August 08, 2014 by The Nation

Fashola rolls back LASU fees NEWS

Page 8

•Students to pay N25,000

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News Oyo council bosses to stay on Sports Keshi back as Eagles coach Business Nigeria/U.S. trade hits $36billion

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VOL. 9, NO. 2932 FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

OSUN 2014

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•Jega wrong on ballot paper’s picture, say Falana, Banire •The bigotry against Aregbesola, by Osinbajo • PAGES 7&61 •Residents watch as police choppers haul cash to Osogbo

Ebola victim’s delegation visited Calabar, says envoy •Doctors call off strike From Vincent Ikuomola and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

T emerged yesterday that some of the people who came into Nigeria with Liberian Patrick Sawyer who died in Lagos on July 25, attended a conference in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Sawyer, a Liberian-American, came into the country on July 20 as a member of the Liberian delegation to an ECOWAS conference in Calabar. But he fell ill aboard an ASKY Airline plane and was hospitalised in Lagos before his death five days later of the Ebola virus. Continued on page 4

Special Forces to battle Boko Haram

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

PECIAL Forces have been deployed in

Gwoza, a Borno State town, where Boko Haram killed scores of residents. The Special Forces, numbering about 600, have reclaimed Damboa, Manga, Wanga, Delwa and Mustafari from the insurgents who hoisted their flags in some of the towns. There were indications last night that Emir of Gwoza Muhammed Timta might have been relocated to Maiduguri, the state capital. A statement by Director of Defence Information Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade said troops were already involved in fierce encounters to apprehend terrorists who had held Gwoza and its surrounding villages hostage. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said: “SpeContinued on page 4

•ALL ’S WELL THA T ENDS WELL: Lagos State University (LASU) students carrying their Students Union President when Governor Babatunde Fashola •ALL’S THAT PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA rolled back school fees to N25,000 during the 19th convocation...yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 8

Osun: How PDP plans to rig election, by APC chiefs

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

Arrests, ballot snatching, others listed PDP disagrees

LL Progressives Congress (APC) leaders rolled out yesterday what they described as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) manual to rig Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. There are, among others, projected fake results in all the 30 local government areas and a massive plan to arrest APC members. At a press conference in Osogbo, the state capital, APC Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun said the rigging

APC MEMBERS TO BE ARRESTED •Moshood Abdulahi •Taiye Alapa •Ramah Ajiboye •Akorede Lawal •Seyi Elese •Johnson Ojo •Basiru Awobode •Taye Johnson •Adedeji Soji •Femi Fasoro •Dele Nafui •Lanre Abu •Peter Babalola •Alimi Kajogbola From Seun Akioye and Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

plans were contained in two documents prepared by the PDP in Osun, and which are now in the possession

of the APC. The first is a “secret” document marked ‘’HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL’’

that contains a meticulous outline of plans to rig the election, polling unit by polling unit, using pre-programmed ballot papers already designed and thumb printed with vanishing ink in favour of PDP. The second document, entitled ‘’Task Force: Operation (PDP) takeover of Osun’’, lists the actions to be taken at most of the 30 local government areas, including thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes and instigaContinued on page 4

•SOCIETY P14 •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •BRAND P26 •AGRIC P38 •FOREIGN P58

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS

Why Ebola U •Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa (left) speaking at the launch of Airtel Insurance in Lagos...yesterday. With him are Head, High Value Segment, Airtel, Kenechukwu Okonkwo; President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Bola Temowo; Vice President, Brand and Marketing Communications, Airtel, Obinna Aniche; and Regional Expansion Manager, Microensure, Kierini Kiraka.

• From left: Ace comedian Tee A, MD Mediacraft Associates, John Ehiguese, Lolu Durojaiye, Chris Ihidero and CEO, BlackHouse Media, Ayeni Adekunle at the BHM PR Mobile APP launch in Lagos.

• Director-General/CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO); Dr.(Mrs.) Gloria Elemo (right) greeting the Country Director, GAIN Nigeria, Larry Umunna during the Biennial Memorial lectureof Dr. J.K Ladipo and Lifetime Achievement Awards by Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology at FIIRO in Lagos...yesterday. With them are Chairman, Checkitt and Benckiser Nig. Ltd, Chief Olu Falomo (second left) and NIFST National President /Chairman Board PHOTO: BIODUN ADEYEWA of Council, Prof. Lateef Sanni.

•From left: Immunisation Officer, Mrs Tolulope Bakei, Chairman, Surulere Local Government, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, Mrs Blessing Kalu, her baby Ann and Hajia Aminah Muhammed during the NTA Channel 10, 2014 Breast feeding week in Lagos... yesterday. PHOTO:MUYIWA HASSAN.

NITED States President sBarack Obama has said it is too early to send experimental drugs for the treatment of Ebola to West Africa, which has been hardest hit by the deadly outbreak. Obama on Wednesday said affected countries should instead focus on building a “strong public infrastructure,” adding: “I think we have to let the science guide us. And I don’t think all the information is in on whether this drug is helpful.” The decision to use an experimental drug to treat two Americans infected with Ebola, while nearly 1,000 Africans have already died from the deadly epidemic, has sparked controversy. Asked if, should the drug prove to be effective, he would support fast-tracking its approval in the United States, Obama replied: “I think it’s premature for me to say that because I don’t have enough information. I don’t have enough data right now to offer an opinion on that.” Obama emphasized that Ebola, a hemorrhagic virus that kills more than half of those infected, “is not an airborne disease. “This is one that can be controlled and contained very effectively if we use the right protocols.” But he said: “the countries affected are the first to admit that what’s happened here is the public health systems have been overwhelmed. They weren’t able to identify and then isolate cases quickly enough.” “As a consequence, it spread more rapidly than has been typical with the periodic Ebola outbreaks that occurred previously,” he added. He said the United States is working with European partners and the World Health Organisation to provide resources to help contain the epidemic. “We’re focusing on the public health approach right now, because we know how to do that, but I will continue to seek information about what we’re learning with respect to these drugs, going forward.” A total of 932 people have died since March in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Nigeria, with 1,711 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year. Ebola is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, red eyes, diarrhea, vomiting and bleeding. The first European infected by a strain of Ebola, Spanish priest Miguel Pajares, was stable in a Madrid hospital on Thursday after being airlifted from Liberia, health authorities said. Pajares, 75, was working for a non-governmental organisation in Liberia and was repatriated along with his co-worker Juliana Bohi, a nun, who has tested negative for the disease. Liberia has declared a state of emergency over the crisis. “The patients have arrived well, though a little disoriented. They are both now in quarantine,” Madrid health official Javier Rodriguez told a news conference. The medical plane flown out to Liberia to bring Pajares and Bohi back to Spain touched ground at a military base in Madrid at 0600 GMT before the two were escorted by police motorbikes and cars to the Carlos III hospital. The hospital has cleared the entire sixth floor to treat the two patients, the health union said. Highly contagious, Ebola, which has no known cure, kills more than half of the people who contract it. Victims suffer from fever, vomiting,

•Heads of Foreign Missions in Nigeria at a briefing on Ebola by Minister of Health Onyewuchi Chukwu in Abuja ...yesterday.

diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding. Another report yesterday said the earliest the world can expect a vaccine to curb spreading of Ebola in West Africa is about a year away. And, even if the vaccine passes the initial phase of testing in the U.S., it is unclear how effective it will be overseas. “A U.S. trial will not necessarily predict what will happen in Africa,” says Hildegund Ertl, the director of the Wistar Institute Vaccine Center. For reasons not entirely understood, Africans have different antibodies in their systems than Americans. Because antibodies influence how the body receives a vaccine, a treatment showing promise in a U.S. trial could still fail to thwart the outbreak in Africa, which has killed almost 900 people to date. There are currently “three or four different vaccine candidates, all still in preclinical trials,” says Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). The earliest one slated for clinical trials is yet unnamed, but testing is expected to begin in September, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That top candidate functions as follows: The vaccine is itself a virus engineered to lack the gene necessary for replication—so there is no risk the pathogen will spread throughout the body. It is equipped with two Ebola genes that, once the vaccine enters the body’s cells, will cause the body’s immune system to produce antibodies. Ideally, these antibodies will protect the body in the event of future exposure to Ebola. “That’s been done in animal models,” says Fauci, referring to unpublished test of the vaccine candidate in non-human primates. The results of the animal test are still being reviewed but, he says, “the ones who were vaccinated were all protected.” September’s clinical trials will be what is known as phase 1 testing. At this stage, the primary purpose is safety, says Ertl. If it is established that the vaccine candidate is safe for humans, it will then move on to phase 2, where, Ertl says, “you focus more on the immune response.” The candidate for September’s trial is a modified version of a vaccine that entered phase 1 testing in 2010 but was ultimately aban-

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS

a drug can’t be brought to Africa’

•From left: Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan; Chukwu and Minister of State 2 for Foreign Affairs, Mr Nurudeen Mohammed at a briefing of Heads of Foreign Missions in Nigeria on Ebola Virus in Abuja ...yesterday. PHOTOS: NAN

Liberia appeals for Nigeria’s understanding

HE Liberian government has appealed to Nigerians to show understanding to its citizens on the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease. A Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, imported the disease to Nigeria, which has led to the death of the matron who attended to him at a Lagos hospital. The doctor, who attended to the late Sawyer, has also tested positive to the virus. There are also other five cases of the virus. Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria, Prof. AlHassan Conteh, made the appeal yesterday during a meeting between Minister of Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and foreign missions. Conteh also informed the gathering of the efforts of his home government in containdoned. According to Fauci, if all goes well, scientists should know if phase 1 testing is successful in January. But, as Ertl points out, to be effective, the vaccine must be able to enter the patients’ cells. “That’s what antibodies prevent,” she cautions. Due to the different antibody levels in Americans and Africans, the vaccine will need to be tested on Africans before scientists can get a sense of how effective it will be. Once phase 1 testing is completed in January, Fauci expects phase 2 will be conducted on both American and African populations. “If it proves to be safe, you expand the trial,” he says. “All of that, the second phase, takes several months. You need to scale up production of the virus.” From there, if the vaccine is successful in both U.S. and

From Vincent Ikuomola and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

ing the virus, which included the declaration of a state of emergency. He also asked for protection for his people in Nigeria, stressing that reports have indicated that Liberians are being harassed. He said: “The President of Liberia declared last night the state of emergency in Liberia effective August 6th, 2014 for 90 days to institute extra ordinary measures in combating this disease. “The measures are indeed extra ordinary, even to the extent of under our constitution of curbing certain rights of individuals to pot this disease to an end.

African populations, it may skip the third phase of trials and go directly to Africa. According to Fauci, the earliest this might happen is “sometime before the end of 2015”—a timetable he describes as “lightning speed.” Should the candidate either fail phase 1 or prove ultimately ineffective against antibodies in the systems of Africans, there may be other options. According to Cmdr. Amy Derrick-Frost, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense, “several vaccines and therapeutics in various stages of development.” For example, she cited the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s three year, $10 million commitment to the development of a drug treatment for Ebola known as ZMapp. The drug, which was designed by San Diego-based Mapp Biophar-

“I would like to appeal for the indulgence of Nigerian government. The attention of our embassy has been brought to several cases of harassment of Liberians, especially in Lagos and other places. “The harassment is based on stereotyping, sometimes expression of collective guilt. I think as we combat this disease, I would like to recommend that our responses in the public campaign to indicate that association is not causation. “So, that the index case came from Liberia does not mean all Liberians in Nigeria have Ebola. People have been harassed. “I would like to commend the media; they have been very effective but there is one case I will like to bring to your attention,

maceutical, has yet to enter phase 1 testing, but showed early some early success treating two Americans, Dr. Kent Brantley and Nancy Writebol, who contracted the virus while working in West Africa. Though neither is considered cured, their conditions have improved since taking ZMapp. According to Jennifer Routh, the scientific communications editor at NIAID, her agency is also supporting efforts of the biopharmaceutical company Crucell to develop another Ebola vaccine. That candidate is scheduled for phase 1 clinical trials at the end of 2015 or the beginning of 2016. The FDA could not, by law, comment on specific treatments in development, but Stephanie Yao, an agency spokesperson, tells Newsweek that all were only in the “ear-

that is The Sun newspaper of Sunday, a cartoon, it is a very funny cartoon but it is based on this collective guilt we are talking about. “The cartoon illustrates a plane that has just landed and people are running from the plane, and a man said: ‘There is a man who looks like a Liberian inside the aircraft, run, run, run, Ebola!’ “We join you in this fight and Liberia is playing its part but I would like to appeal to you because there are law abiding Liberians living with you here in Nigeria who have been harassed. So, I appeal for your indulgence as you frame your responses, especially on radio because people have been making derogatory remarks that have been brought to our attention.”

liest stages of development.” It remains unclear why, of all the treatments in development, ZMapp was the one chosen to be administered to Brantley and Writebol. An NIAID official told Newsweek in an email that an NIH scientist on the ground in West Africa assisting with the outbreak response efforts was contacted for consultation and the scientist was “able to informally answer some questions and referred them to appropriate company contacts to pursue their interest in obtaining experimental product. She was not officially representing NIH and NIH did not have an official role in procuring, transporting, approving, or administering the experimental products administered to the two U.S. patients.” Meanwhile, it remains unlikely

that ZMapp will be given to any African patients. For that drug to be used on patients in Liberia, it would need to first be approved be the country’s Ministry of Health Ethical Committee, Liberia’s chief medical officer Bernice Dahn recently told the Wall Street Journal. Liberian officials are expected to meet today with the World Health Organisation to see if ZMapp, or one of the other experimental drugs, could be given an emergency fast-track approval for use in their country. The country’s assistant health minister, Tolbert Nyenswah said the locals have begun asking for the treatment for their dying relatives. “The population here is asking: ‘You said there was no cure for Ebola, but the Americans are curing it?’”

UCH can manage Ebola disease, says CMD

HE management of the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State has said it can deal with the Ebola hemorrhagic fever (Ebola HF) outbreak. The disease is also known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Temitope Alonge, spoke in Lagos yesterday at a news conference facilitated by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). Prof Alonge explained that Ebola belongs to a group of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs), a group of illnesses that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. He said: “In general, the term ‘viral hemorrhagic fever’ is used to describe a severe multisystem syndrome (multisystem in that

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

multiple organ systems in the body are affected). Characteristically, the overall vascular system is damaged, and the body’s ability to regulate itself is impaired. These symptoms are often accompanied by hemorrhage (bleeding); diarhoea etc, however, the bleeding is it rarely life-threatening. While some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses can cause relatively mild illnesses, many of these viruses cause severe, lifethreatening disease.” The CMD said the hospital has the human capacity and facilities to detect and manage the Ebola because, “We have been proactive as far back as 2012, by setting up

VHF isolation precautions as well as standard precautions, which enabled us to manage Dengue fever and other outbreaks back then. It was later confirmed that no further nosocomial transmission of the virus was documented, indicating that although Dengue is highly infectious, the use of these measures is effective in preventing the spread of disease and other Viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola.” He said the major challenge now facing his hospital is how to cremate bodies of Ebola deceased, should there be in his hospital, but, “we have contacted the India communities and other experts in that field and they are ready to collaborate with us should the need arises. We have also printed out pamphlets

in English, Yoruba and Hausa languages on what Ebola is, mode of transmission and preventive measures. We have enough Personal Protective Garments (PPG) for the workforce, so UCH is ready and prepared. It will be irresponsible of anybody to say we do not have the capacity in terms of laboratory to diagnose Ebola. The Minister, Prof Onyebuch Chukwu, has clearly stated that Nigeria can make accurate diagnoses of Ebola. “Not only that, we have a bill board that scrolls every five minutes at the main gate, called Orita Mefa (six-T-junctions), where passers-by stay glued reading the information on Ebola. The important thing now is to prevent contracting same by washing of hands with either soap, ash or use sanitisers.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

Osun: How PDP plans to rig election Continued from page 1

tion of violent clashes, the PDP members to coordinate the recommended actions and the APC members to be arrested to pave the way for such actions. The party said the ‘secret’ document contains the plan to deploy specified numbers of impression ballot papers and vanishing ink in 1,195 polling units across 155 wards in all local government areas, in addition to a plan to de-register 47,000 voters, whose Voters Identification Numbers have been illegally acquired so they won’t find their names on the register on election day. It said the document also contains the number of preallotted votes for each local government to make up the number of 406,116, which the PDP has pre-allotted to itself even before the commencement of voting. The APC gave the breakdown of the self-allotted figures, as contained in the document, as follows: Atakumosa East (10,000); Atakumosa West (10,000), Ayedaade (15,000), Ayedire (10,000), Boluwaduro (5,000); Boripe

•Chief Odigie-Oyegun speaking...yesterday. With him (from left) are: Osun APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Publicity, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, Interim State PHOTO: ADESOJI ADENIYI Chairman Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, APC National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed and APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire

Rigging allegation an infantile blackmail, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last night dismissed the allegations by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie- Oyegun, that it planned to rig tomorrow’s governorship election in Osun as an “infantile blackmail.” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement said the allegations were “completely wild, baseless and mere fabrications aimed at distracting PDP members and supporters and discourage them from fully participating in the elec-

(10,000); Ede North (10,130); Ede South (10,000); Egbedore (10,000); Ejigbo (15,000); Ife Central (35,000); Ifedayo (7,000); Ife East (33,018); Ifelo-

tion.” The PDP described the allegation as “a ploy by the APC to make its members and supporters over-confident and divert attention from their own sinister plan.” Stating that there would be no room for rigging, the PDP said “the process of accreditation, voting, counting of votes and declaration of results will be openly observed by the print, electronic and social media as well as local and international observers.” The PDP said “one of the legacies of President Goodluck Jonathan’s adminis-

dun (15,000) and Ife North (20,000). Others listed are: Ife South (20,000); Ila (10,000); Ilesa East (10,000); Ilesa West (10,340);

tration is free, fair and credible polls such will in no way be compromised in Osun or any other election for that matter.” It urged its members and supporters to completely disregard the APC and come out enmasse to vote for its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, stressing that it remains focused on the election having worked very hard to earn the confidence and support of the people of Osun state. The PDP said it wished to “remind Nigerians of the fact that for the APC, elections are only free and fair when they win and rigged when they lose.”

