odedo told Newsextra.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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Local govt builds 250 housing units

Abia to give free mosquito nets

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•Governor Orji

HE Abia State government through its Ministry of Health is to begin the distribution of 1.261 million free Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets [LLINs] (treated mosquito nets) to the indigenes of the state on August 6. It is to prevent malaria.

Speaking at an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, the state Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Franklin Orji, said that the ministry is targeting about 1.261 million houses in the state during the exercise and that they will also teach people on how to use the nets to attain its. .

Orji said that the ministry has also trained some people at the local government level for the distribution of the nets, stressing that the aim is to ensure that all households in the state get at least two nets which has a life span of at least three years.

He said that the country contributes about

Firm donates water, electrification projects O IL giant, SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Limited, based in Sapele, has inaugurated several motorized water borehole projects across oil producing communities in Delta and Edo states as part of its social responsibility to its host communities.

The projects commissioned include: two 11/ 500kva stepdown transformers and street lights in Okeregbagha and Okunumerhe quarters of Amukpe community, two water projects at Ogbe-Ogume, Ogbagu-Ogume, Elume, Ogiedi-Elume, Ituru-Elume in Delta State and two water projects at Iguelaba and Oben, and renovation of classroom block at Oben Primary School.

At Iguelaba community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area, where a water project was commissioned recently , the chairman of the community, Mr. John Odia, noted that the construction of the water project was supervised by the company and that the project was completed to specification.

The projects are reminiscent of the ones in Delta state, particularly, in Amukpe commu-

Delta

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

nity in Sapele Local Government Area, where the company supplied and installed an 11MVA stepdown transformer and another 500KVA substation transformer to boost power generation in the area.

At Oben community, also in Orhiomwon Local Government Area, where the company had commissioned three water projects and renovated a community primary school, Secretary of the community, Mr. Johnbull Omokaro, who doubles as Seplat Communities of operations Development committee secretary, said the projects were equally supervised by the company’s engineering team. They were completed to specification.

Omokaro also hailed the company for renovating the community primary school and enhancing teaching and learning condition of staff and pupils of the school.

Abia From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

a quarter of malaria burden in the continent, adding that over 90 percent of the total population of the country stands at the risk of malaria, while 50 percent of the country’s population suffers from one episode of malaria each year.

The director of public health said that the country expends about 480 billion naira annually on the prevention and treatment cost on malaria, while uncountable man hours are lost, stressing that, “once the people imbibe the culture of sleeping under the net that the money spent on malaria treatment will be reduced”.

Orji noted that people who had earlier received the nets during a pilot test in a particular local government area of the state have kept same in their houses as souvenirs, while others tear same and use as bath sponges. “These nets should be hung in the rooms and not to be used as window nets”, the governor advised.

He said that the nets could be washed with mild soaps and not with detergents once it gets dirty, adding that it could be washed as many times as 15 after which it will be treated again with chemical for effective operation.

Orji advised that once the net is open for use, “it should not be used immediately but should be hung outside under a shade for at least 24 hours and then after which it could be used to avoid chemical reaction”.

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JI River Local Government in Enugu State would soon complete its 250 housing units .

Some units of the Oji River Urban Housing Estate are almost set for the owner-occupiers to move into and begin to live as landlords as some of the one-bed room terrace houses are almost completed.

Initiator of the housing project and chairman of Oji River Local Council, Chief Gabriel Onuzulike, took members of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on inspection of the project recently.He said that the project was conceived because Oji town is an urban council with housing challenges.

•Governor Chime

Delta donates vehicles to boost security

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OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has donated 40 pick-up vans to security operatives to enable them tackle effectively security challenges in the state.

Inaugurating the vehicles in Asaba recently, Governor Uduaghan said his administration was doing all within its reach to curb the incessant security challenges in the state to ensure that lives and properties were secured.

He explained that the vehicles were provided to meet the requests made by the Army, Immigration, State Security Service and Federal

ACN chieftain lifts residents

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ORMER chairmanship aspirant in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council De-

velopment Area and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Ismail Idowu Irawo, has distributed poverty alleviation materials to indigent residents of the council area.

Items ranging from deep freezers, grinding machines, generators, sewing machines, hair clippers, motorcycles were distributed by Chief Irawo to beneficiaries who danced with him in appreciation for the gesture.

Speaking at the event, Chief Irawo said he was touched by the plight of indigent residents who are often neglected by political leaders in the society.

He said:” I feel sad each time I see people living in poverty not because they do not have professional skills that can fetch them something to eat or serve as means of livelihood but for lacking the necessary tools to work.

This is the reason why I decided to focus on indigent artisans in my community so as to

By Kunle Akinrinade

give them hope that has eluded them for sometime now.”

He admonished Nigerians to vote credible people into political office so they can reap dividends of democracy.

“Many Nigerian leaders are wicked and they do not work to fulfil the wishes and yearnings of the downtrodden in the society and that is why it is important for people to elect credible leaders whenever election beckons in order to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

The two-pronged event which also witnessed a lecture in Chief Irawo’s honour by the Centre for Grassroots Development (CGD), witnessed a large turn-out of ACN members in Mushin while Chief Irawo populary called Ajaga, was honoured with an award for his giant strides in business and politics. Awards were also presented to outstanding personalities ranging from businessmen, politicians to technocrats.

•Chief Ismaila Irawo presenting a set of hair dryer to one of the beneficiaries Miss Sekinat Adelami

Delta Road Safety Commission to enable them function effectively in the state.

The governor noted that his administration was seriously tackling security issues in the state, stressing that the war against crime was being fought from the grassroots in order to have peaceful communities in the state.

“We will not give criminals breathing space in this state, we are fighting them from the grassroots. This is to ensure that lives and property are protected in our communities,” he stated.

Governor Uduaghan disclosed that the state government was expecting more Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), adding that once available, they would be distributed to security agencies and assured Deltans that he was determined to build a crime-free state.

Replying on behalf of his colleagues, the Comptroller of the Delta State Command of Immigration, Hammed Ishau Yahaya, thanked the state governor for the kind gesture and promised that they would utilise the vehicles properly.

“We assure you on behalf of the or the kind gesture and promised that they would utilise the vehicles properly.

“We assure you on behalf of the other security agencies that we will make good use of these equipment to create a crime-free state,” he said.

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Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

Onuzulike said that the local government is a bridge between Anambra and Enugu states that needed housing accommodation for the growing population of the semi-urban council.He added that before the second quarter of next year, all amenities needed in the estate would have been put in place.

The 250 housing units include three-bedroom bungalows, two-bed room bungalows and one-bedroom terrace houses mostly meant for workers that would be accommodated through mortgage agreements, adding that applications for ownership of the houses were already being received.

Other projects executed under the council chairman’s administration include construction and rehabilitation of different primary schools in the council, road construction projects such as the Isikwe and EnuguaguAchi roads, Achi court-Umuabi road as well as Isikwe-Awlah road.

The state chairman of NUJ, Mr. Louis Dilibe, had told the council chairman that the journalists were on tour of the local government councils to see the work of the third tier government in the state, stressing that the council would assess different councils based on their sectoral performances.

• From left: Mr. Ola, Managing Director, Western Concrete Limited, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area and Engineer Martins Odupitan, Council Engineer during the foundation laying ceremony of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Legislative Building in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.

‘Prosecute lazy contractors’

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HE Chief Executive of Western Concrete Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Folorunso Ola has urged contractors handling government projects to deliver in good time and justify the confidence the public repose in them.

He made this call during the commissioning of projects by the Amuwo Odofin Local Government last week, by Senator Oluremi Tinubu who represented Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Speaking to reporters, he said his com-

By Jeremiah Oke

pany had to put up its best in order to meet with the terms of agreement he had with the council chairman, Mr Ayodele Adewale on when to meet up with deadline.

According to him, the council had to award the contract to Western Concrete Nigeria Ltd because of its records of prompt delivery of services and reliability in terms of good job.

He stressed that it was time government strengthen the enabling laws to prosecute con-

Briefly

Youths tip benefactor as Akeredolu’s running mate

Council chief seeks support

By Musa Odoshimokhe

•Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Lagos State Chapter, Gboyega Adeloye (second left)with the former chairman of the institute, Ayo Ariyo.With them from third left are: Assistant Technical Secretary, Mr Wasiu Salami,Mr Mojeed Olasegba,Mr Chijoke Onalu and Mr Michael Akan during the Institute's Annual General Meeting held in Lagos .

Association to fish out bad eggs HE members of the National Association of Nigerian Trado-Medicine Practitioners [NANTMP] say they are working hard to flush out those they refer to as charlatans. According to the group, “these are people that have been giving us bad names and destroying people’s lives through quackery”.

Speaking in Umuahia during their national meeting, the national president of the group, Dr Peace Uzonze, said that the Abia State government has approved the union which is affiliated to the national body and that none members should register with them or face legal action.

Uzonze said that the meeting holds where all the 36 states in the federation are attending; stressing that it is the only umbrella body for all practising tradomedicine practitioners in the country.

She said that the former leaders of the association who refused to hand over to the new leaders after the election should stop parading themselves as their authentic leaders, “their action is misleading our members and making the revenue accruable to the state to reduce”,she said.

The national president of NANTMP, however, called on all trado medicine practitioners in the state to come and join the group , stressing that together they will move their profession forward and make

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Abia From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

their motto, to cure and not to kill.

Uzonze also called on those touts who have been extorting money from their members illegally to desist from such acts, “as we are going to set up a monitoring committee that will checkmate their illegal activities and anyone caught will be properly dealt with”.

In his speech the South East Vice President of NANTMP, Dr Ajokwu Chukwuka, assured the national body of the total support of members from the zone in their bid to move the association forward.

He called on members to come out and give support in their fight against those who are destroying their hard earned name, stressing that members should rally round the new leaders.

In his welcome address, the Abia State president of the association, Dr Ebubedike Ugorji, said that they decided to host the whole federation consisting of the entire 36 states in the country for them to harmonise activities and chase away charlatans amongst them.

Ugorji said that at the end of the meeting they would to come out with the road map that would ensure a level playing field for their authentic members, while those who are not their members would have themselves to blame at the end of the day.

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HE Chairman,Ifo Local Government Area in Ogun State, Hon. Oluwole Enilolobo, has called on the people of the council to cooperate with his administration as he is poised to confront the challenges facing the people.

Addressing the people of the area after the recent election in the state, Enilolobo stated that government would always need the support of the people to actualise its lofty aims,saying:”If the council must move to the next level of development, the people must cooperate with the government” The chairman, who took a swipe on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) officials, condemned their insincerity and wants them to work for the progress of the council.

He said: “If anyone claims to be serving the interest of the council and the council is not benefiting from his services, then it is obvious that such person is only serving a personal interest at the expense of the council.”

Commending the laudable efforts of Governor Ibikunle Amosun since he assumed the leadership of the state, Enilolobo said he was strongly committed to the values and socioeconomic development of the state.

He maintained that the governor had already set a standard which would serve as a benchmark for all the councils. “My administration is committed to winning the long battle of restoring the glory of Ifo Council and on this note I seek the support of all to actualise our dream.”

The chairman further remarked that governor had instructed all the newly elected chairmen in the state to work hard so that the residents can benefit maximally from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) people- oriented programmes.

tractors who fail to meet deadline on projects and those who deliver inferior job having collected money from the government.

He said: “More stringent laws should be put in place to prosecute contractors who abandon their project after receiving part payment without completing their work.

This will teach them lesson because government is not a Father Christmas where you can just go and collect. The money expended on projects is public money and must be well accounted for.

He noted that Amuwo Odofin council was one of the areas where the people intelligence could not be toyed with because of its cosmopolitannature and must have best in terms of facilities which can stand the test of time.

In his word: “In Western Concrete we deliver with speed and accuracy, which is the major standard needed in construction work.

This is the major reasons the comrade chairman involved us in these projects. The chairman is one person who works round the clock.”

By Wale Ajetunmobi

•Members of Vconnet Fever Video during their visit to Silverbird Galleria PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

Council gives free GCE forms

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HE CHAIRMAN, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Benjamin Olabinjo, has distributed free 400 General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to some youths in the council.

Olabinjo during the presentation said the best legacy a child can have is education.

He urged the students to avail themselves the opportunity of forging ahead in their academics, saying it is the only way to a secured future.

He admonished the students to make good use of the opportunity being given them.

The council chief warned the students to shun all forms of examination malpractice in order not to tarnish the name of the council.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of the council by making good grades.

According to him, the drive behind the gesture is to help the less privileged in the society - those students aiming to go to school but cannot afford to pay for external exams.

Olabinjo advised the students to study very well for the examination.

The council chairman said the selection was based on merit and it was done by the traditional rulers from the Igbo, Hausa and the Yoruba community.

“The selections were not really from me, but from the Baale, Kabiyesi, the Hausa community, Igbo community and Baba Olojas, who actively involved in the selection of the youths who have benefitted from it,” he said.

By Aminat Adesina

One of the beneficiaries, Adekunle Ayobami, said he was very happy for the opportunity to write the WAEC again because he didn’t make all his papers in his last examination.

Ayobami said he cannot appreciate the chairman enough, that the only way to appreciate him is to perform very well in the Examination.

Church programme gets support

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HE Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rock of Ages Parish, Magodo GRA in Ikosi/ Isheri Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, has lent its support to the 60th annual convention beginning from Monday, August 6.

The theme is: Come Up Higher.

Speaking at a rally organised in support of the convention, the Asst Pastor-in-charge, Titus Osawe said: “The Lord has been gracious to us, showing us mercies, deliverance, victories, provision among others.

He added: “The higher place is set apart for the just, the holy as the unclean shall not pass over it.”

The seven-day programme will feature ordination of Deacons, Deaconesses, Assistant Pastors, special seminars, deliverance service, Holy Ghost services youth their among others.

THE Independent Campaign Group, a youth organisation in Ondo Central senatorial district has tipped a politician, Engr. Sunmonu Famoritiye, for deputy governorship slot.

The group spoke through its coordinator, Wale Adefila. It appealed to the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to pick Famoritiye as the running mate to Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who is the party flag bearer.

Adefila said Famoritiye has demonstrated his loyalty to the party by mobilising party faithful during the last Saturday primary in Akure. “We believe that choosing a strong, humble, focused and intelligent man to deputise our party governorship candidate, the victory of our party would be 100 per cent assured.”

He continued: “We believe that ACN’s victory is paramount to all the party members, so we want to advise the Aketi group and the party elders to choose the running mate for our governorship candidate based on merit and not on primordial sentiment of zoning.”

Adefila said Famoritiye has, through his grassroots empowerment programmes over the years, shown that he is the best man for the party can pick for the deputy governorship slot. “Famoritiye has helped over 150 youth from Ondo central senatorial district to get jobs in different part of the country. As Business Manager in Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), he installed over many transformers and electric cables for communities in the state. And as great mobilser for the party, we believe Famoritiye should be given the opportunity to run as running mate to the ACN gubernatorial aspirant. We therefore appeal to the party to consider to pick this politician on merit of his performance.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Trafficking in toddlers •It is sad that Nigeria’s children have become a transportable commodity

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HE discovery in Lokoja, Kogi State, of over 100 children aged between three and 16 years of age, being conveyed to various towns in south-western Nigeria is a disturbing indication that the child-trafficking phenomenon is alive and well in Nigeria.

The children were among the 200 people packed like cattle into several trucks which were detained by members of the state’s Joint Task Force (JTF). When they were questioned, many of them were unable to give tenable explanations for their journey. Some said they were looking for work; others said they were on vacation or seeking to further their education. Some of the drivers of the trucks claimed to have picked up their passengers at motor parks and had reached agreement on payment at their destination. Most of the children are from communities in Benue, Cross River and Kogi states.

It is obvious that the circumstances in which these people were travelling are suspicious. It is difficult to understand why passengers from diverse parts of the country were apprehended in a state that was nowhere near their stated destinations. The fact that many of the children were unaccompanied minors is also cause for great concern. Even more worrying is the ease with which those in charge of the journey were able to gather together so many people without attracting official notice, or even suspicion in the communities they hail from.

Nigeria has already gained some notoriety in the West African sub-region for the human trafficking phenomenon. Its

citizens have been apprehended in countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast and even Equatorial Guinea and Gabon for the offence. In the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy, Nigerians are regularly involved in human trafficking cases.

The highly profitable nature of the trade is a major reason why it is so persistent.

On a global level, people trafficking is believed to be even more profitable than drug-smuggling. It is tied in to other criminal activities such as drugs, prostitution and the illegal sale of human organs. In Nigeria, the trade often involves taking youths to areas where farm workers are needed, but the trafficking of young girls for prostitution in the nation’s larger cities is also well-known.

The high number of children in the Kogi convoy points to a worrying decline in the quality of parenting being offered Nigerian children. While it is true it is not uncommon for parents to send their children to friends and relations for education or training, the practice of entrusting children to total strangers who are free to take them anywhere is clearly a failure on the part of those who are supposed to care for them.

It appears that parents are increasingly leaving their children to fend for themselves. A child who is being properly cared for is unlikely to be in a situation where he can jump into a vehicle with strangers to be taken to towns hundreds of miles away from his home. It amounts to a clear abdication of parental responsibility for any parent to allow his threeyear old to be put in a bus by people unrelated to him. Even if some of the older

children were truly seeking vacation jobs, it is still unusual that they did not look for employment closer to their homes.

The child welfare units of the local government areas from which these children were taken also have a case to answer. The fact that the bulk of the children came from particular communities is an indication that it had become the norm. In an age of widespread kidnapping, ritual murder and heightened insecurity, it is unbelievable that no official attention was paid to the wholesale disappearance of children in specific communities.

Nigeria must begin to make serious efforts to ensure the safety of its most vulnerable citizens if it is to realise its laudable dreams of social, economic and political development.

‘The high number of children in the Kogi convoy points to a worrying decline in the quality of parenting being offered Nigerian children. While it is true it is not uncommon for parents to send their children to friends and relations for education or training, the practice of entrusting children to total strangers who are free to take them anywhere is clearly a failure on the part of those who are supposed to care for them’

Glo’s worthy support •Literary glow

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IGERIAN telecoms company, Globacom, is making a buzz with its decision to sponsor the 2012 edition of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, worth $20,000. The award, instituted in honour of Nigerian literary giant Soyinka, black Africa’s first winner of the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature (1986), was launched in 2005 and it is in its fourth edition. The Globacom sponsorship is good news for the literary circle in Africa because it is likely to ensure that the award is sustainable in the long term. The company should, therefore, be applauded for the gesture.

At the event organised in Lagos this week to announce the company’s support for the award, the Director of Event and Sponsorship, Globacom, Bode Opeseitan, said, “Globacom and our beloved Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, share similar aspirations in

‘Literature is usually perceived, perhaps incorrectly, as not so farreaching; and it is therefore not so attractive to corporate sponsors ... This is an important reason why Globacom’s commitment to the Soyinka literary award is not only attention-grabbing but also heart-warming.

Corporate sponsorship of the literary arts is not pronounced in the country, and there are only a few commendable examples in this neglected sector’

terms of developing a strong and virile Africa. Prof Soyinka generally explores the medium of literary works to develop human capital across society and cultures, while Globacom has continued to create value with its products and services that enrich the lives of the average African.”

Thinking Africa is a plus for the company’s ambition to be perceived as a global enterprise. It is a corporate projection that serves not only the image of the company, but also amounts to a positive representation for the country. In addition, it demonstrates that the company’s public relations strategy is sufficiently sensitive to take into account an otherwise downplayed area of human endeavour, the literary arts.

True, the company has gained a reputation for festival sponsorship and backing for the entertainment sector. For instance, it funds popular Nigerian fiestas like Ojude Oba in Ijebu-Ode, Lisabi in Abeokuta and Ofala in Onitsha as well as FITHEB, the biggest cultural festival in Benin Republic. Also on the Globacom agenda is the movie industry in Nigeria (Nollywood) and Ghana (Ghollywood).

This involvement in the crowd-pulling sectors is understandable given the company’s mass market services.

Literature is usually perceived, perhaps incorrectly, as not so far-reaching; and it is therefore not so attractive to corporate sponsors when they are considering where to put their money for best results.

This is an important reason why Globacom’s commitment to the Soyinka literary award is not only attention-grabbing but also heart-warming. Corporate

sponsorship of the literary arts is not pronounced in the country, and there are only a few commendable examples in this neglected sector. The corporate champions in this area that easily come to mind are the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Nigerian Breweries Limited (NBL) and Fidelity Bank, which regularly support projects that have to do with writing and reading.

It is praiseworthy that Globacom has decided to put its money on a literary project that even transcends the shores of the country and covers the entire continent of Africa. In the award shortlist of 15 writers released by the organisers, eight are Nigerians; the others are from Liberia, South Africa, Mali, Uganda, The Gambia and Kenya. Although the prize has so far been dominated by Nigerians, which is a positive development for the country, its African inclusiveness cannot be dismissed as a mere claim.

What will become of the country, and indeed Africa which is perceived as a backward continent, in the 21st century without the promotion of writing, and by extension, reading? Literacy is believed to be significant in civilising the human mind, and literature, which is a product of the human imagination, plays a vital role in the development of the human mind and in the promotion of human virtues as well as social values. No doubt, we need to pay more attention to literacy, and we hope that the continuity of this literary award will contribute to the evolution of a literate society.

A bill to stop security leaks puts a plug on democracy VERY DAY IN Washington, government officials — at the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House, Congress or the CIA, to name a few — talk to journalists about information that is considered sensitive.

The officials are not quoted by name, but the information is provided for the reporter’s understanding and it often makes its way into the public realm.

These officials are attempting to help the American people sort out complex policies. Often they have strong views, as boosters or dissidents of the policies. This vast public square is a robust and enduring feature of our democracy.

Now, spurred by recent national security leaks, the Senate intelligence committee has voted 14 to 1 to outlaw many of such background briefings.

An amendment to the 2013 intelligence authorization bill would prohibit anyone but the director, deputy director or public affairs representative of an intelligence agency from providing “background or off-the-record information regarding intelligence activities” to the media. Those at the top could go on talking, while lower-level experts or anyone who might have contrary views would be blocked.

The provision is crude and dangerous. For example, at the end of April, intelligence officials spoke to reporters about their assessment of alQaeda one year after the killing of Osama bin Laden. The briefing included important information about the bin Laden network and to what extent it might be a threat in the future.

This is of extreme public interest. Under the Senate bill, the briefing might well have been prohibited.

Other provisions in the bill are also flawed.

One would extend the reach of pre-publication review by the intelligence community to include not only manuscripts but also “anticipated oral comments.” Yet another would ban government employees or contractors with security clearances from entering into contracts with “the media” to provide “analysis or commentary” on intelligence matters. Former officials who left within the previous year would also be silenced, as would members of advisory boards to the intelligence community.

The amendment is poorly drafted. It fails to define “the media.” Does it include book publishing or social media? Would a 140character tweet violate the law? It sweepingly prohibits disclosure of “intelligence activities” without distinguishing among different levels of classification that are used every day by the 4.8 million people authorized to handle such material.

The chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), said in a news release that “the culture of leaks has to change.” Surely Congress can do better. Serious reform would deal not only with protecting secret information but also repair a dysfunctional system that wildly overclassifies documents which would enrich the public debate. This hastily conceived legislation would choke off the daily give-and-take that is the lifeblood of a democratic society without making the nation in any way more secure.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: No condition is permanent. Not even that of permanent secretaries. But when you apply to that theorem, two graceendowed variables, the equation dissolves into an almighty formula.

True, women like to be first in all things. But they, especially the married ones, prefer firsts that are permanent.

Between the positions of First Lady and Permanent Secretary, which one radiates a bigger aura of permanence? The position of First Lady is an attire; that of Permanent Secretary is a career. Once a PermSec always a PermSec. But once a First Lady, always a First Lady?

I dare you to mime that before any reigning First Lady.

It is written: With patience and good luck, all things are possible.

President Goodluck Jonathan probably never imagined becoming Nigeria’s Number One citizen

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

‘First Permanent Lady Secretary’ when he was made deputy governor. But here was an anointed man who had good luck following him all the days of his life. During the political tragic-comedy that trailed the unfortunate illness of his boss, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, many wanted him to apply the koboko placed in his hands by virtue of his position as acting president.

But he held on patiently until Yar’Adua finally lost the battle and he became substantive president.

See what patience enveloped in good luck can do!

In the Holy Bible of Otuoke, Nigeria has a Dame, a lady of power, glamour and grandeur, of whom it is written: Patience and good luck shall follow you all the days of your life. As a lady, you shall be first. In your career, you shall also be first.

And your first shall be permanent.

No criticism fashioned against you shall prosper. You shall stand before kings and governors and take oaths in pursuit of your career. Your devotion to your career shall never debar you from fully discharging your matrimonial responsibilities.

You are blessed.

And so, how important it is for her to discharge her PermSec duties in Bayelsa State diligently and efficiently and yet does not have to spend a night outside Aso Rock! The old American pop music star foresaw this when he sang: “I don’t think that men should sleep alone.”That was even ordinary men; how much more the Man of men! And God forbids that anyone else, other than the First Lady prepares meals for the First Gentleman.

With patience and good luck al-

Nigeria’s deployment of troops to Mali

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IR: The Nigerian government is reported to be sending troops to Mali as part of an ECOWAS contingent, to combat Islamic rebels who have taken over a sizeable part of the West African country.

Is it not the case of a country that has failed to remove the log in its own eyes, yet is reaching to help remove the speck in a neighbouring country’s eyes? A country that leaves its own problems unattended to, yet goes ahead to lead the problem-solving crusade in another man’s land?

One finds it curious why successive Nigerian governments have always been so enthusiastic in dissipating so much energy preaching to, or materially helping other countries solve their own problems, when in the same token these same governments have never shown the same measure of enthusiasm in tackling our own problems.

In the last four decades, Nigeria’s foreign policy has remained one of the best on the African continent; unfortunately, this has never translated into anything substantial in resolving our progeny of national issues. For example, in the struggle for the independence of Angola, Nigeria is recorded as one of those

countries whose massive support for the MPLA, eventually won and secured Angola’s independence.

Equally, in all the concerted efforts at bringing down the Apartheid government in the then SouthAfrica, Nigeria’s leading role in the anti-Apartheid campaign made all the difference. It is in the same vein that Nigeria has actively helped an array of African countries in attaining desired stability in their polity, which in turn considerably helped power their national development.

However, the glowing testimony of most of these countries is in total contrast with the Nigerian situation.

Thus, while both Angola and South-Africa are today flourishing southern African countries, Nigeria remains a self-professed giant of Africa, with a multitude of potentials, stagnantly underdeveloped?

All of this only attests to the simple fact that it is one thing to be able to help others solve their problems; it is another thing to be ready to demonstrate the same or perhaps a higher level of commitment to solve municipal problems. Is it not said that charity begins at home?

While it is not a bad idea to help chase down sub-regional irrationalities like the insurgents in Mali by the deployment of Nigerian

troops, whether there is a strategic benefit to be derived or not, it is trite to stress emphatically that the inescapable lesson to be learnt by our leaders in all of this is that their cardinal concern should be a relentless preoccupation with the continued search day and night for a solu-

tion to all of the country’s problems.

It will be a bigger glory, if we are not only a giant country abroad, but equally a giant at home.

• Olusola Adegbite, Esq. Town Planning Way, Ile-Ife, Osun-State.

ready in her kitty, all she needed in addition is to polish her culture of hard work. This she must have embraced from her recent guest, Lady Joyce Banda of Malawi, who, in addition to being president, also doubles as her own First Lady. All our Dame, the Dame of African Dames, needs do is wake up early enough to prepare two meals, serve breakfast and preserve lunch in a presidential cooler. She then heads for the airport to connect her flight by 7.30 a.m. and arrive at her desk at Yenegoa in another hour.

Leaving the state capital even by 5.00 p.m. gets her back to Aso Rock early enough to prepare dinner. All that is required is a permanent assignment of a new aircraft in the presidential fleet to the project. Before you start your lousy criticism again, get yourself schooled in pertinent information. Visit www.Idon’t-give-a-damn.gov.ng and download the hyperlink “Bayelsa Career.”

Being a career woman, the First Lady would have succeeded in making her status as a lady secretary and her position at the home front permanent. And so, it’s big congratulations to the First Permanent Lady Secretary, Dame Dr. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s first permanent lady secretary.

• Dele Akinola, Ikorodu, Lagos.