Irepodun (10,007); Irewole (20,105); Isokan (10,000); Iwo (15,000); Obokun (10,203); Odo-Otin (10,107); Ola-Oluwa (5,070); Olorunda (15,000); Ori-

ade (10,000); Orolu (7,936 and Osogbo (28,000). According to the APC, the plan is to be carried out in connivance with key Independent

Boko Haram takes over Yobe military camps

OME military camps in Buni Yadi, Buni Gari and Goniri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State have been seized by Boko Haram insurgents, residents said yesterday. The bombing of the Katarko Bridge by the insurgents has cut off vehicular and human movement between Buni Yadi and Damaturu, the state capital. It was gathered that residents who defy the odds to travel in the area break their journeys at Katarko and cross the River Katarko to join a vehicle to Buni Yadi or Buni Gari. Adamu Saleh(not real name), who rode on a bicycle to Damaturu, said Boko Haram insurgents move freely in the area, brandishing their weapons. He said the insurgents occupied locations that were previously manned by the military. “I am just coming from Buni Yadi. I came with my bicycle all the way to this place. I did not use any bush path. I followed the main road. “We are facing a very terrible situation. There is no single security in our area. The same in Buni Gari and Goniri.

cial Forces in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign have cleared Delwa, Mustafari, Manga,

Wanga and Damboa of terrorists who have been rampaging in the communities. “The special operation, which began early in the week, is meant to restore law and order to the area and apprehend all terrorists who have been operating in the locality. “The operation, which has so far lasted 40 hours has dove-tailed into the mop up phase during which the remnants of insurgents are being cleared from the communities. “The mop up phase will also ascertain the casualties as additional efforts are also been made to ensure the protection of innocent civilians during the operation. “Meanwhile, troops are also involved in manoeuFrom Duku Joel, Damaturu

In fact, the boys ( yaara, in Hausa, referring to Boko Haram) have taken over the military camps,” the man said. A top security source who does not want to be named because he is not allowed to talk to the media, said: “It is not a secret any longer that our forces are no longer in Buni Yadi, Buni Gari and Goniri. We only have our troops at Katarko.” Katarko is 22km from Damaturu and 34km from Buni Yadi. Residents of Gujba and Gulani have called on the Yobe

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja HE Defence Headquarters last night vowed to deal with anyone who may try

vres to apprehend terrorists who have been attacking Gwoza and surrounding localities since Tuesday, causing the death of many civilians.” A military source added: “The battle in Gwoza is fierce because the Special Forces have been pursuing the Boko Haram members to the hills in the area. Their efforts are complemented by massive aerial bombardments. “Certainly, it will be a battle to the finish this time around with the insurgents in the affected areas. “They have almost taken over a quarter of Borno State; we will never cede any part of Nigeria to the insurgents.” It was gathered last night that the Emir of Gwoza was relocated to Maiduguri to avoid a repeat of the killing of his father, the late Emir Idrissa Timta in May.

State Government to rebuild the bridge. It was gathered that officials of the Ministry of Works, who assessed the bridge, narrowly escaped death in the hands of the insurgents who opened fire on them. In neighbouring Northern Cameroon, attacks carried out by suspected Boko Haram members on Wednesday killed 20 people, including 10 traders in Zigague village, an army officer told Chinese News Agency Xinhua yesterday. Colonel Didier Badjeck, head

of Communication at the Defence Ministry, said the attackers had a cross fire with the Cameroon forces. “The attackers have been forced back. On their way of retreat, they attacked a bus, killing 10 people in the bus, including one soldier from Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Batallion,” Badjeck said, adding that the attackers raided the bus for revenge. Last month, hundreds of heavily armed men invaded the same region, killing 15 people.

•A STRIKE FOR CE MAN? FORCE One of the men believed to be fake soldiers in Osogbo...on Wednesday

HOSPITAL in neighbouring Benin Republic is treating a Nigerian man suspected of having contracted Ebola virus. Authorities

‘Ebola victim’s delegation visited Calabar’ Continued from page 1

Yesterday, ECOWAS Vice President Dr. Toga Gayewea said the delegation members, who had contact with Sawyer were in Calabar for the conference. This has widened the contact persons, From Vincent Ikuomola, Faith Yahaya, Abuja and Wale Adepoju

“The recent incursion of Ebola virus requires all proactive and preventive measures to tackle. “The government has made positive efforts to all our 24 demands, issued 10 circulars, MoU

who are to be tracked because members of the delegation who had contact with Sawyer also had contact with other people at the conference, who are also susceptible to the virus. The ECOWAS Chief spoke yesterday in

and letters of authority and promised to kick start the payment of relativity and skipping within the next four days.” But the NMA appeared divided over the strike call off. A faction yesterday said it would not suspend the indefinite strike until the Federal Government addressed all its demands.

Abuja at the briefing for the Diplomatic Mission by Health Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu. The briefing was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chukwu

In a statement signed by the First and Second President of NMA, Dr Titus Ibekwe and Dr Bartholomew Okorochukwu, Secretary-General Dr Adewunmi Alayaki, Treasurer Dr Abubakar Abdulrahman and Editor of the Nigerian Medical Journal (NMJ), Dr Francis Uba, the faction said doctors are firm in their demands and as such

to impersonate or fake troops during tomorrow’s governorship election in Osun State. It assured the people of the state that there is no cause for alarm. The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, made the clarification in a response to our correspondent’s enquiry against the backdrop of emergence of soldiers wearing hoods and brown boots in Osun State. He said: “Anyone who tries to impersonate or fake troops assigned for security duties in support of the elections in Osun State will be detected and promptly apprehended as tight identity codes are in place to mark those on duty during the exercise. “Commanders on ground will enforce this and can be appreciated if there is any suspicious dressing. “There is no cause for alarm.”

Benin hospital treating Nigerian Ebola suspect

Controversy as medical doctors call off strike

OCTORS suspended their strike yesterday to join the anti-Ebola battle. Ebola has killed two people and infected five others in Lagos. A statement by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) cited “the incursion of Ebola into Nigeria” as a main reason for suspending the strike. NMA President Dr Kayode Obembe said calling off the strike, which began on July 1, was necessary in view of the situation in the country. He said the following observations were made: “The health challenges pose by bomb blasts and insurgent attacks are taking much toll on human lives.

Continued on page 60

DHQ ‘to deal with fake soldiers’

Special Forces to battle Boko Haram Continued from page 1

National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials from the national headquarters, and those deployed from other states, with the staunch backing of all security agencies deployed for the election, with particularly-mobilised personnel, former militants and masked thugs impersonating security officials under a combined team code named “Election Task Force”, directly under the instructions of Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro (Minister of State for Defence) and Jelili Adesiyan (Minister of Police Affairs), Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode and Mr. Chris Uba. It said the mandate of the

Continued on page 60

will continue with the strike until their demands are met by the government. The group said the government was yet to attend to demands of doctors to their satisfaction, thereby “upheld that the strike continues.” The Federal Government has Continued on page 60

have sent a sample of his blood to Senegal for testing, Health Minister Dorothée Gazard said on state television yesterday. The case is unconfirmed but Gazard’s announcement triggered widespread fears in the capital Cotonou. Many people said they would stock up on food and stop eating at popular roadside food stalls to avoid possible infection, witnesses said.

CLARIFICATION The headline of a report on pages 32 and 33 of The Niger Delta Report should read “10-million man campaign against kidnappers in Rivers”. The world ‘landlord’ after Rivers should not be there.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS THE EBOLA VIRUS

Mark urges striking doctors to respond to ‘national emergency’ S

ENATE President David Mark urged striking doctors yesterday to see the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country as a national emergency that should make them return to duty. In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President urged the doctors to put aside their grievances with the government and save fellow Nigerians from the deadly virus. He noted that failure to heed the national call would be tantamount to sentencing Nigerians to early deaths. Mark said it would be a disservice to humanity and a betrayal of their noble and revered profession, if they remained on strike while the lives of their fellow Nigerians were being threatened by the epidemic. The Senate President reminded the doctors of the Hippocratic Oath they swore to on graduation, adding that the primary duty of a doctor is to save life. He quoted part of the modern Hippocratic Oath, written in 1964 by the Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at the Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.A, Louis Lasagna.

Osun educates residents From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE Osun State Government has begun a sensitisation programme on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to enable the residents understand the symptoms of the disease. Health Commissioner Temitope Ilori, who addressed reporters yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, said there was no record of the disease in the state. She said even without the record of EVD in the state, the government still considered it urgent to educate the people. Ilori said: “As I am talking to you, there is no record of Ebola virus in Osun State. It is important for us to let the world know our state’s status and sensitise the people about the disease. We want to teach people about the symptoms to look for, should there be a victim. But we don’t pray it happens. But we don’t want the people to be caught unawares. “We want people to improve their personal hygiene and sanitation. We want to make people understand the mode of transmission of the virus. Physical contacts with the skin and or direct contact with virus-infected body fluids, such as blood, saliva, vomits, stools, semen and sweat, can cause infection. “Also, we know that this disease mostly affects the health care givers, family members and acquaintances, who come in physical contacts with an infected person or the dead body of an infected person.”

Mimiko begs doctors to end strike

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday urged the striking members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to suspend their action and join the government in fighting the spread of deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Mimiko spoke yesterday in Akure, the state capital, at the 18th annual general meeting and scientific Cconference of the Ondo State chapter of NMA. The governor said Nigerians would be grateful to the doctors, if they suspend the strike to tackle Ebola. Shedding light on the recent meeting of the Southwest governors on the deadly disease, Mimiko said they decided to bring in medical experts from overseas to train Nigerian doctors. He said: “In this case, we will need the doctors’ support. That is why I am appealing to the doctors to end their strike, for the sake of the poor masses. The government at all levels is making frantic efforts to curtail the spreading of this Ebola disease across the country.” Mimiko said Ondo State had designated three hospitals with facilities to quarantine any suspected case. The governor said the hospitals include From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Mark said the Library Guilds at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A, states: “I

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, for Ondo North Senatorial District; State Specialist Hospital in Akure, for Ondo Central Senatorial District and the State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa, for the South. Health Commissioner Dayo Adeyanju said the ministry would soon begin a sensitisation programme for the residents, including residents of military barracks. He said: “We are planning a sensitisation programme for soldiers in the barracks. You know some have just returned from peacekeeping from the neighbouring countries. We don’t know, anyone of them might have contacted the disease. Our borders too; wWe are not leaving them. We want to ensure that we monitor those who come in through the borders. “Also, we will be sensitising the various hotel owners in the state, particularly on how to manage their swimming pools. Though we are yet to have a case of Ebola in the state, but we must prepare. We are training our medical personnel on how to attend to patients of the deadly disease, if such case arises.” The State NMA Chairman, Dr. Dokun Noel, urged the government to provide facilities for the medical personnel to treat Ebola patients, if there is any, to avoid jeopardising their lives.

will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. “I will remember that I remain a member of society

Ghana hasn’t banned flights from Nigeria, says NCAA

HE Ghanaian Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) yesterday said it has not banned flights from Nigeria into the Kotoka International Airport, Accra. It explained that despite the ravaging Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), it had not banned any airline from either Nigeria or other African countries operating into Ghana. A statement by GCAA reads: “The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority’s attention has been drawn to an online publication on the above subject on Saturday, August 2, 2014 and we wish to state emphatically that the publication is erroneous and misleading. “The GCAA, as the sole regulator of the air transport

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

industry and provider of air navigation service in the country, has not banned any airline from Nigeria and other African countries from operating to Ghana because of suspicion that the flights might be carrying passengers with the Ebola virus. “We can confirm that flight operations to and from Nigeria and other African countries are normal without any interruption. “The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority wishes to assure passengers and the public that it is working with stakeholders to ensure that the Kotoka International Airport and other airports in the country remain safe and secure.”

with special obligation to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as infirm.” He said: “Nobody is op-

posed to the doctors’ demands. They are genuine, and I think they are reasonable. But what is paramount now is that there is an emergency that demands extraordinary measures to tackle.” Mark was optimistic that the Federal Government would address the doctors’ grievances, adding: “We need to be alive to be able to sort out the complaints.” The statement reads: “Mark appreciated the huge challenges faced by the doctors and other health care providers in these trying times. He urged them to rigidly apply universal precautions while attending to their patients. “He also enjoined citizens to constantly practice good personal hygiene at home, offices, shops, schools and other work places to halt the possible spread of the disease. “He directed the Senate Committee on Health to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and other health institutions in the fight against the Ebola virus. “He said the National Assembly is taking the Ebola disease case as a national emergency and has, in the mean time, embarked on a sensitisation programme on the matter.”

‘Kwara won’t accept body without HE Kwara State Govern- death certificate’

ment will not accept a body without a death certificate, Health Commissioner Adul Isa, said yesterday. The government said there has not been any reported case of the disease in the state. Isa told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, that the state has cross-border collaboration with Benin Republic to prevent the virus from entering the state. He said: “We have our disease surveillance unit in the border communities of Baruten Local Government Area, collaborating with other councils in Benin Republic. Incidentally, Benin Republic is not a high risk country. “The state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the disease does not spread to the state. However, several

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

measures have been put in place to contain the disease in the unlikely event that Ebola spreads to the state. “The state government has a Rapid Response Committee and an emergency preparedness in place. These committees have been replicated at the local government level, coordinated by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer and focal persons at the ward level. “All general hospitals have been sensitised and have Ebola management committees in place, comprising doctors, nurses and laboratory personnel. The state has personal protective equipment in stock and has placed orders for more.”

No more handshake in Imo From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

HE Imo State Government has warned against handshake and other forms of close contacts to check the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Health Commissioner Dr Edward Ihejirika addressed reporters yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, on precautionary measures to check the spread of the virus. He said avoiding a handshake could prevent the spread of the disease, adding that the virus could be contracted through a handshake with an infected person. Ihejirika urged the residents to avoid travelling to areas where the disease has been detected. The commissioner, an American-trained doctor, said the Rochas Okorocha administration had begun the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals. He also said health workers were at a greater risk of contracting the disease because of their close contacts with infected persons, especially during treatment. Ihejirika said the government was planning a sensitisation tour of the 27 local government areas to educate the people about the disease. Also, bush meat sellers have been complaining of low patronage because people have started avoiding such meat for the fear of contracting the Ebola virus. Mr Christopher Akpulonu, a hunter, said the outbreak of the disease had made him and his colleagues to lose their customers. Akpulonu said: “I sell at least four grass cutters, two antelopes everyday. But I hardly sell one now.”

•Governor Okorocha

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle); Chancellor, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (second right); Chairman, Governing Council, Mr Olabode Augusto (second left); Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye (right) and Vice Chancellor, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa, the 19th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU) and inauguration of the School of Transport on the university main campus at Ojo, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS Reference Nigeria hits newsstands REFERENCE Nigeria, a weekly newspaper with an online version atwww.referencenigeria.com, has entered the Nigerian newspaper market. Reference Nigeria, a general interest newspaper with special interest in consumer reporting andprotection, will create mass awareness on consumer rights. A statement yesterday by Goke Ilesanmi, the Editor, said the magazine would help consumers to get value for their money by exposing sharp practices among electricity companies, banks, airlines, telephone companies, among others.

NEMA: 1.5m need help From Franca Ochigbo and Halima Farouk, Abuja

NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Director-General Mohummed Sani Sidi has said over 1.5 million Nigerians are in need of humanitarian assistance, being victims of natural disasters. Sidi spoke yesterday in Abuja at the national consultative workshop on Climate, Risk, Mitigation, Preparedness and Response in 2014. He said most developing activities do not factor in the real and growing risks of extreme weather.

77 ex-militants to train in Dubai By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

SEVENTY-seven youths demobilised under the Federal Government Amnesty Programme, departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday for a six-month skills acquisition programme in pipeline welding and electrical installation in Dubai. The youths, consisting of 76 men and a woman, are beneficiaries of the Niger Delta amnesty programme for former militants who laid down their arms and embraced peace in 2009.

•Corps members on parade during the swearing-in ceremony of Batch ‘B’ members in Gbakuta, Iseyin, Oyo State...yesterday

Governors urge corps members to shun vices

OVERNORS yesterday National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to avoid actions that can tarnish their image and that of the country during their service year. The governors spoke at their state capitals during the swearing-in of the Batch ‘B’ corps members. Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio announced yesterday an increase in the corps members’ allowance from N6,000 to N10,000. Akpabio spoke at the permanent orientation camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of the state. The governor urged the corps members to shun antisocial behaviours. He advised the corps members to leverage on the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme the NYSC management had given them to rebuild themselves. According to him, the state government will continue to create an enabling environ-

Nigerian medical student scores 99% in exam NIGERIAN medical student, Hajarat Yomi Adenuga, has made history by scoring 99 per cent in the examination conducted by the National Board of Medical Examiners, the Gambia-based American International University West Africa has said. The school said the results it received from the board indicated that Adenuga recorded an astounding 99 per cent. A statement by the institute said the performance put Adenuga in top one per cent of the medical students from all over the world. The statement reads: “Thirteen students from College of Medicine at American International University West Africa gave the Basic Medical Science test conducted by National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) U.S.A on July 26, 2014. One student had a near perfect score of 750 on NBME equivalent to 281 on United States Medical Licensure Exams (USMLE) scale, placing her in the 99 percentile. Two other students Michael Chigozie and Linu Rajwani - had high scores too, placing them in 98 percentile. 10 students passed.” The statement explained that the NBME develops and manages the USMLE. While the individual licensing boards grant the licence to practise medicine, it said, all medical boards in the U.S accept a passing score on the USMLE as evidence that an applicant demonstrates the core competencies to practise medicine. “As a result, healthcare consumers throughout the nation enjoy a high degree of confidence that their doctors have met a common standard. The NBME and the Federation of State Medical Boards co-sponsor the USMLE, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates is the third collaborator in the USMLE programme,” it added.

PHOTO:NAN

•Akpabio increases corps members’ allowance •Avoid being used by bad people, Amaechi tells corps members From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo and Rosemary Nwisi,

Port Harcourt

ment for corps members to enjoy their stay duration their service year. Akpabio approved the request of the State NYSC Coordinator, Lady Ngozi Chukwuka, for 250 double bunk beds for the corps members. He said: “I implore all of you to take seriously the orientation course as this is the only sure way of justifying government’s huge investment in the NYSC programme. “The Government of Akwa Ibom State is not unaware of the invaluable contributions of corps members to the socioeconomic, educational and general well-being of her citizens. The government on her

part would not relent in providing the enabling environment for you to succeed but will also sustain her tradition of rewarding excellence, through awards and recognitions. “You are to shun cultism, political violence and religious intolerance or any form of anti-social behaviour. You should be guided by the motto of the National Youth Service Corps - Service and Humility -bearing in mind the oath of service that you have sworn today. “You must not allow unpatriotic individuals to influence you. Resolve to bring to your host communities a new lease of life in particular and the nation at large. You must also avoid unnecessary journeys during the service year.” Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi advised

the corps members to resist being used by disgruntled elements to destroy the nation’s peace and unity. The governor spoke yesterday at the swearing-in of 2014 Batch ‘B’ service year corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Nonwa-gbam, in Tai Local Government Area. He reminded the youths that the scheme was founded for national re-orientation and development, with the aim to strengthen the unity and integration of the country and ensure equal distribution of professional manpower. The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services (Office of the Secretary to the State Government), Sovens Okari, urged the youths to uphold the motto

of the scheme - Service and Humility - and shun anti-social behaviours, such as cultism, religious intolerance, political violence among others. Amaechi said: “…I implore you to shun all forms of antisocial behaviour, such as cultism, political violence, among others. Always be guided by the motto of the scheme, which is Service and Humility, bearing in mind the oath of national service you have just sworn to uphold. “Do not allow disgruntled and unpatriotic individuals to use you for their selfish and destructive purposes.” The State NYSC Coordinator Ejiaka Gladys Mbachi told the governor that 3,000 corps members had been registered as at 12 midnight Wednesday. She thanked Amaechi for his support to the success of the scheme.

Chibok girls: Protesters accuse Jonathan of doublespeak P

ROTESTERS of the #BringBackOurGirls movement have said President Goodluck Jonathan’s statement in Washington DC, United States (U.S) on his negotiations with the Boko Haram sect is doublespeak. They said the U.S government’s claim about locating the girls was not news to Nigerians since the nation had been told of the same story several times while the girls remained in captivity. The protesters said it appeared the world had forgotten about the innocent girls. They faulted the statement of the Council of State that insurgency would end by December. It urged the government to tell the world how it intends to achieve the feat in the face of escalated attacks in the Northeast in the past several months. They also debunked speculations of the Chibok girls’ involvement in the recent suicide attacks, adding that associating them with the despi-

From Grace Obike, Abuja

cable crime was an act of victimisation. The protesters addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja to mark their 100th days of sittings and 115th days after the abduction of the Chibok girls. A member of the group, Maureen Kabrik, who read the statement, said the movement had credible information about an imminent attack on their sittings at the Abuja rendezvous. She urged security agencies to protect the protesters from molestation. According to her, the protesters are not planning to stop their agitation until the girls are rescued. Kabrik said: “Today marks day 115 since the abduction of over 200 girls from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, while they were sitting for their final examinations. The

world seems to have moved on, as we note with concern the lack of evidence to back the statements by the government that all is being done to rescue our girls. “We also note the statements credited to the U.S Government over the sighting of the girls in July. Knowing the location of the girls is a positive development. But this is not the first time Nigerians have been told that the location of the girls is already known. “We also note the ambiguity in the statement credited to the President (Jonathan) in Washington DC that efforts to negotiate with the insurgents are ongoing, even though the earlier position of the government had been that it would not negotiate with Boko Haram. It is this ambiguity and doublespeak, which gives our movement great cause for concern about the sincerity of the effort to rescue the abducted

girls. “At its meeting on July 30, the Council of State promised that the insurgency in the Northeast would end by December 2014. We call on the government to provide adequate information on how this is to be achieved, considering that the insurgency in the Northeast has only escalated in the past several months and previous assurances by the government and its functionaries have not produced any results. “We urge the government to scale up its efforts in the rescue operation, to ensure that this debacle comes to an end. This is because of the separation of the innocent girls from their grieving parents. Their education has come to a standstill, as they remain in captivity with the insurgents. Worse still, their continued stay in captivity has given room for unfounded speculations about the role the girls are purported to have played in recent suicide attacks.”

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS

OSUN 2014

Police choppers ‘haul cash’ to Osogbo

By our reporter

HREE helicopters suspected to be conveying cash landed yesterday on the field of the Government Technical College in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. The choppers belonging to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) landed at about 10am under tight security, bearing cartons suspected to be filled with cash. Scores of people gathered round the choppers, discussing in hushed tones. This drew the attention of residents, who stood on the opposite side of the dual carriage way, watching. At the time of filing this report, the choppers were still parked with some young women at their entrances.

Odigie-Oyegun: I’m prepared for arrest By Seun Akioye

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said he is prepared to be arrested by security agents “acting out the script” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking with reporters on security issues regarding tomorrow’s election, OdigieOyegun said: “I came here prepared to be arrested. In Ekiti, they went from one polling unit to another arresting and harassing our leaders, but we have learnt and are prepared. If you arrest one of our leaders, you cannot decapitate us, because we have three alternatives.” Yesterday, the APC said it had uncovered a plan by the PDP to scientifically rig the election and Odigie-Oyegun urged the PDP to have a change of heart. He said: “We appeal to the forces of evil and darkness to please have a rethink in the interest of our nation. We appeal to their conscience, if they have one.”

•Security agents guarding two of the helicopters...yesterday.

You’re wrong about ballot papers, legal A adviser tells Jega

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire has faulted the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, that it is illegal for the electorate to take photographs of their ballot papers. Banire said the Electoral Act does not bar the electorate from taking pictures of the ballot paper. Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at a campaign rally last Tuesday, urged voters to write down the serial numbers on their ballot papers and take a picture of their ballot papers after voting. Aregbesola said: “Use your mobile phones to take pictures of your ballot papers before and after thumb printing on them. If you do not have a camera phone, seek the assistance of another person with a camera phone.” But at a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, Jega said it was illegal to take a picture of the ballot paper. He said Section 125 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to ensure the secrecy of votes and anybody who violates the law may risk six months imprisonment or face N100,000 fine or both. He said: “I heard that one of the parties asked the electorate to take pictures of ballot papers during the election. It is illegal and it will

•Wearing of masks illegal, says Falana By Tajudeen Adebanjo and Adebisi Onanuga

not be allowed. Disregard that order. The law says we must protect the secrecy of your votes. Do not attempt it because it is illegal. Section 125, Sub-sections 1-4 frown at it. You can take pictures at the centre but not a picture of the ballot paper inside the voting cubicle.” The Director-General of the Rauf Aregbesola Campaign Organisation, Prof. Sola Adeyeye, who represents Osun Central Senatorial District, told Jega that he would take a picture of his ballot paper and was ready to be arrested. Adeyeye said: “I disagree with the INEC chairman. I will take a picture of my ballot paper and I want you to arrest me. I am recording my vote. How does that violate other people’s rights? I want to keep that record for my children.“ Responding to Adeyeye’s comment, Jega advised him against it, saying: “Please, I advise you not to do so. Nobody should take pictures of the ballot papers.” Banire said: “Jega’s statement is very wrong. How can

the INEC chairman say the electorate cannot take photographs of the ballot paper? The Section 125 of the Electoral Act he (Jega) quoted refers to a third party and not the person with the ballot paper.” He urged Jega to always consult the commission’s lawyer before making statements, adding: “Jega’s case is like a religious person who does not understand the holy book. Such person needs to seek clarification from the cleric before quoting the holy book out of context. Jega should have consulted the commission’s legal department before making such statement.” Banire told voters to go ahead and take photographs of the ballot papers, adding: “It is not in this circumstance where there is enough ground for rigging that you will not call on your supporters to take pictures of the ballot papers. It is not illegal to take a picture of your ballot paper.” Lagos lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has said it is illegal for any one, including security agents, to wear masks during election. Falana also said it was illegal for INEC or security agencies to prevent voters

PDP supporters attack two journalists

WO journalists, Ayodeji Moradeyo (reporter) and Binafia Miebi (cameraman), were yesterday attacked by suspected supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the PDP State Secretariat on Gbongan Road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. The Television Continental (TVC) journalists were attacked while covering an event at the party’s office. They were beaten up by hoodlums when it was discovered that they were journalists from TVC. Their camera was damaged. The journalists were

•APC kicks By Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

handed over to the police, detained and reportedly freed later. The All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the attack. In a statement by its Publicity Director, Kunle Oyatomi, APC said: “The attack is in the character of the PDP, a party known for violence and disregard for human rights. The TV Continental crew, which is officially accredited for the coverage of the poll, has been arrested for carrying out its constitutionally guaranteed role.

“The role of the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, is copiously entrenched in the 1999 Constitution. This is a replay of the Ekiti election, where journalists and APC loyalists were hounded and brutalised without aggression against laws of the land. “The arrest and deportation of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) press crew members on June 21 during the Ekiti militarised and manipulated governorship election speaks volumes of the erosion and aggression against the Nigerian Constitution.” The police could not be reached for comments.

from taking photographs during tomorrow’s election. In a statement yesterday, he said: “If INEC has nothing to hide, it should not prevent voters from recording details of their individual ballot papers. Wearing of masks during elections is illegal” Contrary to the position of the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abah, the lawyer said neither the Police Act nor the Electoral Act authorises the wearing of masks by security personnel during elections. Falana drew the Federal Government’s attention to Section 280 of the Nigeria Police Force Regulations, which states that “Orders of dress and dress regulations shall be promulgated by the Inspector-General of Police in Force Orders”. He said: “The IGP has neither promulgated that police personnel involved in election duties should wear masks nor published any such dress order in the Police Force Orders. To that extent, it is illegal for the police and other security personnel not to wear name tags for proper identification during election duties.” Falana observed that security personnel did not wear masks during the July 21 governorship election in Ekiti State and wondered what warrants the “desperate deployment of masked men” to police Saturday’s election. He said it was public knowledge that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Senator

Iyiola Omisore had been campaigning with masked men in connivance with the police. Falana said: “Instead of banning the provocative harassment of law-abiding citizens by official terrorists, the government has announced that many more of such masked men would be deployed under the pretext of maintaining law and order during the election. “If INEC is committed to the conduct of a transparent governorship election in Osun State, it should not prevent voters from recording the exercise with electronic gadgets. If the police authorities are committed to the maintenance of law and order, they should withdraw masked police and security personnel from election duties in Osun State. “By virtue of Section 125 (3) of the Electoral Act 2011 (as amended) the secrecy of voting is limited to individual voters, as no person shall:a. interfere with a voter casting his vote or by any other means obtain or attempt to obtain in a polling unit information as to the candidate for whom a voter in that place is about to vote for or has voted for; b. communicate at any time to any other person information obtained in a polling unit as to the candidate to whom a voter is about to vote or has voted for. “With regards to the mobilisation on ground and the vigilance of the people of Osun State, the Federal Government should be held responsible for the imminent break down of law and order by armed thugs, who have been officially sanctioned to hide behind masks to rig the election. It is not too late to jettison the illegal plot to manipulate the election.”

PUBLIC NOTICE SOUTHERN IBIONO PEOPLE’S ASSEMLY

The general public is hereby informed that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. 1. Obong (Sir) Christopher Ene Uwak 6. Mathaias James Eka 2. Anthony Dominic Ebong 7. Efiong Mathaias Udoh 3. Patrick Imo Etim 8. Barr. Linus Udo Utuk 4. Patrick Malachy Akpan 9. (Hon.) Eng. Dominic Asuquo Udotan 5. Sunday Edet Umoren 10. Dr. Dominic Anthony Akpan

•One of the journalists ...yesterday

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To foster Unity, Brotherliness, Progress among the people of southern Ibiono. 2) To enhance economic, social cultural and political development of Southern Ibiono People within and outside Ibiono Ibom. 3) To cater for the welfare of the people of Southern Ibiono and Ibiono Ibom. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Idorenyin Peter Esq. (Solicitor)

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS Oyo extends council bosses’ tenure From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

THE Oyo State House of Assembly has extended the tenure of interim local government chairmen by six months. The three months tenure of the council bosses would have expired on August 12. The House approved the tenure extension yesterday at a special sitting presided over by the Speaker, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu. With the approval, the tenure of the chairmen will expire in February, 2015. Mrs. Sunmonu said the extension was to prevent vacuum in the local government administration. Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Femi Adelakun said: “All the council chairmen are performing well and that is why the governor did not change them. We would have conducted an election, but there is a pending case in court by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC). We want continuity in governance, so there is nothing else the House can do other than to approve the extension.”

Fashola reverses LASU fees to N25,000 T

HERE was jubilation yesterday at the Lagos State University (LASU) when Governor Babatunde Fashola reversed school fees to N25,000 (the old rate). Fashola announced the reversal at the institution’s new auditorium during the grand finale of the 19th convocation. Students, parents and staff went wild in jubilation. Some students ran to the podium and prostrated before the governor in appreciation. Others hugged one another. Fashola hailed the Students’ Union for its maturity during protests against the increase of fees to between N193,000 and N350,000. He said: “I appreciate the maturity of our students in the way they went about their agitation for the reduction of school fees. In the course of their protest, I invited them and they responded. The students submitted a position paper on what they felt the fees should be. We looked at their (students) position paper and the adjustment they recommended

Aspirant pledges quality education From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

•Governor meets with SSANU By Adegunle Olugbamila and Miriam Ekene-Okoro

and made a reduction of between 34 to 60 per cent. “But they (students) were not satisfied. They said the fees were still high and wanted further reduction. We looked into their demand and decided that school fees must revert to the old rate.” The governor met with protesting members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU chapter, who earlier threatened to disrupt the convocation, if their twomonth salary arrears were not paid by yesterday morning. On the governor’s way to the convocation, the angry union members waited for him on the road leading to the auditorium. Fashola stopped his convoy and approached them. He listened to their grievances and promised to look into their demands after the con-

vocation. LASU Pro-Chancellor Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas and the Students’ Union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, thanked the governor for reversing the school fees. Recalling his experiences during the protests, Yusuf said: “I was almost shot by security agents. Each time we protested, the police wanted to know who the leader was and once I was pointed out to them, they harassed me. “From the onset, we had a clear cut agenda on what we wanted to do. We opened facebook and twitter accounts with the slogan ‘Bring Down LASU Fees’. Contrary to rumours that some elements were funding us, we did not collect money from anybody. We had no money. At the initial stage, we went to the street and begged motorists and commoners to assist us. We raised N82,000 and that was what we used to fund the protests. They said I

•Fashola

was being used by the opposition but it is not true. The opposition invited us, but we did not go.” On the fate of his colleagues who fell out of school when the fee was increased, Yusuf said: “With the reversal, I believe they would return to LASU to complete their progammes. In one of our meetings with the governor, we drew his attention to the development and he asked us to compile their names. We submitted over 500 names to him and he promised to do something about them. The governor’s step today (yesterday) is a pointer that there is hope for those students.”

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) welcoming the Group Managing Director of O’dua Investment, Mr. Adewale Raji (left), to the Governor’s Office in Ibadan...yesterday. With them is the Corporate Affairs Manager of the conglomerate, Mr. Victor Ayetoro.

Be patriotic, Fayemi urges Youth Corps members

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) to be patriotic, honest and dedicated to their duties. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu,

spoke at the swearing-in of the 2014 Batch ‘B’ corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ise/Orun/ Emure-Ekiti. He said: “Your call-up for service at this crucial period, when the nation is being faced with various security threats, should be seen

as an opportunity to break new boundaries and brace up for the challenges ahead of you. “I encourage you to eschew primordial sentiments and remain patriotic, honest, dedicated and true ambassadors of the scheme. Remember, you have come to

serve the nation and no amount of work put in building this nation will go unrewarded.” Fayemi urged them to be security conscious and take precautions to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. NYSC State Coordinator Mr. Ibeh Tobias thanked the

state government for its support, particularly in upgrading facilities at the orientation camp. The State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who was represented by Justice Olukayode Ogundana, administered the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members.

Funeral rites begin as Ayangburen’s body arrives at Ikorodu

HE body of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, arrived yesterday in Ikorodu, Lagos State, from London. The Ayangburen died in London after a brief illness. His body was driven into the ancient town around noon in a motorcade and was accompanied by some of his relatives.