That OBJ, IBB initiative deserves support IR: There were media reports last weekend of two former leaders and retired army generals, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida met and deliberated on finding lasting solution to the threat posed by the activities of the Boko Haram sect. For years now, the sect has unleashed terror and mayhem resulting to hundreds of deaths of innocent Nigerians and destroyed property worth millions of naira in the northern part of Nigeria.

The move by these two leaders is commendable and must be taken seriously by all, mainly the Federal Government and all its security apparatus. The road to achieving peace is usually, especially in our clime, led by the elderly and retired leaders with vast experience, influence and knowledge on issues.

Daily, these militants are getting

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sophisticated, recruiting more men, acquiring more deadly weapons, attacking homes and institutions including the rich and highly placed in the society. Few days ago, the country home of the Vice-President Namadi Mohammed Sambo, was attacked, Police Stations sacked and destroyed. This certainly calls for more worry.

Leaders everywhere in the world, need the people and country to govern, without the people and place, there can be no leaders. So, our present and former leaders, Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors, Senate Presidents, Speakers, Party, Religious, Ethnic and Opinion leaders, must come together, unite amongst themselves to tackle this evil and not just condemn or issue press statements.

Leaders can do more than just condole with the victims’ family mem-

bers. We require more proactive measures from them in tackling this menace.

This Boko Haram insurgency is an evil that will ultimately consume us if left unattended to. At a point, it was only the police that was attacked because according to them, the police killed their leader but now, they attack every perceived enemy including other religious groups, government buildings, communities and homes, relaxation spots, just anybody or group that catches their evil eye. This is the time every patriotic man or woman, irrespective of religion, ethnic or political leaning should do something reasonable to stop the killings by the Boko Haram group, before we join Rwanda, Sudan to share history and experiences.

•Uzodinma Nwaogbe Abuja – Nigeria.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012 16

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COMMENTS

Reality Bites B

Beasts of no gender (1)

Olatunji Ololade

ECAUSE our men are brutes, our women have evolved to be greater brutes. I speak of that towering epitome of womanhood redefined according to rampaging realities of today. I speak of that militant pride of womanhood that would let no one shave their heads, force them to sleep and eat from the bare floor and put them in a cage, at their husbands’ death. I speak of selfacclaimed “revolutionaries,” “women’s rights activists” and “feminists” if you like, that will only pay lip-service even as you read, to the plight of the Nigerian woman and girl-child, for a fee. Thus every woman with a shred of humanity in her soul need not pick issues with this; let her leave the whining to the

‘Most sex trafficking and human trafficking rings are run by a Nigerian Madame. Many a Nigerian woman is a thieving C.E.O., pedophile, lazy bureaucrat, demonic cleric, wife to a demonic cleric and mother to a suicide bomber. Many a Nigerian woman is wife to a looter, mistress to a tyrant, companion to a lowlife, mother to a pimp, robber, political thug and internet fraudster. Many a Nigerian woman is daughter to a cannibal, in-law to an outlaw and financier to a drug syndicate. Whatever role she plays to the worst of Nigerian male pales to her traditionally-vested roles as a mother, vessel of life, nurturer of character and conscience of humanity’

self-hating creatures pretending to be woman.

Let me not mince words, Nigerian men are brutes. They force the widow or at least watch her fellow women force her to drink body fluid secreted from her husband’s corpse; in the name of widowhood rites. The Nigerian man is a brute because he batters his wife and dreads that she earns higher even as he practically lives off her. He is a brute because he pays child prostitutes for sex, defiles his own daughter, flaunts his mistress to his wife’s face and manages the latter’s tantrum with a punch.

The Nigerian man is a brute for evils he visits on the society, the Nigerian woman and the girl-child.

Think terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, armed robbery, pedophilia, sex trafficking and every other form of corruption plaguing the Nigerian society. But for all the glaring atrocities he commits, the Nigerian man is at heart, a lower brute.

The greatest of brutes subsists in a woman with a plan; particularly the contemporary Nigerian woman.

Most sex trafficking and human trafficking rings are run by a Nigerian Madame. Many a Nigerian woman is a thieving C.E.O., pedophile, lazy bureaucrat, demonic cleric, wife to a demonic cleric and mother to a suicide bomber. Many a Nigerian woman is wife to a looter, mistress to a tyrant, companion to a lowlife, mother to a pimp, robber, political thug and internet fraudster. Many a Nigerian woman is daughter to a cannibal, in-law to an outlaw and financier to a drug syndicate. Whatever role she plays to the worst of Nige-

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The advertorial in the Vanguard of July 24, titled: Finis Coronate: A prayer of liberation from constitution aberration, credited to Delta Elders and Leaders Council of Delta State, is to say the least, in bad taste, unjustified and uncalled for. The so-called elders heaped a lot of venom and unwarranted abuse on the person of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

That people who call themselves elders could come together to concoct fabrications and falsehood against a sitting governor is unbecoming.

All their allegations and insults against the governor are baseless and neither here nor there. To every Deltan who knows the governor and his political antecedents very well he is the most cerebral leader any society can dream of. He is not only bright; he is clever, and considerate, ever ready to be of help to both the high and the low.

Deltans knew all about Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s style of governance. And when the opportunity to vote him in again and again came, they did not hesitate to do so.

Uduaghan’s electoral victories even when his detractors wanted to mow him down, did not discourage him from being focused and result – oriented.

His problem-solving ability has played a major role in the outcome of his governance of Delta State. And this is one attribute the

‘What does this gesture say of a governor whose love for what is good can never be disputed? It shows that he is not the type of politician who will cross the bridge and then break it down. His philosophy in this respect is different.

This is why he has equally elected to provide bursaries and scholarship to students of Delta State origin in tertiary institutions across the nation’

rian male pales to her traditionallyvested roles as a mother, vessel of life, nurturer of character and conscience of humanity.

Enter creepy dolls, cold, grotesque army of career freaks. HND, B.Sc, MBA, PhD, a pretty face and pliant job ensures for this lot the best of freedom. And those that are without brains look out for the randy boss, then they jiggle their hips. If need be, they up the ante: they offer an alluring bump or two for the randy male or female boss. No more shall womanly wiles be subservient to impenitent machismo. Our daughters have learnt to tame men. Our women have learnt to be men.

Many a woman is perhaps picking this piece apart claiming a successful woman need not feign masculinity or pawn her behind to be successful.

That is relatively true. In fact, reality asserts among other things, that the Nigerian woman is not in any way inferior to her man. Today, she beats him silly on any level playing field at any given forum, on any given day, on merit; thus the extraordinary league of brainy, wealthy, independent and impressive females parading our social space.

Of this lot, very few have been outstanding so far. Think Patricia Etteh, Arunm a Oteh, Ndi OkerekeOnyiuke, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Diezanni Allison-Maduekwe, Cecilia Ibru, Dora Akunyili among many others. Together, they constitute a somewhat fascinating force of 21st century Nigerian womanhood notable by peculiar gifts and faculties that intimidates the most virulent male-chauvinists.

The jury is never out though on their touted capacities to distinguish themselves as patriots wrought of finer stock than the best of Nigerian men. Let their performance in office be the judge of their humanity and character. Are they really any better than creeps we’ve had manning those

crucial roles in which they’ve been opportune to serve? Are they the best that the Nigerian female folk have to offer?

Are they indeed deserving of the ennoblement they are vested with or do they actually constitute bad PR for the “Pro-women leaders” campaign movement? How have these women fared in crucial positions they manned, pardon me, womanned or still womantill date? Are they nation builders or destroyers?

Forget Okonjo-Iweala, Oteh, Ibru, Akunyili et al; who offers hope to the Nigerian female folk and thus Nigeria. “The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood,” argued Mary McLeod Bethune, U.S. educator and human-rights activist; what is the worth of our race measured by the character of our womanhood?

I know there are a great many women generously endowed with that proverbial humanity, character, integrity, grace, brilliance, sensuality, ambition and womanliness that should be the cornerstone of such moulders of men and nurturers of character that Nigeria deserves; but their modest, feeble voices have been smothered in the raucous din of gluttonous freaks constituting Nigeria’s band of contemporary women leaders.

Women icons we have now, at least, the “most prominent” amongst them present the worst role models to the generation next. Yet every young, upwardly mobile, Nigerian female wants to be like them. In their quest for self-actualization, they have embarked upon vigorous pro-feminist campaign anchored by fraudulent, self-serving youth leaders hence the never-ending conferences of “iconic” women teaching currency-activated women and girls to be more self-reliant, confident, wealthy and intimidating at a glance.

Their advocacy is for equal oppor-

tunities and better lot for the Nigerian girl-child and woman even as their definition of “vulnerable girlchild and “woman”conveniently leaves out actual vulnerable girls and impoverished women and widows withering away in Sankwala, Owode, Ota, Onyeama, Urualla, Oru, Yardaje, Gashaka-Gumti, Barnawa, Agege, Ajegunle, Alimosho, Saki to mention a few. For these, each day passes in drudgery and total negation of our so-called icons’ touted struggle for their sakes.

This is not to say that the impoverished woman is above the avarice and stark bestiality of her more successful peer. Many a poor, struggling mother invites her pastor and alfa to pray for God to protect her internet fraudster of a son from the long arms of the law. Many gladly condone and encourage the inhumanity of their sons and daughters as long as it assures them of three-square meals, aso ebi, and higher status. Many a poor, struggling mother supports her husband and child who uses fellow human for money-making ritual; to them, a life of luxury, however shortlived, is preferable to living under the means.

But such poor, struggling mother and wife are basically negligible elements on the lower rung of perverted womanhood Nigeria currently grapples with; the nation suffers untold grief by the citizenship and inhumanity of rich, spoiled, polished, Ivy-League trained, tyrannical C.E.Os, politicians and bureaucrats shouldering Nigeria’s women lib crusade.

Their politics like their men’s, hardly reveals any dependable philosophy or politic. They endlessly grieve because they are yet to attain total domination in beating the men at our game of beasts.

•

SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

Uduaghan: Beyond the distractions

By Jackson Mordi opposition does not want to stomach, hence these series of unnecessary and endless attacks on the governor and his cabinet. For the benefit of hindsight, Governor Uduaghan has indeed set the state on the path of progress, the sort even a blind person can feel once he is in the state.

It is on record that since his assumption of office, he has continually given education its pride of place in the state. So far, he has made true most of his electioneering promises in this regard. He has constructed over 18,000 new blocks of schools in the state.

This is truly a golden moment for the education sector and very many responsible and educationally-conscious Deltans have been giving unprecedented kudos to the laudable foresight and leadership acumen being displayed by the government.

For a start, the government has been paying NECO and WAEC examination fees for all secondary school students in Delta State. Since the governor made this commitment and promise, he has never gone back on his words. As it is now, parents no longer have sleeplessness nights whenever the examination time is approaching. The government’s commitment and resolve in this regard is total. Government is deeply concerned that everyone, no matter his or her state in life, should be given the opportunity to acquire quality education.

Education is the key to success! This is Uduaghan’s mantra.

What does this gesture say of a governor whose love for what is good can never be disputed? It shows that he is not the type of politician who will cross the bridge and then break it down. His philosophy in this respect is different. This is why he has equally elected to provide bursaries and scholarship to students of Delta State origin in tertiary institutions across the nation.

To date, over 18,000 of such students have gained from this. In addition, about 88 Ph. D research students have been awarded scholarship because they made first class in their first degrees. In fact, in Uduaghan’s

contention, this exercise will help to produce sound academics and intellectuals who will man the many higher institutions littered here and there in their state. What more can be better than this?

When the governor promised the physically-challenged that they would not be neglected in the scheme of things, he knew what he was saying. At the moment, about 99 of them have obtained scholarship to study in any school of their choice. This is apart from over 883 Law students who have been lucky to undergo their programmes in law schools across the country due to the governor’s large heart.

He has equally extended his hand of generosity to the children of deceased civil servants in the state. Over 300 of such children are in school now enjoying the goodwill of the government. All these are traits of a champion; secrets of a leader who knows how to weather the storm; how to make things work.

The governor’s idea of rotational governorship as being misinterpreted and propagated by cynics and opposition is not something to lose sleep over. Delta State is a dynamic place; it is not called the heart beat of the nation for nothing. The people always know when to make the desired change. They know how to send a bad leader and his cronies packing and then look elsewhere for replacement.

For them, a good leader can come, say from Asaba, Ole, Sapele, Warri or even a place as remote as Illah. An average Deltan believes that a good leader is like the moonlight when it is in its full bloom.

Nothing can hide it from the public glare.

When it was time for them to choose Uduaghan and effect the necessary powershift, the people did so in one accord. So power will surely shift, but in its own time and style when the occasion calls for it in the state. Politics is a game of intrigues and numbers and those who desire power now have to work for it.

Once upon a time, it was the turn of the Urhobos. Now, an Itshekiri man is in the saddle. Ten years ago, this unprecedented

phenomenon appeared utopian. Nothing, indeed, is impossible in politics. A political ‘earthquake’ can occur overnight to disrupt all age-long set permutations and norms. It is just for those angling for power to get their political machineries ready to do the impossible. Delta State is large enough to stomach and accommodate any level of political alignment and manipulation essential for power-shift.

It is when this is properly done that powershift and power rotation can be said to have intermingled and then usher in that new era, the era of new ideals and ideas. Uduaghan has done well, no doubt. He has mastered the game of intrigues in the state to know what is good for all and sundry. And if he says that rotation or power-shift is good for the state, so be it.

• Mordi writes from Umunnede, Delta State.

‘The governor’s idea of rotational governorship as being misinterpreted and propagated by cynics and opposition is not something to lose sleep over. Delta State is a dynamic place; it is not called the heart beat of the nation for nothing. The people always know when to make the desired change. They know how to send a bad leader and his cronies packing and then look elsewhere for replacement’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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COMMENTS ‘National injustice is the surest road to national downfall.’

————William Ewart Gladstone (1809 1898) British statesman in a speech made at Plumstead, London SAAC Adaka Boro was that heroic NigerDelta activist who in the sixties proclaimed a sovereign state of the Niger-Delta Republic. Obviously, he made his proclamation based on the environmental despoliations and utter neglect of his people in that region. Over 45 years after that historic affirmation, the reverberation of injustice is still generating ugly consequences in that region. It is not just a happenstance that Kenule Beeson Sara-Wiwa, that Ogoni rights crusader that was judicially murdered in November 10, 1994, by the court and the despotic Sani Abacha, then the country’s Head of State, took over the mantle of struggle against Niger-Delta subjugation from Adaka Boro. No wonder, the Ogoni people in Rivers state are now clamouring for their sovereign identity which they have reportedly begun with the institution of their own traditional judicial system. The chicken is gradually, and will definitely, come home to roost.

It has been an over flogged issue that the current federal constitution in operation in the country is not truly federal. What it does is just to create a supremacist centre administration that manipulates how it feels other component units should exist, sometimes, against the provisions of the existing flawed constitution. The centre government controls the natural resources being derived from the states comprising the federation. Also, the constitution puts most items that can make life more abundant for the states’ inhabitants including railways, police, power, aviation, census, prisons, taxation and other 62 items under the control of the federal government in the Second Schedule, Part 1 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2010.

It is now quite glaring that this kind of odious constitutional compartmentalisation demands a change if the sanctity of the Nigerian state must be guaranteed. One can still remember vividly that this irresponsive constitution that created a distorted constitution was the basic reason why it became possible for ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo to frustrate the laudable Enron Power project initiated during the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos state. To the former Lagos governor’s credit, he won

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ET us call it ‘muscle’ drain this time.

Nigerian sportsmen and women may have decided not to worry about the colours of the flag they carry any longer. Just any flag would do, so long as we are well taken care of, seems to be the refrain in the on-going London Games of the Olympics.

Britain alone has no fewer than 15 Nigerian athletes of medal potentials carrying the Union jack. Topping the pack is delectable Christine ohuruogu, most likely a fullblooded owerri girl. Already an Olympian of gold caliber having won the 400m race in Beijing for years ago for her adopted country, Britain. She is poised to retain her title going by her current form. Also well known is Philips Idowu, a triple jumper who picked a silver medal at the last Games in China.

Andrew Osagie is British number one in the 8000m while Lawrence Okoye is British record holder in discus throwing; others who may mount the medals podium not for Nigeria as their names may sound, but for Britain, include Meg Adeoye, James Dasaolu, Marilyn Okoro, to name a few. We shall have to take solace in the fact that though they don’t have our flag, at least they have our name.

It is a lingering irony that when Great Britain colonized Nigeria, we fought bitterly and even killed to regain our freedom and independence. But 52 years after, we are not only bonded slaves to ourselves and so-called governments, the average Nigerian, young or old would pay anything today to board even a slave ship out of Nigeria and preferably to the Queen’s country. We have heard about our young people hiding in the engines of foreign bound ship and getting parboiled.

We have seen our young people hide in the tyre compartments of aeroplanes and getting squashed therein. There are numerous cases of Nigerian youths discovered mid-sea in Europe-bound ship and fed to the fishes. Such is the level of desperation and despair in the land today.

Of course we are quite familiar with brain drain, the other kind of neo-slavery, a phenomenon that pushes the brightest and best minds from Nigeria and other mismanaged countries to migrate to cooler climes where governance is serious business, the society is carefully ordered and proper value is placed on exceptional human endowments. It is this force that has propelled thousands of Nige-

Adaka boro and the Delta challenge

•Uduaghan many battles in the court against the federal government on what true fiscal federalism should be in the country. He also created Local Council Development Areas that became difficult for the centre government to annihilate till date.

The governor of example, Babatunde Fashola has courageously rebuffed late President Umaru Yar’Ádua’s sassiness of challenging the status quo on local councils in Lagos state during his life time. One wonders what true federalism is if not a system that allows heterogenous nationalities that could have been on their own, to agree to be under a central government in pursuit of common objectives. This symbiotic relationship should be one that promotes unity and reasonable degree of independence amongst

federating nationalities, and also one that ensures the sustainance of units’ peculiarities and identities. But could this be said of the current federal structure in the nation?

Where is fiscal federalism in Nigeria where all natural resources belong to the centre government; when the central abministration collects the largest share of revenue proceeds made from oil and other mineral resources derivable from the states? The sad thing is that the impact of what the government does with the money is rarely felt. What with the bad state of most major highways in the country that is are begging for serious official attention. A typical example is the poor state of the Lagos/ Ibadan expressroad that President Goodluck Jonathan, despite deafening appeals, have chosen to look the other way.

The inimitable United States of America’s civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jnr. (19291968), in a letter from his Birmingham borstal once wrote: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Definitely, the injustice against the oil rich Niger-Delta that informed this skewed federation has extended to other regions, making them in the process, not to be in control of their natural mineral endowment.

The fact that militancy in the Niger-Delta has not been effective does not mean that violence in that region will stop. Of course, it is widely acknowledged that the continuing damage to Niger-Delta land is consequent upon oil pollution arising from oil exploratory activities

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Nigeria’s ‘muscle drain’ rian medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and university teachers, among others, to now live and work in nearly every corner of the world but particularly in Europe, the United States of America, Middle East and Asia. A recent report listed about 5000 Nigerian medical doctors currently working in Britain alone.

Before this on-going London Games, it was not common for Nigerian athletes to so proudly hold aloft, other peoples’ flags especially in major games like Commonwealth and the Olympics. A few years back when a certain sprinter, Francis Obikwelu ‘defected’ to Spain, it caused so much uproar and disaffection. Even great Nigerian athletes of the 80s and 90s like Chidi Imoh, Innocent Egbunike, Dele Udoh, Mary Onyali, to name a few, who enjoyed American college scholarship, returned to Nigeria and proudly carried her flag. Not any more. The green and white flag is soiled, if not in tatters. Apparently, it is not worthy of the dignity of any rational mind anymore. The flag seems perpetually at half mast these days anyway.

Nigeria, the great black man’s hope is roiling at the nadir of her existence today. No, it is not embroiled in wars like Iraq nor is it assailed by natural calamities of tsunamic proportions. It is being savaged by people who pretend to be leaders. Nigeria, especially populated by strong, graceful and athletic people, has become the shame of the game.

Particularly held down by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a gathering of the most nihilistic elements to be found in any country, Nigeria has for 13 years, remained an arrested development, a place where flowers don’t grow anymore.

Nigeria that ought to be a world beater in most sports tournament is today a laggard in every sphere of life. We can’t even maintain our stadia. A visit to the National Stadium in Lagos will make you weep and wonder if there is any government in the land. Most government schools do not organize interhouse sports any more in Nigeria. There is just no hope; no ray of light at the end of any tunnel in Nigeria, which explains why Nigerians are migrating in droves. There is no hope because people in power at all levels are busy stealing as if the country is coming to an end. The leaders are not giving any hope whatsoever to the people; especially the youth. Nobody seems to understand the immense power and resources trapped in our wasting youths. This is why Nigerians will drain even their muscle, and in fact, anything at all, to stay alive.

LAST MUGS: LASG’s ill-motivated traffic Law…

As you read this dear Lagos motorist, be on your guard for the Lagos State Government may have signed into law, a most violent and foul-tempered traffic law. Beware because the intention of the law seems not to correct but to generate revenue. Notice first that every infringement no matter how minor attracts a fine of N20,000.00. It is also replete with other severities such as 3-year jail term, psychiatric tests and all that. There is something eerie if not brutish to make a law from the premise that the citizens are essentially demented and irretrievable in their dereliction. No, Lagosians and indeed Nigerians are innately law-abiding people. On the other

of the multinational oil companies. This makes farming and fishing that are the major preoccupation of riverine Niger-Deltans to be near impossible to achieve. The degree of despoliation of their land is unimaginable and unpardonable.

For as long as this remains on-going, the restiveness in the areas might be difficult to curtail by any government. The Adaka Boro spirit and the Saro-Wiwa crusade will remain a goading catalyst for sustained rebellion against the state until true justice meant to remedy the anomalies going on becomes officially imperative. How do we achieve this?

The governor of Delta state, Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan at the retreat of the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution that held in Delta state recently proffered amendments to the constitution. This will significantly contribute to attempt at ending incessant agitations for true federalism in the country. In a unique manner, he drummed it into the ears of the lawmakers that giving ownership/control of resources to states of discovery, with the central government collecting taxes and royalties, are the ways through which anomalies of this warped federation can be corrected. Otherwise, he averred that another way is to half the revenue sharing formula per centage between the states and the centre.

More importantly, he came up with an interesting idea designated: “Delta Beyond oil.”

The problem with Nigeria is that the nation could not think beyond oil but it is a good thing that a state is already thinking in that directionother states in the nation must start thinking along that direction too. Without oil today, what are the chances of Nigeria’s survival?

The wake up call has been made and the federal law makers must endeavour to grab this opportunity by making desirable changes to the constitution. It is quite evident according to Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797), an Irish-born British statesman/political philosopher that, ‘In doing good, we are generally cold, languid, and sluggish….But the works of malice and injustice are quite in another style: They are finished with a bold, masterly hand.’ These law makers saddled with amending the constitution must contrary to Burke’s statement not be cold, languid and sluggish in doing good for the component states in the country that they were elected to represent. Otherwise, they would be accused of being bold and masterly in contributing to the current injustice against the states on the issue of true federalism in the land. hand, the roads of Lagos are sure to take the juice out of commuters and regular exposure to unremitting Lagos traffic will definitely bring on early dementia. Lastly, any government that allows major points of traffic bottlenecks to remain for decades without solution and watches potholes linger for years equally needs some form of drastic therapy. What we need now are not draconian traffic laws; we need continuous traffic enlightenment and education for motorists, we need to drastically open up more roads instead of the current one-trackers, we need improved road facilities.

… And Oyo in extortionate mode

Recently, Oyo State Government asked the businesses in her domain to come register all over again. Schools, hotels, petrol stations, missions and even one-man businesses are not left out. It is okay to build an up-to date data bank of the economic activities in a State but the question is, to what end? Often when government asks for revalidation or re-registration, it is designed to raise funds and extort the hapless businesses. Running a business in Nigeria profitably today is neigh impossible. What value is Oyo State Government about to add to these businesses? Would OYSG ensure regular power supply, access to credit, security, water supply, access roads?

Governments must be careful not to criminalise long-suffering business people or compel them to pay multiple taxes. Ultimately, it does not augur well for the overall economy of the State.

‘Nigeria, the great black man’s hope is roiling at the nadir of her existence today. No, it is not embroiled in wars like Iraq nor is it assailed by natural calamities of tsunamic proportions. It is being savaged by people who pretend to be leaders. Nigeria, especially populated by strong, graceful and athletic people, has become the shame of the game’

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

23

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Many people, including government officials, suffer from stress for many reasons, including work load and lack of rest. To sensitise them to the dictum: ‘Health is wealth’, the government of the State of Osun organises a monthly Walk-to-Live programme. Editor GBENGA OMOTOSO, who participated in the last exercise in Ila-Orangun, writes on the endurance test-turned carnival.

An endurance test… and a carnival T

HE skyline is dark and cloudy.

The sun is struggling to show up, but the signs are there that it is not going to be its day; not a sunny day. The city has woken up early, with sounds of vehicle engines revving on the major road arousing late risers from their beds, but nature seems to have planned to force a disturbing lethargy on Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun as it threatens to rain.

We set out for the countryside. Rumbling caterpillars tearing away at allgreen bushes, a long straight line of freshly dug up red earth, fallen trees and small crowds of men in work helmets – all signs that a new road is on the way.

Clearly visible from the road are the undulating hills, robed in thick, green, dark tropical forests. Just behind the seductive hills, the clouds seem to be beckoning. And right down the hills, the forests retreat, giving way to short trees and grass. The magnificent picture of a wide savannah, with wild animals, exotic fruits and small streams hits the eyes. At every point of the journey, nature bares its majesty. The weather is cool, slightly windy and soothing.

Not quite a great setting for a safari?

But, it was no safari on July 14; it was a mission to the ancient town of IlaOrangun for the monthly Walk –toLive, a health programme of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration.

Already waiting in the town was a large crowd of ordinary folks, dignitaries, civil servants, students, artisans and children. Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chair Chief Bisi Akande, who was governor of the state from 199 to 2003, was in the crowd. A septuagenarian, he looked like a 40-yearold in his white T-shirt, fez cap and a pair of dark grey trainers. He was joined by Aregbesola, who was decked out in an all-white track suits and trainers, a white fez cap shielding his face. So were the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, Secretary to the Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Chief of Staff Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife were there in colourful red and black track suits. Behind them was a retinue of aides, led by the Chief of Staff, Dr Adeolu Akande. Hon Yinka Ajayi of the House of Representatives was there.

Among the host of other dignitaries were movie stars and sports personalities. The veteran actor, Chief Lere Paimo, alias Eda Onileola, was there. So was Toyin Adegbola, who is fondly called Asewo to re Cuba, being part of the state’s contingent to that country. Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu (aka Ajobiewe) in an ear piercing voice, rendered a moving Ijala, the hunters’ exotic poetry, in praise of the Ogbeni.

Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde and State Football Association Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi were there.

With a few quick steps, the sixkilometre walk began. Some five minutes after, a little break to pay homage to the Orangun of Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin, who had come out of the palace – sans agbada and heavy beads, but a white polo shirt, a skull cap, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of trainers - to join the exercise.

As the walk increased in pace, so was the sea of heads. It was so moving seeing the physically challenged trying to make it on their wheel chairs. Some trailed behind with their crutches. The

•Part of the huge crowd of participants at the event.

• Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from residents. With him are Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife Florence and Osun Deputy Governor Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (left).

‘The scene was reminiscent of a village festival being led by a priest, who is the star of the procession that everybody wants to see. In fact, many confessed that they had never seen a governor walk in a town like an ordinary citizen; not one super being. No siren; no outriders and no grumpy policemen elbowing other motorists off the road’ sight of curious old women and men standing in front of their homes and on balconies, waving brooms – the symbol of the ACN – was so enthralling. Their wrinkled faces told a story - that of the demystification of power.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is, after all, a human being who could show up – flesh and blood – in any village or town.

The scene was reminiscent of a vil-

• Chief Onigbinde (left) ex-international Ademola Adesina and Ogunjobi (right).

lage festival being led by a priest, who is the star of the procession that everybody wants to see. In fact, many confessed that they had never seen a governor walk in a town like an ordinary citizen; not one super being. No siren; no outriders and no grumpy policemen elbowing other motorists off the road.

The praises were as effusive as the prayers of the old folks for the gover-

nor who kept on waving at the throng of people, even as he kept pace with his fellow walkers, including members of his executive council.

Some of old women were locked in an argument over who had come to town. One said it was the governor; another said: Aregbe ke; oun da (Aregbesola; where is he?). Yet another said if it was true the governor was part of the crowd, she would touch

him. An old man kept on waving his broom, praying for all those who wished the governor well.

It was an unusual revelry; a cocktail of music. A strange kind of marriage between culture and sports. Men were hitting gangan, the talking drum, with remarkable skill. Lagbaja, the songster, would have been envious of the bata drummers. Some youths displayed their acrobatic talents, sending their feet off the ground and rolling in the air several times, just like the soccer star, Obafemi Martins. The crowd roared at every stunt.

But it was not all over at the point of the walk’s termination. A large field had been prepared for the next phase of the session. Some keep fit experts led the aerobics. Frog jump, sit-ups and many others.

Mission accomplished, it was time to relax and listen to lessons on the uses of exercise – as a health therapy and bulwark against many ailments.

Senator Ajimobi praised Aregbesola’s initiative and drive as well as his determination to run a purposeful administration. He promised to replicate the Health Walk in the Pacesetter State.

Aregbesola was full of gratitude to the citizenry for embracing the programme, which is going round the major cities. In fact, he recalled that the last one, which was held in the university town of Ile-Ife, was huge.

“It has been the talk of the town since we held the walk. Some people said we couldn’t go to Ife; we went there and the world saw the reception. They also said I was ill. But, I thank the Almighty God, here I am today. I have a message for them – they too should come out for the world to see them.

Why have they disappeared from town? Let them come out and see whether the people are happy with them,” Aregbesola said.

The message was, no doubt, for the leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) who once peddled the rumour that Ogbeni Aregbesola was away overseas because of an ailment.

The governor reeled off the development efforts – infrastructural revival, urban renewal, education, health and others – of the Action Con•Continued on page 24

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

24

POLITICS Recently, the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly sent a delegation comprising lawmakers and some staff of the Assembly on a two-week drafting workshop at the International Law Institute, Washington D.C, United States. The leader of the delegation and chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, recounts the delegation’s experience, observations and how the workshop would impact on lawmaking in the Assembly. OZIEGBE OKOEKI met him.

‘LagosAssemblymust remain a model’

I • Voters being accredited during the council polls in Ogun State.

Why ACN swept Ogun council polls

T

HE local government elections in Ogun State have come and gone. The ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been savouring its victory in the July 21 polls; the opposition has been crying foul.

The joy of the ACN is doubled in that the exercise removed Ogun from the list of states whose council areas are administered by un-elected officials.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, announced the results in which the ACN won all the 20 chairmanship seats and 226 of the 236 wards.

However, the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its splinter group, Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), have alleged that the electoral body rigged the polls in favor of the ruling party.

To many observers, however, the result reflected the difference between the preparations made by the ruling party and the major opposition PDP which was enmeshed in internal wrangling .

One of the election observer groups, the Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate (CPPM), in its report described the election as free and fair. The report signed by its Executive Chairman, Nelson Ekujumi, however, covers only two of the 20 local council areas. They are Ado Odo Ota and Ifo local government areas.

According to the CPPM, distribution of materials to the various wards by the Electoral Officers (EO’s) was in the full glare of “party agents, observers, the media and security men who were all satisfied with the process”.

The group also claimed that it “monitored the distribution of election materials from the various wards levels to the polling units from about 8.00am – 9.32am also in the presence of party agents, poll observers, security personnel in the two LG’s (Ado Odo Ota Ifo) which were concluded to the sat-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

isfaction of all.

“Actual accreditation took place in most polling stations observed in the 2 LG’s from between 9.00am – 12.30pm and we observed that in most polling stations, there were only party agents of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as security agents and we observed that the process went on smoothly to the satisfaction of all the stakeholder including the electorate”.

It concluded: “Generally, the Ogun State Local Government election held on July 21, 2012, in the two aforementioned LG’s were transparent, peaceful, fair and credible by all democratic standards as the electorate exercised their franchise without fear or intimidation… CPPM commends the good people of Ogun state for a fair turnout of voters, the security agencies, OGSIEC officials, observers and the media for a job well done in the coverage of an election in which the conduct of the stakeholders was a marked improvement even over the conduct of the 2011 general elections.”

That was just one of the many reports prepared by observers of the elections in the state. It means that far from the claims of irregularities, snatching of ballot boxes and violent conducts the result of the election was to a large extent, a reflection of the preparation, internal harmony and political belief of the people of the state.

The crisis that hit the PDP in the runup to the 2011 polls is yet to abate. On the contrary, it is almost spiralling out of control. In the run-up to the elections, the only news about the PDP was not that of campaign but of litigation, court cases, how members of a faction were sentenced to six months and so on. It was a fierce legal battle over which of the two factions of PDP should present candidates for the elections.

When the OGSIEC eventually settled for the candidates presented by the faction loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, those loyal to former Governor Gbenga Daniel found their way back to PPN to contest the elections.

But while the two factions were locked in the legal battle, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and ACN leaders were busy, campaigning in the 20 council areas, selling the candidates to the electorate and healing perceived wounds and placate party members who felt aggrieved with the choice of some chairmanship candidates.

The approach enabled the party to campaign as a united and an indivisible unit at first before it later broke into groups with commissioners and other political leaders leading the campaign teams in their wards and local governments.

Beyond the adequate preparation by the ACN for the election, the performance of Governor Amosun since he assumed office also played a part. This is noticeable in the areas of roads, free education in all public primary and post primary schools, improved security and prudence into public accounting.

And besides maintaining excellent relationship with his workers, the governor recently bought 500 units of electricity transformers for distribution to communities just as he commissioned the high grade Ibara-Sokoro-Totoro road.

The result of the election was, therefore, not a surprise. If anything, it was a reaffirmation of the decision of the people of the state during the April 2011 general election to return to the progressive fold. At that election, the ACN won in all the 20 council areas. In summation, the victory of the party at the recent council polls can be said to be the outcome of the party’s vigorous campaign drive, Governor Amosun’s performance and importantly, the people’s decision to remain in the progressive camp.

An endurance test… and a carnival •Continued from page 23

gress of Nigeria (ACN) in the Southwest and noted that Ondo State would soon join the train. The crowd roared in agreement.

Onigbinde, trim and fit, spoke of the gains of the walk. He has not missed any in the series since he joined the other participants six months ago, he said. In his view, the programme stresses the importance of exercises to the body.

“It’s very good. Besides, you can see that it is a test of the popularity of the governor,” the soccer chief said.

Various cultural groups took turns to exhibit their dancing skills. But the scene became charged when the Oranmiyan Orchestra took the stage to dish out some songs laced with political anecdotes, castigating the op-

position for plundering the land of its riches. So moved was Aregbesola that he jumped off his seat to dance as the group struck the right chord, singing: Aregbesola gbogbo ile nki o o Gbogbo ile n ki i o Aregbesola oko Serifat Alaanu mekunu Gbogbo ile n ki o (Everybody greets you, Aregbesola Everybody greets you, Serifat’s husband Friend of the poor, We all greet you.)

Soon the floor became rowdy, with people throwing up into the air their hands and legs. Women were gyrating seductively to the lyrics and the rhythm. The crowd sang along.

When it was all over, Chief Akande hosted dignitaries to lunch in his home, a cluster of beautiful buildings, including a big hall, exhibiting a no-

table mastery of architectural design.

It was time to ruminate about the lessons of the exercise, just before lunch was served. Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Home Affairs Sikiru Ayedun agreed that the potential of the walk becoming a tourist attraction is great. It has, in fact, strengthened the government’s resolve to develop tourism into a cash spinning venture that will also generate jobs. The Osun Osogbo Festival is popular. So, there is already a template for the vision.

To many, the walk is a test of endurance, which all citizens must have. After all, making the State of the Living Spring a model of good governance does not seem to be a dash for sprinters, but a marathon. It is a test of endurance, which requires a sound mind in a healthy body.

N its continuous drive to be the leading light and pathfinder for Nigerian and African legislatures, the leadership of the Seventh Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly recently sent some lawmakers and staffers of the Assembly to participate in a workshop on legislative drafting organised by the globally acknowledged training institute, The International Law Institute (ILI), Washington DC, USA. The training, according to the leader of the delegation, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petition, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade is to “avail the participants the opportunity of gaining practical skill, knowledge and experience in legislative drafting in line with international best practices”.

According to Agunbiade, other countries that sent participants to the workshop includes Ghana, Uganda, India and Bhutan.

“The International Law Institute, is a world acclaimed capacity building organisation founded in 1955 as part of George Town University, Washington.

Since 1983, it has focused primarily on offering training assistance to government officials, professionals and private sector organizations in providing solutions to democratic and economic challenges being faced by developing nations and emerging economies across the globe”, Agunbiade said.

He explained that participants were taken through highly interactive and practical sessions in topics like introduction to legislative drafting: principles and analysis; legislative language: achieving the intended legal effect, enforcement provisions; structuring the legislative language forms and organizations, legislative language relating to existing law: amendments, repeals and superseding language; legislative language: achieving clarity of expression and practical drafting bill.

Other topics treated are: legislative operations of committees; overview of the United States legislative process; legislative support offices: legislative drafting services; establishing a government commission; statutory interpretation; review of workshop on legislative drafting project; comparative legislative processes and drafting. All these were rounded up with practical sessions, Agunbiade said.

Agunbiade who represents Ikorodu 1 constituency in the House said the workshop was quite rewarding and would go a long way in further assisting the Lagos Assembly in fulfilling its stated mission which is ‘A state House of Assembly poised to make laws for good governance in Lagos state, representing the interest of our people while ensuring judicious use of the state resources for the maximum benefit of Lagosians, in pursuit of excellence’.

During the workshop, according to him, the delegation made the following observations which formed part of its report to the whole House at plenary last week : that federalism is being strengthened across the globe by encouraging states or federating units to have their own constitutions; that the current trend in the Lagos legislature where ‘Definitions Sections’ appear at the end of the bill is out-fashioned in contemporary legislative practice because it is considered reactionary and not proactive; that legislative drafting is a form of legal drafting and that the committees in legislature are indulged in having a separate budget which enhances planning and quality of services rendered.

Other observations made by the delegation are; that committees also have their individual rules guiding their proceedings and other allied activities; that the words ‘Repeal and Enactment’ are now Other observations made by the delegation are; that committees also have their individual rules guiding their proceedings and other allied activities; that the words ‘Repeal and Enactment’ are now being used as against ‘Repeal and Re-enactment’ in legislative drafting and that legislative drafters all over the world should put in consideration constitutional, administrative and political issues when drafting Bill(s) to enable same stand the test of time.

Based on the delegation’s experience and the above stated observations it presented the following recommendations to the House for adoption to, according to Agunbiade, “ further position the Lagos Assembly in achieving its core values which are: excellence, good governance, probity, accountability, transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, fairness and justice, integrity and timeliness”. Adding that, “it is the candid opinion of the delegation that should the recommendations be considered and properly implemented there would be further improvement in legislation in the state” The recommendations are: That the House adopts the style of ‘Definition Section’ in a bill appearing immediately after the ‘Enacting Clause’ in order to enable the reader to have a firsthand grasp of the meaning of ‘words’ defined before going into the context; that as part of enriching members understanding and debate on bills, every bill forwarded to the House of Assembly should be accompanied by a document detailing its findings/background and impact projections of such bill(s); that every bill should have impact assessment review clause being a provision on ‘the period of impact assessment’ of the law to determine if the impact projections of the law have been achieved within the period and the continued relevance or otherwise of such laws to engender amendments or repeal of same.

The recommendations continued: That the House may consider approving Rules of Procedure to guide proceedings, debate, quorum, voting and sitting of the committees as well as functions of committee chairmen, delegation of power and responsibilities, function of secretary etc. with a view to strengthening and enhance the oversight functions of committees and other related responsibilities; that the House may allow Standing Committees to prepare their budget during the fiscal year since such arrangement would allow for independence of operations and timely execution of committee assignments and programmes; that the use of the words ‘Repeal and Enactment’ be adopted for subsequent use as against Repeal and Re-enactment which are no longer acceptable in contemporary • Agunbiade legislative drafting.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AGUSUT 3, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Family friends and associates of Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka joined in celebrating her mother, Deaconess Adetutu Famuagun’s 80th birthday in Ijigbo, Ado-Ekiti. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN reports.

A matriarch at 80 •The celebrator and her husband, Pa Famuagun

T

HOSE who wonder how Ekiti State Deputy Governor Funmilayo Olayinka got her beauty have got an answer. She took after her mother.

Recently, she was 80.

The Christ Apostolic Church, Ogba Alafia, Ijigbo, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State was filled to the brim. Family friends and associates of Deaconess Grace Adetutu Famuagun the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, thronged the worship centre to celebrate her 80th birthday.

The birthday ‘girl’, who sat beside her husband, Pa Festus Famuagun, looked about 10 years younger.

Ebullient and cute just like Mrs Olayinka in her iro and buba with a matching headtie, she looked more in her 60s or 70s.

Mama's husband of 60 years, Pa Famuagun, acknowledged cheers from all.

His gait belied his age.

Mrs Olayinka and her siblings pooled resources to do their mother proud. They basked in the euphoria of a mother, who had toiled for them and is today seeing them excel in their careers.

The church service was attended by many dignitaries, including wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and her Oyo and Ogun states’counterparts Mrs Florence

Ajimobi and Mrs Olufunso Amosun.

Also, in attendance were Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun states, Otunba Moses Adeyemo and Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori; Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua and his two wives; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin and his wife; other members of the Assembly; Ekiti State Head of Service Mr Bunmi Famosaya and wife; the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Yemi Adaramodu; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Dupe Adelabu; other chairmen of boards and commissions; and local government chiefs.

Others were Hon. Bimbo Daramola; members of the Ekiti State Executive Council, led by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; accompanied by his wife; Ekiti State University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Patrick Aina; Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sidi Oso; Ekiti State College of Education Provost Prof Fransisca Aladejana; and Chairman, Ekiti State Action Congress of Nigeria Chief Jide Awe. The monarchs were led by the Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council of Obas,

•More pictures on page 26

Oba Michael Gbadebo, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe; Olojudo of Ido-Faboro Oba Ilori Faboro; and others.

In his sermon, Pastor Olu Eyebiokin congratulated Mama Famuagun.

Pastor Eyebiokin said the virtues of godliness, dedication and faithfulness had become scarce in the society, saying that was why many people don't live long any more.

He urged the congregation to appreciate God for every favour, adding that if Mama had not been a thankful woman, she would probably not be celebrating her 80th birthday in grand style.

Quoting the Bible, he said that there was no one without nasty experiences, adding: "Even if you ask our Mama to relate her experience, she will have a lot to say.

Today is, however, glorious as God has brought Funmi Olayinka to the centre of her attainments.”

Pastor Eyebiokin praised Governor Kayode Fayemi for being sincere in "executing projects that are really touching peoples' lives", including the roads which he said: "are not limited to Ado-Ekiti but spread everywhere on non-partisan basis."

He said: "As we are full of joy here today

for our mother, the people in town are equally happy and joyful that the changes they longed for have started manifesting.

Even God is happy with Governor Fayemi.

"Those who are here may bear me witness that there is no single road in AdoEkiti and elsewhere in the state that has not been touched. Work has also started on Okela-Housing road. We thank the government a lot for this," he said.

Erelu Fayemi described Mama Famuagun as exemplary and a disciplinarian.

The choir thrilled the audience with melodious tunes which brought guests to their feet. Then, it was time to give to God and the congregation made handsome donations to the church.

The celebrator donated a new Toyota Hiace bus to the District Co-ordinating Council Chairman of the church, Pastor Olu Eyebiokin, to promote evangelism.

After the service, the celebration train moved to Eagle Events Centre, on AdoIkere Road, where dignitaries including Governor Fayemi were entertained. The popular Sugar Band led by Wale Ajayi was on hand to ensure there was no dull moment.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

26

SOCIETY A MATRIARCH AT 80

• Governor Fayemi (second right); Mrs Olayinka (second left); her husband Mr Olayinka and Mrs Ajimobi proposing a toast.

•Sasore of Ado-Ekiti Chief Famuagun

•Pastor Eyebiokin

•Oba Adejugbe

•Erelu Fayemi (right) and Mrs Angela Adebayo

•Evangelist Olumilua and his two wives

• Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye (left) and Chairman, Ekiti State Traditional Council of Obas and Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Adedeji Gbadebo

•Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun and wife

• The celebrator dancing with Oba Faboro

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

27

SOCIETY

The Holy Matrimony between the Owelle of Ugbene and the United Nations Peace Ambassador, Hon Onwelukwue Aaron Chukwukadibia and Lolo Fidelia Onwelukwue was held penultimate Saturday in Anambra State. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

A royal wedding

ITH the arrival of royal families and unique cutural groups that stormed the All Saints Anglican Church, Awka, Anambra State for the wedding between United Nations Peace Ambassador Hon Onweluwue Chukwukadibia and Fidelia Onwelubuike, the church arena was agog with men and women of class, greeting and exchanging backpats.

A retinue of guests in a pageant-like manner took their seats in the church auditorium.

Shortly before the commencement of the ceremony, the groom, Chief Aaron Nwannebuike Chukwukadibia alighted from the well decorated vehicle.

His friends and kingsmen heralded his arrival with chants.

'Dikeakonamba Awba-Ofemmili' wasped in the air, heralding his arrival, an indication that he is a popular figure in town.

He was decked in a milk fitted suit and purple shirt. He complimented it with a tie to match.

A while later, the bride, Lolo Ugogbe Fidelia Ugochukwu Onwelukwue disembarked from the SUV that brought her, looking splendid to say the least, immaculate in similar coloured gown.

Owelle, (as the groom is fondly called)is a staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Nibo service center Awka in Anambra state.

He is also the Secretary General of Staff Welfare Association of the PHCN. The bride is an Assistant Health Officer,

W

•

•The couple Aaron and Fidelia

‘In your marital life, ensure that you communicate with each other always and, at all times, keep the communication line open to guarantee the continuation of your marriage’

The patron of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chinedu Anachuna, gave out his first daughter, Miss Nkoli Juliet to Aba-based business mogul Okechukwu Emmanuel Nwagbolu. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU was there.

Union of lovebirds O

BOSI Community in Anambra State was agog on Saturday, July 14. People from all walks of life gathered to felicitate with the Chief Executive Officer, Chinedu Engineering Company Limited, Chief Chinedu Anachuna.

Anachuna is a community leader in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State and patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State chapter.

All roads led to Anachuna's compound with guests adorning three different Asoebi.

The bride, Juliet, appeared in native Obosi regalia for the traditional wedding.

Her father, Anachuna, admonished the couple not to have a relationship outside wedlock, stating that is ungodly, illegal and contrary to Christian doctrine.

He charged his daughter, Nkoli and her beau, Emmanuel, to always put God first in all their undertakings and pray always for protection, love, guidance, long life and prosperity.

His words: "It is the Christian belief

that when these things are carried out, longevity will visit you. My wife and I are alive because we live happily and I expect that you and your husband will emulate us.

"God will not forsake you if you live a Christian life and love yourselves.

Avoid third party involvement in any misunderstanding between the two of you. Let it be amicably settled. The involvement of a third party is the commencement of crisis in your marriage, and by the time you know it, it has escalated and you will be begging for a divorce. I pray God to bless you with children," he said.

Nwagbolu and his bride thanked his fatherin-law and guests for honouring them. They pledged to live a good Christian life, worthy of emulation.

"Our marriage will be like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family in the Bible," they prayed.

Soon after the traditional rites, there was clicking of glasses and dancing to drum beats. The couple danced their hearts out to the admiration of guests.

•The couple

Umuife Urum Health Center in Awka North Local Government Area also in Anambra state.

Performing the wedding ceremony, the officiating priest and Vicar All Saints Anglican Parish, Amenyi, Awka, Rev. Canon Silas Ike, charged the couple to live exemplary lives as peace advocates.

The cleric reminded the groom that he was already a Judge of Peace of the United Nations and, therefore, should show the world what peace is all about starting from his home.

Canon Ike said: "In your marital life, ensure that you communicate with each other always and at all times keep the communication line open to guarantee the continuation of your marriage; ensure you wear always the armour of married life which include inter allia: faithfulness, patience, respect, understanding, communication and companionship established in covenant".

He further charged the couple to begin taking responsibility in the church and identify with other faithfuls in the parish as the identification in his home parish Ugbene is not enough.

Some of the bigwigs who attended were Justice of High Court, Ekwuluobia, Justice E.P.K. Anigbogu; Dr. Nnamdi Collins Okafor, Head Of Department, Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNIZIK); Chief Nnamdi Meko, Chairman, Anambra State All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN); Hon. Romanus Nebenanya, Transition Chairman, Awka North L.G.A; Mrs. Ngozi Obianyo, H.O.D. UNIZIK; Dr. E.N. Ozioma, Nigerian Ambassador to United Nations among others.

The reception was held at one of the Halls of the Political Science students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

It was filled to the brim with uniformed attired Aseobi of different styles, added glamour to the scene as guests and the lovebirds exchanged banters all through the event.

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Patrick Ugbene, thanked God for granting the guests journey mercies and for his blessings on the Aaron family.

The couple highly elated couple couldn't hide their joy as the were full of praise and thanks to the Almighty.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

28

SOCIETY The seven direct sons of Okanbi, the son of Oduduwa, founder of the Yoruba race, gathered at the Palace of Ila Oragun, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, last Monday to discuss issues of common interest, reports ADESOJI ADENIYI.

I

LA-ORANGUN town was spruced up for the historic visit.

There were bill boards welcoming the historic visitors to their ancestral father’s home.

Residents trooped into the palace of Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, to witness the event, which many described as epochal. The traditional rulers, accompanied by their chiefs; palace aides and servants, arrived on time for the event.

It was the reunion of the seven direct descendants of Okanbi, the son of Oduduwa, founder of the Yoruba race. They are: Alaketu of Ketu, Onisabe of Sabe, Olowu of Owun, Onipopo of Popo and Orangun of Ila, their host. Although the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, did not come, they were in the best of moods on the occasion. The event provided an opportunity for them to interact and discuss issues of common interest.

Ila residents were excited to receive them as many waved and paid homage to the guests as they drove into the town in a long convoy.

Traditional drummers and dancers as well as local singers thronged the palace square, singing praises of their host.

Many notable indigenes, including the Action Congress of Nigeria National Chairman and Asiwaju of Ila Chief Bisi Akande; former Inspector-General of Police Mr Tafa Balogun and others who support the Orangun attended the event.

The unity and development of the Yoruba were the key issues that dominated the meeting.

All the monarchs spoke about sustaining the legacies of Oduduwa, the progenitor of their father, Okanbi. The monarchs also agreed that only unity and collaboration with one another can advance the interest of their communities. They stressed the need to make their impact felt through the promotion of Yoruba culture, which they noted are the tools for the preservation of the identity of their people.

They reiterated that it was imperative that they worked in accord to protect the interest of their people, adding that remained their only preoccupation and obligation.

Addressing the monarchs, the Osun State Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola, expressed joy that the sons of Okanbi came together in the interest of their people.

Describing the development as a good omen for the Yoruba race, she said the Aregbesola administration did not believe in individual and narrow interest, but in the corporate existence of the Yoruba like the monarchs.

She saluted the visionary leadership of the monarchs, which she said, could not be described. She noted that time had come for Yoruba traditional rulers to forge ahead in promoting the welfare of their people, by meeting regularly and setting agenda for the development of the race.

Otunba Laoye-Tomori congratulated Orangun of Ila kingdom and ruler of Igbominaland, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, Bibire 1, for hosting his siblings.

Oba Oyedotun set the tone in his welcome address. He emphasised the need for closer ties among the Yoruba.

A historic home-coming for the royalty •Visiting Obas with Orangun (from left) Oba Alaketu of Ketu, Oba Orangun, Oba Onisabe of Sabe and Onimeko of Imeko.

•Former IGP Tafa Balogun

• Oyedotun with Osun State Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori

•A cross section of Ila chiefs

Giving kudos to the Onisabe of Sabeland, for initiating the visit, he stressed the need for greater and cordial interaction in the future to bring about closer relationships among the people. He stated that a united Yoruba nation would be a catalyst for growth of the race.

Oba Oyedotun emphasised the sacredness of the position of Yoruba Obas, stressing their importance in the governance of their people. He called on governments to accord

them respect and proper recognition.

He called on his colleagues to live above board, avoid partisanship in their dealings with their subjects and be the father to all.

In his goodwill message, the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun and former governor of the State of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande traced the history of the Yoruba, establishing the existence of the seven sons of Okanbi.

Chief Akande, who quoted from

the books published by Prof Banji Akintoye and Rev Samuel Johnson, emphasised that there was, no doubt, about the affinity of Olowu, Alaketu, Orangun, Onisabe, Olupopo and the Oranmiyan of Oyo, saying it was heart-warming that they were re-uniting after being separated, first by a series of destabilisation and tribulations and later by colonialists. He called for greater unity among Yoruba Obas and the people wherever they may

be, urging them to start a harmonious relationship that would bring greater economic prosperity to all.

Chief Akande said: "What remains today is how to harmonise our relationship into commercial and industrial co-operation and collaboration within Nigeria, in the West Africa sub-region and in the diaspora", noting the influence of the Yoruba in the socioeconomic aspects of all parts of the world.

The Alaketu of Ketu and Olupopo of Popo expressed happiness at the reunion held on Monday, saying it was a dream come true to interact fully with their kith and kin, who had been inaccessible due to the artificial boundary created by those who did not know their historical affinity.

The duo expressed happiness at the benefit of history, which established what they knew. They said it was the thick blood that set them to find a way of making the visit, which had paid off, and was the beginning of a new thing in the future of Yoruba nation.

The monarchs, who noted that their efforts at searching for their siblings were worth it, said it was for unity and development that they started it and that would be their pursuit.

The Onikoyi Abesan, the Alajase of Ajaseland, another Yoruba monarch in the Republic of Benin and some of their colleagues in the Southwest attended the event.

29 FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1760

Since its debut last year, the Amstel Malta Showtime has not only empowered undergraduates, it has also helped to spot talents, encouraging them to give their best in whatever they do. After a thrilling show in Port Harcourt, the Rivers States capital, the Showtime train landed in Benin, the Edo State capital. WALE ALABI was there.

When Amstel Showtime rocks N

AETO-C, Davido, Darey Art Alade and Buchi. They have one thing in common: they are the raves in the entertainment circuit where young artistes are using their talents to tackle poverty and unemployment that is ravaging the country.

With honed talents blended with hard work and encouragement from firms, such as Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, not many graduates of universities and polytechnics will go in search of white collar jobs after graduation.

Rather, most of them will live on their talents. Perhaps it is this that prompted the NB to introduce the Amstel Malta Showtime for talented undergraduates last year.

Last year, which was the debut season, Amstel Malta Showtime moved across four cities: Owerri, Enugu, Abuja and Lagos. The event featured some of the country’s biggest music stars including: Banky W, Whiz Kid and Darey Art Alade who was the anchor person amongst several artistes.

This year, the Amstel Malta Showtime’s first port of call was the oil city of Port Harcourt.

Performing in the first leg of the event were P Square and Flavour, two of Nigeria’s famous artistes.

And when the event ended, it didn’t disappoint. For the people of Port Harcourt, who missed the event last year, it was worth the wait. This edition had high life exponent, Flavour, and the dynamic duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of P Square thrilling the crowd. Indeed, it was a night to savour. Also present was Darey ‘Art’ Alade, who continued from where he stopped last year as the compere of the event.

But the event was not all about music stars.

It was also an opportunity for young aspiring talents to showcase their skills in singing, dancing and comedy competitions. It saw the contestants go head-to-head in the three categories, to the delight of the audience. The fate of the contestants were decided by the audience via voice votes.

In Port Harcourt, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RUST), and other tertiary institutions from in and around the state. This was their moment to unwind after the academic stress of the week. While the music was blasting away in the hall, the arriving audience sought to stamp their presence in the showtime on the sands of time.

Proceedings kicked off with Darey ‘Art’ Alade’s performance. The Banikudi crooner

• Right to left: Darey ‘Art’ Alade, anchor, Amstel Malta Showtime, Naeto C; Shina Rambo and Davido during the Amstel Malta Showtime in Benin.

gave the crowd a tip of what was to be expected in the night, with his brief but exciting performance. He certainly set the tempo for what was to be a breathtaking event.

Then, it was time for the rookies to show what they were made of. Though the contestants in the singing and dancing categories of the competition gave commendable performances, there was no doubt in the minds of the audience as to their choice of winners. Nonso Eze, a 400 level student of Microbiology from UNIPORT and Obialo Chijioke Nwosu, from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where clearly the crowd favourites following their stand out displays in the comedy and cinging categories.