Lagos advocates alternative power sources By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Promotion for Ondo workers THE Ondo State government has started a promotion process for civil servants. Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade told reporters in Akure, the state capital, that the process would strengthen the public service to accomplish the government’s goals. He said: “It is on record that Ondo State civil servants earn the highest minimum wage in the country. About 7,847 workers will be elevated in the ongoing exercise and it is a continuous process.”

N Oyo State House of Assembly aspirant, Mr Jide Oke, has promised to provide quality education, if elected to represent Ibadan Southeast Constituency II. Telling the people his plans for them yesterday, Oke said: “We are starting with summer coaching, where students from each ward in the constituency will be sponsored. This is to prepare them for external exams coming up later in the year. We are also planning to pay for the external exams of two pupils from each secondary school in all wards in the constituency. “There is also an empowerment programme coming up in a few weeks time. We intend to empower our people in various capacities. All these are to give our people a feel of democracy.”

By Adebisi Onanuga

The motorcade stopped briefly at Oriwu Central Mosque, Garage Bus Stop, where the Chief Imam, Alhaji Yahaya Oshoala, and some Imams prayed for the late monarch. They recited various verses of the Holy Quran for about 30minutes. Sources said the monarch

instructed that his body should be taken to the mosque for prayers before it is handed over to the Osugbos. Oba Oyefusi’s body was handed over to the Osugbos at Ojubode Junction and taken to the Osugbo House. The arrival of the body marks the beginning of the traditional funeral rites. A palace source said:

“Once the Osugbos take over the body, nobody knows what happens to it thereafter. Nobody knows how many days it would stay with the Osugbos or when the body will be committed to the earth.” The “Oro Cult” has commenced its festival, forcing non-indigenes and women to stay indoors. It is not clear how many

days the cult would stay on the streets, but it is subject to the dictate of the Osugbos. Commercial activities were paralysed for most part of yesterday. Banks, markets and other businesses were shut and people stayed indoors. Transportation was grounded until late afternoon, when life returned to outer Ikorodu.

HE Lagos State government has urged residents to embrace alternative power sources to curb global warming. Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Taofeek Tijani spoke at the opening of the sixth Alternative Power Exhibition organised by the Lagos State Television. Tijani said a power audit revealed that with a population of over 20 million people, Lagos required about 10,000 megawatts of power. He said the state gets about 1,000 megawatts, of which about 200 megawatts is distributed to neigbouring states. The commissioner lamented the effect of insufficient power supply on businesses, adding that alternate power sources were needed. He said the government was working in this direction with the introduction of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) in use at the state secretariat in Alausa and government facilities on Lagos Island. Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Radio and Television Services, Adekunle Ajanaku said the exhibition was to show case opportunities available in the sector. He said alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, were being installed to create new knowledge, skills and jobs for residents. Ajanaku urged the private sector to invest in alternative power generation.

Customs intercepts hemp From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

HE Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 234 wraps of Indian hemp in AgoAre, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. The hard drug, concealed in four bags, was found amid fairly used clothes and shoes brought into Nigeria from Benin Republic. The Command Controller, Richard Oteri, said the suspects accompanying the goods absconded.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS I ‘ll triumph, says Enugu deputy governor

Follow your conscience, activist tells Osun residents

HEAD of tomorrow’s governorship election in Osun State, the people of the state have been advised to vote according to their conscience. Speaking to reporters in Lagos, the Coordinator of Democracy Vanguard, Comrade Adeola Soetan, said Nigerian voters should see themselves as the determinant of the fate of politicians. According to him, Democarcy Vanguard had been sensitising the people of Osun State on the conduct of elections. “We said look, vote for any candidate of your choice or any party of your choice, but ask critical questions, who are they? What are their manifestoes? What are their programmes? Do not just vote for party or candidate coming to induce or intimidate you. Let your vote count and believe in the power of your vote.” The group insisted that the solution to the current problem of Nigeria does not lie anywhere else, but the determination of individuals to accept that they can make a change. While preaching the maxim of ‘one woman, one man one vote’, Soetan said the electorate should make their vote count, adding, that “no other Nigerian is superior on election day because all fingers are equal.” According to the group, the electorate should let their conscience guide them, adding, “they should be prudent, be thoughtful and make sure they vote on the basis of conviction not on other things.” The group, while recognizing that the electorate are being intimidated and induced, advised Osun people not vote on the basis of friendship or religion. “On the day of election, you are not under any command, just make judicious choice of the candidate you want to vote for on the basis of the candidate’s integrity, manifestoes, programmes and make sure your vote counts and to make sure your vote counts is to be counted “ The group advised the electorate to make sure they monitor and track their votes, saying “this can make the election to be free and fair. It is going to be window for 2015 election and INEC has assured the people that it is ready.”

•United States Vice President Joe Biden and President, Campaign for Democracy, (CD) Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin at a summit in Washington.

‘My oracle predicts Osun Governor’s victory’

HE Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, has predicted Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s victory in tomorrow’s election. Delivering a lecture on Yoruba culture and tradition at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo at the Yoruba Youth Leadership Summit, he

CMD is underfunded, says minister

HE Minister of National Planning and Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Abubakar O. Sulaiman, has decried the underfunding for structures at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Lagos. He expressed worry over the level of dilapidation of the home of the centre’s workers, saying it was a zero zone and unfit for living. Suleiman spoke yesterday after a tour of structures at the centre. The minister noted that the

By Nneka Nwaneri

major challenge of the centre was funding, which has left it in a “sorry state”. According to him, there are tendencies that the lack of good living conditions among the centre’s workers will affect their productivity. Suleiman promised that the ministry would liaise and collaborate with the private sector to partner the centre for more effective services. The minister was received by CMD’s Director-General, Dr Kabir Kabo Usman and other

directors. He said the ministry is the engine room of national development with statistical data on what Nigeria should be. Suleiman said CMD is important to national planning, adding: “CMD is key to Nigeria’s national development and the nation’s drive for social and economic development. This is an institution that does not only train manpower in Nigeria but also trains trainers of manpower. It is not just a training ground but a regulatory ground for other training institutions.

‘Let’s return Osun as governor’

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Tunde Ojo, has urged the people of Oriade and Obokun council areas of the state to vote massively for Governor Rauf Aregbesola tomorrow. Speaking during the distribution of branded campaign materials to party

By Kunle Akinrinade

members and residents, Ojo said: “ The Ogbeni Aregbesola has performed well and he deserved to be returned once again as governor of our great state of Osun. His foot prints are everywhere in the state especially in the areas of socioeconomic and infrastructure development, therefore, I want

to admonished you to reelect him as governor for the second term. “He is the only governor that understands what community or rural development means and he has demonstrated his firm understanding of that so far, please troop out in your large numbers to vote for him on Saturday,” he added.

debunked a rumour that his oracle predicted electoral doom for the governor. He said the development in the state was unprecedented and the Almighty God, the Ifa Oracle and the people were yearning for more. Elebuibon urged the people to vote for Aregbesola. Comrade Awa Bamiji, Chairman, Organising Committee, pledged the support of over 60% youths and students in the State for the 2nd term ambition of the Governor and asked Senator Iyiola Omisore to clear himself and his associates including the National Secretary of PDP, State of Osun PDP Chairman, Minister of Police Affairs accused of Ige’s murder before thinking of any election in Nigeria. He also condemned the use of black masks, unnumbered hilux pick up vans and parading the heavy heavy guns in the public places by all deployed operatives particularly canteens/beer parlours which he described as unwanted.. He wondered how this same DSS operatives would be able to call the masqurade bodyguards being used by Senator Omisore to order. He cautioned President Jonathan against precipitating the Nation into another political war for his selfish 2015 ambition. Whole World is watching and we youths are also putting INEC, deployed DSS operatives and Army officers under surveillance and we shall cry out in mass but peaceful protest in case of any foul play at election.

NPAN returns Obaigbena as president

RISE Cable Television owner and Publisher of ThisDay newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, was yesterday returned to office as the President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), for another tenure. His election which represents a major shift in the political structure of the Association, also returned other officials of the Association for another term. The election which was unanimously supported, climaxed activities marking the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Association, the opening formalities of which drew strategic players in the nation’s industries, banking , marketing communications, among others Others returned were the Deputy President and the Chairman of Media Trust, Mal.

Kabir Yusuf, the General Secretary and Publisher of the Source magazine, Dame Comfort Obi, the Treasurer and Publisher of the Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru, the Publicity Secretary and Publisher of Business Day Newspapers, Mr Frank Aigbogun, Past President and Ex-Officio, Mr Ray Ekpu, Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers( Ex-Officio) , Mr. Wale Aboderin ,the Chairman of Punch newspapers (ex-officio) and the two Life Patrons of the Association, who also serve as Ex- officio membersMr. Sam Amuka, OFR, Publisher of Vanguard newspapers and Mal Ismaila Isa, OFR, mni. Mr. Mohammed Idris, Publisher of Blue Print newspapers, will step into the shoes of Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chairman of Leadership Group, as

Assistant Secretary , as soon as the later complete his disengagement formalities from the Executive Council as a result of his desire to run for the presidency of the country. Publisher of The Sun and New Telegraph, Chief Orji Kalu, moved the motion, seconded by Mr. Sam Amuka. Mal. Isa was later to explain that the Executive was begged to continue in office as a result of its progressive achievements and vision for the industry. Prior to the election, Prof. Attahiru Jega, the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, in his keynote, extol the media for being forthright in its informative and agenda setting roles and for also being the defender of the underdogs. He however noted that while the press is a private interest, there was a need to balance same with the enlightened

public interest at all times. He insisted that it behoves on the press to not only maintain but also sustain this social responsibility. Mr. Obaigbena reiterated his earlier resolve to step aside adding that given the current development and the confidence reposed in his team, he would accept the new challenge. Earlier, the managing Director of Access Bank Plc , Mr. Herbert Wigwe, had commended the press for the confidence and support it has in the Nigerian Business sector and most especially in his bank. He said while only few believed in the vision of the bank when it reenginered in 2002, the press showed so much confidence in the organisation. He said by 2017, the bank would be a key global player and urged the press to continue to support their enterprise.

NUGU State Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi said yesterday that he would triumph over his travails. He told reporters after the adjournment of the panel investigating the allegations against him that he would triumph “in the panel of God where nobody can change the truth.” Onyebuchi said he preferred his reputation and integrity than the Office of deputy governor, hence he opted to defend them by going through the trial, instead of resigning. His words: “It is true that I’m the one standing trial. But also, I want to say that our democracy is on trial. I want to say also that justice is on trial. And I want to say that the integrity of those involved, including the panel members, is also on trial. “I believe that no matter how we are able to fabricate lies and try to manipulate truth and embellish what happened and what did not happen, eventually truth will triumph over falsehood. “This is a situation where the person who is on the floor, who is being stepped on, the person who is being marched on did not complain, rather the person marching is the one complaining. “The poultry in question, by January 27, the birds were removed. Some of you witnessed it. Till now I did not ask anybody what happened. Whether they were sold, eaten or whatever happened to them, I never complained. Rather, the person who took my birds is the one complaining. But I am confident. I believe it is a straight forward case. “I believe I have not committed any crime. I believe it is better to defend myself and protect my hard-earned reputation and integrity. It is more important to me than the Office of Deputy Governor. I don’t mind losing the office, but let the public know that I did not commit any crime, PUBLIC NOTICE YUSUFU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusufu Falilat Ayinke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alabi Falilat Ayinke. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, IBA LCDA & General public take.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

I did not commit any offence to justify my being removed. I am prepared to be removed in the process of letting the people know the truth. “Let you people, the reporters, let Enugu State people, let Nigerians be the judge as to how honourable the honourable members have been in this matter. I do not want to start saying things about them. But you people and the people of Enugu State will be in a position to judge how honourable they have been. “I believe I will triumph because the most important thing is that there is a court of man, there is a panel of man, but there is a panel of God where nobody can change the truth. God, who sees what is hidden, will also give his own verdict at the appropriate time.” “I hail the panel for listening to the protest of my lawyers because when we came in the morning, they said they did not want media coverage.” PUBLIC NOTICE

ADELEYE I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. VICTORIA KEMI ADELEYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DADA VICTORIA KEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE UZOETO

I, formerly known and address as Uzoeto, Folasade Bola, now wish to be known and address as Akinlemibola, Folasade Bola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE AMUKAMARA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Amukamara Collet Oluchi, now Wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Offor Collet Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE BADIRU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabisi Fatimo Badiru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olabisi Fatimo Obanla. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, IBA LCDA & General public take.

STUDY ABROAD @MALAYSIA wit Ease undergraduate and Graduate programmes Affordable tuition, furnished accommodation. Text program, course of interest with your email to 08052450886 or call 08032365280 email hqs.cams@gmail.com ADDRESS Heart Quardrants; FF12 Axiom Plaza Pencinema Agege Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS

Court refuses motion on impeachment

N Abakaliki High Court yesterday refused to grant an exparte motion seeking to quash the impeachment of former speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr. Chukwuma Nwazunku. He was impeached by 18 of the 24 members, but described the action as illegal. Nwazunku was replaced by Mrs. Helen Nwaobasi. The Assembly complex has been taken over by the police. There are two factions in the House. Ten lawmakers in the impeached Speaker’s camp filed an ex-parte motion seeking an order of interim injunc-

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

tion restraining the 14 legislators loyal to Mrs. Nwaobasi from removing Nwazunku pending the determination of the motion. They also prayed the court to grant an order of interim injunction restraining Mrs. Nwaobasi from parading herself as the Speaker. But Justice Chinyere Ken Eze refused the motion “as Mrs. Nwaobasi and 13 other lawmakers loyal to her were not served and were not present in court or represented by their lawyers.” She adjoined the matter till August 12 for hearing.

NDDC treats 1,177 in Abia

VER 1,177 people have received free treatment for sight, dental and other ailments in Abia State. This was made possible by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Universal Medicare Foundation. They were treated at a free medical programme at Owaza community in Ukwa West Local Government. The leader of the medical team, Prof. Ejele Adelayo Oseikhuemen, lauded the NDDC for the programme.

Youths chase away electricity workers

OUTHS on Eagle Island, Port Harcourt yesterday chased away officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), who came to disconnect cables. A source said the youths were angry that despite power outage, the PHED officials had the effrontery to issue bills. The source said: “When the PHED officials wanted to

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

mount their ladder, the boys were informed and they moved to beat them up, but were prevented by an elderly man. “The youths ordered them out of the area with a warning not to return until electricity supply improves.” Power supply in Port Harcourt has worsened since last month, forcing people to use generators.

Church celebrates

WEEK-long activity to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and overseas will begin in Awe, Oyo State tomorrow and end on August 15. The theme of the programme is: “Growing Spiritually to Perfection”. The activities include award service for pioneering ministers, conferment of knighthood and fund raising for evangelism, presentation of graduating pastors and ordination of ministers, educative and soul inspiring lectures and ordination of deacons and deaconesses.

•From left: Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Akwa Ibom State, Lady Ngozi Nkiruka Chukwuka; Commissioner for Youths & Sport, Mr. Monday Uko; Governor Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Lady Valerie Ebe, at the swearing-in of 2014 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course for corps members... yesterday.

JTF nabs eight for pipeline vandalism

EN of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, have arrested eight suspects linked to the vandalism of pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, JTF, Lt.-Col. Mustapha Anka, said yesterday that the suspects were nabbed by the anti-illegal bunkering squad of JTF's Sector 2. He said they were in JTF's custody for preliminary investigation after which they would be handed over to a prosecuting agency. Anka said the task force also discovered an illegal metal fabrication camp where illegal oil bunkering equipment were manufactured at Burutu community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. He said the camp site and the illegal refineries closer to the place were destroyed. Anka said nobody was arrested, as the suspects fled on sighting the troops. Said he: "Troops deployed in Ethiope West and Ologbo in Ikpobe-Okha local government areas of Delta and Edo states, on patrol, arrested five suspected illegal oil bunkerers. "One of the suspects is Mr.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Umuerri Obokporo, a suspect on wanted list for illegal oil bunkering in Delta and Edo states. During the operation, 201 jerry cans containing substances suspected to be stolen crude oil were intercepted. "The suspects and the items are at the headquarters of the Sector 1 for investigation, after which they will be handed over to the prosecuting agency." Anka said a 33,000-litre capac-

ity truck loading crude oil from an illegal vessel at the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), behind Presco Farm, at Ologbo community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State was intercepted by the troops. He said the suspects fled in a Cherokee Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) on sighting the troops, adding that the SUV was later abandoned and recovered by the troops. Anka said the tank and the

SUV were set ablaze in line with the mandate of the JTF. He added: "Six Cotonou boats laden with illegally-acquired crude oil and Automated Gas Oil were also impounded at Ugbokodo, Tigbeni and Ejere creeks in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. "The suspects fled on sighting the troops, while the boats and its contents were set ablaze." Anka said the JTF was determined to end illegal oil bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Urhobo communities vow to stop oil company’s operations

HE 12 host communities to the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have restated their commitment to enforce the 14-day ultimatum they issued to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) last week. The communities, called the Oil & Gas Producing Communities in Orogun, in a petition to the Managing Director of the NPDC, said they would shut the company’s operations if it failed to meet their demands, especially the need to sign a working Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU). However, a source in the company said management would meet the communities before the expiration of the ultimatum. The communities in the letter signed by representatives of the 12 host communities, chaired by Michael Idiovwa and Power Oghre, Secretary, lamented the

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

company’s non-response to their demand. “It is sad that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) divested from OML 30 without honouring the communities’ agitation for recognition in the divestment exercise, payment of rent arrears and leases and remediation of their environment among other grievances. “It is inciting that NPDC, the new operator, in an attempt to continue in defiance of due process like Shell, surreptitiously last year started negotiations on a draft GMOU, which is supposed to be the concrete working agreement with the communities and to date that document has not seen the light of day, yet this did not stop NPDC from operating the OML 30,” the document said. Stressing that they have waited without NPDC honouring “available windows for peace-

ful negotiations,” the communities said if the company failed to “address our modest demands, within 14 days, we shall be compelled to shut down your operations in Orogun field till the demands are met.” Among the demands are the “payment of arrears of rent and leases, remediation of our environment, five per cent production must be invested in community development, 25 per cent equity shares for the communities, uninterrupted electricity supply in the communities as well as first right of refusal on contracts award by the company.” A management source in the company, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation yesterday that the company would soon meet the communities, adding that the recent appointment of a new helmsman for the company would put the communities’ agitations to rest.