However, the dance competition was much more competitive. It was a straight fight between the hip-swinging Sharon Robinson, a final year student of Theatre Arts from the UNIPORT and Iye Kachi, a 300 level student of the FUTO. After a protracted session of screaming themselves hoarse, the audience

finally settled on their winner. Iye Kachi won.

For their efforts, each of the winners went home with the handsome prize of a brand new iPad, N500,000 and an all-expense paid trip for two to Lagos. The first and second runners up in each category were not forgotten. They carted home N150,000 and N100,000.

Last Friday, Benin City, the Edo State capital was the next port of call for the showtime train. It was the first time that the show would be held in Benin-City. On the bill that night where Naeto- C, Davido, Buchi and Darey Art Alade. Also as icing on the cake was the dance group, CDW. With students drawn from the University of Benin(UNIBEN), Ambrose Alli University, Auchi Polytechnic, and other higher institutions in neighbouring states, the Best Western Hotel Hall, venue of the event, was filled.

With a full hall despite the initial rain fall earlier in the day, the show kicked off with an opening performance by the dance group.

‘The showtime not only gives students of tertiary institutions a rare opportunity to showcase their talents before a ready audience, it also offers them a rare opportunity of performing with established artistes’

This was followed by an introduction by Art Alade.

The competition was held in three categories: music, dance and comedy. The dance category featured three contestants, namely Emy, Onome and Jane: all undergraduates.

At the end of the fiercely contested and energy-sapping dance- steps, Emy came tops while, Onome and Jane came second and third.

In the music category, Victory gave a good account of himself clinching the first position while E-Boy, an aspiring rap artiste, who took the audience on a frenzy with his talent got the second place. Victor came third in the category. In the comedy category, Mc McCfae, otherwise known as Daniel Madu came first.

First place winner in each category went home with N500,000 prize, an iPad 3 and a weekend for couple in a luxury hotel in Lagos while the second and third place winners went home with N150,000 and N100,000 consolation prizes.

Apart from the contestants, guests artistes, such as Naeto-C, Davido, Buchi and Darey thrilled the audience with performances from their repertoire. After Benin, the showtime train moves to Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State on August 31. The grand finale will, however, hold in Lagos at the Eko Hotels and Suites on October 5.

According to the Brand Manager Amstel Malta, Mrs Adedoyin Owotomo, what makes the showtime unique is: “It not only gives students of tertiary institutions a rare opportunity to showcase their talents before a ready audience, it also offers them a rare opportunity of performing with established artistes.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

30

Brandnews

Maltina Dance 6: Finalists emerge in Lagos E

IGHT finalists emerged Maltina at the Dance All 6 auditions in Lagos.

They are Agwe Elizabeth Ugi, Ayo Ojerinde, Tolu Okeowo, Gina Okafor, Okasia Michael, Peter James, Ali Prince and Surprise Jakande.

The three-day event, took place at the National Theatre, Iganmu.

Thousands of contestants thronged the venue with the hope of carting home the grand prize of N6 million and a brand new car.

The huge turnout and skills exhibited by contestants, further confirmed Lagos, as Africa’s major talent hub.

The event sponsored by Nigeria Breweries, is aimed at its consumers and the society. The event was coming on the heels of a National Consumer Promotion tagged Maltina sharing happiness promo, where five lucky Nigerians won furnished three bedroom homes in Lekki, Lagos.

As expected, the auditions, was highly entertaining and in tandem with this year’s Maltina Dance All theme: The most spectacular. Contestants displayed a high level of dance dexterity, which made it challenging for the judges to pick winners.

The first day witnessed dancers

between the ages of five to 12 and 13 and 19, compete for prizes ranging from brand new Home Theatres, Flat screen television sets and Generators. For the five to 12 years category, Sunday Saviour Elemi, a pupil of Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, emerged overall winner.

While 10-year-old Ayoola Oriadotu and nine year-old Ogunibala Chidiogor, were first and second runners up.

The 13-19-year-old category was intense. Hazzan Oluwadamilola came tops while Thelma Alex and Leonard Jennifer, took the second and third positions.

For the second day, dancers between 20-30 and 30 and above took to the dance stage to prove their mettle. For the 20-30-year-old category, Peter James, emerged winner while Jakande Surprise and Ayo Ojueromi, were the first and second runners up. The 30-yearand above category produced Mrs. Patricia Adams as the winner with Abdul Rasaq and Tina Simeo taking the second and third spots.

The highpoint of the auditions was the third day, where participants engaged in a gruelling and intense dance battle to represent Lagos at the Maltina academy and inch closer to the grand prize.

The next step is for the eight contestants to participate with their families at their homes and if they are selected and pass the medical tests. They will qualify to enter the MDA Academy.

One of the judges at the Lagos auditions, Muyiwa Osinaike, confessed that if it were possible. He would pick all the contestants into the Maltina academy. He said he was really impressed by the performances of participants.

“The competitiveness of the show has changed. It has been moved up to 80 per cent. Sometimes, it is even difficult for us to choose the winner. Even the fathers and mothers that performed today displayed

great dance skill. The quality of dancers is near professional. The academy is brewing with talents and audience can bet that this season will indeed be the most spectacular Maltina Dance All,” he added.

Senior Brand Manager Maltina Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji said Maltina Dance All is one way that NB Plc is restating its brand values. “MDA is about the dancer’s creative ability, knowledge of different dance styles, stamina and fitness.

The task is, no doubt, enormous but it is a delight to see the result it has been producing in the last five seasons. Some of the dancers have taken their career further than the

Maltina Dance All stage; while some are dancing locally others are doing it internationally,” she revealed.

The Maltina Dance All season six winning family will take home N6 million and a brand new car, while the first and second runners up will cart away N1 million and N500,000.

The show is in tune with the brands promise of “Sharing happiness,” creating excitement, fun and nourishment for the entire family, it is a reality show where families strive to outdo each other by showcasing different types of dance steps and styles to compete for the star prize.

Interswitch gets card security recertification

I

NTERSWITCH has achieved the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) recertification.

This makes it the only Nigerian and West African firm to be compliant two years.

With this, the firm reassured that card users would continue to experience enhanced payment account data security. The certification represents a common set of security best practice that if adhered to will ensure the safe and secure handling of payment card data and transactions.

The requirements ensure that the entities that process, store or transmit cardholders’data meet and adhere to the following standards: maintain a secure network for processing transactions; protection of cardholders and transaction data while in transit or at rest on the network; regular monitoring and

testing of IT infrastructure, among others.

In a statement its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, said: “We have demonstrated our commitment to raise the bar on transaction security by seeking and achieving recertification based on the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)”.

The card provides a uniform security compliance for organisation, service providers and merchants who handle card data.

Interswitch received the first PCIDSS certification in 2010. This ranked it among over 1,000 service providers worldwide.

“Data security is a critical part of the switching business. To reinforce the same globally acceptable standards, we have gone to a great length and a rigorous process to ensure we are recertified,” he said.

• From left: Mr Olayinka; Government Affairs Manager, British Airways, Chief Henry Seymour; one of the winners of Business Class tickets, Mrs. Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka and Mr Petrie, at the event.

British Airways rewards customers

B

RITISH Airways (BA) has reiterated the importance of clients to its business.

Its Regional Commercial Manager, Africa, Mr Ian Petrie spoke at a dinner for its customers at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said British Airways wouldn’t be where it is today if not for its customers, noting that this was why the airline places much premium on customer satisfaction.

“At British Airways, we place huge emphasis on customer satisfaction, because our customers have always been at the heart of our business and will continue to be. This is why we are investing so much to ensure that we continue to provide them with first rate services for which they have come to know us,” he said.

For instance, he said BA has invested in new aircraft, such as Boeing 777-300 ERs, Embraer London City fleet, A380s and Boeing 787s.

“We are also introducing new cabins, and have invested £100 million in our new First, World Traveller and World Traveller Plus, as well as new inflight entertainment systems.

“We are enhancing catering for customers onboard, with Tuck boxes for World Traveller, Club World meals for World Traveller Plus and Laurent- Perrier Grand

Siècle in First,” he said.

In addition, Petrie said the airline has also equipped its cabin crew with the latest technology devices, such as the iPad to provide bespoke services for customers.

He said the airline’s obsession with customer satisfaction was at the heart of its merger with Iberia and American Airlines because it means more choices and better value for money.

“Our transatlantic joint business gives customers greater access to discounted fares, more convenient connections and better access to a global network of more than 500 destinations,” he said.

Also the Country Manager, BA and Iberia, Kola Olayinka, said the increase in Iberia’s flight frequency on the Lagos-Madrid route has further underlined the importance it attaches to Nigeria. British Airways, he said, sees Nigeria as an integral part of its business operations.

Etisalat offers free internet service

E • From left: Executive Director, Human Resources, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr Femi Mokikan; Misan Rewane, 7Up MBA Harvard Business School scholarship recipient and Olujimi Williams, this year’s recipient, at a briefing to announce winners in Lagos.

TISALAT has launched the new easy blaze promo, which rewards new customers, who buy a USB and Mi-fi with free bonus data at the end of every 30 days for six months. This promo, which kicked off last week, allows customers to enjoy a Modem, data SIM card and 200MB free monthly data for N5,500; or a Mi-Fi, data SIM and 1GB monthly data for N20,000.

Announcing the promo in Lagos, Lucas Dada, director, Products and Services, Etisalat Nigeria, said the offer was designed to reward its

ever- growing clientele, who subscribe to data packages on its network and woo new subscribers to its network.

He explained that data is the future of telecoms. He said: “In the light of this, the new easyblaze promo is not only designed to encourage consumers to enjoy high speed internet at the most affordable prize, but also encourage new customers to take advantage of the different data packages on offer by the network that makes your communications lives easier.”

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

•Consumer goods

Battle for consumers’ pockets Producers, distributors and sellers are employing every trick they know to catch customers. They advertise on radio and television.

They use handbills - all in the bid to market their products.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME writes.

•STORY ON PAGE 32 MY SHOPPING

Ramadan pushes up sale of hijab - Page 32

Enhancement goods for better life - Page 33

Buying rack for your shoes - Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

32

SHOPPING

T

HEY are all over the place.

Everyday products that people cannot do without.

They can be found in the kiosk of the neighbourhood mallam; shops, store and supermarkets.

They are fast moving essential commodities, which consumers need to get going daily.

Table water, toothpaste, milk, beverages, soft drinks, fruit juice, noodles, pasta, macaroni, bread, seasoning cubes, disinfectants, insecticides, sugar, sweets and so on. These are products people use regularly, compelling many sellers to restock almost daily.

There is a fierce competition among manufacturers, many of which are multinational firms.

While they battle for market share and maintain their brand identity, smaller businesses are giving them a run for their money. The competition has become keener because of the on-going Olympic Games in Britain and the Ramadan fast.

Even before the Olympics began, many companies had keyed in as official partners of the game. The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) teamed up with the Bank of Industry to showcase Nigerian products during the games. The bank sponsored some visual artists to showcase their works. Also, the nation’s pioneer eatery, Mr Biggs, announced itself as the official snacks and food provider at the games. Promasidor is also doing same with its Cowbell brand.

Others use the period of the Ramadan to advertise their products in the print and electronic media; optimistic that many who are fasting would want to satiate their thirst.

Just before the fast began, the commercials were all over the radio, television, newspapers and magazines. On July 23, a brewery took over the front pages of news-

•First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Abimbola Fashola (second left). With her from left are Miss Nigeria, Faye Shodipo; FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nig Plc PHOTO DAYO Deputy MD Mr Peter Eshikena and Musician, M I, during Drink Milk Every Day Campaign in Lagos.

ADEWUNMI

Battle for consumers’ pockets

papers to advertise its product.

On the same day, Cadbury also showcased its full page advert with bournvita, urging Muslims to break their fast with the beverage. At the same time, radio commercials began to feature Robb sweet.

The competition is highly visible among pasta, semovita and noodles companies as various brands try to outdo themselves through commercials. Flower mills have been urging consumers to eat Honeywell Semovita

and pasta to replenish lost energy. Indomies’ power pasta and hungry man’s size noodles are all over the radio and television.

Friesland Campina’s drink milk every day campaign with Peak is even fiercer than when it first began. Lipton is also on the prowl with its numerous flavours. Yoyo bitters’commercials wishing people happy Ramadan is on air.

Different food seasonings are also suggesting that people should use them to cook throughout this pe-

riod.

A strategy that seems to be popular among companies is that of repackaging products in different modes and sizes and introducing variants of them. This is applicable to Star’s new bottle and Guinness’ low sugar malt drink. Knoor has introduced seasoning for stew and soup. Detergents, beverages and milk are being reintroduced in sachets to make them more affordable. Hypo, bleach in a satchet has also used this strategy to become popular as soon as it came on.

Furthermore, various telecommunications companies are doing different promos to keep as many people as possible on their networks. The fight is fierce as major networks -MTN, Glo, Etisalat and Airtel are dishing out enticing offers to their subscribers.

One is offering Islamic phones while DSTV is promoting its Islamic channel-all for the fasting season. Startimes is running a promo to make millionaires of their customers just as Gotv is giving some offers on purchase.

The sale of hijab, the head-cover for women Muslims, is on the rise this Ramadan. They come in various colours, patterns and designs. They are stylish, comfortable and easy to wear, writes TONIA’DIYAN.

T

HESE days, many female Muslims have taken to wearing hijab - head cover. The reason for their action is obvious. Its Ramadan, the month which Muslims fast, they have to dress to suit the occasion. Hijab can be found in different stores, especially those owned

by Muslims. Some stock it just for this period, because they know that more people will desire it. Hijab is a female Muslim’s way of dressing modestly outside the home. It covers the entire head as well as half of the face. It is the order of veiling for women.

The different types available are chiffon hijab and velvet hijab. They are worn worldwide.

It is also worn in many styles. It fits over the top of the head, covering the face except the eyes. The veil is cultural as well as religious. A few women, especially younger ones,

•Pink flowered hijab

Ramadan pushes up sale of hijab have taken to wearing transparent, colourful and very loose ones. The colour varies and is mostly black.

Muslim women who spoke to The Nation shopping stated that the hijab is quite affordable with variety of styles for everyone. Mrs Amudat Shuibu, “a banker said, I am always joyful and confident every day I wear my ‘office hijab,’ especially this Ramadan period. I realise that I remain pure and never will walk in shame when I am wearing it. I bought this one I am wearing from Baytuzzeenah Stores situated at Tafawa Balewa Square for only N3,500. The store also has their branches at Victoria Island and Ikeja.

I learnt the office hijab is most ex-

pensive compared to the other types such as the cape type, the long hijab and the Pashmina.

“Allah will keep evil and punishment away from me. This Hijab is in my life for security.

“I love and value my faith, which is why I cover my head, said Alhaja Alaran Muritala.“The hijab I am wearing is called the Pashmina Hijab.

I bought it for N1,800 from Arabel stores, situated close to Oceanic Bank, Allen junction, Ikeja. Generally, prices of Hijabs range from N500 to N5,000 and even more depending on your pocket,“ Alhaja Tawakalitu Bakare, an Imam’s wife said. “This long hijab is sewn to match my dress. I bought the mate-

•Hijab pins

rial and gave to my tailor to make for me. It looks nice on me, doesn’t it?

“I have realised that loving Allah can put me in such a wonderful position. I am wearing my cape hijab for the first time ever and feeling so proud and to Allah I am a hidden treasure. My cape Hijab costs N800 only,”said Afusat Ibrahim of Government Girls’ College, Ipaja, Lagos.

“The love I have for my religion is making me cover my head. Islam has given me so much respect.

“I know that Allah will bless those who follow Islam and wearing my Hijab, I know that I will be safe from any harm. My Hijab cost only N1000," said Barakat Usman, a gradu-

•White hijab

ate of the same college.”

It is suggested that Muslim women should wear the hijab to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s wives, who are referred to as ‘Mothers of the believers’ in Islam.

Muslim women are encouraged and obliged to wear the hijab, they are required to cover not only their head but their faces as well, because “the face of a woman is a source of corruption” for men not related to her.

The hijab is to be worn when a Muslim woman steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. It purifies your heart and mind, beautifying your inner and outer countenance. Outwardly, it reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to Allah. The hijab raises your dignity avoiding disrespect from the opposite sex and giving nobility because of the covering.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

33

SHOPPING

Enhancement goods for better life Hawkers and roadside traders will desist from it if they knew the implication of exposing themselves to accidents and atmospheric hazards. To live healthy in a polluted environment, health enhancement products are needed. JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

A

FEW years ago, when the Lagos State government embarked on market sanitisation, many saw it as an impossible venture. This is because, at various times in the past, such efforts to get hawkers off the streets and traders off the roadside proved abortive. Kudos to the Raji Fashola administration, which attained the feat. But it did not come easy, as it cost many their means of livelihood, though it was also meant to preserve their lives.

For instance, there were tales of fatal accidents for traders and shoppers who traded on railway lines. Many were often hit by ontrains at Oshodi, Yaba and Oyingbo. The sanitisation of markets have reduced such danger, though a few traders are still seen on some railway lines as at the one at PWD busstop, Ikeja.

However, for veteran journalist, expert and dealer on nutritional supplements, Prince Femi Kusa, all government needed to do was to launch a massive campaign on the implication of such exposure to environmental harzards, in the name of trading. He is of the opinion that people would change their negative attitude if well informed.

He said: “It is an attitudinal thing. We live in a terribly poisoned environment. You begin to appreciate this when you see vehicles smoking in traffic and emitting carbon monoxide, which is harmful to the body. Before you know it, sickness begins. The more the oxygen you take in, the more likely you are healthy. Many women also expose their children. Some of these children are poisoned from infancy. When people get enlightened about the health hazard of exposing themselves, you won’t need to force them out of

the obstructing areas. The same applies to those selling during traffic”.

Nevertheless, one cannot entirely be free from pollution, so nutritionists advise that when shopping, people should look out for products that would enhance their health.

They can be found in health shops around markets such as the Ilupeju model market.

Here are some of them.

Vegetables, fruits and natural juice: Fruits and juice made from fresh fruits and grapes are very healthy and available in stores and markets across the country.

Yoghurt: Most yoghurts these days contain a lot of sugar, so it is advised that you go for one produced with little or no sugar.

Acidofilous milk: This became popular after a study revealed that acidofilous (a friendly bacteria found in the intestine) is the reason Bulgarians lived to ripe old age.

Milk thistle: Many buy it because it helps liver regeneration.

Goat milk: This has been disclosed to be softer than cow milk Coconut milk: This is highly recommended; it is at par with mother’s milk.

Apple cider vinegar: It helps to strengthen the bones, teeth, hair and skin.

Kyolic: It comes in different forms and is active against heart failure, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Lady’s mantle tea: It is good to shop for tea that will help your particular health condition. For instance, lady’s mantle is a detoxifying tea.

Horthorn berries: This helps to strengthen the heart Lemon grass oil: Prevents and clears insect bites.

Shopping Right with

From my mail box

W

E greatly appreciate those of you who make it a point to read us and, especially to those who send their comments. Indeed, we are poised to serve you more and give you every valuable pieces of information on our finger tips. As we do first Friday of every month, here are some of your responses as space would enable us. Please bear with us if your comment is not published in this edition.

Thanks a million, Janice.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME

I read your story on the disagreement of Nigerian traders living in Ghana with Ghana’s trade law. It is so funny, Janice. How can they say that they should not be called foreigners in Ghana? If they are not foreigners, what is the name of their village in Ghana?

•Obinn Ilo, Surulere, Lagos Janice, what you wrote about Ghana is true. There Arts Centre is replete with their home-made goods. The first time I went there I wept for Nigeria. You know why?

Because this is a people they sent packing. They have gone home and made their country better. It’s a blessing in disguise because now they more proud of their country than any other. Thank God for Jerry Rawlings who took the bull by the horns and excommunicated Ghana’s corrupt leaders to establish a responsible government. Ghana is reaping of that fruit today. That is why some Nigerians ran to live there and do not want to come back home. Our problem is our leadership. I pray that one day God will surely free us from that cabal which calls itself government. If it happened in Ghana, it will happen here too. It is a matter of time.

•Abraham Ajayi, Abuja.

I like your interview with the Ghanaian minister. The Ghanaians have very simple life style. They are not as ostentatious as we are in Nigeria. If you see the house of their late President, John Ata Mills, you would be shocked.

•John Anoliefo, Nsukka.

Good day, Janice, Nigeria must go. Nigerians must leave Ghana. Was there no ECOWAS when you people drove away and humiliated the Ghanaians? Do you want people to wait in front of Churches? Don’t we have any pride? The same Nigerians were driven from South Africa recently. There are 800 of these people in jail on drug charges outside.

This is the best time for Ghana to send back the Nigerians.

•Anonymous.

Thanks a lot for your article on toast to milk. It is quite apt. However, with the current economic situation in Nigeria, with 70 per cent being poor, I think government should work towards milk price reduction like subsidy on its production. Thanks.

•Solo Agbamu Fnimeche, Abraka.

You made a good point article entitled: What’s in your shopping bag? What most of our leaders have in their ‘shopping bags’ are corruption, greed and selfishness. We need people like Ambassador Segun Olusola in governance. He was a man of integrity. As you rightly said, a man like him deserves to be immortalised and I pray the government will see reason to do so.

•Yinka Abayomi, Abeokuta.

In your article tagged, what’s in your shopping bag? You pointed out that the world is like a market place. It is a place where people go to and must leave at any time. People are so preoccupied with so many things that they forget that they will leave one day. I hope our politicians realise that.

•Mary Isichei, Abuja.

•Lemon grass oil

•Milk thistle

Thanks for informing us on products that are very essential.

•Kolawole, Abuja.

The establishment of shopping malls in some parts of the country is good but it is capital intensive; only very privileged companies can afford that. I guess that is why it takes a long time for them to be established. In that regard, I think we are coming up gradually. Many people are looking up to government in this regard. But I would appeal to politicians; instead of looting our money and keeping them abroad, they should invest them here. After all, they can only make more money through that means.

If they bring the money home, it will help to develop our economy. Imagine how it would be if 10 more shopping malls are added to the available ones. Please, they should think about that.

•Kingsley Ononye, Owerri.

If only our power supply can be stable, it will do us a lot of good. Nigerians are highly talented and innovative, but this power problem has eaten deep into our system. Everybody identifies the problem but who will salvage us? Even the federal government seems to be handicapped.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com •Apple cider vinegar.

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

SHOPPING Isn’t it pleasant to go shopping and not run out of cash after a hard day’s walk? If you are not a window shopper, consider the advantages of window shopping and try it. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

Benefits of window shopping

W

INDOW Shopping is relaxing and rejuvenating. It has its joy and benefits; it is encouraging and simpler than shopping itself. It has to do with looking at things in a shop, but not making an active purchase. Though inactive, it has more benefits compared to the active shopping. It feels good to shop and not pay. One does not need to be in debt due to too much spending.

It is amusing when one does not enter into a store, yet sees all items with their prices on display from the outside and make choices.

Window shopping is for both sexes and very entertaining. It is light on the pocket and can keep one occupied for a long period.It is generally an inexpensive exercise full of fun. It involves walking through a mall just looking at the displayed items at the retail stores without any intention of buying anything.

The essence of window shopping is to get ideas of things in vogue, compare their prices, sizes, qualities, sometimes, their quantities; make choices and plan for future needs. There should be keen observation of items on display, where they are displayed and how available and affordable they are.

Window Shopping is not to be done in a hurry, but in a leisure pace to enjoy its benefits. It does not cost anything neither does it have age limit, therefore anyone could go for it. It is considered safer than ordinary shopping for reckless buyers with limited budget. It avoids the fear of over expenditure.

It can be started at anytime, but mostly when one needs to while away time Sometimes, items are checked on the internet but not bought. This is can also be termed as window shopping. Shoppers can check out products online as much as they want to and can spend quality of pastime. It is called the virtual window shopping where favourite items

can be saved and referred back to when and if needed.

To encourage window shopping, creative artworks and discount charges are sometimes displayed on the see-through windows and doors of shops and boutiques. The process is actually gainful.

Sometimes, items on discounts and persuasive sales staff can make it tough to just enter a store and express interests.

Sales staff pressure might not be experienced just from walking into the store if on a budget, often times, temptation to buy increases as soon as one enters the store.

For shoppers who love to shop and wish they could take every item with them, window shopping will fight against such temptation.

Shop owners tend to place their more interesting goods close to the window and entrance in order to entice shoppers into their stores. Weekends and holidays are best times to view items displayed in shops.

Window shopping allows walking the length of a mall, a shopping complex, a market place, an exhibition center, etc and seeing everything there is to offer, without particularly buying anything. Its hands-free advantage is enjoyable always.

People are not obliged to purchase in window shopping, though it is relaxing unlike the active shopping. It is also a great form of exercise; when one walks for a long period of time, there is the tendency that some calories would be lost.

The Nation Shopping spoke with some shoppers on window shopping.Mrs Aina Awopetu, a 60-year-old grandmother said: “I love window shopping more for my grand children and children, as that keeps me going and helps me fight loneliness, by giving me opportunities to socialise. Not only does

•Window shopping

it boost my mental well-being, it also gives me a fantastic workout.”

“Window Shopping can mean different things to different people at different times, but one thing is sure: most women love all kinds of shopping. Whether it is the active shopping, window or virtual shopping, they are very much interested. You would hardly come across any woman who does not enjoy it. Women take immense pleasure in shopping, whether it is for their kids, husband, friends and especially for herself,” said.

Ms Ebele Anyanwu Mrs Alero Mba said: “Some people do not like to waste money on buying unwanted things just because they fancy them. However, I am sure they enjoy window shopping and end up buying something that is really important, which, of

course, is a good thing to do. But for me, shopping is my habit and I am addicted to it.

I can’t stick to window shopping; I must buy something no matter how small.” When one window shops, there is this good feeling about oneself and more about the place, ones mood is lifted. It is the simplest way to elevate self-worth and a stress buster for most shoppers.

An average of one or two hours per day is suitable for window shopping. It helps to combat depression. Walking around the mall for an hour or two is an excellent way to engage in this helpful activity called window shopping. One has the opportunity of noticing sales and discounts that are available at different times, where they are available and their prices.

Those who have tripped over shoes scattered on the floor know just how bad it is not have a rack. Many stores stock stylish racks. WUMI OGUNTUASE writes on creative ways of keeping shoes.

O

NE of the greatest causes of clutter in the home is footwear. You might think that there is no time for you to put your footwear in order, it really does sound stressful and boring. Well, you have to do it anyway so as to make your home more pleasing to live in.

Many stores will help you in your Rack plans as they will give you numerous types, both wooden and metallic. The metallic ones are stronger than the wooden ones. Choose the ones you want based on your space.

Just like any other house furniture, your shoe rack must be put in its proper place. Put it in your bedroom so that getting your shoes while dressing up would be easy. It will also help in keeping your shoes safe and away from prying eyes.

Keeping your shoes in a bad oriented man-

•Shoe rack

Buying a rack for your shoes ner will make your eyes look dirty and unclean. Allocate each segment for each type of shoe. You can put your heels in the lower compartment, flats n the middle and sandals on top or put the ones that you frequently wear on top. By doing this, you would not have to start looking for a pair of shoes or even a lost one. This will help you dress quickly and conveniently.

Endeavour to clean your shoes before placing them on the rack; this will save you the trouble of cleaning the rack every time. Keeping your shoes on the shoe rack also keeps them from damage. Dust can spoil your shoes.

Also, place the rack in an area that will not be

too cold or hot.

While they may not be the most stylish type, over-the-door shoe racks are really popular because they have a lot of other things going for them: they are easy to mount and remove, they are cheap do not take up any floor space.

Under the bed shoe racks may not be the most convenient method for shoes you wear a lot, but for out-of-season or rarely worn shoes, or for people with limited closet space, under bed shoe rack is a great option. You can get the one that rolls, for easy access, or the one that is covered, to protect your shoes from dirt, dust and scratches and it is clear, so you know exactly which shoes are stored inside.

•Transparent shoe rack

If you have enough space, and the shoe collection to fill it, a freestanding shoe rack is a great option. It allows for quick and easy access and requires no installation. There are units that will accommodate even the largest collection of shoes and others that will allow you to add on as your shoe wardrobe grows.

A rack that can accommodate shoe boxes will allow you to protect your shoes as well as organise them, but if you just need a small rack by the front or back door, then one with rods should do the trick.

If you have space in your wardrobe, a simple option is to use a shoe rack that hangs from the clothes rail. These are extremely affordable and easy to install, making them a big option for anyone on a budget, with limited space.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

A

LMOST weekly since its IPO, Facebook has announced a new development in its advertising strategy. The most important news so far is that Facebook will enter the real-time bidding (RTB) world.

RTB is where advertisers and agencies buy highly targeted digital ad inventory in real time, either working with media-buying partners who do the bidding for them, or using self-service technology platforms, such as demand-side platforms (DSPs) to do the buying themselves.

Connect with the industry Want to meet the brands that are driving the future of digital marketing? Attend the iMedia Brand Summit which will hold from September 9 to 12.

While details of the Facebook RTB exchange are still scarce, the bottom line is that advertisers will be able to buy ads on Facebook in real time, targeting users based on information collected outside of Facebook and stored in cookies. For example, a user who visits a website outside of Facebook and “almost” signs up for a product or service could later be targeted on Facebook to encourage him to complete the registration process. To make this possible, Facebook is working with several DSPs, allowing advertisers to better target ads within Facebook. Advertisers that want to test these capabilities will have to work through one of the DSPs in the program.

Brand advertisers are excited about the prospect of using more complete, thirdparty data to target the 900 million consumers on Facebook — anything that makes targeting more precise on the world’s largest social network is a boon for consumer brands hoping to increase reach and acquire new advocates and customers. But what about B2B advertisers — do they get in on the goods, too?

In short, the answer is yes. Many B2B marketers use Facebook to connect with potential customers and boost leads, so the shift to RTB impacts them as much as it does B2C advertisers — and perhaps even more so. Most of the DSPs that “plug into” the Facebook RTB exchange have access to extensive third-party business demographic data. Advertisers that use these DSPs can more accurately target businessfocused users on Facebook — separating the users who only check photos of their high-school crushes from the business professionals who use the platform to research products, network with other professionals, and learn about their sectors.

Until now, the ability to target high-quality business users on Facebook has been limited at best, so the new Facebook RTB exchange could be a boon for B2B marketers. Given this development, what should B2B marketers know about the new Facebook RTB exchange and which steps should they take to get the most out of this new tool? Again, early details are scarce, but here is a first look at what B2B marketers should know about the Facebook RTB exchange.

It’s a walled garden — for now In its first phase, Facebook RTB will work only within Facebook’s ecosystem. That means DSPs can use third-party data to bet-

‘Many B2B marketers use Facebook to connect with potential customers and boost leads, so the shift to RTB impacts them as much as it does B2C advertisers — and perhaps even more so’

35

What Facebook T RTB means to marketers

By Chris Mann

ter target high-quality business users within Facebook. No plans have been announced to allow DSPs to use Facebook data to better target ads outside of the Facebook ecosystem, but that may be possible in the future. For the time being, B2B marketers should work with a DSP partner that combines first - and third-party data with Facebook’s available data. For most B2B marketers, that means working with a company that has access to a huge set of targeting business demographic data. There are enough business users on Facebook to potentially make this closed ecosystem model valuable to B2B marketers.

Measure, measure, measure Facebook RTB holds the promise of better ROI; targeting business users via thirdparty data clearly gives B2B marketers increased control to reach their target audiences. And Facebook is a high-quality, brand-safe environment, so marketers don’t run the risk of having their ads show up on questionable sites — which often happens when using RTB exchanges on the wider web.

However, Facebook RTB is also a new, yet unproven business marketing channel, and B2B marketers should ensure their DSP partners measure every aspect of their campaigns — from clicks to impressions to interactions and leads. In particular, B2B marketers should also keep a close eye on how their Facebook RTB campaigns perform relative to their other B2B advertising channels, paying special attention to the quality of leads the ads deliver.

Keep an eye on other social sites Facebook is the first closed-ecosystem social publisher to offer RTB, but surely all the social giants are thinking about it. Twitter and YouTube may soon join the RTB fray, allowing marketers to target highquality business audiences on these platforms as well. LinkedIn — a favourite of B2B marketers — may begin to allow not only RTB bidding, but also retargeting based on its cookies across the wider web.

Though none of this has happened yet, savvy B2B marketers should keep close watch and pounce quickly if these sites announce RTB capabilities.

The advent of RTB as a vehicle for buying and selling ad inventory has injected substantial efficiencies into the online advertising ecosystem and is creating tremendous value for both advertisers and publishers alike. Facebook’s move toward RTB is thus unsurprising. Only time will tell if Facebook RTB will drive high-quality, qualified leads for B2B marketers — but those who take steps now to test-drive the new platform will gain an advantage over slow adopters. As long as marketers approach Facebook RTB with the same standards they do their other digital advertising programs and measure the quality of leads they receive from the platform, there’s no reason to not jump on the Facebook RTB bandwagon.

Mann is vice president, Product Management, Bizo.

Cash-less policy, Otedola, Lawan et al

HE birthday party was on a roll. He winked at her. She smiled and encouraged him in the flirtatious game. He saw an opening, sent his call card and that signalled the beginning, the beginning of an illicit affair. He called her few days afterwards and pitched his jokerby inviting her to another party in London. All expenses paid. No need to bring a change of dress; “just say yes, and your wish becomes a command”. She smiled flirtatiously and agreed to the proposal.

She saw the invitation as an avenue to travel to Europe, to see the world, to drink champagne, to live large and to enjoy some freedom. At the party she had too much to drink and the couple ended in bed together.

To ice the cake, the two lovers moved their tryst to the United States, the Bahamas and back to Abuja, and at each location,they consummated the relationship again and again.

Unknown to her, Mr Lover Man was an accomplice in a web of intrigue with her husband as the mastermind. As such Mr Lover Man had taped their shenanigans. Her husband had copies of the CD. According to the story, the husband had accused his wife of philandering. She denied it. “I love you wholeheartedly,” she said. To disprove her declaration, the husband set up dragnet for her, using one of his friends as bait.

However, after all said and done, she was caught. She still denied it. In a show of benevolence, the husband and family members constituted a panel to determine her culpability. The outcome of the committee’s investigation would resolve whether she would be asked to leave her matrimonial home so she could be free to further engage in her “illicit ways” while the husband’s lawyer prepare the divorce papers. But before then, as a member of the jury, kindly answer a quick question. Who is the guilty party, Mr Lover Man or Mrs Philanderer?

Keep your answer, please, while we focus on the pressing issue before us. Let us examine a similar case, but this one is not about unfaithful couples and suspecting husband.

This is one is about a bribery allegation in the fuel subsidy probe panel involving Farouk Lawan and Femi Otedola. Lawan was the Chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee Monitoring the Fuel Subsidy regime.

Otedola is the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum & Gas Ltd. However, this column isn’t interested in the saga of the oily business that has gone messy. The interest is in the amount of cash involved and how the cash was paid in the light of Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) operation cash-less. Was it $3 million or N96 million?

That is a small dough. Yes, it is small, that was why Lawan could stuff some cash inside his pocket and the rest in the cap he was wearing. Of course, you know why Lawan was paid that much money was for him to doctor the panel’s report.

Similarly, Otedola had accused Lawan of extorting money from him to remove Zenon’s name from the list of companies that collected foreign exchange from the CBN without importing petroleum products.

Lawan said it was Otedola who initiated the bribe offer. The accusation and counter-accusation has been going back and forth, back and forth like a game of tennis.

Obviously,it wouldn’t be wrong to say Otedola and Farouk are unaware of the cashless regime instituted by the CBN? Or are they playing the big guns’game? Big guns toy with the law with the self-assurance that

they can get away with anything, anywhere at any time without recourse to anybody.

That is what happened. But you know the implications now: A fowl has perched on the clothe line. The fowl and clothe line have murdered rest. Why? To get an answer, a banker friend was consulted and she was not surprised at all at the amount of cash involved in the OtedolaLawan scandal. That is what happened in Abuja all the time, she said. The parties involved are masters of the game, she lectured.

That was why the duo moved the exchange location to Abuja. The CBN has not said the cash-less policy has taken off in Abuja, so we can pardon the cash exchange. The CBN’s cashless policy is only effective in Lagos State. Abuja is a cash-crazy town. To enforce cash-less in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be a tough call, she smiled.

Okay, does that mean the FCT is a different territory altogether, an island on its own with its own laws and policies? Or does it mean Otedola and Lawan are from Abuja and not from Nigeria? If Lawan, a law maker, could collect so much cash under the cover of darkness, how much do you think Otedola moved around in broad day light?Well, Lawan, as a lawmaker, is supposed to defend the interests of Nigerians by supporting enabling policies such as the CBN cashless policy. Or should he not defend the policy?

No one knows. It is hard to say. But with so much cash flying around, could we say then that the CBN cash-less policy is a success?

There are several teething challenges with the implementation of the policy, no doubt.

But the cash-for-name-removal could further cast a shadow of doubt over the ability of the CBN to implement the policy in other states, particularly FCT. If you consider the fact that the CBN has been silent on its position on foreign currency, Nigerians could readily exploit that loopholes to perpetrate a similar Lawan-Otedola stunt.

With this in mind, it would be quite easy for Nigerians to transfer funds through domiciliary accounts and later convert such into local currency. The CBN needs to look at these openings, and extend existing withdrawal ceiling on local currency to foreign currency. Had that been in place, would it be hard for Otedola to withdraw such amount at once? It is hard to say. But, if he had done that within the ambit of the cashless environment, it would be easy to trace.

That is the beauty in electronic transaction.

Once a transaction is activated online, it can be traced.

“What are you talking about? Otedola would not step into a banking hall,” my banker friend interjected. He would call his account officer and ask him to bring certain amount or he would send his accountant to handle the transaction. Ok, Mr Banker, if that happens it would still be traced to a name from his company. “Yes. That is what the CBN should endeavour to do and soon, too.”

Thank you.

You know, however, you look at it, if Otedola’s Zenon was not involved in the oil subsidy deal, why did he agree to pay Lawan to remove Zenon’s name from the list? Another question: How did Zenon’s name get on the list in the first place? If you ask that question and you really need an answer, you would have to provide answer to why the fowl perched on the clothe line. And why Mr Lover Man and the Philanderer did what they did. If you want to be the judge over the illicit couples and Lawan-Otedolasaga, go ahead. This party is on a roll.

‘But with so much cash flying around, could we say then that the CBN cash-less policy is a success?

There are several teething challenges with the implementation of the policy, no doubt’

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

36

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

T

HIS column is starting today with a profound apology to its virtuous readers over the conspicuous mistake of last week. The topic here last Friday was supposed to be ‘FEATURES OF RAMADAN’ and not ‘ABUSE OF RAMADAN’. The error of repetition that occurred is attributable to what is called ‘Printer’s Devil’ in journalism. We are sorry.

Today’s topic is motivated by two intertwined questions related to language which two readers posed to this columnist. One of them wanted to know if the recitation of the Qur’an (Tilawah) especially in Ramadan must be in Arabic alone and cannot be done in any other language. The other wanted to confirm if Allah’s rewards are accruable to Arabic reciters of the Qur’an despite their ignorance of its contents. These questions quickly reminded yours sincerely of an article published in this column some years back in respect of a similar language-related question. It went thus:

Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Language of worship

“To grasp the meaning of the world of today we use a language created to express the world of yesterday. The life of the past seems to us nearer our true natures only for the reason that it is nearer our language”. By Exupery, from his book: ‘Wind, Sand and Star’, (1939).

Language is not just a means of communicating and understanding ideas and experiences. It is also an instrument of documenting and relating the events and occurrences of the past to the future via the present. Language is the prima-facie of any culture. A tribe or community without a language is one without a culture especially where culture stands for civilisation.

Every language is primarily spoken either by words of mouth or by gesticulation but becomes converted into writing to serve as a record of events and actions as well as a means of preserving history.

Language is not just the foundation of all civilisations in all human eras it is also man’s greatest invention without which all other inventions including scientific and technological ones would have been impossible.

Whether in spoken or written form, language comes to serve as the main avenue of interaction among the races and tribes of mankind, yesterday, today and tomorrow. The birth and death of humans; the rise and fall of empires; the migrations and settlements of nations and tribes are all narrated or chronicled in languages. Even some inanimate objects like water and stones and breakables speak onomatopoeically sometimes to the admiration of man.

It is with language alone that every human thought germinates and is turned into reality from dream. Not only that, language is also the cultural law that governs the wild life be it agro or aqua. The nature of language, its importance, its complexity and its role in human life confirms that this world would have been meaningless without it.

As a matter of fact, language is the only direct link between God and His creature through which belief and worship are facilitated.

Allah tells us in Qur’an 49:13 thus: “Oh people! We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may interact with one another. Surely the noblest of you is the most righteous of you. Allah is the all-wise and the all-knower”.

The idea of this topic arose from a question posed to me by a Lagos Muslim socialite sometime ago. He said: “rather than observing Salat in Arabic language which we do not understand why don’t we observe it either in English or our vernacular languages which we understand very well?” He cited the example of the other religions where adherents worship in various but understandable languages and concluded that such an innovation might bring more converts to Islam and more people to the Mosque. He did not stop there. He went further to advocate for reduction in the number of times we (Muslims) observe Salat daily saying that that might be ‘more realistic’ and ‘more convenient’, especially for busy and travelling people. You can see, from that question, the extent of naivety which ignorance is capable of conferring on its victims. Or how else will you judge a mortal being who wants to amend the constitution of his Immortal Creator? And our brother is not the only one with such a parochial idea.

•The crescent

There are many others like him.

In my response, I asked the enquirer to tell me why Islam remains the fastest growing religion in the West today, despite the worship done in that part of the world in their local languages? I did not stop there. I also went further to ask him whether it was reasonable to let his employees work for only two days in a week instead of five days while he pays them fully for the whole week.

I then took advantage of the glaring evidence of confusion I noticed on his visage to put fervour in my burner as a student of English language and tutored him a little on the fact that English which he parochially perceived as an ideal language was not original. I told him how England was colonised severally for centuries by various countries and empires including France, Germany, Italy and Scandinavia. I let him know that English only emerged in the 10th century as an adopted language from a combination of the languages of England’s colonial masters and pointed out to him that not only about 9,700 words of the modern English language were borrowed from French and Anglicised but also that most of the clustered consonant words in English are either German or Scandinavian in origin. I cited examples of such words as ‘acknowledgement’, psychology, knight, pseudo, gnash, rhythm, solemn etc. There is also a great influence of some other Indo-European languages, especially from the Upper and the Lower Germanic on English language. Besides, I pointed it out that the country called Britain today, which is a combination of England, Scotland and Wales, is not a monolingual country as sometimes misconceived by most ignorant Nigerians. Other languages like Celtic and Welsh are still very much spoken in that country today, though restrictedly.

I then settled him down to religion proper and called his attention to the original common language of revelation of the ‘Tawrah’ (Talmud) of Prophet Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalms) of Prophet Daud (David) and ‘injil’ (Bible) of Prophet Isa (Jesus) which is Aramaic. The Jews still worship in that language today.

In countries like China, Japan, Korea and India, where religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and Hinduism are in vogue, the languages of worship by the adherents are Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hindu. And, in terms of numerical strength, no religion in the world today enjoys so large follower-ship as Buddhism which is closely followed by Hinduism because of the huge populations of China and India. Yet the worship in those religions does not go beyond their countries of nativity.

In the West where Christianity holds sway, no single language was adopted for worship after the death of Latin which was the official language of the Roman Empire. While the Germans worship in German, the French, the Spanish, the British, the Americans, the Italians, the Swedish, the Danish, the Russians, the Poles, the Norwegians, the Portuguese and others, all worship in their respective languages.

This means that no French or Russian man can worship with understanding in a Portuguese Church except he understands Portuguese language. This is not the case with Islam. The fulfillment of Allah’s global will for mankind is a universal reality today. That will is contained in Qur’an 21:107 thus: “We have not sent you (Muhammad) forth but as a mercy to the entire world. Say it is revealed to me that your God is one God. Won’t you submit to Him?” It is only in Islam, of all religions, that adherents from Brazil, Finland, Nigeria, Pakistan and Australia can easily walk into any Mosque in China or Japan or Saudi Arabia and worship jointly behind an Imam without any fear of language discrimination. And that is what makes Islam the universal religion that Allah wills it to be. This is made possible by Arabic language which is the language of the revelation of the Qur’an. In all other religions of the world, adherents, irrespective of their populations, do worship only locally according to their languages.

To call for the abandonment of Arabic language in Salat, therefore, is to call for the reduction of Islam from a universal religion into a local one. Not only that, such a call is a way of advocating for the dismantling of global Muslim unity.

What our pitied socialite brother does not know is the fact that worshiping in Arabic which is the language of the revelation of the Qur’an is the main cause of antagonism against Islam by those who have lost the originality of their own religion. That “Allah is all-wise and all-knowing” as quoted above is not in vain. All divine religions were deliberately revealed in the languages of their ‘Messengers’. And no Messenger was sent to the entire world except Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Arabic, as a language, has become assimilated into Islam as a culture. Thus, it is with that language that the Muslims imbibed the formidability and courage of resistance which enabled Islam to survive all intrigues, aggressions and intimidation of many empires through the centuries.

As a culture, Islam remains irrepressible for two main reasons. One, it is a spiritual rather than a temporal faith with an everlasting ideology. Even if its adherents are conquered, the idea that makes that religion a nation can never be conquered because it is invisible. The other reason is contained in Qur’an 15:9 thus: “It is ‘We’ (Allah) who revealed the Qur’an and it is ‘We’ (Allah) who will certainly preserve it”. Formidability of a culture depends very much on the tenacity accorded its language by the speakers of that language.

Sometimes a culture may get absorbed into another culture without losing its accompanying language. Sometimes, a language may be assimilated into another language even as the culture is retained.

Islam has resistance for both. The early Muslim Arabs did not take only Islam to all conquered nations they also took Arabic, the language of the Qur’an as well to those nations. The only exception is Persia (now Iran) which was equally strong linguistically. Countries like Iraq, Syria, Leba-

non, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Algeria and Tunisia were not Arabic speaking until Islam spread to them.

We have similar example here in Nigeria.

The Fulanis, led by Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, who re-introduced Islam in its purified form to the vast areas now called northern Nigeria, had to compromise their language in favour of Islam which was their culture. The Hausa, on the other hand, preferred to sacrifice their pagan culture in favour of their language. Thus, the combination of both has come to give the northern Nigeria a foremost cultural veracity that is almost second to none in Africa. Not only has Hausa language become an international language spoken in the media of most civilised countries, Shari’ah has also been imbibed as the Islamic cultural law of the region.

Today, while most parts of the Southern Nigeria have enslaved themselves irredeemably to foreign cultures, the North gives a new hope of cultural renaissance to Nigeria and even Africa. From the cultural way the northerners dress and eat, from the way they insist on speaking Hausa language irrespective of where they find themselves, it is becoming clearer that adoption of that language as one of the languages of communication in the UN is just a matter of time. Already, virtually all the countries that matter in the world today have Hausa programmes on their radio and television stations. And far from the self-deception of the southern people who want to eat their cake and still have it, the long expected African civilisation may start from northern Nigeria. The numerical strength of that region is an added advantage.

It is rather unfortunate that the southern Muslims have had to join non-Muslims in replacing their cultural language with the colonial language. The tragedy of this development is that while they are rapidly losing their own languages, they are unable to grasp the foreign languages for which they are craving. In both ways, they are the losers not only today but tomorrow as well except something is drastically done to change the situation.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) though counseled on the need to understand languages other than one’s mother-tongues, by saying that “whoever understands other people’s language will surely overcome their antics” he never preached the abdication of one’s own mother tongue.

As for the recitation of the Qur’an in languages other than Arabic, it is absolutely allowed. The essence of reciting the Qur’an is to understand the instructions of Allah in order to be able to carry out such instructions. What is the essence of reading a document in a language you do not understand?

One fact is clear; no one can thoroughly understand Islam without understanding Arabic language which is the language of the Qur’an. And no translation of a language into another language can give the very true picture of what the original language connotes. But it is by far better for a Muslim who does not understand Arabic to recite the Qur’an in an understandable language. The essence of ‘Tilawah’ in Islam is to understand the words of Allah and work faithfully with them. It is sheer self-deception for those who do not understand Arabic to recite the Qur’an in Arabic and pretend to understand its contents. Islam is a dynamic religion and not a dogma.

Insistence on reciting the Qur’an without understanding its contents is a clear evidence of ignorance.

Unite against evil: JNI

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N a sharp reaction to the orchestrated multiple bombings and gun shootings in Sokoto, Kano and Islamiyyah (JNI) called on all Nigerians to team up in confronting terrorism in the country. Releasing a statement to condemn the dastardly act, the Secretary General of the Islamic body called for vigilance and a sober reflection, especially in the month of Ramadan when some people are bent on causing chaos and unrest for fasting Muslims by all means. Recalling that the nation had indeed been seriously assailed by a number of tragedies in recent time Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu implored Muslims to rely on Allah and try to take a revenge saying “we must rise above board to nip hence recurring upheavals in the bud once and for all”. He called for fervent prayers for the corporate existence of Nigeria and the unity of its people.

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SOCIETY Eminent industrialist Chief Akanni Aluko has held a thanksgiving in Ilesa, Osun State to mark his 67th birthday. The event was attended by dignitaries, reports OSEHEYE OKWUOFU.

•Bishop Abegunrin

•From left: Chief Olu Abiola, Chief Lekan Alabi, the celebrator and his wife, Kofoworola

67 cheers for a philanthropist T

HE Ijebu-Ijesa home of Chief Akanni Aluko was filled with people from far and wide who came to felicitate with him on his 67th birthday.

They were there to thank God for the life of the celebrator.

Present at the thanksgiving held at St. Victoria Catholic Church, Ilesa, were the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Leke Abegunrin; Officiating Minister Bishop John Adegoke; wife of former Managing Director, Third Eye Newspapers Mrs Ronke Abiola; the Yeye Meso of Iwara-Jesaland, Chief Bolanle Ojo; Chief Ebenezer Babatope, represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr Ore Amukeodo; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao, represented by an Ibadan traditional chief, Ikolaba of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi; Owabusoye of Owoland, Chief Esho Martins; Mr Obi Daramola; Chief Olu Abiola; Mr Adebola Aluko; Editor, Catholic Independent Newspaper, Mr Lekan Lagunju; a prominent Action

Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in Ilorin, Alhaji Soro Atanda, Mr Tunde Amukeodo and his wife.

Aluko, in flowing blue lace Agbada danced to the altar with his wife, Kofoworola, to show appreciation to God. The choir, sang inspiring melodies.

"I am very happy to see people rejoicing with me. It is the greatest thing one can live for. I don't even remember how I met a lot of people, who are here, today. But they are happy with a man that, in one or two ways, has touched their lives positively. So, I am very happy," Aluko said.

Arisekola-Alao described the celebrator as a special person.

He said: "He is my brother and confidant.

I'm happy for him. I pray God to continue to imbue him with good health, wisdom, courage, prosperity and long life. It is good to celebrate icons like Chief Aluko looking at his contributions to the academics, economy and journalism; you heard what the Bishop said about his

•Mr Daramola

devotion to God and religious realm, Christian faith."

In his sermon, Bishop Adegoke called for proper parental training at the home for the children.

He urged parents to take seriously the God- given assignment of bringing up their children.

He called for good communication between parents and their children to

•Mr Ore Amukeodo

foster unity and understanding in the family.

According to him, what the society becomes is a reflection of the various family units.

Adegoke said birthdays should always be a time for stock-taking, urging Aluko to be a cheerful giver, be good to others and use your life to improve the lots of others.”

BURIAL

MARITAL BLISS

•From left: Director, Budget of the Federation, Mrs Olaore Olowu; Chief Executive Officer, Layso Nig. Ltd. Mr Olayowola Olowu; Mrs Yawande Ode; Mrs Olabode Olowu and a Director Laysol Agric Ltd, Mrs Bolade Olowu at the Funeral Service for Special Apostle, Olubunmi Obatolu-Olowu at the Ikoyi Cemetary, Lagos.

•Former Miss Prisca Nnorom and her beau, Chibuzo Nwaogbo after their wedding at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Victory Chapel, Magodo, Lagos.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

SOCIETY FIDAU OF ALHAJA SIKIRAT ABEJE AJIMOBI, MOTHER OF OYO STATE GOVERNOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI IN IBADAN

•From left: Deputy Governor of Oyo State Hon. Moses Adeyemo; Governor Abiola Ajimobi, his wife Florence and Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola

•From left: Former Senate leader Senator Tesilim Folarin; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, his wife Derin and a guest

•Senator Khairat Gwadabe (right) and wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor Mrs. Janet Adeyemo

•Mrs. Mutiyat Oladoja and former Lagos State Military Administrator Maj.-Gen Raji Rasaki

•Asehin of Isehin Oba Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle and Alhaja Alarape Busari

• Chairman Action Congress of Nigeria Oyo State Chief Akin Oke; Iyalode of Ibadanland Chief Amina Abiodun and Chief Saliu Adetunji.

•Prof Ademola Ariyo and his wife Motunrayo

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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SOCIETY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE ORGANISED BY ASSOCIATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS HEAD TEACHERS OF NIGERIA, LAGOS WING

•Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance Hon Maruf Akinderu-Fatai (middle) receiving a plaque from Revd D.B. Makanju assisted by a guest

•Chief Abosede Ottun presenting a plaque to Hon Jide Jimoh. With them is Bola OlumegbonLawal

•National Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Deputy Chairman Adesina Adedoyin (right) presenting plaque to Hon Kayode Roberts.

•An awardee Oba Ganiyu Aderibigbe and his wife Nneka posing with plaque

•Executive Director Dave Foundation Mrs Meg Aipoh

Enechukwu

•Alhaja Ramota Shittu

•Awardees Mr Jimoh Ogunlana (left) and Mr Olalekan Majiyagbe

WHAT AND WHERE?

Dinner PRIVATE Dinner will be held for ace journalist Mike Awoyinfa at The Club, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja on Sunday.

A

Seminar ODAY, the Lagos Commissioner of Police Umar Manko will, together with other police officers, hold a security seminar at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos. The seminar is aimed at alerting the marketers on the need for security consciousness.

T

Installation HE installation of Archbishop Alfred Martin as the Bishop of Lagos State will hold at the Catholic Church Cathedral,Lagos Island tomorrow.

T •Manko

Birthday OMORROW, political associates of formr Delta State governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori will celebrate his 54th Birthday with a praise worship and party.

Tagged Birthday reconciliation, the event will hold at Ibori's country home at Oghara, Delta State.

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Funeral

T

ODAY, the funeral mass of the Okugbe of Ekpoma, Hon Andrew Ifidon Agbi will hold at St Paul's Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin -City.

The social outing will hold at Vendova Primary School, Ekpoma tomorrow and on Sunday. The thanksgiving Mass will hold at Mary the Queen Catholic Church, Eguare, Ekpoma, Edo State.

Workshop

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ODAY, the Arena Multimedia in conjunction with Middlesex University will hold a seminar and workshop at the Abora Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

M i d d l e s e x University, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Regional Director, Prof. Raj Gill will •Janardhan deliver the keynote address.

Also expected at the event is Head Aptech Business Limited, Sumil Janardhan.

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DISCOURSE Text of the address by the Chieft Servant, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Talban Minna), the Governor of Niger State and Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London; on July 10.

Nigeria’s unity and regional groups: Influence and impact of Northern Governors’ Forum Protocols

I

AM extremely delighted to be at the Chatham House today to meet with this distinguished audience. I am equally pleased to have met Tom Cargill, the Assistant Head of the Africa programme at the Chatham House and other key officials here today. Let me also acknowledge the remarkable work going on at the Chatham House under the effective leadership of its Director, Dr. Robin Niblett, who is admirably positioning Chatham House as one of the most influential independent Institutes on International Affairs today. I thank the organisers of this event especially Elizabeth Donnelley for the opportunity to use this platform for discussing issues with a view to promoting better understanding of Nigeria in world affairs.

I accepted to speak on “Nigeria’s Unity and Regional Socio-Political Groups: Influence and Impact of the Northern States Governors Forum” to show how we are responding to the developmental challenges confronting us as a nation, particularly in the Northern States, home to approximately 52% of our nation’s population of over 160 million, these include 19 northern states out of 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In this age of information and communication technology, it is probably not news to tell this audience that we are a nation of ethnic diversities, high rising expectations and more often than not competing aspirations. We continue to explore diversities for strength, unity and peaceful co-existence forging integrative and interdependent relationships based on common ties, language, aspirations and indeed fate.

Therefore, the Northern States Governor’s Forum does not believe in the breakaway of Nigeria. Hence, the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct in spite the current challenges.