FRSC cries out over fake number plates, HE Rivers State Sector drivers’ licences Command of the Federal

Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cried out over the faking of number plates and drivers’ licences. The commander, Mr. Sunday Oghenekaro, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday, decried the faking of number plates and drivers’ licences by unscrupulous persons. He said his command obtained information that touts, who produced the fake number plates and drivers’ licences, operated near the federal secretariat, state secretariat, car dealers’ mart and streets around the FRSC office in Port Harcourt. It was learnt that the racketeers, who go about with laptops, photograph the victims on the pretext of physical capture. The FRSC boss urged the public to avoid patronising touts.

•Two officials sacked •Six in court From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

He said the racketeers used driving schools as outlets to process fake drivers’ licences and number plates, adding: “Let it be known that the driving schools do not have that responsibility and are not acting on behalf of the FRSC. “Whereas Regulation 54(1) of the National Road Traffic Regulations provides that the commission shall be responsible for the production of drivers’ licences, Regulation 54(2) states that a person shall not willfully or fraudulently issue, authorise the issue of or endorse any drivers’ licence contrary to the provisions of these regulations.

“Also, Section 3d and f of the FRSC Establishment Act provides that members of the corps shall, subject to the provision of the Act b, be charged with responsibilities for designing and producing drivers’ licences to be used for vehicle operations and designing and producing of number plates.” FRSC sought the assistance of the public “in tracking, arresting and prosecuting persons involved in faking drivers’ licences and number plates.” Two FRSC officers have been sacked for alleged complicity in faking the commission’s products, while six persons have been charged to court for obtaining fake drivers’ licences.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS Boko Haram: FCT heightens security From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike, Abuja

CHOOLS in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be equipped with security gadgets before they resume in September to protect school children from attacks by the Boko Haram sect. The new measures will also include perimeter fencing, housing for teachers, community policing, school guards, alarm system and deployment of communication equipment, among others. FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed listed the measures yesterday in Abuja at the ministerial conference on security in FCT schools. “... providing perimeter fences, housing for teachers, community policing and school guards, alarm systems and deployment of communication equipment. Although this is about safeguarding the school children in states under emergency rule, we consider it necessary to take measures to avoid tempting the insurgents by any vulnerability. “Our commitment to school safety proved effective in forestalling the high jack of a school bus in Nyanya. “One of our earliest initiatives was the procurement of 114 vehicles with communication and security gadgets to confront crime and threats of insurgency. These vehicles were donated to the security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Military in the FCT, among others. “It is lamentable that education has been singled out by insurgents. Our hearts are with the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls...’’

Adamawa ALGON exonerates acting governor over N300m SUVs

HE Acting Governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has been absolved of allegations of buying Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N300 million for the 21 local government chairmen to induce them to defect from the All Ppeoples Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). State Chairman of the Association for Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Alhaji Sahabo Aliyu Gurin, who cleared the acting governor, said Fintiri did not purchase the SUVs. Alhaji Gurin told reporters in Yola yesterday that the allegation was an attempt to tarnish the acting governor’s name and administration. Gurin’s reaction followed reports that Fintiri splashed over N300 million to buy the SUVs to lobby the council chairmen, believed to be Nyako’s loyalists, to his camp. “It was a hard attempt to paint the administration in the dark toga it has been trying to drag away the state from, hence we feel bound to clarify this unwarranted attack on the person and the present government”. According to him, the

How I rejected council chairmen’s request to buy SUVs, by Nyako

•Acting governor bought 21 SUVs at N17m each

ORMER Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako yesterday said he refused to buy the 21 local government chairmen Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) when he was governor. He accused the administration of the Acting Governor, Umaru Fintiri, of allegedly spending N357 million on 21 SUVs for the council chairmen last week. The ex-governor said each SUV was bought for N17 million, with the first tranche paid at the end of July. Nyako, who spoke in a statement by his former Director of Press and Publicity, Ahmad I. Sajoh, said he did not approve the demand of the chairmen. He said although they requested the SUVs, the proposal was rejected because the cost was higher than their legitimate entitlements. The ex-governor cautioned the acting governor against linking him with the controversy trailing the purchase of the SUVs. The statement said: “The attempt by one of the local government chairmen in Adamawa State, Chairman of Maiha Local Government Ustaz Jibrilla Mohammed to defend an indefensible illegal action is laughable. “He tried to link Governor Murtala Nyako with the SUVs the present government bought for the council chairmen. His efforts proved beyond doubt that the present leadership in Adamawa State has From Barnabas Manyam Yola

SUVs were bought by the councils through the Joint Account Committee shortly

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

no respect for democratic norms, constitutionalism or the rule of law. “The truth of the matter is that the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) definitely sent a request for such brand of cars to Governor Nyako, which was referred to the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. “The matter was discussed at the Joint Account Meeting, but the Commissioner, Dr. Salihu Bakari, insisted that he needed a legal interpretation of how the request will affect the entitlements of the chairmen as outlined by the National Salaries and Wages Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation and Allocation Commission and the functions of Local Government Legislative Councils. “In the end, it was ascertained that the cost of the SUVs were higher than their legitimate entitlements and that expenditure of that nature are to be approved by their Legislative Councils under the operational guidelines. Consequently, the matter was dropped.” The ex-governor alleged that the rejected SUV project was revived by the acting governor.’’

after the acting governor assumed office to enable the 21 chairmen to facilitate their activities better. The ALGON boss said the

present administration is more like a paramedic to the councils, which are starved of funds when former Governor Nyako was in charge.

Al-Makura: ‘Nasarawa kicked against impunity’

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has said the failed impeachment attempt on the Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura is an indication that the people have kicked against impunity and fascism. It called for the recall of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers , for orchestrating the failed attempt of stealing the mandate given to the governor. The Rivers APC urged President Goodluck Jonathan to apologise to the people for his unpresidential conduct, which it said had caused Nigerians psychological trauma. State APC Chairman Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya yesterday in Port Harcourt, hailed the people for defending the mandate they gave to Al-Makura, when the “misguided and demented” PDP leadership, in conjunction with a “confused” Presidency, attempted to impeach the governor and steal their mandate from the backyard. “We salute the Chief Judge and the panel, headed by Yusuf Shehu Usman, for proving that we still have principled men, who are not ready to succumb to the evil plot and pressure of a group, whose unprincipled acts are legendary’’.

•Secretary to Lagos State Government Mrs Oluranti Adebule (middle) cutting the tape to open Eko Expo Trade Fair (2014)at Lekki Free Zone Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki. With her is Commissioner for Commerce Mrs Olusola Oworu. PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

APC picks Umaru for Niger East By-election

AVID Umaru, on Wednesday night, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer for the August 30 Niger East Senatorial by-election. He defeated Bala Adamu Kuta by 248 votes to 62 at the primary at Gidan Matasa in Minna. Umaru earlier emerged as the party consensus candidate, but Kuta resolved not to step down for him. Declaring Umaru winner

of the primary, the electoral committee, set up by the national headquarters, led by Alhaji Inua Abdulkadir, said the primary was to give a level-playing field to all aspirants. He hailed the conduct of the 326 delegates and urged party members to work for the success of the party at the August 30 poll. Umaru, who was the 2011

governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples (ANPP), praised the primary, saying if all elections were transparently conducted, the nation’s democracy would progress. He said: “I attest to the high level of transparency at today’s primary. The outcome of the primary gave hope that if we do it right we will get it right and our democracy will be better for it. The people have spoken and the party has endorsed it”.

Umaru also hailed the delegates and promised to work with the members to deliver the zone for the party. He extended hands of fellowship to Kuta, urging him to join hands in working for the interest of the party. Kuta, after accepting the outcome of the primary, described the process as the freest ever. He offered to join hands with the party’s standard bearer and ensure victory for the party at the polls.

Yoruba are being liberated from ‘hijackers’ by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as untenable, unrealistic and a mere expression of opinion. Mayekogbon, a renowned intellectual, disagreed with the notions, as expressed by Okunrounmu in a newspaper interview, that sought to

portray APC leadership in the Southwest as hijackers and the PDP as liberators, saying “both tags did not match” the true scenario on ground. Speaking on the election in Osun State, Mayekogbon said: “There is the palpable belief that the election will be rigged. Once this

happens, the precedence will have been set for rigging in 2015 and if that happens, we pray Nigeria will continue to exist as a nation, looking at what the country has gone through, is going through and the crisis that will follow starting from the Wild Wild West...

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

‘Okunrounmu’s statement mischievous’

ECOND Republic Secretary of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Kwara State and member of Afenifere Think-Tank Chief Seth Abel Mayekogbon has described statements credited to Senator Femi Okunrounmu ahead of the governorship election in Osun State that the

Gunmen snatch firm’s car

THE official car of the spokesman of Best Western The Island Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, a 2008 Toyota Corolla, was yesterday snatched at gunpoint on Oduduwa Way, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos. The colour of the car as at the time of theft is black. It is marked Lagos KSF 863 BF. Anyone with information should call 07082298082 or report to the nearest police station.

Kaduna screens intending hajj pilgrims From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

ADUNA State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has begun the screening of over 5,632 intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. Emir of Jema’a Alhaji Muhammadu Isah Muhammadu, who launched the screening in Kafanchan, yesterday, urged intending pilgrims to obey Saudi laws and pray for the nation’s peace, saying Nigeria needs prayers to overcome insecurity. The Pilgrims’ board explained that the screening was not targeted at stopping anyone from the Hajj, but to test their knowledge on the enlightenment exercise. Addressing the board’s top management in his palace, the emir praised it for the early preparation. He said: “We are happy Allah kept us alive to witness the screening of intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. I praise the board for the early preparation as this will help the operation towards a hitch-free exercise.” Earlier, Board Superintendent Alhaji Kabiru Kasimu explained the reason for the screening. He said “we are not doing the screening to stop anyone from the Hajj; we are only doing it to make sure they understand the enlightenment lectures on Hajj”. Alhaji Kasimu said any intending pilgrim found to be of questionable character would not be stopped. “We will screen the pilgrims to be sure they behave well and serve as good ambassadors of the state and the country”, he said.

‘Disabled’ persons get 575 wheelchairs in Kogi

FOREIGN Non-Gove r n m e n t Organisation, Free Wheelchair Mission in the United States, in conjunction with the office of Kogi State governor’s wife and Associated Health Resource Centre has distributed 575 wheelchairs to the physically-challenged in the 21 local government areas. The distribution took place at the Lokoja Township Stadium. Hajiya Halima Ladi Wada said the programme was part of her welfare scheme to give hope to the vulnerable. Governor Idris Wada praised the donor agency and his wife for the gesture, saying government would ensure passage of the disabled bill and allocate two per cent to the physically-challenged in the Civil Service.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

‘I’m tired of my adulterous wife’ By Basirat Braimah

•Mr Fadipe Sewanu, the author (2nd left) and wife, Bamidele; ace actor Kanayo O. Kanayo; chairman of the occasion, Lateef Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola, and the Chief Host, Chief Moshood Ojikutu, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, holding copies of the book titled: ‘Tourism Destination Management’ at its presentation in Lagos ... yesterday. PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Police kill four robbery suspects

NDLEA probes officers for ‘misconduct’

ADUNA State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mohammed Kaka and two of his deputies have been redeployed to pave the way for their investigation for alleged misconduct. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade ordered their probe, according to a statement by the Head of Public Affairs Ofoyeju Mitchell. A panel has been raised to probe Kaka, Obainoke Goddy, Assistant Commander Opera-

By Jude Isiguzo

tions and Intelligence and Ahmed Mamuda. Giade, the statement said, has directed Mr Samuel Azinge to take over from Kaka; Mr Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna and Kenneth Stephen Irmiya replace Goddy and Mamuda. “I have ordered the immediate redeployment of the Kaduna State Commander and his deputies following allegation of misconduct. In line with the rules of engagement, their redeployment will allow the panel of enquiry to objectively

•Arrest one

T •Giade

ascertain the authenticity of the allegations and make their recommendations,” the statement explained. The agency said it would take further actions based on the panel’s recommendations.

HE police have killed four members of a robbery gang that had been terrorising residents of Ikeja and environs. A suspected member, Saheed Mohammed, was arrested, while three others who escaped, have been declared wanted by the police. Following a tip-off about the bandits’ activities, Commissioner of Police Umar Manko directed the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Abba Kyari, to go after the gang. Sources told The Nation that about 1 pm yesterday, the police got information that suspected robbers were planning to operate around the Airport Hotel in Ikeja.

By Jude Isiguzo

The suspected robbers were said to have gathered in a Volkswagen bus on Johnson Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, sharing arms and ammunition for the operation when the police swooped on them. After a 30-minute gun duel, four of the robbers fell and died on the way to the hospital; Mohammed was arrested. Four AK-47 loaded magazines, two locally made pistols with six expended and 19 live cartridges were recovered from them, the police said, adding: “Their operational vehicle, an unregistered Volkwagon Vanagon bus, wearing commercial colour, was also impounded and taken to the police station. Three members of the gang who escaped are being trailed by the police.” A source said Mohammed has made “useful confessional statement” which is helping investigators to trace the whereabouts of his accomplices.

Lagos trains workers on sign language

O help those with hearing impairment, the Lagos State Government has started training some of its workers on the use of sign language. The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Awelenge Babatunde, said at the opening of the training at LASODA Conference Room at The Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja that it was initiated to remove the communication barrier faced by persons with hearing problems. He said: “In order to integrate them and give them a level-playing field, it is important for us to train people as much as possible so that when they come in contact with this set of people, they would be able to communicate, even in terms of security threats, they can be communicated with to prevent them from falling victim.” Awelenge said it was pertinent for workers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to learn the basics of sign languages to enable them effectively communicate with persons with hearing problem. He said the first phase of the training held last year featured participants from the

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

primary healthcare sector only, while the second phase consisted of the MDAs’ and general hospitals’ workers. “At our hospitals, when a pregnant woman visits, at least one person should be able to identify with her and by the time she is complaining of one thing or the other, one person should be able to understand her and communicate effectively with her. This sign language can minimise that challenge”. “This year, we have limited it to MDAs that are the major stakeholders because there is no way they would not have dealings with such people. We will have another session later this year and it will be broader. We have participants from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA); Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Office of Sports, Youths and Social Development, Ministry of Health, just to mention a few,” Awelenge said. So far, he said, over 300 workers had been trained on the use of sign language, adding that the training should be extended to schools.

32-YEAR-OLD man, Bolaji Aremu, has prayed the Customary Court at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb, to dissolve his two-year-old marriage with Idayat, a trader. He accused the woman of lacking in care and respect and adultery. The couple has a male child. Aremu said: “From the outset, my wife has been adulterous. My wife has taken adultery to another level. Her parent keeps assuring me that she would change, but she didn’t. “I spent three hours in my wife’s shop; she claimed to have gone to deliver goods leaving our child with a cotrader. My wife stoned my right eye, threatening to do same to my other eye if I tried to stop her movement. For days, my eyes bled. The day I introduced my wife to my parents, she was seen with another man. Adultery has become a stigma in her life.” “My wife and her sister do charms. They have turned our home into horror and both recite incantations with reckless abandon.” Idayat sought the protection of her marriage, saying: “He is my husband and I have a son for him. We had no place to live when we became a couple. I stood by him. I am not adulterous. The last time he gave me money was December, but I still cook for him. At any argument, he packs out of our house. He also engages in extra-marital affair. If he wants another wife, he should go ahead. I will take the room, while the new woman takes the sitting room. I want this issue resolved because I’m not ready to part ways with him.” The Court President, Mr Olubode Sekoni, invited them for talks in his chamber. He advised them to maintain peace and adjourned the case till August 21 for further hearing.

Confab: Lagos monarchs kick By Musa Odoshimokhe

RADITIONAL rulers in Lagos are dissatisfied that the outcome of the National Conference failed to consider the interest of the state. At conference yesterday, the Onilado of Ilado, Oba Mobolade Oyekan, said Lagosians were shortchanged, adding: “Lagos requires a return to equity and fairness. States should be entitled to 100 per cent of the value-added tax or sales tax generated by the residents or consumers in the state.” The monarch said the state was not getting enough returns for its land as its inhabitants suffer environmental degradation and economic exploitation, explaining: “The Apapa Port generates over $1 trillion for Nigeria, while the ill-effects are explained in bad roads, huge tax on Lagosians without the derivation principle applying to the state...”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SEVEN-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

•Governor Fashola (middle) with (from right), his wife Abimbola; Mrs Arinola Fuwa; Mrs Cecilia Omolara Fashola and Alhaja Oriat Adeleye

•Sheikh Ahmad (right) and Sheikh Abou

•Sheikh Garuba (right) and Sheikh Tijani Gbajabiamila

The one-year remembrance prayer for Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, was held at Surulere Secondary School last Tuesday, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Remembering a beloved father I

T looks like yesterday, but it has been one year since Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola lost his father Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola. Last Tuesday, the Fashola family gathered at the Surulere Secondary School on Ladipo Labinjo Crescent to mark the one year remembrance. Fashola and his wife Dame Emmanuella Abimbola were in their element, attending to guests. Alhaji Fashola, died on August 5, last year. He was 80. Officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) ensured free flow of traffic on Akerele and Bode Thomas streets linking Ladipo Labinjo Crescent. Security personnel directed guests to the venue and ensured that things were in order. Inside the expansive school premises, guests sat under a tastefully decorated giant canopy for the prayer session; the other canopies were reserved for the reception. Fashola sat in the front row facing the clerics. With him were his father’s widow, Mrs Cecilia Omolara Fashola, children and other family members. Members of the State Executive Council, members of the National and Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and royal fathers were represented. Prayers were offered by prominent Islamic clerics under

the leadership of Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim and Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou. The event was anchored by one of Fashola's aides, Alhaji Shakiru AbdulGafar popularly called Mofesaye. The clerics took turns to pray for the late Fashola, his family, Lagos and Nigeria. The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Chief Missioner, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, delivered a short sermon. He enjoined the gathering to always remember that death would come one day, followed by judgement. According to Ahmad, it should be the preoccupation of man to invest his resources in propagating the works of Allah because He is the one that has invested man with the good things of life, including sound health, intelligence and wealth. Sheikh Ibrahim enjoined the children to be united and continue with the legacy of their father. The first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, said the late Fashola was a nice man. Fashola described his father as a disciplinarian and a man of integrity, who lived an exemplary life. His father’s life, he added, taught everyone a lesson in contentment. The governor said his father’s life revolved around people, adding that he spent time to build an extensive family includ-

ing not just his relations, but also those whose life he impacted. "We are sad that he is not here; we are proud to hold on to the love and the values he lived by - being his brother's keeper, being contented in whatever situation we may found ourselves and serving God and serving humanity," Fashola said. Aladeshonyi of Noforija in Epe Oba Babatunde Onalaja described the late Fashola as a humble man. "He was very accommodating and loved his family dearly," he said. Oba Onalaja enjoined the children to follow their father’s path. Mrs Fashola described her father-in-law as a peaceful man. "Daddy was a lovely man, gentle, kind and generous; when you are around him, you exprience peace. There is no problem you take to him that he didn’t take in his giant stride, advising you. After discussing it with him, the problem becomes solved. “He was a father to me; he was a father to all of us. He was always a reference point in the Fashola family, which is why we have so many people naming their child after him. We have a lot of Ademola in and outside our family," she said. There was light music while the guests relished sumptuous meals and drinks. •More pictures on page 14,15,48

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY REMEMBERING A BELOVED FATHER

•Alhaja Jakande and his wife, Abimbola

•Oba Onalaja and his wife, Olori Tolulope

•Chairman, Al-Hujaaj Umrah and Hajj Services Alhaji Jeleel Animashaun

•From left: Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith (rtd); former Inspector-General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith and Lagos socialite Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji

•Alhaji Sinari Daranijo

•From left: Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila; Asoju Oba of Lagos Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Chief Chris Ekwuilo and Senator Munir Muse

•Mrs Bisi Jare-Alade (left) and Alhaja Ramdat Fehintola Okunola

•Alhaji Sinari Daranijo

•Alhaji Olatokunbo Fashola

•Lagos State House of Assembly Chief Whip Dr Rasaq Balogun (left) and Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa •Oloruntoba Oke

•Hon Hakeem Adisa Bamgbola and his wife, Alhaja Ashabi

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY Lagos State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), has held its 28th Family Day at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

Gathering of the faithful I

T is an event to mark the end of Ramadan. The one for this year came up last Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) where members and friends of Lagos State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) gathered to celebrate its 28th Family Day. Each branch of the association had its tent. Among the branches were Mushin, Epe, Eti-Osa, Somolu, Alimoso, Amuwo-Odofin and Ikorodu. There was no uniform outfit for the occasion; the women and girls wore either traditional or Islamic attires. They made fashion statements with their colourful and stylish hijab. A few men were there. Guests enjoyed free medical tests from the mobile intensive care unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The high table was decorated in green and yellow. Banners of some corporate organisations, including Maggi, Honeywell and Stanbic IBTC Bank, were displayed at different locations. Entertainment Factory Limited directed by Patrick Oyadima played Islamic songs to the admiration of guests. The event kicked off with a short prayer by the Dawah group of FOMWAN. An Imam from Somolu Local Government Area, Alhaji Sulaimon Bayonle, said the opening prayers; he was assisted by Yaya Alimi. Alhaja Azeezat Modupe Adagun from Radio Lagos compered the event, which began with a reading from the Quran, done in form of a competition by children from the

•Dr Adebule (left) and Dr Ashiru

•Alhaji Ibrahim (left) and Alhaji Ajigbotoluwa

•Mrs Oyesiji (left) and Alhaja Omolara

•Alhaja Qudrat Dada (left) Mrs George

branches. FOMWAN Lagos State Amirah Dr Sariyu Ashiru said the group is the umbrella body for Muslim women and youths. She urged women to manage their family well, saying they are the pillars of the family and determine the family’s success. President, Amuwo-Odofin Muslim Community Alhaji Waliu Ajigbotoluwa, who chaired the occasion, hailed FOMWAN for its impact on the state’s development. Chief Imam, Gbagada Muslim Community Alhaji Abdus-Salami

“The way you train your child reflects on national security because people who grow up with godly attitudes will not get themselves involved in any criminal acts”. Alhaji Ibrahim urged parents not to engage in things that they do not want their children to emulate. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, his wife Abimbola and Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, among others, donated towards FOWAN projects. Fashola, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the

Ibrahim, who was the guest speaker, said the role of a woman in ensuring national security was vital. The woman, he said, has the responsibility of taking care of children. He said: “It is the duty of mothers to train their children and it is the way a child is brought up that will determine the attitudes that will become of him when he grows. If your child is well trained, he or she will be relevant to the community but if not, they will be part of those contributing to insecurity in the nation.

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

government would continue to partner with the association to develop the state. She urged grandmothers to give their grandchildren good training as they did to their children. “You are still alive for that purpose, therefore, ensure you bring your grandchildren up in the way of the Lord,” she said. There was a march past by students of Arabic Nursery and Primary School and youth organisations and FOMWAN branches. The celebration cake was cut after the chant of Alhamdulillahi three times.

PRAYER FOR THE NATION ORGANISED BY LAGOS MONARCH OBA RILWAN AKIOLU IN LAGOS CENTRAL MOSQUE, IDUMOTA

•Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim flanked by Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou (left) and Sheikh Tijani Gbajabiamila

•From left: Alhaji Waham Adamson; Bashorun of Lagos Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy; Osupa Adeen of Lagos Chief Sinari Daranijo and Prince Toheeb Oshilokun;

•From left: Mufasir of Lagos Alhaji Mujitaba Giwa; Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Lagos Missioner Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla and Alhaji AbdurRahman Sadallah

•From left: Alhaji Lateef Salako; Seriki Musulumi of Lagos Alhaji Nurudeen Shitta-Bey and Balogun of Lagos Alhaji Tirimisiu Oki

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 2014

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Chief Tunde Temionu spoke with reporters on preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Osun State governorship election and how to ensure a credible poll.

‘INEC should conduct credible poll’

HAT is the chance of Governor Aregbesola in the governorship election? IF performance is the the main issue, then, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has no problem. He has the support of the grassroots and the elite in Osun. Bu,t if it is going to be another election based on high-tech rigging, then, one must be very careful because it is not possible to be smarter than the person who laid ambush for you. So, if the election is free and fair, unlike what we witnessed in Ekiti, Aregbesola’s chance is bright. It is commonplace for students or workers to ask for more incentives by way of protests or strikes. It is also an indication that the system is not static. Apart from likely political instigation, the students and workers in Osun State cannot honestly compare their present welfare situation with what Ogbeni Aregbesola inherited. His education reform is in the overall interest of the state. The school merger system, with three principals and a coordinating principal, is strictly for administrative purpose, and not inspired by religion. It is only subjective critics who would never see anything good in his government. They said that he brought contractors from Lagos. Lagos contractors are in all the state capitals. Osun is not an exception. You will remember that Aregesola was the Lagos State Commissioner for Works and a political player, whose leadership remains an enviable inspiration in Alimosho town and a symbol of leadership in Lagos State. So, most of his visitors from Lagos came for political consultations, not contracts. After Osun, attention will shift

to other Southwest states, especially Lagos... First of all, I wish all the aspirants in the region the best of luck. And I also want to remind them that two persons cannot simultaneously occupy a vacant position. I also believe that ,as Nigerians, all the aspirants are eligible to aspire. In this circumstance therefore, destiny has a very important role to play. For example, Nigerians voted for MKO Abiola to become our President, but God said no. That should be enough lesson for us. Human beings conduct primaries, but God picks a governorship candidate. These aspirants must accept the decision of the party and its leadership. The party’s governorship tickets is not meant for disloyal members. One thing that I am very sure of is that there will be party primaries. And that is where aspirants will test their popularity at the party level. So, aspirants who have all it takes to win the primaries need not panic and should trust the ability of the party leadership to conduct free and fair primaries. Some aspirants are spitting fire, saying that, if they are not given the ticket, hell will be let loose. What is your comment? It is not possible for primaries to simultaneously favour all the aspirants. But, it is possible for some people or a mole to have won the contract to destroy the APC in Lagos State. Evidently, apart from Mr. Akinwumi Ambode and Mr. Tunde Fowler, other aspirants are beneficiaries of the party. They had one time or another enjoyed the blessing and support of the party leadership. By virtue of their positions, they are all leaders of the party. And as men of honour and stakeholders, who are fully aware that the party does not belong to one person or a group of persons, they are like people living in glass

• Temionu

houses, who must not throw stones. Although you cannot take human beings for granted, they are all party loyalists and positive people who are not supposed to be thinking only of what the party can do for them, but what they also can do for the party. I know some of them to an extent. Subjectively, by all standards, they are all qualified to be governor. For instance, I know Dr. Tola Kasali to be a reliable party builder in the East Senatorial District. No matter how smooth or rough the political situation might be, he can never be a party to the destruction of the APC. He loves the party. We both worked together with other senatorial leaders to nurture the party in the East for the past four years. Moreover, this is not his first attempt. Whichever way it happens this time, as a good Muslim, he will accept the will of Allah. He is not a violent person. I wish him well.

Dr. Leke Pitan is a self-satisfied person. He has never been identified with political violence or thuggery. As an elitist politician, it will take him only a short while to completely blend with the grassroots. Thereafter, the sky is his limit. Like other aspirants who have benefited from the party’s leadership style, all things being equal, he has the right to benefit again. But one thing I am sure of is, his medical consulting room cannot disappoint him. A good contestant must be propelled by variable outcomes. Should the worst happen, he is magnanimous enough to think of the other side of the coin. Moreover, clinical exigencies will not give him time for an unproductive project against the party. What about other aspirants? The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, is a seasoned politician and the number three citizen of this state. By virtue of his position, he is a member of the party’s apex caucus in the state. Should there be the need for the caucus to take a decision on any pending matter in the state, including the governorship race, he would certainly be a part of such a decision. He has that edge over other aspirants. As an astute leader and principal stakeholder, his continuous and positive contributions to the political growth of the party in Lagos East will remain indelible in the senatorial archives. In a similar vein, his leadership qualities and administrative values are reflected in the state legislative accomplishment. As a pathfinder, and a lucky politician, he was the first Speaker to have contested elections in a sequence, from the east, and the west senatorial districts. That was seen as a special dispensation, not an imposition. His administration also established

the first Assembly Commission in Lagos State. All of these are clear proof of a builder. Notwithstanding, all of these notable achievements could not have been possible without the support of the party leadership. Above all, with all of these progressive inputs of his, and all he has gained from the party’s leadership style, he cannot destroy the house he built because of any odd reason. Senator Bariyu Gbenga Asafa is a gentleman to the core. His constituency projects and support for the grassroots were an additional value to the achievement of the leadership of Lagos East. Destiny catapulted him as former permanent secretary of Lands to the political arena and he became the serving senator of the district. The Commissioner for Works, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat, is another man that I have respect for. Although he is not a loud politician, he has a solid progressive political background. The fact that his father, a commissioner in Alhaji Jakande’s cabinet, and who is now the Oba Mufutau Hamzat, the Olu of AfoowaShagade, Ogun State, is also one of the most reliable pillars of APC in Lagos State. Ambode is a special stuff. His financial expertise and technocracy add value to his eligibility. His twenty seven years as a professional accountant and his civil service career were grassroots oriented. So, by virtue of his job, he has been a non-registered practising politician for many years. But, now that he is formally registered to practise politics, his political sophistication and broad grassroots coordination skills have taken aback those who did not see him as a politician before now, and made him formidable, and a challenge to his opponents.

Former Osun State House of Assembly member Hon. Abdulrasak Salensile is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Executive Committee. He spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on conditions for a hitch-free fgovernorship poll.

‘We will resist rigging’

HAT are the key issues that will shape the governorship poll? The electorate, will decide who they want. Many things will also go with that. One of them is the performance of the governor. The personality of the contestants is another factor. They have served in government before. People will vote for them, based on their achievements in office. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has performed. Iyiola Omisore served as the deputy governor and senator for eight years. What did he do for Osun? People are asking questions. These are some of the issues that will determine the outcome of the election. What will give the APC an edge? Our party has a track record of performance from the time of Chief Bola Ige to Aregbesola. We are following the footsteps of our progressive leaders. Chief Bisi Akande has a track record. He performed well as governor in his days. Aregbesola has given us a different line of political development that is unsurpassed, not only in Osun State, but in Nigeria. His “Six Integral Action Plans”, which were rolled out in 2006, have been implemented. Talk of education, infrastructural development, the health sector, security, there is no sector that he has not touched. In education, the innova-

• Salensile

tive Opon Imon was introduced. It is the first of its kind. In fact, the technology has been adopted by the UNESCO and recommended to other parts of the world. In the history of the state, this is the first time students will be given uniforms and food, free of charge. Teachers are catered for. Under Aregbesola, teachers were elevated to the status of a Permanent Secretary, which is the first of its kind in the state. The creation of Senatorial Inspectorate Division has motivated them to aspire to this status. Aregbesola understands that education is the bedrock of developing a nation. Give somebody education, you would have given him the whole world. Whosoever that is developing in-

frastructure without education has not done much. But, any one who develops education has done much. Also, in the health sector, I was the House Committee Chairman on Health. I knew the condition of our hospitals before 2011 and now, you can see the development. One is very close to me here, the state Hospital, Iwo. Before you can kill a bush rat there, apart from the beautification and renovation, there is nothing they need that you can not find there. They supply adequate drugs and the personnel are adequately motivated. People now have confidence in the public health sector. Go and cross check the level of increment in their patronage. It is unprecedented. Also, on Agriculture, over 5000 eggs that the pupils are consuming on weekly basis are being produced in Osun here. They are also supplying the fish here in this Osun, which means the economy is improving. Before Aregbesola came, Osun’s Internally Generated Fund (IGR) was just N300 million per month. By the special grace of God, Osun’s IGR is N1.6 billion now. These are land mark achievements that will give victory to Aregbesola. If you also take the statistics of the people drifting from the rural to urban centers, it has drastically reduced as against the former practice. Many people in the past believe that, if you don’t go to Lagos, you can not be successful. People are now residing in Osun. I am one of them. I was based in Ibadan. Since there are investment opportunities, we are all here. De-

spite the fact that Ibadan is very close, it is still a foreign land. Iwo is my home. . When we are also talking about security, you can now sleep with your two eyes closed. In the past, buglers were every where. In Iwo here, hardly would you hear people shouting thief. You can travel round the state at any time without fear. Before Aregbesola came, you can not move from Iwo to Osogbo by 6 pm. There was even daylight robbery. Now, it has stopped. Last week, Aregbesola donated 20 Amour Personnel Carriers to the police and other security agencies. Even, the Inspector-General of Police attested to the fact that no state government has ever done that. This is an evidence that Aregbesola is an allround person. If you put all of these together, I am sure that, by the special grace of God, Aregbesola will win. But, the Ekiti governor also performed... Aregbesola’s style is different from Fayemi. You know they are different individuals. But, it is also important to say that it was not the PDP that defeated Fayemi in Ekiti State. They have been exposed. It was a high profile rigging, scientific rigging, the first of its kind in this nation. In due course, the details would be released. It was the INEC, in collusion with the PDP, that got Fayemi out. Aregbesola and Fayemi are good in terms of mobilisation, in terms of grassroot politicking. Aregbesola started politics as an activist, as a canvasser for other candidates and he has brought that to Osun politics. He will not lose this election. Why are you so confident of win-

ing? You can never compare our party with the PDP at all. Our party is people-oriented. We focus on people. The PDP don’t have much to do with the people. I was in government during the Oyinlola regime. I knew what they stood for. Even before that time, our government has been people- centered. Since November 27, 2010 when Ogbeni became the governor, that very day he has started working. I could remember before he assumed office, the Osun State Medical and Dental Association (OSANDO), was about to go on strike after giving Oyinlola an ultimatum to meet their demands. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Health then, I was informed. Personally, I was indifferent simply because they have warned him (Oyinlola) and since he ignored their warning I felt they were free to go on strike. I decided to call Aregbesola and informed him about the development, that was in 2008 when our governorship election case was still in court. Aregbesola implored me to do everything humanly possible to make sure that the strike does not hold. I reminded him that it was not our government that was involved. Aregbesola said yes, I agree with you but the people that will suffer are our people, they voted us and we can not sit down watching them suffering. You can see the difference, somebody that was robbed of his mandate was still making peace on behalf of those who stole his mandate, I did my best and to the glory of God the strike was aborted.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Osun 2014 •INEC, security forces and the political parties should employ global best practices