We recognise our diversities which predate colonial period. However, the emergence of influential regional social groups in the country continues to shape the nation’s political and economic development. In the socio-economic and political development of the country, the NSGF has been playing critical roles in partnership with the Federal Government and development partners in responding to the challenges facing our states and the nation in general.

For instance, we initiated and supported the adoption of the “doctrine of necessity” by the National Assembly and Nigerians in confirming the then Vice President as the Acting President to resolve the exploitation of the prolonged illness and absence from office of the then President Umaru Musa Yar’adua despite Section 144 subsection 1(b) and subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Constitution provides that when the President is incapacitated, administrative power to act be transmitted to the Vice President to avoid vacuum in leadership. The problem of lack formal transmission came to the fore when members of the National Assembly demanded for the letter by the ailing president before legitimizing the acting capacity of the then Vice President. To date there is no certainty about what happened to the letter and whether or not it was written or not.

In honouring the Constitution, the forum supported the making of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Acting President that was subsequently endorsed by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) at the national level inspite the antagonism originating from the South-south region. Notwithstanding such antics, he was confirmed by the National Assembly and sworn-in as Acting President

paving the way for peaceful transition on the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua on May 5, 2010 and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, sworn-in on May 6, 2010 as substantive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria was further confronted with another challenge on the issue of zoning/rotation. This was a conflict between the supremacy of the nation’s constitution on one hand and Peoples Democratic Party’s constitution on the other hand and the perception of the people as well. The issue turned out to be one of the most contentious in the nation’s recent political history.

The Northern Governors Forum which is the largest in Nigeria’s geopolitical coalition demonstrated its commitment to nation building in resolving the debacle. After due consultations, with 18 of the 19 governors in attendance only three voted for zoning, one neutral but majority (14) Governors agreed to abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because of the recognition of the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution as encapsulated in section (1) which states that; This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

And the provision of section 131 of 1999 constitution which states that; A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if- (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) has attained the age of 40 years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent.

Arising from the above, therefore, the Forum acknowledged the right of President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed any other Nigerian to contest legitimately and constitutionally for the office of the President. At that time in 2010 there were 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors and 3 All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) Governors in the northern states while at the national level PDP controlled 27 States, other parties were in control of 9 States only out of 36 states.

In addition, the Forum recognized the fact that the issue of zoning was a PDP affair as contained in Article 7.2(c) of the party’s constitution which states that; In pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive Committee at all levels.

Therefore, as a mark of respect to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, many Northern Governors against the wishes of their people went to Campaign for Goodluck Ebele Johnathan at the expense of their political careers. This explains the reason why some of the governors lost their elections and the violence that followed the elections in some Northern States.

Fuel subsidy The Northern States Governor’s Forum in concert with the Nigerian Governor’s Forum alerted the Federal Government and insisted on the restructuring of the petroleum sector. Therefore the NSGF supported the Federal Government when it decided to remove the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS) - petrol to break the corruption cartel in the oil industry. This was to check corruption and monumental wastages to engender and stimulate growth and overall socio-economic development in the country. These positions were taken in the interest of national unity, integration and development.

•Dr. Aliyu

Indeed, surmounting the challenges of today’s World requires a leadership with moral compass – character, vision, integrity and courage to take difficult decisions to enhance socio-economic development, irrespective of whose interest is at stake.

Religion – Regulation In view of the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria mediated by religious moral practice deficit, we institutionalise regulation of preaching in Northern States with appropriate legislation, sanctioning persons who exceed beyond the Modus Operandi. We realised that violence mediated by religion do not just happen in a vacuum but fanned by clerics who have failed in maintaining the sanctimonious position of setting standards in moral and societal values. Our efforts toward this direction were the timely evacuation from a location in Niger State, about 9,000 members of an isolated sect operating under the name Darul Islam. This sect practised a doctrine of isolation with unwholesome practices far removed from the Qur’anic injunction.

Despite condemnation from certain level of the society, we spared no cost to dislodge the group peacefully sending them to their various places of origin while other nationalities were deported to their home Countries. Similar experiences are bound in some other States. We have also set up Ministry of Religious Affairs in Niger State to provide proper supervision, coordination, and regulatory and other oversight responsibilities. It is also worthy of note that States and Local Governments can only use traditional mechanisms and institutions. Similarly, the Niger state government example was replicated by the Sokoto state government where radical Shi’it groups were dislodge before starting up trouble. It is

‘We recognise our diversities which predate colonial period. However, the emergence of influential regional social groups in the country continues to shape the nation’s political and economic development. In the socio-economic and political development of the country, the NSGF has been playing critical roles in partnership with the Federal Government and development partners in responding to the challenges facing our states and the nation in general.

apt to situate violence in Nigeria into other categories especially when it is not only restricted to religion.

Therefore, in other parts of the country South-south to be specific, a militant group identified as ‘Niger Delta Militants’ waged guirella war against government installations kidnapping, killing and bombing installations of foreign companies operating in oil fields.

The Federal Government under the administration of Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua introduced amnesty policy to repartrate the militants from the creeks back to the society. Today arm insurgence, incessant cases of violent attacks on communities have reduced as most of the perpetrators of societal vices are in different parts of the world receiving trainings on skills acquisition programs to be self-reliant while others left for school with full government sponsorship.

Violence and Islam Ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a sad reality that Islam in Northern Nigeria is becoming violent with disastrous consequence on human and material values. The situation is spiralling out of control with waning effect on the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria. It is imperative to know that the breakdown of morall chastity and religious sanctity is on the life and style of our youths which has been devoid of direction and proper lessons of the Holy Qur’An. Gone are the days religious instructions are thought students in primary and secondary schools. It is common practise to see unqualified teachers taking up Qur’Anic lessons, while some teach outside the context of the Holy book others engage outright mischieve to satisfy vested interest. In most cases, the young ones are thought how to uphold violence instead of towing the lines for peace and development.

The absence of adequate infrastructural and social security flanked by poverty and burgeoning challenges from every conceivable aspect of societal life coupled with monumental failure of parents and, religious institutions and school to shape and properly prepare budding generations on moral chastity accounts largely to the problem of violence religious practice in Northern Nigeria today.

Peer review mechanism Consistent with our common history, socio-economic and political circumstances, we adopted experience sharing as a mechanism for improved service delivery, where we exchange visits amongst ourselves to compare notes and espouse best practices in good governance in our peculiar circumstances – transparency, accountability and due diligence. We have been organising periodic summits in Health, Education, Agriculture, Economy and landmark decisions have been adopted to enhance service delivery. We initiated the integration of western and almajiri school system, renovation of schools and provision of furniture and other learning materials, as well as incentives for teachers across the Northern States. Other areas include but not limited to health, agriculture, infrastructural development, poverty reduction, employment generation, social security and economic development across our states, as well as in combating crime and insecurity. We have been doing that in fighting Polio, high infant and maternal mortality and morbidities, youth unemployment and high illiteracy rates in our States. The forum has organised summits in Health, Education, Agriculture and Economy to address the issue of gov-

ernance and development in the region.

For instance, we have insisted that basic education must be free for all school age children in all the Northern States to enhance school enrolment and to facilitate rapid socio-economic development that comes with quality education. Regarding infrastructure, we have initiated various mass housing projects, improved treatment and distribution of potable water, and are consistently exploring viable partnerships to invest in and improve the energy sector. In the health sector, we are also providing free health services to children less than five years and pregnant women across our States through the MDGs ad National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Through our health summits, infant and maternal mortality rates and HIV/AIDS prevalence have dropped in recent years.

Economy The present social, economic and political quagmire Nigeria finds itself would have been avoidable only if it practices a single economy. The rate of corruption, wastages of funds, massive duplication of projects could have been avoided if the revenue sharing formula have been fairly distributed across Federal, States and Local Governments.

Mobilising socio-cultural groups and traditional institutions for national unity The Northern States Governor’s Forum have continued to engage so socio-cultural groups and traditional institutions for various socio-economic and development programs.

Some of this include; Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Traditional Rulers Council. The success recorded by the British overlords during the pre-colonial era was largely due to the presence of a functional and well-streamlined traditional administrative system of governance in the north. Hence, the introduction of indirect rule by the British through the use of local chiefs or other approved intermediaries and traditional laws and customs with British officials supervising the administration.

Indirect rule used the existing traditional system of administration and it recogniSed the status of traditional rulers who served as the priests, political, cultural, economic and social administrators and lords of their various domains. In Nigeria today for instance, traditional rulers perform vital roles in their domains that the common people often rely on them as legitimizers and consult with them often for clarification and guidance on the direction to go in terms of development, adoption and policy compliance among others than they do with political leaders.

The traditional institution is still a distinctive and respected leadership segment in Northern Nigeria today.

Hence, traditional rulers have crucial roles to play in ensuring the peace, stability and progress of our nation. Indeed, this is where their relevance truly lies-adding voices of wisdom and counsel, at the right moment in solving critical national problems. In recognition of the vital roles they play in the society and to further empower them to assert authority in their domains, a bill is presently before the Federal Parliament to grant them constitutional powers. If the bill scales through and eventually gets Presidential assent, traditional rulers in partnership with political leaders will be directly involved in the daily running of their domains in concert with other political leaders at local, state and national levels.

Tobecontinued

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Oshiomhole pays patients’ medical bills

Oshiomhole has demonstrated an example of good leadership by paying the bills of indigent patients. If the bills are in excess of what the governor provided, we will waive the balance

•Continued from Page 17

most pathetic. He was involved in an accident which affected his legs.

He was discharged since October last year but couldn’t pay the N1.2m bill he incurred. He resigned to fate.

“I wouldn’t have been able to pay the money. My wife and children live in Onitsha. I thank Oshiomhole very much,” he told journalists on his bed.

Udauk said she was treated and discharged for more than two months but could not raise the N691,000 she was asked to pay.

Shuaibu’s bill was N343,160.

Blessing Ogbugo was treated since October last year but could not pay the N600,000 bill; Esther Jeremiah owed N83,000 while Ramatu Idris was indebted to the tune of N58,000. Everyone of them, including the girl whose mother absconded with the money, danced to the admiration of all at the ward.

Joy, mother of baby Okafor who was among the ‘prisoner’ patients, said she was very happy that her baby can now go home. She showered prayers on

•Chukwu, another beneficiary

•Some of the relieved patients

Governor Oshiomhole.

Besides the ‘prisoner’ patients that benefitted from the good gesture of the governor, over 600 patients who were on sick bed that day were given N5000 each.

The money made available by Governor Oshiomhole was not enough to clear the debts owed by the ‘prisoner’ patients but the hospital management wrote off the balance as a show of

appreciation to Oshiomhole and allowed all the patients to go home.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital who represented the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Alfred Ogbemudia, thanked the governor for the payment, adding that the hospital will pay whatever was left of the patients’ bill.

He said: “Oshiomhole has demonstrated an example of good leadership by paying the bills of indigent patients. If the bills are in excess of what the governor provided, we will waive the balance.”

“For him to go beyond doing well in governance to show such affection is an uncommon display of affection.”

Keke Maigida replaces okada in Kwara The ban placed on commercial motorcycles in Kwara State has been concretised with the introduction of tricycles christened Keke Maigida.

The state governor Abdulfatah Ahmed launched 250 tricycles in Ilorin, the state capital, saying the introduction of the threewheelers will be in phases.

The state government recently banned commercial motorcyclists on major routes in the metropolis.

His words: “I have been reliably informed that ‘Keke Maigida will ply those routes in the metropolis where commercial motorcyclists have been banned. Let me restate here that the ban is not punitive but is designed to strengthen security for the safety of lives and properties in the state. Even though banned in densely populated areas of Ilorin, commercial motorcyclists are at liberty to operate in other areas of Ilorin metropolis and across other local government areas of the state.

“I therefore urge those affected by the ban to take the policy in good faith, believing that this government is their own and will do nothing to hamper their well-being. In the interest of our people, I charge those local government councils that are yet to key into the scheme to subscribe in order to ease transportation in their various localities.”

Ahmed said the scheme was aimed at empowering people, generating employment and boosting entrepreneurship, adding that beneficiaries would be engaged in viable enterprise to ease transportation in the state.

The governor, who said the tricycles would go for N397,000 and operate in Ilorin metropolis where Okada had been banned, added that the programme was not punitive but to strengthen security of life and property.

He also enjoined local government areas that had not

T

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

yet keyed into the scheme to subscribe in order to ease transportation in their various localities.

The governor also charged the Keke Maigida operators to avoid reckless activities to ensure gain, adding that they should abide by repayment scheme for others to benefit.

Also speaking, special adviser to the governor on Transport and Utility, Alhaji Usman Ajape, said the programme would help people in grassroots areas to reduce accident and improve security, thereby ensuring safety of life and property of commuters.

He said the scheme was conceived upon people’s complaints to the government on how criminals use okada to carry out nefarious activities and

I urge those affected by the okada ban to take the policy in good faith, believing that this government is their own and will do nothing to hamper their well-being escape arrest after committing crimes.

Ajape added that “as a committed colonel in your army, we shall ensure that this programme brings smiles to the faces of Kwarans.

“At this juncture, I wish to humbly request your approval for the purchase of taxi cabs and buses so

Pix: Okogwu FMT, NRC officials Zungeru MikeJimoh

that more requests and applications could be addressed. I also commend the Okada riders, members of the roads transport employers association of Nigeria and the national union of road transport workers for their understanding and cooperation aimed at improving the transportation scheme in the state.”

Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aiwuzie who represented the governor, said Oshiomhole’s desire was for the patients to be reunited with their families.

According to her, “The governor is not showing off. He came here two days ago and saw many patients who couldn’t pay their bills. He decided to pay the bills.”

Traders urged to maintain peace

By Miriam Ndikanwu

T

RADERS in Odunade Market, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have been urged to embrace peace in order to amicably resolve the lingering leadership tussle rocking the market.

Veteran journalist and media consultant to the traders, Mr. Julius Kayode, who gave the charge at a press conference, said it was important for the traders to follow the directives given by the authorities of the local government in order to put an end to the crisis affecting the election of the market’s new executive.

Kayode explained that the Modestus Umenzekwe-led executive would have concluded all matters concerning the election of the new leaders if not for the court order restraining them from doing so.

“The Modestus Umenzekwe-led executive did not intend to continue in office. But they were persuaded to continue for another one year to expire in 2008 because of their good work.

“As they were about holding an election in 2008/2009, a major subscriber to the new shopping complex went to court and obtained an injunction restraining the holding of the election.

“Because of the executive’s respect for the rule of law, the election could not be held. They decided to use a twopronged approach of appealing against the order and pursuing an outof-court settlement.”

He said their investigation had also revealed that some members of the association desperate to get into the executive position had been instigating imaginary crisis in a bid to force Umenzekwe leadership to commit illegality.

“The Exco have obeyed this injunction by not conducting fresh elections because of their respect for the rule of law, while pursing an out of court settlement”.

“Several suits have also been instituted by some aggrieved members of the association both at the state and Federal High Court. The latest one is presently before Hon. Justice Nwaka in Suit No ID/736/ 2011”, Kayode said, adding that all these have hindered the executive from conducting elections as at when due.”

OLYMPIC PHOTOS 50

Friday, August 3, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

51

NEWS RAMADAN

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola congratulating Master AbdusSataar Salam, a hafiz (someone that memorises the Quran). With them is the son’s father Alhaji Yahya Abdussalam

•Osun State Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori flanked by wife of the governor Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (right) and Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation Prof Olubukola Oyawoye during Ramadan Tafsir at the State House, Osogbo.

Cleric urges lawmakers to drop cremation bill

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HE Chief Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to change its position on the proposed cremation bill, which has generated public criticism.

Speaking at the fifth Iftar Sahim (feeding of fasting faithful) and the annual Ramadan lecture of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Lateef Abiru, Sheikh Ahmad said the bill was not only against the tenets of Islam but also against humanity.

He said both Islam and Christianity do not permit burning of human beings after they die.

“The bill if passed into law will not only create problems among people because both Islam and Christianity preach the dignity of human beings

‘The bill if passed into law will not only create problems among people because both Islam and Christianity preach the dignity of human beings even after death’

By Oziegbe Okoeki

even after death. It is against human existence and it is alien to Africa to burn people when they die.

“Apart from the fact that Islam says we must hold the body of dead people with patience and mercy before they are buried, Africans believe in holding dead ones in high esteem because they believe they should be honoured. The argu-

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

The next 10 days

A

T the beginning of this sacred month, 11 days ago, an analysis was done in this column classifying the 30 days of Ramadan into three segments. The first segment was said to contain the first ten days during which the blessings of Allah come to the faithful Muslims freely and in abundance. Except for meeting that segment with faith and good intention, there is no working for it.

That segment ended yesterday paving way for the second segment that begins today. As from today, fasting Muslims, all over the world, will start working for the master key to Al-Jannah through forgiveness. That is the essence of this second segment of the month of Ramadan.

During this period, Muslims are expected to intensify worship (Ibadah) by spending their days and nights seeking Allah’s forgiveness and by chanting Istighfar. But such forgiveness is neither automatic nor free. There are usually conditions attached to it. One of such conditions is that one must admit his misdeeds and repent on them. The second is that he should voluntarily and genuinely seek forgiveness.

And the third condition is to resolve never to return to such misdeeds again. To seek Allah’s forgiveness during that time, a Muslim should follow the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on prayers. He was reported to have said that “if you want to speak with Allah, make your request on prostration. And if you want Allah with speak to you recite the Qur’an”.

No one who abides by the above conditions and follows the Prophet’s counsel on prayers will ever be disappointed.

Allah is both a promising and fulfilling God. He never reneges on His promise. In Qur’an 2:186 He promises thus: “…when my servants ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about me, tell them that I am very close to them. I answer the prayers of whoever seeks my favour if he prays to me (without any intermediary).

So, let them expect my favourable response and trust in me so that they may be rightly guided” The second ten days period of Ramadan is not just to consolidate on the blessings of the first ten days it is also to prepare the fasting Muslims for the last ten days when they are expected to be fully liberated from the manacles of Satan.

ment of the lawmakers on the proposed bill is not tenable as they say that there are no enough lands to bury the unclaimed bodies. We should understand that anything concerning people’s religious creed is always sensitive and it should be treated as such,” he said.

While speaking on the topic entitled: Nation Building-the Islamic Perspective, Sheikh Ahmad said for society to be cleansed of social vices, human relations should be taken with seriousness, adding that when people truly love one another, there would be peace and unity in the country.

“The problem we are having in this country is that we have misplaced our priorities because we have put mercy where there should be justice.

Without fear or favour, there are so many things that must be addressed in this country”.

•Iftar (Breaking of fast) for 500 people organised by Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit at Zumratul Islamiyah Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos

Foundation urges Muslims to be good ambassadors

T

HE President, Muslimah Global Foundation (MGF), Hajia Aisha Aliyu, yesterday called on all Muslims to be good ambassadors wherever they found themselves.

Aliyu, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said Muslims should have the interest of the lessprivileged at heart.

According to her, this is

because about 80 per cent of the population is living below poverty line.

Hajia Aliyu urged Muslims to always think of what to do to better their lot instead of waiting for the government to do everything for them. “ We should try to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s lifestyle by making sure we give the necessary assistance to whoever comes our way, be he a Muslim or Christian.

“ This will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people, thereby contributing to the socio-political and economic development of the country,” she added.

According to her, the foundation has assisted humanity in sinking boreholes in Faskari Local Government in Katsina State and Jigarawa in Wudil Local Government of Kano State.

She said this is with a view

to improving their living conditions.

According to her, the organisation donated hospital equipment to Kura Hospital in Kano, and others, in order to assist the people and complement government’s efforts. “ We also donated some relief materials to the victims of flooding in Sokoto that rendered about 200 people homeless in 2010.

Fatima Foundation feeds Muslims

T

HE Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF) has held Iftar Sahim (feeding of fasting faithful) for Muslims in Lagos State.

President of the foundation Alhaja Bintu Fatima Tinubu said the gesture was to maximise the benefits of Ramadan.

Aside food, clothes were

By Amidu Arije

also distributed.

Speaking on the topic, entitled: Maximising the rewards Ramadan, the guest speaker, Ustadh Morufudeen Okunnu urged Muslims to be closer to Allah by engaging in good deeds.

Ustadh Okunnu said seek-

Don warns against breaking with oranges

U

NIVERSITY of Ilorin Acting Head of Home Economics and Food Science Department Dr Ramota Karim, has warned Muslims against breaking the fast with orange, lemon and cashew due to their acidic content.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the ideal fruits to use in breaking fast are dates, pawpaw, water melon and apple. “ The intake of orange, lemon or cashew to break fast is not advisable because they contain high organic acid-citric acid and tartaric acid that are not good to open up the digestive system after a very long rest. “ Instead, drinking of water is advisable,’’ she said.

She also advised people to eat moderately and stop the habit of drinking water while having meals. “ It is advisable to drink water 10 minutes before a meal or five minutes after the meal to avoid diluting stomach acid and causing indigestion.”

ing Allah’s forgiveness in this month is most rewarding.

“One of the ways to maximise reward in Ramadan is to seek Allah’s forgiveness from our shortcomings and one of the ways to do this is to repent from the past sins; regret the past sins committed and don’t go back to it again. You should also seek the forgiveness of the

person whom you have wronged; this way Allah will forgive you,” he said.

Ustadh Okunu also urged Muslims to give Zakat, saying it is a way of removing poverty from the land.

“Given Zakat from your wealth to the poor will alleviate poverty in the land and aid peaceful society,” he said.

Council chief sues for peace

M

USLIMS have been urged to use the period of Ramadan to pray for continued peace, security and progress of the nation in the wake of incessant attacks by the the, Boko Haram militants in some Northern part of Nigeria.

Council Chairman of IfakoIjaiye Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, said Islam is a religion of peace.

Oke urged Muslims to exhibit and practice tenets that will ensure peaceful and mutual coexistence during and after the

By Yinka Aderibigbe

period in Lagos State, and Nigeria at large.

Oke, urged the Islamic extremist sect perpetrating terrorist act capable of destabilising the country through indiscriminate bombing leading to loss of lives and properties in the Northern part of the Country, to have a change of heart during the period and toe the line of peace by embracing the option of dialogue with the Federal Government to resolve whatever grievances they may have.

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

53

59TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

O

n Wednesday 1st August, 2012 (13TH Ramadan, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Fifty Ninth (59th) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important policy issues and programs that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon. Records show that since inception of its second tenure, the Administration of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has places high premium and pursue tangible projects spanning all sectors putting emphasis on its commitment to fulfilling campaign promises driven by the general resolve to providing good governance characterized by exemplary leadership in which utilization/ deployment of resources, though conspicuous, is guided by prudence and transparency.

It is delightfully encouraging to witness the reawakening of the hopes and fulfillment of the aspirations of the people of Kano State as depicted in the glaring progress achieved in the improvement of the quality and quantity of services provided by Government across all sectors – especially water supply, agricultural production, education, healthcare delivery, environmental sanitation and refuse disposal, installation/repairs of street and traffic lights, beautification of urban Kano, provision of security, provision of skill acquisition and employment opportunities etc.

Importantly, in Fifty Eight (58) sittings the present administration approved a capital expenditure close to N190 billion of which N5,719,705,272.53 was approved for the execution of 22 projects by the Council during its most recent 58th sitting as follows; Main Highlights of the 58th Sitting are: 1) N3,280,153,786.00 as funds to facilitate for the revalidation of inherited projects- Dualisation of Dan Agundi to Sharada road.

2) N987,530,103.36 as funds to facilitate for the construction of College of Nursing and Midwifery at Madobi town.

3) N914,980,000.00 as funds approved for utilization by the Ministry of Education (SUBEB) from the 2010 TETF. 4) N242,931,801.00 as funds to facilitate for the fabrication, supply and installation of composite steel guardrails along 2 sides of Katsina Road median.

5) N100,000,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the payment of compensation for land, trees and structures at Dawanau Northern Terminus.

6) N73,896,095.00 as funds released to the Kano Pillars Football Club Management as intervention to ensure good performance by the club.

7) N29,695,500.00 as funds for the purchase of official vehicles to some Government Officials.

8) N27,475,244.84 as funds to facilitate for the payment of 2nd batch contract gratuity outstanding liabilities of 335 contract officers.

9) N12,079,400.00 as funds to facilitate for Estacode of five (5) selected players of Kwankwasiyya Babes football club Gwarzo and Seven (7) Officials to Dubai (19th July – 4th August, 2012).

10) N9,473,010.75 as funds to facilitate for the execution of some community based projects in Gwale and Dala LGCAs. 11) N9,054,927,000.00 as funds to execute some Community based projects in Municipal and Gwale LGCAs. 12) N5,557,000.00 as funds for the purchase and free distribution of Anti-Sickling drugs and other items to Sickle Cell patients in Kano.

13) N5,000,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the evacuation of lunatics roaming the streets at the 44 LGCAs. 14) N3,506,600.00 as funds to purchase mattresses for students on exchange program.

15) N3,106,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the completion of the activities of annual school census (ASC).

16) N3,500,000.00 as funds to facilitate activities of the mobile court (Task Force) on drug offences.

17) N2,978,215.01 as funds for the execution of some community based projects in Gwale, Dala and Dawakin Tofa LGCAs. 18) N2,842,809.17 as funds to facilitate for the variation for supply of additional books to school of Nursing Kano.

19) N2,000,000.00 as state’s share to the counterpart collaboration with UNICEF “D” Field office Bauchi.

20) N1,474,280.00 as funds to facilitate for the connection of Kano Free Trade Zone with main water supply.

21) N1,362,000.00 as funds to intervene with activities of North- West Zonal Office of the National Sports Commission.

22) N1,108,500.00 as funds to facilitate for the training organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

This Council’s sitting was presided over by Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso FNSE during which 18 memoranda were submitted by 9 MDAs for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N14,255,156,637.60 covering 17 projects was approved for execution by the Council.

1.

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Higher Education for consideration by the Council as follows; a) Computerization of Students payment on line/provision of Computers and accessories: Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded the Council of the resolve of the present administration to promote system change, accountability and transparency. So, the main objective here is to attain a complete platform from e – application, e – payment to e – registration with a view to easing student’s problems in the payment of allowances and bursary. The proposed project entails setting up a data processing center, installation of Hardware components, capacity building and training of personnel to manage and maintain the entire platform. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N14,657,370.00 to the Ministry of Higher Education to facilitate for the stated purpose. b) Construction of a modern Edifice storey building comprising of eight (8) lecture halls and twenty one (21) Staff Offices at Bayero University Kano: Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded the responsive Council of the contributions of the Kano State Government to Usman Danfodio University Sokoto and School of Basic Studies Funtua in similar project. Bayero University Kano is the highest contributor to the enrolment of Kano State Students. As such, the Ministry of Higher Education requested, via contents of this memorandum, for the release of N162,347,328.40 to facilitate for the construction of the modern edifice one storey building comprising eight (8) lecture halls and twenty one (21) staff offices at Bayero University Kano. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Higher Education to undertake the stated project in view of its relevance to the policy of the present administration regarding the education sector. c) Construction of School for Basic and Remedial Studies at Tudun Wada Dankade Town in Tudun Wada LGCA: Council noted and considered contents of this memorandum and promptly approved for the release of the requested sum of N241,386,235.54 to the Ministry of Higher Education to expedite action in the execution of the stated project in view of its significance and relevance especially to the present administration. Importantly, the project will ensure provision of Geographical spread for institutions of this nature in addition to the only existing Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies (CARS) located in the urban center of the State.

2.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT. Four (4) memoranda were submitted by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for deliberation as follows; a) Procurement/Allocation of Motor vehicles in favor of Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB): Contents of this memorandum substantiated the need for motor vehicles at seven (7) units under the auspices of the KSSSSMB towards ensuring effective and efficient discharge of Official engagements. The board requested for the allocation of Toyota 18-seater vehicles to each of the following: i.

Monitoring and Evaluation Department (KSSSSMB Headquarters) - Two vehicles. ii. Dala Zonal Education Office.

- One vehicle. iii. Dawakin Kudu Zonal Education Office.

- One vehicle. iv. Karaye Zonal Education Office - One vehicle. v.

Kura Zonal Education Office - One vehicle. vi. GGSS Madobi - One vehicle.

This brings the total number of vehicles to seven (7) each of which costs N7,500,000.00 totaling to an aggregate sum of N52,500,000.00 for the seven (7).