OON after the Ekiti governorship election held in June, another opportunity has come to test the credibility of the election process in the country. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been commended for introducing novel measures that reduced friction and boosted the acceptance of the result of that election by the voting public, there were concerns on the conduct by other critical stakeholders in the process leading to polling. In particular, the roles played by the police and the military men deployed ostensibly to protect the people, have been widely condemned. We restate our position that the military has no role in the civil process of electioneering. It is fully up to the police to provide the necessary security cover. Leaders of a major political party involved in the election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, were barred from Ekiti State during the electioneering process, while representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were given free access to identify with their party’s candidate. At a point, the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his supporters were harassed off the streets, thereby denied campaign opportunity. Those acts could have contributed to the eventual result posted.The Ekiti State election result is already a subject of litigation. But, Osun is here now. It is unfortunate that the same steps are being taken in the run-up to the poll tomorrow. There were initial reports that the candidate of the PDP was going about with hooded gunmen. It raised security concerns as the

men could not be identified. Then, on Wednesday, the APC leaders and their supporters were denied access to the Mandela Freedom Park where Labour leaders were scheduled to declare support for the party. They were prevented by soldiers who claimed to be acting on “instructions from above”. This is a dangerous turn as it tends to suggest that the military men were sent to work in favour of a particular candidate and party. It detracts from the democratic norm and could lead to resistance by the other participating parties, thus compromising the process and eventually leading to a breakdown of law and order. It is even more frightening that, in this age and time when terrorism is searing at the soul of our troubled nation, some security men could be going about masked. This is not the standard practice and it raises issues about the authenticity of the men deployed to Osun State for electoral duty. What do they have to hide? Why is the Acting Inspector-General of Police sounding like one on a mission to ensure that a particular party is declared winner ever before the electorate is called to duty? An election is not deemed credible until it is conducted and the entire process adjudged free, fair and acceptable by the voters. Any steps taken in favour of one party to the detriment of the others could trigger actions leading to untoward consequences. We call on the candidates and their political parties to shun desperation and accept that the ultimate decision is the electorate’s. The security agencies are expected to serve the general interest of the

people; not that of the ruling party. Given the high level of consciousness of the Osun people, it would be disastrous to take them for granted and seek to impose a candidate on them. Nigeria is already going through so much trauma that it could do without election crisis in any part of the country. Besides, it is time to announce to the world that Nigerians have learnt from the ugly events of the past, and is ready to join the league of decent countries where the voters are respected as judges in political contests. The electoral commission, too, should raise the bar of probity in the conduct of this all-important election.

‘We call on the candidates and their political parties to shun desperation and accept that the ultimate decision is the electorate’s. The security agencies are expected to serve the general interest of the people; not that of the ruling party. Given the high level of consciousness of the Osun people, it would be disastrous to take them for granted and seek to impose a candidate on them’

Nigeria sweet and sour •That is the mixed memory from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games

IGERIA came clear as sweet and sour at the just-concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games, held in Scotland, complete with the symbolic hero and anti-hero. Hero: Blessing Okagbare, Africa’s fastest woman, who in her own words, “put on a show” to win the 100 metres dash, in a Commonwealth Games record of 10.85 seconds, thus becoming the fastest woman in the 71 countries of the Commonwealth. This was aside from annexing the 200 metres gold in a sprints double. Anti-Hero: 16-year-old Chika Amalaha, who ironically won the first medal — and a gold — at the Glasgow Games. She tested positive to banned diuretics (drugs that increase the frequency of urination) and masking agents. Might it be that even at the best of times Nigeria’s rot is never far away? The added pity is that the teenage Miss Amalaha, who probably is too young to

‘But warts and all, the athletes must be commended for their focus, patriotism and the nearSpartan determination to make their country proud. Being a period of acute national stress and distress over terrorism, these braves put smiles on the faces of their compatriots’

even contemplate spiking her system with dope, is off to weightlifting Coventry for the next two years. She competed in the women’s 53Kg category. If her coaches were responsible for her troubles, they should be fished out and punished. For her, this is a critical juncture: she could either sink into oblivion even before her career takes off; or shove the challenge aside to make good. But the two-year ban is avoidable. Miss Amalaha’s lost gold cost Nigeria a better performance than the last games, at New Delhi, India, in 2010. At Glasgow, Nigeria had 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals, a total haul of 36 medals. In New Delhi, it was 11 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze medals: 34 medals in all. Miss Amalaha’s lost medal could have given Nigeria 12 gold medals — which would have been the highest in its participation in the Commonwealth Games. But warts and all, the athletes must be commended for their focus, patriotism and the near-Spartan determination to make their country proud. Being a period of acute national stress and distress over terrorism, these braves put smiles on the faces of their compatriots. Their achievements are even all the more sparkling because sports administration would still appear to lag behind the athletes. For instance, while athletes from Ghana — who just managed two bronze medals in all — were fully paid their allowances, Nigerian athletes, from news reports, were promised the balance of theirs for Abuja, after the games. Then, there was the reported dissonance over kitting, such that wrestling coach, Daniel Igali, said he had to make special arrangements, exclusive to

his athletes, for the wrestlers to look corporate and respectable. Still, the ladies went all out to grab mouth-watering results. The physically challenged, male and female, particularly at the power-lifting segment of the games, went ahead to mine gold, silver and bronze, in the most heart-warming manner. Only the men generally lagged behind. The male segment of Team Nigeria contributed least to the medal share. They should be encouraged to buckle up and prove their worth in the next Olympics, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. But even with the shambolic administration of Nigerian sports, the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration in Delta State deserves special praise for putting its imprimatur on the Nigerian success story at Glasgow. A good chunk of the athletes that dazzled at the games, led by the nonpareil Okagbare, originated from the Delta stable; and, for their training, locally and abroad, enjoyed Delta grants. Other states should buy into the Delta example. Still on achieving better future results: Maurice Greene, Nigeria’s athletics coach and former US international sprinter did a crash programme by poaching young but promising NigerianAmericans to run at Glasgow. That is not bad. But much more than poaching promising materials from abroad, Coach Greene should also beam his attention on discovering local talents. With better local training facilities and combining local talents and talents in the Diaspora, Nigeria’s future prospects in sports is bright.

Ghana tarnishes ‘Africa rising’ story – An old-fashioned crisis shows that the continent’s economic miracle needs nurturing

HE world has become used to the idea of Africa being on the march. In the past decade, after two decades of stagnation, the continent’s economy has nearly doubled in size on a percapita basis, thanks to a virtuous circle of strong economic growth – helped by high commodities prices and Chinese-funded infrastructure investments – as well as better governance. And few countries typify the “Africa rising” story better than Ghana, the west African nation famous for its gold and cocoa, and most recently oil. Some of the gilt came off the Ghanaian miracle last weekend. The government announced that it was seeking talks with the International Monetary Fund about an assistance programme. Ghana’s malaise has an old-fashioned feel. The government anticipated too much revenue from its recently found oil reserves and overspent. The money was used not on infrastructure and education that would lift long-term potential growth. It was frittered away paying higher salaries to civil servants. It is a classic example of mismanagement, and one that demonstrates that while progress has been real, strong and widespread in Africa, there remain plenty of traditional fragilities. Investors need a cautious approach to the “rising” mantra. Public-sector pay accounted last year for nearly 65 per cent of Ghana’s total tax revenue after the public wage bill jumped roughly 75 per cent over two and a half years. Revenues have not kept pace, jacking up the fiscal deficit, which last year it hit more than 10 per cent of gross domestic product. Interest rates have soared and the currency, the cedi, has plunged nearly 40 per cent this year, making it the world’s worstperforming currency ahead even of the Ukrainian hryvnia and the Syrian pound. Ghana is the second country in Africa to seek talks with the IMF for emergency support. It is unlikely to be the last. After a rosy decade, the continent is having to adapt to lower Chinese growth and hence weaker commodity prices. Africa is still home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. For example, Ethiopia has transformed in 20 years from a famine-ravaged nation into a destination for savvy and well-known private equity groups such as KKR. But a combination of lower commodity prices, strikes, reform fatigue and conflict in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, have put a brake on the expansion. The IMF forecast that sub-Saharan Africa will grow this year by 5.8 per cent is a quick rate by any standard but not the magic annual 7 per cent that guarantees doubling the size of the economy every decade. It is not all bad news. Ghana’s response to its setback is encouraging. The country has implemented many politically difficult measures to rein in spending, including a freeze of public sector salaries and hiring, an increase in value added tax rates and subsidy cuts. A full-blown IMF bailout should not be necessary. That is a far cry from the sort of crises African countries experienced in the 1980s and 1990s. For African leaders, the lessons of Ghana and Zambia are clear: the miracle needs nurturing. Even after years of strong growth, Africa should be cautious about taking on debt, and careful about expenditure. African governments – and particularly Nigeria – need to broaden their tiny tax bases and improve collection rather than raising rates. For investors, the lessons are no less striking. The African story may be strong but they need to be selective. Economies will overheat occasionally and suffer growing pains. Flare-ups are inevitable in a continent of 54 states. But just as the 1997 crisis did not derail Asia’s rise, neither Ghana’s crisis nor the one in Zambia can stop the continent’s steady advance. – Financial Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: There is no particular way to describe the outcome of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s unsuccessful impeachment move against Governor Tanko Al-Makura than to say that it is a boost to our constitutional democracy much as it will, in the meantime, reduce such sinister ambition being nursed by other state Houses of Assembly. From all indication, the peevish lawmakers went to equity with soiled hands. And it follows naturally that they got what they bargained for. Others should draw a lesson from this. To be sure, the lawmakers had instituted an impeachment procedure against the governor few days ago, apparently drawing inspiration from the Adamawa’s imbroglio wherein Governor Murtala Murtala Nyako was kicked out of office by their Yola counterparts. Surely, the so-called gross misconduct levelled against Al-Makura was nothing but a smokescreen by the lawmakers

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Nasarawa Assembly and impeachment panel who had set out ab initio to see the exit of the governor at all cost. The motive was as selfish as it was victimising. Like the Adamawa’s case, the said offences were not committed recently; they are as old as the present House and yet they wanted the public to believe that what appeared like their sudden wake from a long slumber was done in the best interest of the state. They merely took the advantage of the porous nature of our impeachment law to settle a political score with the governor, the same way and manner the Ebonyi State House of Assembly recently squared up with its speaker and the ongoing charade in Enugu State. All these are 2015

general election manoeuvring and nothing more! Clearly, the lawmakers allowed their personal ego to diminish the interest of the poor majority of the state on whose back they rode to prominence. This was eloquently evident in the manner they attempted to usurp the powers of the panel and the Chief Judge. By asking the latter to “reconstitute” the panel, the lawmakers demonstrated their poor understanding of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) on which they relied to initiate the now infamous proceeding. Perhaps, they failed to realise that the Chief Judge of a state, as far as impeachment proce-

dure is concerned, becomes functus officio the moment he constitutes the panel as required by Section 188 (5) of the same law, implying that he (the CJ) cannot interfere with panel’s affairs and proceedings thereafter. The House cannot be a judge in its own case. This is the rationale behind the above provision. The insistence of the lawmakers to carry on with the impeachment of the governor, notwithstanding the dismissal of the charge against him on the issue by the panel, is a clear indication that they are fully determined to plunge the state into political unrest. The threat is misconceived, unnecessary and unfounded. The Musa Ahmed-led

why are they masked while on duty? How do we differentiate between fake armed thugs in ‘military regalia’ from the real security officers when our own dear officers are masked? Can there be freedom in a state of intimidation, harassment and fear? If the security officers deployed to Osun State are for peace to ensure a free and fair election, then we can clearly say the aim is already defeated. There can be no peace, without freedom and justice. There can be no free and fair election in the absence of freedom and justice. Our Commander-in-Chief continues to deploy security forces based on political partisanship while the Boko Haram terrorists continue to kill, kidnap and abduct our people as well as taking over territories. Reports say Damboa had been taken over weeks ago and the terrorists have not only driven away our soldiers from military barracks, hosted their flags in the town but have taken over Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala road and now collect toll gates, kill our people and kidnap girls. The terrorists are apparently winning more territories and have

reportedly taken over Gwoza (one of the largest towns in Borno State) and the new Emir of Gwoza’s whereabouts is said to be unknown. The former Emir of Gwoza was killed by the terrorists too. President Jonathan’s supporters have continued to insult our collective intelligence by displaying the photos of our President with President Barrack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama, describing President Jonathan as a prophet who is

not honoured at home. Let President Jonathan change for the better and write his name in gold. Let him disengage from the culture of recklessness and impunity. Let him activate the political will to deal with our systemic corruption, sponsors of terrorism and resolve human rights abuses by our security agents to establish justice and to solidify civilian-security agencies’ relationship. Akinlolu, Abdulazeez Adelaja, University of Ilorin

However, recently, because of the excesses of some of our members operating near Tabila House, the seat of power, the governor has directed that all furniture makers should be relocated to Mandela Road, a remote part of Minna where we may not get patronage. We want to appeal to the governor to kindly allow us to stay at our current places, and if anyone should be relocated, it should be only those furniture makers who have contacted the state government in one way or another, and expressed their desire to move. While we are not opposed to

What manner of Presidency?

IR: President Jonathan has demonstrated more committment to the 2015 elections than the peace and security of Nigeria. He has continued to deploy security forces under the guise of ensuring peace during elections to intimidate and harass law abiding Nigerian citizens. We have seen it before during the extreme militarization of the Ekiti State governorship elections. Similarly, in Osun State, the deployed DSS officers announced their presence with masked faces and shooting sporadically into the air to intimidate and harass Osun State residents ahead of tomorrow’s governorship elections. The good people of Osun State complained about this anomaly. The President did not give a damn. The security officers have become more emboldened and prevented Osun State workers from staging a pro-Aregbesola rally at the Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital. Gov. Aregbesola belongs to APC, the main opposition party in Nigeria. The only interpretation here is injustice in action. Similarly, residents continue to complain of being harassed by masked security officers. The security officers deployed to Osun State are fellow citizens, so

house needs to take another closer look (assuming they did that before) of Section 188 (8) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) with a particular attention to the phrase “NO FURTHER PROCEEDING SHALL BE TAKEN IN RESPECT OF THE MATTER” in that provision. In case they are still confused after perusing that Section they should see the case of DAPIANLONG v DARIYE (2007) 8 NWLR (PT. 1036) 332, Per Ogbuagu JSC (as he then was) where he stated explicitly that “The impeachment or removal of a Governor is a serious business or matter and therefore, the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution must be strictly complied with”. Similarly, the House’s contention that Subsection (7) of the said Constitution was not complied with by the panel, in my own view, is hollow. The said provision does not give the lawmakers exclusive power to prescribe the procedure(s) for the panel. The fact that the provision uses the word “may” clearly suggests that either the house or the panel could set the procedure. The panel’s finding cannot be defeated only on the ground that it did not wait for the non cooperative House to set a guideline for her sitting. Equity regards substance rather than form. The House has two options in the ensuing farce; challenge the report of the panel in a court of competent jurisdiction or eat the humble pie and allow the electorates to decide the fate of the governor through the next year’s election.

????????????????? • Barrister Okoro Gabriel, Ebonyi.

Appeal to Governor Babangida Aliyu IR: We wish to appeal to the Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State to rescind his move to relocate all furniture makers scattered in various parts of Minna, the state capital due to the activities of a few of our members operating near the Government House. We the furniture makers in Minna, the state capital are lawabiding people, who have through the years carried out our duties within the provisions of the law. In the process, we also contribute to the growth of the economy of the state through our craft.

change and efforts to develop the place, we believe that such movement should be a gradual thing, to be carried out only after necessary facilities must have be put in place in the state and enough awareness must have be created. The move by some executive members of the association to move to the proposed location does not represent the view of all of us, and should therefore, be rejected by the state government. • Ibrahim Mudasiru, Kanchaga, Minna, Niger State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014 16

COMMENTS

Youth like dried leaves (3) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

LOODTHIRSTY Shekau will not be the final nemesis of the Nigerian State nor would his terror-mongering Boko Haram terrorist sect and its faceless masterminds. And our nemesis hardly lies in President Goodluck Jonathan and company. The portentous ruin we dread do not entirely subsist in the shenanigans of Mr. president and senior citizens with whom he contrived the inglorious national Confab; men and women hastily contracted at a sullied N12million each, to hazard worthless remedies to our timeless tragedies. Our ultimate nemesis is the Nigerian youth. Youth we have now manifest as the kernel of that inveterate ruin and eternal damnation cunningly marketed to us and surreptitiously programmed in us by global ‘super powers’ and aid merchants we have learnt to trust, often to our detriment as a nation and potentials as leader of the African race. In this premeditated lunge for Nigeria’s jugular, the nation’s youth that ought to serve as the bridge and bastion to our prosperous future, sadly, become the nub of discord and deathly rally currently ripping the tide and march to progress of our fatherland. But why do prom-

ising youth evolve like brutes and loathsome trolls of a dark order? How did our once incandescent dawn erupt in moonshine? Why is the Nigerian youth, like the proverbial doornail, half-dead from the top? Many have attributed the afflictions of the Nigerian youth to bad leadership, nonstop dominance of the predatory ruling class and tiring recalcitrance of the younger generation to engage in communal and national politics in a beneficial manner to the Nigerian state. Many more would readily diagnose the maladies of the nation’s youth to societal banes and culture of citizenship by which they are weaned and ushered into adulthood. A more damning argument is however, advanced by neocolonial niggers pretending to be Nigerian. This pitiful band of colossal disgrace, having acquired PhDs among other choice honours in esoteric and professional fields; having secured plum jobs in global conglomerates or multinationals, turn around to glower at their roots and its recurrent ills with contempt even as they identify Nigeria’s problem as a recurrent affliction of the African race. In the wake of their sometimes, plausible and often

‘Consequently, our society is flung rudderless on a seething sea of sleaze and we flounder vulnerably, horror-stricken waiting with baited breath for that defining moment when we will drown in the storms of our selfwrought perversions. Now that our world as we made it, have begun to collapse, we withdraw from the possibility of rebirth, and choose to exploit ‘infinite possibilities’ in our fragility and predicted collapse.