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the procurement and allocation of the vehicles as requested. b) Procurement/Allocation of motor vehicles in favor of Kano State Scholarship Board: Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N7,500,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the procurement and allocation of one Toyota 18-seater vehicle to the Kano State Scholarship Board as requested. Again, one of the two (2) Toyota Hilux vehicles retrieved from the KSSSSMB will be allocated to the Scholarship Board. The gesture was to smoothen the operations at the scholarship which involve frequent trips across the country for student interview, investigations, payment of allowances etc. c) Replacement of 35 Units of Toyota Hilux vehicles in favor of Neighborhood watch (vigilante security) Group Kano: Contents of this memorandum adequately notified the Council of the compliance to an instruction received by the vigilante Kano State Command from the Office of the Special Services Directorate. The instruction was to release 35 Units of Toyota vehicles to the Joint Task Force (JTF) specifically the Nigerian Army. These vehicles were retrieved from 35 Local Government Command Offices thereby creating some hindrances to the discharge of the commands responsibilities within the affected LGCA’s. The situation compelled the vigilante Group to solicit for the State Government to replace the released vehicles each of which costs N6,950,000.00 aggregating to the sum of N6,950,000.00 * 20 = N139,000,000.00.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N139,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the purchase and replacement of the 20 Units of Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Vigilante Group Kano. d) Preparation/successful conduct of the 5th batch of the Lafiya Jari Empowerment Program in respect of 200 potential beneficiaries selected from the 44 LGCA’s: The requested sum of N46,952,712.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Office of the Special Adviser Sanitation/Immunization (Coordinator Lafiya Jari) to facilitate for the execution of the 5th batch Lafiya Jari Empowerment Program in respect of 200 potential beneficiaries selected and screened from the 44 LGCAs. The entire program entails five (5) main activities: 3.

OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE. One memorandum was submitted by the Office of the head of Civil Service for deliberation by the Council as follows; Request for the release of one Ahmed Salisu (information 1) on a 5-year contract appointment with Radio Duestchewelle: Contents of the memorandum forwarded the request from Radio Kano on behalf of the referred officer who is requesting for approval for his release for a 3-year leave of absence (1-3-2012 to 29-2-2015) which shall not be counted in the computation of his benefits at retirement. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of Ahmed Salisu as requested wishing him well in all his endeavors and safe return to his duty post.

4.

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Water Resources for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Repairs/Renovation of Jakara, Kusalla and Tomas Irrigation projects:

Council was abundantly notified of the significance of the three (3) irrigation projects referred to in this memorandum. All three (3) were constructed with multiple purpose especially irrigation and water supply far back in 1976 and 1977. The project areas were constructed with command sources of water from Jakara dam, Kusalla dam and Tomas dam reservoir with a design to irrigate 270, 250 and 2500 hectares of land respectively through both gravity and overhead systems. All three (3) projects serve a sizeable number of people downstream but need repair and rehabilitation for which the Ministry of Water Resources requested the responsive Council for the release of the aggregate sum of N33,890,922.78. Council noted, considered and approve for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Water resources to expedite action on the execution of referred projects in view of their significance and relevance to the policy of the present administration. b) Construction of four (4) additional tube wells and replacement of two (2) high-lift pumps at Joda regional Water Scheme: Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso The requested sum of N49,998,900.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Water Resources to undertake the referred projects in view of their significance and relevance. The projects are to provide additional N7.2 Million liters of portable water making a total of 14 Million litres with nine (9) operational tube wells whose services will cover areas such as Gabasawa, Gezawa, Zakirai and their surroundings as well as Yankaba in Nassarawa LGCA. c) Conversion of a building to a store for Chemicals at Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant: Contents of this memorandum politely alerted the responsive Council on the need for suitable storage facility for chemicals at the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant. Council noted, considered and approval for the release of the requested sum of N18,730,981.96 to the Ministry of Water Resources to undertake the referred project so as to provide the required infrastructure for portable Water production.

5. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Education for deliberation by the Council as follows: a) Construction of Hand Pumps at the newly constructed Kwankwasiyya Teachers Lodge at Rural Areas in Kano State: Contents of this memorandum applauded the present administration on its laudable policy of providing suitable accommodation for teachers serving in rural areas. One hundred (100) such houses (100) were approved for construction by the Council during one of its sittings. As such, the Ministry of Education requested via contents of this memorandum, for release of the sum of N59,000,000.00 to enable the construction of one hundred (100) hand pumps – one each at each of the one hundred (100) houses.

Thus; one hand pump = N590,000.00 100 hand pumps = N59,000,000.00 Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the money to the Ministry of Education to undertake the referred projects in view of its significance and potential of providing one of the essential requirements that keep the teachers at their duty posts. b) Repairs and renovation of the existing structure at GGASS Albasu, Albasu LGCA: Council approved for the release of the requested sum of N29,560,188.68 to the Ministry of Education to facilitate for the execution of the referred project at GGASS Albasu. Thus; i.

Renovation/rehabilitation of Nana Aisha twin hostel N5,367,719.57 ii. Renovation/rehabilitation of Nana Khadija hostel N5,385,608.35 iii. Renovation/rehabilitation of Nana Hafsat hostel N5,467,713.77 iv. Renovation/rehabilitation of Nana kibdiyya hostel N1,840,838.60 v. Renovation/rehabilitation of 6-seater VIP toilets N3,022,454.91 TOTAL N8,475,853.48 6. MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET. Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Planning and Budget for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Progress achieved in the implementation of the 2011 States MDG’s conditional Grant Scheme: Council noted, considered and approved for the submission of the list of sixty nine (69) successful contractors to MDG’s – CGS Abuja to obtain letter of no objection to award contracts and be given contract offers as well as release of 40% mobilization fees from the MDG’s account. Which translates to the total aggregate sum of N974,801,913.31. Council approved for the release of the stated amount to facilitate for the stated purpose. b) Access to the 2012 conditional Grant Scheme under the Department of Relief Gains managed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (OSSAP): Contents of this memorandum adequately acquainted the attentive Council of the need for the State Government to put up an application to access fund under the 2012 conditional grant scheme. The total amount of money earmarked for the grant is N1,200,000,000.00 of which Kano State Government has to contribute 50% (or N600,000,000.00) while the OSSAP/ MDG’s is to provide equal amount of money on 50:50 percent basis. This arrangement certainly provides an avenue for the State leverage funds to other equally demanding projects as well as carry out development projects that are in tandem with its policy trust.

As such, Council noted considered and approved for the execution of the following; i.

Kano State should apply for 2012 Conditional Grant Scheme. ii. That the sum of N3,500,000.00 be released to the programme support unit through the Ministry of Planning and Budget to undertake packaging of proposals for the 2012 conditioned Grant Scheme.

7. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING. Four (4) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning for deliberation by the Council as follows: a) Continuation of the Construction of Tarauni Shopping Complex by KNUPDA: Council noted, considered and approved for KNUPDA to use its contra-entry provision and go ahead on the project as presented to the Council by contents of this memorandum. Council also directed the Ministry of Planning and Budget to open the 140111 to enable the Authority to incur expenditure (AIE) N48,788,775.30 as requested. b) Execution of the 6th batch of Local Government five (5) Kilometer road projects: The aggregate sum of N12,356,541,345.75 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry for Land and Physical Planning to facilitate for the execution of the 6th batch of Local Government five (5) kilometer project at seven (7) Council areas which include Bagwai, Fagge, Kunchi, Kumbotso, Madobi, Rimin Gado and Tsanyawa. The gesture was only in

S/N

LGA’s

CONTRACT SUM(N)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 TOTAL

Bagwai Fagge Kumbotso Kunchi Madobi Rimin-gado Tsanyawa

N1,875,531,289.82 N1,794,110,852.73 N1,564,387,084.70 N1,755,434,020.93 N1,462,379,772.79 N1,878,630,992.80 N2,026,067,331.98 N12,356,541,345.75

8. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/ HON. COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. Funds to settle outstanding commitment on the Ramadan Friday exercise (1433 AH) The responsive Council was adequately notified by contents of this memorandum, of the need to augment for the budgetary provision on the referred exercise. Details provided translate to the request of the aggregate sum of N16,000,000.00 to facilitate for the purpose. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner Ministry for Local Governments as supplementary to earlier provisions.

9. MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Support and Assistance to the bereaved family of late Dr. Bello Umar Dikko-The Executive Secretary Hospital Management Board who died on Friday 27th July,2012: Contents of this memorandum abundantly notified the responsive Council of the death and irreparable loss of Dr Bello Umar Dikko who served in various capacities in the State Health Sector where he held several positions until his recent appointment by the present administration as Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board on 24th December, 2011. Council commiserate with the family of the late Dr. Bello wishing the perseverance and ability to bear the loss. Council approved for the execution of the under listed in support and assistance for the bereaved family – viz: I. Allocation of the premises of house number G.P 1041 located at Sharada Quarters occupied by his family.

II. Allocation of the Official vehicle (Peugeot 406) with registration number KN031A0/1 to his family.

III. Provision of Educational support to his eleven (11) children.

IV. Immediate release of the bereaved family/services entitlements.

V. Process and release of all/sundry entitlements.

VI. Immortalize him by naming one Secondary Health Facility as Dr. Bello Umar Dikko Hospital.

Update on Activities.

Brief from the Honorable Commissioner Ministry of Planning and Budget: Attention of the Council was drawn to a laudable gesture from the DFID/PATH 2 in which the State Government was donated the following: I. Drugs and medical consumables.

II. Medical equipment.

III. 32(200 KVA) electricity generators.

IV. Primary and secondary health care facilities worth N1.2 Billion on Thursday 8/8/2012.

Council noted and appreciated the gesture and wish for the continuation of beneficial interaction with the International Donor Agencies especially on issues that are in agreement with the developmental policies of the current administration.

SIGNED: HON. COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS & CULTURE

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 1-8-12

Technical breakdown at NSE disrupts system.

PROTRACTED techniAn investment services cal breakdown at the data services

A

Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday prevented brokers and investors from getting access to trading data for the day, disrupting both domestic and international investment services.

Stockbrokers in the know of the event said they had managed to trade for the day but the system stalled retrieval of trading data, making it impossible for the NSE

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

and other investment data services organisation to access and distribute trading data for the day.

An official of the NSE who requested that his identity be veiled, said: “The Exchange was having problem with its internet,” but brokers berated persistent breakdown of the trading

company late yesterday notified investors that it has not been able to access data from the NSE due to “a technical slow-down experienced at the floor of the NSE.” Another firm apologised for its “inability to send out the daily stock market report, due to technical issues emanating from the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.”

Fidson to pay 10 kobo dividend

S

HAREHOLDERS of Fidson Healthcare Plc are expected to approve distribution of a dividend per share of 10 Kobo at its forthcoming annual general meeting in Lagos next week.

Audited report and accounts of the company for the year ended December 31, 2011, showed a profit before tax of N472 million in 2011 compared to N642 million in 2010. Profit after tax dropped

from N465 million to N312 million. However, the company’s turnover increased from N5.1 billion to N7.1 billion; representing an increase of 39 per cent.

The Finance Director, Olatunde Olanipekun, said the business environment has been very challenging but Fidson, being an ingenious organisation has always found a way out, even in the murky waters of tough businesses.

“We have decided that in spite of the difficult situation; we will keep a track record of always paying dividend. Ordinarily, common sense will require that we do not pay dividend given the harsh economic climate. But we want to maintain a reputation by paying what we paid the previous year, which is 10 kobo per share”, Olanipekun said.

He added that the company’s performance during the first half of the current year was in line with its plan, noting that if there were no major disruptions in the second half of the year, the 2012 result will be an improvement on 2011.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 1-8-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

‘Remove 55 stocks trading at nominal value’

T

HE 55 stocks quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) which are trading at nominal value of 50 kobo per share have been advised to be removed from the Exchange. Some of the stocks include Wema Bank, Unity Bank,AIICO and Equity Insurance Companies, among others.

The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismark Rewane who gave the advice, said the stocks have to be removed from the Exchange to enable investors recoup their money.

Speaking at the August BiMonthly Economic & Business Update, he explained

• Nigeria’s balance of trade rises to N3.3tr

By Collins Nweze

that there are various explanations for the dry-up in liquidity but the existence of nominal value on share prices has made it difficult to sell shares whose values have dropped to par. There are currently 55 stocks trading at the nominal value of 50 kobo.

The majority of these stocks, he said, are in the insurance sector, which was a heavily traded sector during the boom of 2007. Many investors are willing to liquidate their position on these stocks but cannot find buy-

ers, leading to investors holding on to losers. Therefore, a complete removal of the nominal share price will enable market forces to determine the fair value of shares, thus creating liquidity. Such removal would also drive the market towards reaching semi-strong efficiency.

Rewane said there are slim possibilities that the idea will be implemented in the near future. He further explained that on average this year, the index has seen less than N2 billion worth of shares traded in 48 days. This is 14 days more than the

same period last year and 30 days more than half year 2010 data.

Besides, he said the market is yet to welcome back the retail investors that suffered huge losses following the stock market crash of 2008 while anti-market initiatives taken in 2008 are still impacting the market.

He explained that at the heart of the crash, the House of Assembly implemented a week of no losses where stocks were allowed to gain five per cent daily without losing, followed by the NSE’s week of five per cent gain and one per cent loss.

These initiatives served to distort the market’s return to equilibrium and were also futile, serving only to delay the inevitable.

The report also showed that Nigeria’s balance of trade (BoT) increased significantly year-on-year by almost 3000 per cent to N3.32 trillion in the first quarter of 2012, as against the N110.17 billion recorded the same period last year.

The substantial year-onyear increase, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), was largely a result of decline in the importation of mineral products in the first quarter of 2012. However, on a quarterly basis, the BoT declined

by 42.16 per cent over the fourth quarter 2011 figure of N5.74 trillion, which is attributed to a drop in the exports of non-oil items.

With regard to the total merchandise trade, Nigeria’s trade value in the first quarter of 2012 rose year to year by 4.7 per cent to N6.62 trillion, from the N6.32 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2011, and declined by 22.4 per cent in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2011.

A breakdown of the BoT reveals that Nigeria’s import bill stood at N1.65 trillion in first quarter of the year, representing a decline of 46.95 per cent from same period last year.

Lagos Clearing Zone accounts for 74.5% of cheque transactions

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that Lagos Clearing Zone accounted for 74.5 per cent (volume) and 70.9 per cent (value) of the total cheque transactions in 2011.

This, it said, was attributed to the fact that Lagos remained the economic and commercial hub of the country.

A circular from the apex bank said cheque clearing activities in the Abuja Zone, however, shrank because of the implementation of epayment by the Federal Government for staff salaries, suppliers’ and contractors’ payments.

According to the apex bank, the volume and value of interbank funds transfer,

through the Interbank Fund Transfer System , increased by 32.1 and 26.1 per cent to 492,953 and N117.2 trillion in 2011, respectively compared with 373,248 and N92.9 trillion the previous year.

The volume and value of electronic card transactions increased significantly from 195.5 million and N1 trillion in 2010 to 355.5 million and N1.6 trillion, reflecting an increase of 81.5 and 55.8 per cent, respectively. The increase was attributed to enhanced public confidence in electronic card payments.

Data on various e-payment channels for the period under review indicated that Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) remained the most patronised, ac-

counting for 97.8 per cent, followed by web payments, 1.0 per cent, Pointof-Sale (PoS) terminals, and mobile payments, 0.6 per cent each.

Similarly, in value terms, ATMs accounted for 93.4

per cent, web 3.5 per cent, PoS 1.9 per cent and mobile payments, 1.2 per cent. The number of ATMs stood at 9,640, while the volume and value of transactions amounted to 347.5 million and N1.5 trillion, at the end

P

RIVATE equity investment into Africa more than tripled in 2011 to reach $3 billion, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has said.

In a statement, the bank’s Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube said the figure will rise further as investors move into consumer products and services on the continent instead of the tradi-

tional targets of natural resources, infrastructure and renewable energy.

“Private equity investors closed $3 billion worth of deals in Africa, up from $890 million in 2010. As a result, sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for six percent of total emerging markets in private equity investment, double the 2007 share of three percent,” he said.

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

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 1-8-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

PORTPAINT LIVESTOCK SMURFIT RTBRISCOE DNMEYER ZENITHBANK DANGCEM ROYALEX UNILEVER FCMB

3.16 1.38 0.99 1.50 0.50 14.40 114.00 0.58 35.00 3.13

C/PRICE

3.31 1.44 1.03 1.56 0.52 14.96 118.00 0.60 36.00 3.20

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

O/PRICE 1.60 4.48 30.00 4.35 2.08 1.49 1.99 1.34 1.15 2.91

C/PRICE 1.52 4.26 28.55 4.14 1.98 1.42 1.90 1.28 1.10 2.79

CHANGE 0.08 0.22 1.45 0.21 0.10 0.07 0.09 0.06 0.05 0.12

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

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% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 1-8-12

SYMBOL GRASSURE CCNN OKOMUOIL UPL ETERNA CUSTODYINS LONGMAN IKEJAHOTEL AGLEVENT SKYEBANK

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.15 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.02 0.56 4.00 0.02 1.00 0.07

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

cialised funds, focusing on natural resources, infrastructure and the renewable energy sectors. However, funds targeting other sectors, principally those driven by the growing appetite of Africans for quality consumer products and services, are poised to be the main drivers of private equity to the region in the coming years,” he maintained.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

He said about 200 equity investors are actively involved in the African market, and that beyond traditional development institutions and institutional investors, more global frontier investors are exploring opportunities in Africa, seeking to diversify risk, improve efficiency and unlock value.

“The bulk of equity funds attracted to Africa are spe-

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

December 2010. The volume and value of mobile payments increased by 215.6 and 185.8 per cent from 1,156,553 and N6.7 billion to 3.6 million and N19 billion, respectively, at end of December 2011.

AfDB puts equity investment at $3b

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

of December 2011, respectively.

The apex bank said the figures reflected increases of 86.7 and 63.7 per cent respectively over the volume and value of 186 million and N954.04 billion, at end-

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.09 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 107.66 107.58LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,717.29 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,939.60 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 122.94

Movement

0.72 1.09 0.93 1,716.34 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,730.70 191.08 1.62

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

56

NEWS ‘There’s evidence of development in Ekiti’ PROFESSOR of Eng-

A

lish at the University of New Orleans, United States of America (USA), Prof. Niyi Osundare, has said there is evidence of progress in Ekiti State.

The famous poet addressed reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, when he visited the state government.

He said there was a time nobody would want to identify with the state government, adding that such an ugly past has given way to clear hopes for the people.

Prof Osundare said this explains his willingness to identify with the government and governance in the state.

The academic noted that given the ongoing progress in the state, it is possible to talk with the government on how things can be better LOST OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE MINISTRY OF LANDS,ENUGUN THAT I CHIEF F.M.UMAHI LOST THE ORIGINAL COPY OF MY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY REG.AS 41/41/411 IN THE LANDS REGISTY ENUGUN.IN THE NAME OF SUNDAY UMAHI.IF FOUND CONTACT 08067956847 OR MIN.OF LANGS ENUNGU.

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

done.

He said: “I think it is ripe now to engage the government on some kind of talk.

There was a time somebody could not imagine that.”

Prof Osundare said being a critic, he often finds it difficult to praise people in government, adding that he would do so when a government does things properly.

He hailed the Kayode Fayemi administration for its style of governance.

On the other hand, the academic decried how Nigeria is being governed.

He praised Nigerians for what he described as their “readiness to follow whenever there is a sign of seriousness on the part of the leadership”.

The Ekiti State-born literary critic hailed the Fayemi administration for improving education.

He said the government’s activities are on the internet, including its distribution of free laptops to secondary school pupils.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOBLE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OUTREACH (NWOO) Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration under part c of the companies and allied matters decree 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 Mrs Cecilia Imaji Ogar 2 Barrister Gabriel Mpuah Ogar 3 John Emeka olo fu 4 Therasa achiane olofu 5 Emmanuel agurube ogar 6 Ogar anthony ogar 7 Gabriel ogar jnr AIMS AND OBJECTIVE • To carter for the welfare of widows and orphans generally.

Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the registrargeneral corporate affairs commission,area 11 p.m.b 198 Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARR.GABRIEL. M. OGAR

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CORNELIUS SOCIETY FOR HUMANITY Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above names Foundation has applied to the corporate affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF IBRAHIM TAIWO AJOMAGBERIN 2. MR. OLUSEGUN JOHNSON FABUNMI 3. MRS. OLAITAN OLAJUMOKE FABUNMI 4. ME. RASHEED OLAMILEKAN ISHOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide assistance and scholarship awards for indigent children 2. To protect the enviroment Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, corporate affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitaima PMB 198 Garki Abuja within 28 Days of this Publication.

Signed: JOHNNY AGIM ESQ (08023519097)

We’re committed to quality education, says Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday said it is the paramount duty of a good government to provide quality education to the people to enable them develop their personality as well as prepare them for the challenges of contemporary time.

The governor said his administration’s concept of education is not limited to the enrolment of pupils or students in schools to obtain certificates that might not translate to the cultivation of the intellect, proper literacy, character building and development for the total person.

Aregbesola spoke in Ejigbo at the turning of the sod of the state Model High School.

The governor said his administration’s assessment of the state of education was shocking.

He said: “What we discovered shocked us. The schools have been completely run aground. The entire infrastructure of education had collapsed. The pupils were disoriented and were being prepared for a dysfunctional life.

“Teachers were de-motivated and the environment of schooling was suffocating.

What are celebrated as schools would probably not be ac-

cepted as pigsties in some developed countries. They were not fit for human habitation. Where the walls were not collapsing, the roofs had caved in. Essential furniture and teaching aids were absent. The science students did not even know what a functional laboratory looked like.”

Aregbesola said this led to drastic reduction in enrolment in public schools while private schools emerged to fill the gap.

The governor noted that though private schools have to play complementary roles, he said this should not be as a result of the state’s failure to meet its obligation.

Besides, the governor said that the low status of education has also widened the social gap in the society as only the children of the poor would remain in public schools where they would get dysfunctional education that would turn them into a menace and set them on the path of self-destruction.

He said: “This is scandalous. No leader of any good conscience can allow that degenerate state to continue.

Our people are citizens from who we derive our mandate to govern. The government

•Governor Aregbesola, laying the foundation...yesterday.

Behind him is his deputy Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori with other officials

belongs to them and we must show them the deepest respect by making choices that celebrate their humanity, rather than diminish them.”

Aregbesola said the model high school is among the 21 his administration would complete in the next 18 months.

He said the government would build 100 elementary schools and 50 middle schools.

According to him, the

high school is a three-inone school where each school would have the capacity for 1,000 pupils, making 3,000.

The model school has facilities for all subjects in the sciences, arts and social sciences, including modern laboratories, recreation facilities and a food court.

He said efforts are at top gear to engage private sector to build hostels and teachers’ accommodation.

Group backs ex-leaders’ initiative on insecurity

T

HE Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has backed the initiative by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President Ibrahim Babangida to stem insecurity in the country.

The two former leaders, in a statement, said they would call a meeting of former leaders to assist the government find answers to the lingering insecurity in the country.

In a statement yesterday, the group’s Secretary-General Akin Malaolu said: “It is no longer in doubt that the Boko Haram sect’s reign is not about to decline, going by its members’ statement to continue with their terror against their fatherland and on innocent Nigerians.

“In this regard, we support the intention of our two former leaders to find a lasting solution to our insecurity problems, so that the nation can avoid needless reprisals or religious wars.

“At this stage, it is important to remind Nigerians that a democracy engaging in war has always lost some of its democratic rights; a society, which advances into a war as a solution to its problems, cannot but depress its own survival potentials. No government

was ever permitted to enter into a war without costing its people some of their liberties.

“We, therefore, warn Nigerians to see any form of war, including those of religion, as an unneeded competition.

This is because a war is a competition. A war has never

solved the needs of war; it is a social madness.

“The answer to our insecurity problems is presently beyond President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We, therefore, urge Nigerians to see the intention of our past Heads of State in that light and give them a chance.”

Residents hail Ajimobi for road dualisation

T

HRILLED by the dualisation of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) secretariat on Old Ife Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, residents and traders in the area have hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The project, which began barely four months ago, was handled by Messers Sepe International Construction Limited.

Site Engineer Tunde Bolarinwa said the road was deplorable when the government hired the firm to fix it in April.

“It is like total reconstruction because we removed completely the surface, expanded it and dualised it for free flow of traffic especially for it to serve as alternative road for

motorist on the ever-busy Iwo Road end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway linking Osun State and other exit points out of the state capital.

“We also replaced all the hydraulic structures, such as drainages, while the existing culverts were demolished for new ones in addition to reinforcement of the concrete drainage to meet the modern-day engineering specification”.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW Egbeda inter-state branch), Tomiwa Omolewa, said by the time the road is inaugurated for use, the traffic congestion in the area would become a thing of the past.

Nigerian heads UK varsity students’ union

F

RANCISCA Chiedu, a Nigerian Master’s student at the Robert Gordon University (RGU), United Kingdom, yesterday assumed office as the President of the students’ union.

She won the union’s election barely five months after starting her course at the university.

Francisca is known for strong leadership, commitment, hard work, passion for service and excellence.

She said: “Truly, life presents us with different opportunities. For me, every moment in my life offered a

door. All I had to do was choose. I chose to dream, I chose to think, I chose to move, I chose to act… I chose to win.

“It was that same drive that propelled me for leadership at RGU. That’s the motivation that got me running for the seat of President of the students’ union at RGU. “The reality I saw at RGU that encouraged me to run was its warm culture towards international students. I found myself in a university where my opinion was valued. I offered to

get involved in the union and I met a students’ body that was open to change; so, my journey began.

“I am passionate about the change. I hope to bring in my role. We will create the students’ experience we crave for! To most people, it was a child’s play, considering that I have only arrived the UK a few months ago.

But commitment, hard work, issue-based campaign and support from the majority of the students gave me success at the polls. We also broke the record of the highest number of voters since the

history of students’ elections.

“I am committed to using this platform to enhance the cultural, academic as well as social experiences of all students. Having identified some of the avenues through which the students’ union can enhance students’ experience for home and international students, it’s my commitment to contribute to exposing these opportunities.

I look forward to a year of impact and improvements.

I am here to serve, add value and learn.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 , 2012

57

NEWS

Oyerinde: Protesters barricade Edo Police Command H

UNDREDS of protesters ,comprising civil society organisations and students, yesterday barricaded the headquarters of the Edo State Police Command.

They were demanding the unconditional release of Executive Director of African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) Rev. David Ugolor.

Ugolor is detained for allegedly sponsoring the murder of the Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Olaitan Oyerinde.

The protesters, who blocked the entrance to the State Command for several hours, said the State Security Services (SSS), which paraded four suspects, has already made the killers known.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has given a two-week ultimatum to Governor Oshiomhole to apologise to Chief Tony Anenih and the party over allegations that the party masterminded the killing.

•PDP demands apology from Oshiomhole •Falana to police, SSS: find real killers

By Joseph Jibueze and Osagie Otabor, Benin

It said Oshiomhole wrongly accused the party’s leaders in an attempt to curry favour from the electorate.

The party threatened to go to court, if the governor fails to apologise at the expiration of the ultimatum.

Also yesterday, Lagos lawyer and activist Femi Falana (SAN) urged the police and the SSS to quickly resolve the confusion.

He said: “It is incumbent on the Inspector- General of Police and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) to ensure that Oyerinde’s killers are found.

“But that cannot be done in the light of the conflicting accounts emanating from the police and the SSS on the tragic incident.

“In a curious twist to the official investigation, the SSS held a press conference yesterday in Abuja where another gang of suspects confessed that they killed Oyerinde in a violent robbery attack.

“The SSS allowed the press to interrogate the suspects, who confirmed that Oyerinde was murdered during a robbery carried out by them in Benin.

“The three buyers of the stolen items from Olaitan’s house also made confessional statements at the briefing.

“It is indeed worrisome that the handling of the investigation has thrown up many unanswered questions.

“From the two reports presented to the public by the Police and the SSS, it is clear that two killer squads

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson displaying the free new uniforms to be used by all primary and secondary schools at the Government House, Yenagoa

with separate objectives could not have assassinated Oyerinde at the same.

“He was either killed by paid assassins or armed robbers. The ‘confessional statements’ of both gangs of killers require a more rigorous investigation.

“For now, there are serious irreconcilable contradictions which any criminal court may resolve in favour of the two gangs.”

The protesters were later dispersed by the police, who fired tear gas into the crowd.

They also staged a protest at the State Command of the SSS. Ugolor’s counsel Olayiwola Afolabi, who led the protesters, presented a ‘Thank You’ letter to the Director-General of the SSS through the State Director, Bakori Tukur.

The letter reads: “We are glad that your strong efforts in combating crime have yielded positive fruits, going by the recent parade and the confession of the killers of Olaitan Oyerinde.”

In another letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, Afolabi said there was no legal basis to keep Ugolor in custody since the SSS has paraded the actual killers.

He said they would sue the police and demand damages, if Ugolor is not released within 48 hours.

The body of stakeholders on Conflict Resolution and Early Warning (SCREW) has criticised the SARS team drafted from Abuja to investigate the murder, describing the investigation as “spurious and baseless”.

Its Director, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, called “for the release of Ugolor because, according to him, he is innocent and has no case to answer.”

ANEEJ’s Policy/Programme Officer Innocent Edemhanria alleged that the police tightened security around Ugolor and prevented his wife, Ngozi, from giving him food.

Woman arrested for Delta politician’s kidnap

A

TWENTY-year old nurse, Philomena Ogbovoh, yesterday narrated how she lured a Delta State politician into the hands of his abductors.

The politician was on April 13 kidnapped on Oleh Road, Ozoro, in Isoko South Local Government, where he allegedly had carnal knowledge of the woman inside his car.

His family, it was learnt, paid N800, 000 to secure his freedom after four days in captivity.

The suspect, at the office of the State Security Service (SSS), told reporters that she arranged the abduction with her boyfriend, Daniel Ubah, who was also paraded along with another suspect, Kingsley Otuya.

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

Another member of the gang is on the run.

Miss Ogbovoh said on the day of the incident, she arranged with Ubah and others to meet her and the victim at a bush path after they left the hotel, where she said she refused to sleep with the victim.

Her words: “He touched me; he didn’t do anything and said we should go so that his wife will not suspect him.

“On our way, he kept on telling me that I have put him in the mood. He asked me to touch him and I refused since he was driving.

“He decided to park on Oleh road. I told him to drive a bit further and he

did.

“After parking the car, we started ‘playing’. While we were there, Ubah and his friends came and drew him out of the car and blinded both of us and took us to a place, where they kept us for four days.”

The suspect said she got N100,000 of the N800,000 paid.

Ubah said he was given N95,000 but that the money was stolen by the leader of the gang, Jersey, who is at large.

“She and Jersey brought the ransom and they said the man paid N800,000. They gave me N95, 000 but Jersey took my money and ran away. They gave her (Philomena) N100,000.

“They gave Kingsley N85,

000. I have not seen Jersey since he made away with my money,” he said.

A suspect and three others were also paraded –for allegedly super-imposing the picture of a worker of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun on pornographic pictures.

Police spokesman Charles Muka yesterday said his men are searching for the kidnappers of a woman political activist, Mrs.Benedicta Offorkachi.

Mrs Offorkachi was abducted by five armed men in military uniform at Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, yesterday.

An eyewitness said the abductors intercepted the victim’s car before abducting her.

Seven filling stations shut

T

HE Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee yesterday sealed off seven filling stations in Ikpoba- Okha Local Government for having water in their underground tanks.

The Chairman of the Committee, Amen Osunde, said this is to ensure that the public does not buy fuel

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

mixed with water.

He said such unwholesome practices will not be condoned by the committee, and directed that all the filling stations with water in their underground tanks should be sealed off.

Teen arraigned for alleged theft From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

A

TEENAGER has been arraigned before an Ikpoba Okha Area Customary Court for allegedly stealing a bush rabbit.

The accused was alleged to have stolen the rabbit where it was being dried by the owner, Osifo Solomon, on July 26 .

He pleaded not guilty and the court’s President, Princess Esther Eweka, granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 and a surety in like sum.

NCDSC completes training

T

HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Cross River State has completed the training of the first batch of its armed squad.

They were trained by men of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, the state capital.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the 104 members at Eburutu Barracks yesterday, the State Commandant of the corps, Patrick Azumah Kalu, said the train-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ing is part of efforts to reinvigorate the security apparatus of the nation.

He urged his men to see their new role as a challenge to duty and not use the arms to terrorise innocent citizens.

The Commandant, BrigGen Shehu Yusuf, urged them to be safety conscious and be mindful of “accidental discharge.”

‘Bakassi cannot be ceded’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

B

AKASSI cannot be ceded without the amendment of the constitution, a lawyer, Kayode Fasetire, has said.

He spoke yesterday in Calabar at the first International Symposium on Save Bakassi with the theme “Bakassi beyond 10-10-12”.

Fasetire said: “We have 774 local governments in Nigeria of which Bakassi is one. So how can you cede one without amending the constitution?”

He said the handing over was a nullity as the Green Tree Agreement had not been ratified by the National Assembly and was even carried out against a court order.

PUBLIC NOTICE

POWER FROM ABOVE PROPHETIC MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named “Ministry” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sister Chinasa N. Jimoh 2. Evang. Olukayode Dairo 3. Sister Patience Bazile

4. Bro. Wilson Wowo 5. Evang. John David 6. Bro. Tajudeen Abiodun Jimoh

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.

2. To congregate for worship, praises & fellowship.

3. To embark on indoor and outdoor crusades and evangelism.

4. To make manifest the infinite power in the name of Jesus Christ.

5. To be involved in social welfare and charitable activities.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to The Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Femi Onigbogi & Co. 3rd Floor, 16, Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BANNER OF BELIEVERS GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to corporate affairs commission,Abuja for registration under part c”of companies and allied matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev.Bassey Okon Bassey 2. Pastor Christopher Okon Bassey 3. Deaconess (MRS) Comfort Okon Bassey 4. Pastor Okon Etim Mfon (jp) 5. Evang.(Mrs) Abigail Solomon Etim 6. Evang.Emmanuel Okon Bassey 8. Deaconess (MRS) Mercy yellow- Duke 9. Pastor Aniefiok Lawrence Jonah 10. Pastor Felix Uke Enun

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To propagate the good news of GOD to unbelievers in the world 2. To help the orphans ,widows, needy and less privilege in the society Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commision, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama P.M.B198 Garki,Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: REV. BASSEY OKON BASSEY

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

58

NEWS

Robbers kill four soldiers, one policeman in Yobe

S

USPECTED robbers on Wednesday evening opened fire on a vehicle conveying the salary of workers of Gulani Local Government, Yobe State.

They killed three soldiers escorting the bus.

The local government accountant, Ali Lawan Dachia, was also shot dead.

One other soldier and a policeman were killed in the attack.

Yobe Police Commissioner Patrick Egbuniwe said the incident occurred about 5:40pm.

•Steal council workers’ salary Sources said the salary of the workers is over N35 million.

The vehicle was conveying the salary from Gashua Local Government and was ambushed at the entrance to Gulani.

Snatching of council workers’ salary has become a common occurrence in the state.

In April, a team of gunmen snatched the salary of workers of Potiskum Local Government while payment was going on.

In July, gunmen stole the salary of primary school teachers in Gujba Local Government.

In neighbouring Borno State, gunmen killed a policeman and three council workers before stealing the salary of Shani Local Government workers in July.

In June, two soldiers and the cashier of Guzamala Local Government were killed. The salary of the workers was stolen.

The stealing of workers’ salary also occurred in Jere and Kala-Balge local governments earlier in the year.

Floods, landslides displace 3,000 in Taraba

T

HREE thousand people have been displaced by floods and landslides following three days of torrential rainfall on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The Chairman of the local government, Dr. David Jeduwa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo yesterday that crops, houses and livestock valued at over N200 million were destroyed.

He said many villages in Magu ward were swept away by the floods, adding that the rain, which fell in “an unusual pattern” on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, rendered the residents homeless.

He said initial estimates put the total loss at over N200 million.

Jeduwa said villages, such as Naso, Zango, Magu, MayoNyebbe, Kan-Iyaka and Ngelnyaki, among others, were either completely swept away or partially damaged by water from River Mayo-Nyebbe.

He said the river overflowed its banks as a result of the downpour.

The chairman also said the landslides buried vast farmlands, footpaths and grazing reserves.The damaged areas included many hectares of maize farms, groundnut farms, bean farms as well as

cocoyam, banana plantations, eucalyptus, plantain and pear farms.

He said more than 100 herds of cattle and other livestock were either killed in the flood or struck by lightning.

The chairman said a councillor from the affected ward lost 40 cows, while a resident, Alhaji Bakochi, lost about 70 herds of cattle to the disaster.

He appealed to the government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come to the aid of the victims, saying the magnitude of the devastation was beyond the capacity of the council.

Gunmen attack police stations in Gombe

G

UNMEN suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect late on Wednesday attacked two police stations in Gombe, killing many people.

A source said the attackers, who came about 8.30 pm, threw explosives at a police post in central Gombe and opened fire on the policemen.

The source said an unspecified number of people were killed.

A resident, Ibrahim Aliyu, told AFP: “They threw explosives and opened fire on the police post in central Gombe. Some of the policemen were inside, while others were outside.

The explosions were followed by gunfire. There was a shootout between the gunmen and policemen, which lasted till 10pm.

“From a distance, I could see bodies being loaded into police ambulances. It was dark, so I cannot say precisely

the number of people killed.”

In the second attack, a resident in Bagadaza district, on the outskirts of Gombe, Auwal Nasiru, said in his home, he heard a loud explosion coming from a nearby police station.

“There were gunshots lasting for more than an hour.

I cannot say if anybody was hurt or killed,” he added.

There is no official confirmation of the attacks.

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen in late February attacked Gombe prison and a nearby police station, killing 14 people, including policemen.

The police station was burnt down.

Gombe State Police Command said nobody died in Wednesday’s attack.

Police spokesman Fwaje Atajiri told the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Gombe that the two police stations were in Tudun Wada

Pantami and Idi quarters.

He said about 8:30pm on Wednesday, unknown gunmen attacked the security operatives.

They were repelled after an exchange of gunfire between them and the security operatives.

Atajiri said a patrol vehicle belonging to the security operatives was set ablaze by the hoodlums, adding that three unexploded explosive devices were found on the scene of the incident.

“There was an exchange of fire and the gunmen immediately left because of our superior firepower.

“There was no injury on the part of our men and no arrest was made,” he said.

Soldiers have embarked on a search of motorists and motorcyclists on the major routes leading to the metropolis, and have occupied the two affected areas.

Kano signs N1.662b contracts

K

ANO State Government has signed agreements for three projects at a cost of N1.662 billion.

It warned that it would institute a legal action against any defaulting contractor.

Signing the contracts in Kano yesterday, the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Abba Bashir, said the projects are: College of Nursing and Midwifery, Madobi,(N900.8m), Sports Academy(N387.3m) and Informatics Institute, Kura(N374.4m).

He told the contractors that the government would not condone substandard work, stressing that any contractor

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

found wanting would be sanctioned.

“I want to sound a note of warning to the contractors handling the projects that the government will not compromise laxity in the process of executing the contract. The government will not hesitate to institute a legal action against any contractor who violates the contract terms,” Bashir said.

He implored the contractors to begin work immediately to meet the deadline for the completion of the projects, saying they are vital to the Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso administration.

He said the projects are part

•Gov. Kwankwaso

of Kwankwaso’s policies on youth development and the provision of infrastructure across the state.

The commissioner said about a fortnight ago, government signed an agreement for major projects in the state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

61

SPORT EXTRA

Samuel Peter reconciles with Don King •As The Nigerian Nightmare returns against Sconiers in August

I

N what could be described as the exciting news in recent times, Don King, the foremost global promoter of boxing and entertainment, has finally reconciled with his estranged former Nigerian Heavyweight champion, Samuel Peter.

At an epoch-making ceremony in Florida in the USA, Don King revealed that he's a Nigerian at heart hence would do anything plausible at furthering the good image of the country.

After conquering the world under the well-oiled Don King Promotions by beating Oleg Maskaev to become the WBC Heavyweight Champion in 2008, Peter eloped with another promoter but his departure unfortunately coincided with his poor form as he lost strings of bouts including that fight

against Wladimir Klitschko at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt in 2010.

Peter said he is determined now to put his flagging career back on track consequently the return to the Don King Promotions with the American saying, that he has the Midas touch to redeem the fortune of the pugilist fondly called The Nigerian Nightmare.

“Samuel Peter is like a son to me and I have forgiven him,” a delighted Don King said. “He has realised that he can change all what he did wrongly and I’m happy that he is back into our fold.

“He has returned to bring back glory to the Nigerian people. Peter is a good fighter but he needed to be guided.

He has the ‘never-say-die’ spirit of Nigerians and he can work his way to the top again,” he noted.

Peter would have his first fight since 2008 under Don King promotions on August 11 against Harold Sconiers as an undercard of Tavoris Cloud versus Jean Pascal at the Bell Bolt Centre in Montreal, Canada. Don King said that he's putting Peter into the fray with the first opportunity to demonstrate his genuine

interest in the Nigerian Project.

Said he: “I owe the people and government of Nigeria a duty consequently my rapprochement with Peter. I value my relationship with top echelon of the Nigerian society dating back to the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo as well as late President Umar Yar'Adua.

"I have a solid relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan and not to forget my friend and brother, Governor Godswill Akpabio of AkwaIbom and I can’t close my doors behind Peter because of these good people," he added.

Falconets arrive Korea

FTER a 16-hour journey, Nigeria's U20 Women National Team finally arrived in Korea on Thursday evening in continuation of its build up towards the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup which commences this month in Japan.

The team comprising 25 players and 11 officials touched down at the Incheon International Airport, Seoul at exactly 5.10pm (Korea time).

After completing the necessary immigration formalities, the team was driven to its Namhe Sports Park Hotel which is on the outskirts of the capital.

While in Asia, the team will be exposed to top profile friendly matches. Just last week Monday, the girls were in Accra, Ghana for a twolegged friendly against the Black Princesses of Ghana, losing one and winning the other.

For Chief Coach, Edwin Okon and his crew, the training tour will be their final assessment of players that will make the final list.

"I know that as we are here every player would want to give her best since this will be final bus-stop for some of them," he said.

'Therefore, ? expect a serious competition for the 18 available shirts," he added.

Nigeria open its World Cup campaign against South Korea on August 19 in Saitama and three days later take on Brazil and Italy on August 26 in the group stage.

A

• Samuel Peter (l) with Don King

Coach tips LBHF to revive boxing

F

OLLOWING Team Nigeria ouster in the boxing event of the ongoing London Olympics, Veteran boxing coach Isiaka Olatunji has hinted that the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) Monthly Saturday show has the potential to revive boxing again in Nigeria.

Speaking on the exit of both male boxers Muyideen Akanji and Lukman Lawal at the early stage of the games, Coach ‘Isikiola’ said authorities must concentrate on grass-root boxing, if the country wants to return to glory days. He cited the example of the LBHF monthly boxing show, according to him with

necessary support; the show is capable of lifting boxing in Nigeria.

He said: “You can see what happens to Nigeria in boxing at the Olympics, it’s because we have totally neglect grass-root boxing. Nobody cares about the young boxers anymore, and that happens to be the bedrock. Few months to major competitions you see them assembling boxers together and they want results.

Things are not done like that because that wasn’t the practice in the past when we used to win laurels.

“Look at what LBHF Chairman Mr. Wale Edun is doing in-conjunction with

NABA and the Lagos State Government, motivating young boxers to build on their career. I can tell you Lagos State is benefiting from this initiative. The man has great passion for boxing because he was a former boxer too. It is what I know, with his support; boxers that plan to leave boxing are rescinding their decisions to quit. Let NABA, NSC and other authorities at the national level support him to build our grass-root boxing in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Monthly Saturday Boxing Show holds August 25 at the indoor hall of the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre (Rowe Park) Yaba, Lagos.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS MEDAL TABLE AS AT AUG 2 NO

Countries

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 21 24 25 26 26 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 35 35 35 35 35 40 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41

China United States Korea France Great Britain Germany Italy DPR Korea Russian Fed. Kazakhstan South Africa Japan Netherlands Hungary Ukraine Australia Romania Brazil New Zealand Slovenia Georgia Lithuania Venezuela Mexico Canada Colombia Cuba Sweden Belarus Denmark Spain Indonesia Mongolia Norway Czech Republic Egypt Poland Thailand Chinese Taipei Slovakia Azerbaijan Belgium Greece India Rep. of Moldova Qatar Singapore Serbia Uzbekistan

18 18 7 6 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

11 9 2 4 6 8 5 0 6 0 0 6 1 1 0 7 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 10 5 6 4 5 2 1 8 0 0 11 3 2 4 3 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 5 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

34 37 14 16 15 17 11 5 17 3 3 19 6 5 6 11 6 4 3 2 1 1 1 4 7 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

USA thumps Nigeria 156-73

T

HE United States men's basketball team has broken its Olympic record for 3-pointers in a game, making 21 through three quarters against D'Tigers of Nigeria.

The Americans were 14 of 24 behind the arc on their way to a 78-45 lead at halftime on Thursday. That broke their record of 13 made against Spain in the goldmedal game in 2008.

In third quarter, the U.S. continued draining 3s, hitting 7 of 9 to raise its total to 21.

Carmelo Anthony made 10 3-pointers, Kevin Durant made four and Kobe Bryant

made both of his attempts to lead the long-range attack.

After failing to make a 3pointer in the first quarter of either of their first two games, the Americans were 11 of 14 in the first 10 minutes on their way to a 49-25 bulge.

Another record fell, as Anthony broke the U.S. record for points in an Olympic game, scoring 37 through the middle of the third.

Anthony shattered the record of 31 points set by Stephon Marbury in the 2004 Olympics. Anthony made 10 of his first 12 3-point shots Thursday night in just 14½ minutes.

Okonjo-Iweala insists budget performance is 56 per cent Continued from page 4

“I understand that the National Assembly has been looking at various other ratios with regards to budget performance.

“We should look at the best way that describes the situation we are in. Of the budget appropriated, what is the implementation so far? That is one way the National Assembly has been looking at it.”

On the Constituency projects of members of the National Assembly, she said: “We have no problems with that; the projects are there. Neither the President nor any one has said that the projects would not be executed. Ministers have

launched these projects and they are on them. It takes some time to understand the whole process.”

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala denied allegations that members of the National Assembly tampered with the 2012 Appropriation Bill before passing it into law, thereby impeding the smooth implementation of the budget.

She said: “On the fact that the budget has been tampered with, we have good collaboration with the National Assembly but there has been one or two things we are working to solve. For some MDAs, some projects were moved from one place to another,

making it difficult for some MDAs to implement.

“I want to reiterate that constituency projects are being designed and procured. I do not think that it is something we should make a big deal out of. Rather, we should work together to solve the problem.”

She explained that of the N1.3trillion capital budget, excluding the SURE-P, N404billion was released between April and July 31st.

Of the amount, she said N324billion representing 56 per cent has been cash backed so far, N184billion representing 41.3 per cent has been utilized.

“We have used 56 per cent of the amount cash backed, meaning there is 44 per cent remaining and we are working hard to ensure the remaining 44 per cent is utilised, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said, adding: “We have a proper management of the resources; we have released all the money available. The Central Bank is our bankers and if CBN is here, they would have testified that no money is withheld.

“Forty four per cent of what was released is yet to be used.

What we are now doing is to focus on the utilisation of the remaining resources. In two weeks’ time, the third quarter release would be out.”

When asked what should be the actual role of the National Assembly in the budgetary process, the Minister declined comments saying she was not competent to comment.

She noted that it is only a constitutional lawyer that can explain that.

Responding to a question on financial status of the country, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said: “The country is absolutely not broke, though it may have problem of cash flow at times, but it is not out of place. There may be temporary cash flow issue but broke? No.” On alleged selection of projects to be executed by the executive and abandonment

of others without recourse to the National Assembly, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala disagreed.

She noted that there were challenges but that the executive is collaborating with the National Assembly to right the wrongs.

The Minister said the country has to work hard to return to budget implementation from January to December as against the current practice of April to March.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said she will not call for extension of the implementation of the 2012 budget to 2013, adding that the 2013 Appropriation Bill will be presented to the National Assembly next

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www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

WHY I LEFT ACN–Agunloye

..no reason, other than GREED

Nigeria, the great black man’s hope is roiling at the nadir of her existence today. No, it is not embroiled in wars like Iraq nor is it assailed by natural calamities of tsunamic proportions.

NO. 2,199

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

I

HAVE always been perplexed about the plight of the people in the democratic dispensation that we seem to be proud of achieving and enjoying since 1999. On the one hand, democracy by definition and disposition assures that public officials, elected and unelected, must be on the people’s side to keep their jobs. On the other hand, however, the reality cannot be more different.

Public officials not only display the most contemptuous attitude against the people; they also keep their jobs without any sense of guilt or fear of punishment.

I should add that the issue is not that the people are given a false impression by public officials. Indeed, it is more like an up in your face contempt. Surely, there are pretenses about respect for the electoral power of the people during election time; but even this goes only a bit and no longer than the night of the election when results put some in offices and others back on the street. The former acquire a new power to oppress and disrespect while the latter count their losses with no concession and no respect for the people. Winners quickly shove their pledges and promises to the dustbin of political history while losers embark on their own round of pledges and promises. The people are not expected to take them up and demand answers to burning questions. And life goes on.

This vicious circle of contempt, disrespect, and abuse of the people is particularly unnerving with respect to the most fundamental issue of the republic, the question of its structure and the best and most reasonable approach to addressing it. Perhaps, a disregard for the people’s position on the question of structure should not shock or surprise us. For if the everyday issue of life and death doesn’t get respect, how do we expect any serious attention be paid to an issue, no matter how fundamental, that doesn’t have serious implication for bread and butter concerns of daily existence?

Last week, the searchlight was beamed on the Senate. But that was because it was in the news in the aftermath of its Constitution Review Committee’s Asaba retreat. What applies to the Senate applies mutatis mutandis to the House on the legislative side. But if the Presidency has the entire republic as its constituency, is anyone under any illusion that the President is on the side of the people?

On the part of the House, there has always been an appearance of self-righteousness and this has always backfired woefully. We have seen its pretensions to populism blow up on more than one occasion, the latest being the fuel subsidy probe scandal where moral zealots turned out to be moral culprits. As for the Presidency, an original political capital acquired on the assumption of a background

RIPPLES

TODAY IN THE NATION

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Who is on the people’s side?

‘What then is the origin of the anti-people orientation of these important institutions that are normally expected to stand with the people? What we need to explore for a glimpse of an answer to this question is that institution ... That is the political party’ •The Natiional Assembly symbol

that the 99 per cent can relate to as theirs was burned to ashes when praxis failed to leave up to rhetoric.

The people, we must conclude, have no ally in the two wings of government that are relevant to their daily lives.

We err, however, if we fail to explore the origin of this anomaly. I think it is unfair to associate individual members of the Senate or the House as anti-people. Individually, each of them may be some of the most people-oriented folks in the country. Indeed, even in climes such as ours where fraudulent people rig their ways into office, ability to cajole and manipulate the people in order to successfully rig still requires a fair dose of friendliness as personal virtue. Befriend them at elections; enslave them afterward is the maxim of the political fraud.

What then is the origin of the anti-people orientation of these important institutions that are normally expected to stand with the people? What we need to explore for a glimpse of an answer to this question is that institution which is fundamental to the emergence of these two wings in a democratic setting. That is the political party.

The party is an essential aspect of liberal democracy. It brings together ideological soul-mates with a common approach to fundamental issues of governance—limited government versus welfare state; socialist economy versus free-market ideology, etc.

In the market place of ideas, these groups are supposed to battle for the support of the voters by persuading them of the reasonableness of their approach and its proven effectiveness in providing solutions to their

HARDBALL

Y

ESTERDAY, Hardball observed that our government is in retreat but in just 24 hours, it appears the backward motion has become remarkably expeditious. We worried that those who run our economy, people we would have sworn by their very name, have come out not knowing the most important thing – our money trail. As you chew over that, wondering whether it is for real or just a put- on designed to parry the pecuniary shenanigans of people of power, several other quirky stuff tumbled into the arena. Let’s do some checklist.

The day before yesterday, the U.S. Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, bypassed Nigeria, in her 10-country valedictory visit to Africa. This is not the first time top U.S. officials - including President Barack Obama himself – would snub Nigeria; and while we posit that their visit is not the antidote to all the ills afflicting Nigeria, you are bound to feel slighted if not crushed the day a ‘bigman’ passes right through the front of your house to see your inconsequential neighbour. He is simply telling you that you are not as important as you think, or to put it plainer, you are big for nothing. The Hillary (or shall we say American) snub tells the story of our current security situation, the muck that has become our polity and the sub-optimal governance holding sway in Africa’s most important nation. And just by way of information, those 10 favoured countries put together, may not be as important to U.S. interests as Nigeria. U.S. is therefore, sending

STEVE OSUJI

apprehensions about their present and the future of their grandchildren. The one that succeeds in convincing the people get their nod to govern and they hold it accountable to pay up the debt it thus owes them by delivering on its promises. If it doesn’t it gets booted out at the next round of elections.

The foregoing is the ideal, and granted that this ideal is never fully realised anywhere, in our own situation, we seem to have a completely different understanding of the party.

And the perfect example of this flawed understanding, which has been responsible for the woes of the fourth republic and the ones before it, is the self-acclaimed largest political party in Africa, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Boastful of power acquisition, as its slogan reminds us, the PDP has ruled over the country in the last thirteen years and the people’s plight has not only failed to record any improvement, it has indeed worsened as the Human Development Index shows year after year. Why is this so?

The PDP is an example of a political party founded on the basis of the principle of politics as business. In this model, members see themselves as shareholders in a business enterprise and for them it is the bottom line that matters. They may quarrel among themselves on matters that have no bearing on the size of dividends. Reason would prevail and they will come back together. Personality clashes must get resolved and contained for the eyes must be on the prize. A member that stands in the way of the party’s foundational idea will get thrown out but may be brought back in after appropriate remorse or even without remorse if found to be useful again to pad the bottom line. Where does this leave the people? In the desert place of economic woe and uncertain security regime.

In the matter of the fundamental question of the future of the republic, individuals and groups from all the political zones have asked for a national conference to deliberate on the political structure that is best to deal with our unique situation. Lately, the core North voiced its opinion through the well-respected intellectual, Professor Ango Abdullahi who affirmed that the North is not afraid of a conference on the future of the country. Still, the PDP as a political party is obdurate. This is clearly an anti-people position and it is as morally unjustified as it is politically unwise.

But will the people take note and respond at the only time that they have the freedom to choose? Time will tell.

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Subsidy soap: Enter Mrs Ahmadu Ali Nigeria a very loud message by that very act of snobbery.

While Mrs. Clinton was in Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan conjured a perfect alibi and headed for the Caribbean going from Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica with his usually large contingent, playing big brother in his own right as well. Great diplomatic maneouvre but the lesson is the key: are we learning the lesson?

Still on our list, on the heel of America’s diplomatic slur on Nigeria came the ‘Country Reports on Terrorism 2011” released on Tuesday by the U.S. government which indicts Nigeria for not doing enough to check the Boko Haram menace. The Report noted that there was an upsurge in Boko Haram attacks in the year under review, rising from 31 in 2010 to 136 attacks in 2011. The National Focal Point on Terrorism, an interagency task desk was said to be comatose in 2011 while there is still no handle on terrorist financing crimes.

Point number four and this time back at home, the gadfly of the Jonathan era and point man of the Niger-Delta people, Chief Edwin Clark , yesterday in Abuja, hammered the governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accusing them of hijacking the party and constituting themselves into an opposition to the Goodluck

Jonathan administration. Need we repeat that Elder Clark’s missile is both damning and dangerous? Decoded, he is insinuating that the leviathan, PDP, is deeply troubled and may not hold power for the 60 years its members have foretold and secondly, the President is secluded, encircled, lonely and left alone by even his own party men. Well, opposition parties may go to sleep.

And lastly, in the midst of all this, the subsidy soap opera moves from the farcical to the phantasmagorical. At Wednesday’s court ‘shoot’ in Lagos, one of the minor actors, let’s call him George Taylor, who had deposed in an earlier statement that he hailed from Okpe, somewhere in Delta State recanted right before the court that he was a Sierra Leonean.

Therefore, instead of a blood relation, a reputable and responsible Nigerian could equally stand surety for him. Who else is better qualified than High Chief Mrs. Mariam Ali, Special Adviser to President Jonathan and wife of Dr Ahmadu Ali, erstwhile chairman of PDP. There is a connection of course, Taylor is the ‘business’ partner of Nassamu Ali, Mariam’s son standing trial for N4.4 billion fraud.

Phew ! why don’t we just leave you to WB Yeats’ poem, The Second Coming, which reads: “Turning and turning in a widening gyre…”

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