WRITE this piece on the gubernatorial elections holding in Osun State. Its objective is basically to remind my friends and fellow compatriots in the south-west geopolitical zone of our country of what is at stake in tomorrow’s polls; the huge price they will have to pay if by dint of what is now called ‘stomach infrastructure’ or sheer complacency they allow an irredentist, warped and corrupt central authorities to usurp their autonomy. Western Nigerian matters for a number of reasons. One, its people have an inherent quest for freedom to express itself, a streak that runs through its history and the consequent civil wars in the pre-colonial era and the resistance of the immediate post-colonial years. Two, in post-independent Nigeria, largely dominated by the Hausa-Fulani oligarchy, the peoples of the South-west and their cousins/neigbours in the Midwest have ensured that the federal essentiality of the Nigerian state remains on the front burner of national discourse and its most abiding philosophical guide are contained in the deep philosophical writings of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, such as Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966). Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an accomplished thinker, argued that peoples with different culture attributes such as language and religion are best organised under a federal system. In his words, “In this connexion we should be reminded that of all the cultural equipments of a people, language is the most formidable, the most irrepressible, and the most resistant to diffusion, not to talk of fusion. It lies at the base of human divisions and divergences. And historical evidences of an irrefutable nature have shown firstly, that you can unite but can never succeed in unifying peoples whom language has set distinctly apart from one another; and secondly, that the more educated a linguistic group becomes, the stronger it waxes in its bid for political self-determination and autonomy, unless it happens to be the dominant group (emphasis in original).” Western Nigeria has made the quest for education a categorical imperative from which the people elicit their abiding strength for freedom. With education comes what Paulo Freire has called ‘transitive consciousness’ out of ‘semitransitive consciousness’ underlined by a limited sphere of perception, resistance to challenges outside the sphere of biological vitals into the former, a world typified by “indepth interpretation of problems”, acceptance of responsibility, rejection of passivity, and embrace of rationality. This is why the dominant paradigm less explored by scholars and which I have explored in “My Politics in Western Nigeria” (forthcoming) is the development paradigm. It is the defining element of Yoruba politics; when

farfetched analyses cum diagnosis of the Nigerian malady, they conveniently excuse themselves from the nexus of blame and severally propound the sad realization that Nigerians are innately incapable of self-determination and self-governance. Clinically, they recommend the American example, the British palliative, Chinese magic wand and Malaysian ingenuity to mention a few, as the ultimate measures to resolve the nation’s ills. How? These arguments have overtime, attained a language of their own and thus evolved as a dialect of dissension and exaggerated self-abnegation. The nation’s academic elite, political and economic ruling classes frequently marshal its precepts as justifiable putdown of the lower working class and breadlines’ persistent claims to victimhood and sense of entitlement which they at once identify as whiny and symptomatic of a clueless and irresponsible citizenry. Between the latter and former segments of the citizenry however, Nigeria suffers a preponderance of intellectual nitwits and promising youth turned foetal adults to the detriment of the Nigerian state. As youths, the coordinated tragedies afflicting our consciousness daily append the only real structure to our lives as impoverished Nigerians. The burdensome reality of fast slipping youth, the recurrent rites of bigotry and ethical quandary of coping with the strict moral code of adulthood and ideal society obscures our understanding of life’s ultimate purpose and meaning. It spurs millions of misguided Nigerian youth to engage in a mad, desperate pursuit of fast and fleeting riches even as it keeps hundreds of millions more in the doldrums and binds of despair. Consequently, the revolutionary dissent that sprouts from oppression is pitiless and unbending. It radically splits our world into ‘insensitive ruling class’ and ‘clueless lower class,’ elite and downtrodden, haves and have-nots. It fosters even more fragmented discord that con-

tinually pits the Nigerian Christians against Muslims, Hausa against Igbo, Igbo against Yoruba, Yoruba against Ijaw; it fosters spurious segmentation of our society into moral and amoral, good against evil, and apostates versus believers. Within this poisonous clime, the Nigerian child is thrust into adolescence and misshapen adulthood. From Boko Haram’s terrorism, internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, financial/bankers’ terrorism and political terrorism emblematic of the ruling class, recent developments in the country present a sad prologue to a heinous and wider conflict between the nation’s rich ruling class and the impoverished majority of the breadlines and disappearing middle-class. A bloody and protracted war thus ensues: this war, caused by diminishing resources, chronic unemployment, substandard health facilities, declining crop yields and educational standard, climate change and rising food prices, big business and government conspiracies against the Nigerian state, manifest and escalate at alarming proportions daily and by the second. Consequently, our society is flung rudderless on a seething sea of sleaze and we flounder vulnerably, horror-stricken waiting with baited breath for that defining moment when we will drown in the storms of our self-wrought perversions. Now that our world as we made it, have begun to collapse, we withdraw from the possibility of rebirth, and choose to exploit ‘infinite possibilities’ in our fragility and predicted collapse. In this turbulent clime, the ruling class predictably retreats into their illicitly acquired mansions and safe-houses in Europe, Nigeria’s Banana Island and other palatial havens in Abuja and Lagos. There, they indulge in unchecked hedonism, vulgar display of ill-acquired wealth and extravagant consumption. Outside the walls of their palatial mansions, the suffering masses are repressed with greater

ferocity. Resources of the collective are depleted and misappropriated for the privileged few until they are virtually exhausted. And then the hollowed-out edifice collapses. At the backdrop of this festering national catastrophe, presumably ‘well-meaning’ neighbours cum ‘global super powers’ like the United States of America (USA) in premeditated fits of exultation predicted the end of the Nigerian enterprise, touting a dismal and inescapable end to the country’s recurring tragedies in 2015. Several disasters since the USA’s worrisome and very suspicious prediction, the country maniacally nurtures and perpetuates forms of madness and grotesqueness that basically substantiates the USA’s ‘heartfelt’ cry and doomsday prophecy. The USA, just like every other nation possesses inalienable rights to visions of doom and delusions of grandeur – it would have been better though if the country chose to look inwards and focus its gift of clairvoyance in resolving its burgeoning sociopolitical and human crises spanning immigration/border problems, terrorism, economic depression, endemic poverty, escalating gun violence – a record 280 million of its about 300 million population are gun wielders – to mention a few. The opinions of the US or any other so-called ‘super power’ is at the end, inconsequential to the survival of Nigeria; the best they could do is progressively advise us or assist with true aid, twin-good which they are fundamentally and inherently programmed to avoid, but the pitiful bands of Nigerian niggers do not know that. Sadder that these pathetic gangs of intellectual and sentimental fops latch on to every touted ‘insightful analysis’ and ‘security report’ from abroad on the Nigerian state and feverishly glamourise and actualise its predictions of doom in a desperate play to a script of global conspiracy and home-spawned plots to devastate and bury the Nigerian dream. •To be continued…

Osun election: Why it matters By Sylvester Akhaine it detracts from it, it has suffered consequences because those who often deviate from the course of freedom and development are usually lackeys of the irredentist centre aforementioned and they are often imposed by undemocratic means and they are not short in supply these days of politics being the only business in town. Politics in western Nigeria much earlier in the 1950s demonstrated that politics was for philosopher-kings; to be in politics is to serve and to seek wealth in monetary terms is to be in business, a fact that is now stood on its head by irredentists and bashers of the Nigerian estate. The challenge of development in the country today often draws its strength from what the state actors in this geopolitical zone have always done in the abiding faith and with Platonic conviction that justice inheres in the pursuit of the common good. As I have said elsewhere, western Nigeria is news, an event in the social order called Nigeria, always pointing up hitherto unimagined possibilities. It established the first television station in Africa, pursued a rigorous free education policy and sundry other innovations which feudal and conservatives forces elsewhere in the country would struggle to imitate. It was the Yorubas who introduced that competitive spirit into our development and governance universe. It is a fact that our country have always struggled on the edge of tyrannical order; the counteractive force against all dictatorial tendencies, arguably, has always come from the western Nigeria. There is a general perception today among Nigerians that any Nigerian from any part of this country can now govern this country with the mandate of the people. This was not the assumption some years ago. When the June12, 1993 election was annulled, the logic was that the Lugardian architecture, which meant that power must always reside in the north, should never be altered. Chief M.K. O. Abiola paid the supreme price and many of us managed to be alive in that titanic struggle. The resistance altered the power succession process in the country. This has come to stay and any attempt to revert to status quo would result in consequences of unimaginable proportion. The transient nature of power is a value that we must all cultivate.

What is the plot of the irredentist centre under the watch of President Jonathan? The plot is to subvert the above values by huge monetary inducement, all foul stratagems and in particular the use of force, especially the military whose esprit de corps has been destroyed by past military regimes and are now be subjected to a re-enactment of the ‘Glover syndrome’ in which the citizens are perceived as the enemy (and we are already reaping the consequences in the so-called war against insurgency in northeastern Nigeria). The military is to protect the state and its citizens, not the government of the day because sovereignty, an essential element of the state, resides in the people. The clarion call therefore is that the well-meaning people of western Nigeria must live up to those fine values of their history and ensure they are entrenched with a vote for the incumbent government of Osun state under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. To lose Osun to a backward, disoriented, anti-development and irredentist central authorities is to deepen the misery and abjection of the good people of the southwest and Nigerians desirous of an alternative vision of development. Osun election matters, as the Europeans would say to the fascists, and we should say it loud and clear to the irredentists and anti-people forces in the saddle today that they shall not pass. Osun, Ipinle Omoluabi should not fall to known felons. The soul of the country is at stake and to lose is to halt social progress. Dr. Akhaine is a visiting member of the Guardian Editorial Board.

‘To lose Osun to a backward, disoriented, anti-development and irredentist central authorities is to deepen the misery and abjection of the good people of the southwest and Nigerians desirous of an alternative vision of development. Osun election matters, as the Europeans would say to the fascists, and we should say it loud and clear to the irredentists and anti-people forces in the saddle today that they shall not pass’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

COMMENTS "Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters" ----- Abraham Lincoln

S it true that voters must have faith in the electoral process for our democracy to succeed? If this is correct, then could it be rightly said that voters in this country genuinely have faith in the ongoing Professor Attahiru Jega-tutored electoral process? Then, how far has this impacted on the country’s democracy? This column is not oblivious of the fact that politicians and the people are all part of the electoral process; otherwise, there would be no process at all. Political leaders do emerge from the political class and it is from the people that we get the electorate that vote during periodic elections. But because the political leadership most times reneges on its promises to the people, the electoral process has always been a fierce contest between forces contending for political power. Naturally, the Election Day is always a judgment day in countries where votes count. It is a day for deciding whether those in power actually impact lives positively, changed destinies and made people’s dreams and expectations come true. The inception of a political tenure is the seed-sowing time, while the harvest period is the day of election. So, it is better to sow at the right time to have a bountiful harvest on the day of political judgment in the court of the electorate. In Osun State, tomorrow is that Day of Judgment. There is going to be a real test of electioneering and democratic values as voters in the state go to the polls. The task before the electorate of that state is to elect a leader that would steer the ship of the state for another four years. The incumbent, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is seeking a fresh mandate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Senator Iyiola Omisore is flying the flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while Alhaji Fatai Akingbade is contesting under the banner of Labour Party. The irony is that all former governors of the state, including Isiaka Adeleke, Bisi Akande and Olagunsoye Oyinlola are in the APC plotting against the emergence of Omisore, the seeming major contender against incumbent, as governor. This gives a worrisome impression about the personality of the PDP candidate. Omisore has deployed many stunts just to convey a deceitful populist perception of himself. They include his widely publicised photographs of where he was buying corns on the “When I was elected President of Ireland, I was determined to show that I brought to it the fact that I was a woman and was going to do it with various skills and I felt that they were enabling, problem solving, being more inclined not so much to want to lead in a kind of a natural way, but rather to lead by discussion and empowerment of others—to lead by example, lead by nurturing.” -Mary Robinson

KITI State governorship election has come and gone. That of Osun State comes up tomorrow, August 9. As the 2015 elections approaches one question that keeps running through my mind is “Why are there so few Nigerian women in Nigerians politics?” In Rwanda today over 64% of the elected officers are women. And that makes it the only female dominated government in the world. However they paid dearly in order for this to become a reality in their country. Do you know that because Rwandan women didn’t stand up fast enough against injustice and acts of impunity in their land, about one million Rwandans ended up dead in the genocide that took place 20 years ago? They were not actively involved in the decision-making process that plunged Rwanda into a terribly civil war. The Rwandan women unfortunately left the decision making to the men and as a result the women (and children) ended up paying a high price for it when the war broke out. As the work of re-

‘Nigerian women must find their voices because they are Nigeria’s major untapped pool of gifts, talents and abilities. Nigerian women are our gold nuggets in the dirt of crisis, chaos and confusion’

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Osun’s day of election, not war

•Aregbesola

• Omisore

road and riding motor cycle, commonly called Okada. Those images have merely portrayed his deceitfully theatrical side which has no basis in sane governance. Yours sincerely believes that Osun people must be careful in making a choice tomorrow. Euripides, Orestes might have had someone like Omisore in mind when he said: “When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.” For instance, Omisore, whether rightly or wrongly, has without knowing, built a notorious image for himself in the political history of that state. Many believe that if he ever gets to power, which is very unlikely, Osun will turn into Hobbesian state of brute and force devoid of ideas and reason. Whatever reservations yours sincerely might have for the defection of people like Oyinlola to APC, he, at least, made a profound statement that corroborated the above public per-

ception of Omisore during Aregbesola’s Osogbo Federal Constituency Campaign Mega Rally earlier in the week. Oyinlola could not have known Omisore less - having been in the same PDP with him over a reasonable long period of time - not to have known the implication of reviving the death of late Bola Ige at that rally, where he said: “Omisore is selfish and self-centred. I did not know who and how Bola Ige was killed. What I know is that Omisore was accused of killing Chief Bola Ige. When Omisore wanted to nominate a person to fill my seat as PDP National Secretary, he chose Professor Wale Oladipo. He also nominated Jelili Adesiyan, my former Commissioner for Education, for ministerial position. Adesiyan, Oladipo and Omisore were imprisoned for their alleged complicity in Bola Ige’s death.’’ He reportedly continued further: ‘Omisore also picked Gani Olaoluwa, who was also detained on Bola Ige’s death, as PDP chairman in the state. My question is: Is it until we are all turned to criminals or imprisoned before we can get political office? The person they are proposing to pick as senatorial candidate in Osun Central, Kunle Alao, known as Lele, was also a co-detainee with Omisore, Oladipo and Adesiyan on Bola Ige’s death.’ Omisore has not given any published satisfactory response to the Oyinlola effusions against him. The Osun voters might be interested in having his convincing response before tomorrow’s election. In contrast to Omisore, Aregbesola, notwithstanding his touted inadequacies, is genuinely popular of all the candidates and on comparative basis, has done his best for the state in almost four years that he was in the saddle. Apart from contesting under a formidable opposition platform, Aregbesola, as if hearkening to

Nigerian women and elections By Olaboludele Simoyan building the nation started soon after the genocide, Rwandan women aggressively moved to front line to actively participate. And this has had a dramatic and positive effect on the economy of Rwanda. According to the World Bank, their economy doubled between 2001 and 2010. Isn’t that interesting? Nigerian women have had a great influence in almost every aspect of our national life except politics. Why is that? Why is there is an embarrassingly low representation of Nigerian women in elected offices at all levels of government? Why are there not more women in the political arena? Why is it that in the 2011 elections, the female candidates were just about eight percent of the total number of candidates? Why is it that there are only 32 women elected at the National Assembly out of 469 members? The first female governor in the history of Nigeria came only in 2006. That is well over 46 years down the line after Independence. Her name is Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba and she was the governor of Anambra State. However many countries today can boast of producing female presidents. In the last 50 years, we have seen a number of women become heads of state, presidents and prime ministers - like Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, Corazon Aquino of the Philippines, Indira Gandhi of India, Golda Meir of Israel, Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Violeta Barrios De Chamorro of Nicaragua, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Mary Robinson of Ireland, Helen Clark of New Zealand, Angela Merkel of Germany, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina, Sheikh Hasina Wajed of Bangledesh, Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica, Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago, Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, Atifete Jahjaga of

Kosovo, Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand, Helle Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark, Portia Simpson Miller of Jamaica, Joyce Banda of Malawi, Park Geun-hye of South Korea, Alenka Bratusek of Slovenia and Erna Solberg of Norway. Meanwhile, here in Nigeria we are still waiting to produce more female governors and hopefully one day soon, a female president. In 1995 at the Beijing conference, it was recommended that 35 percent of the political positions, power positions and decision making positions be allotted to women. If we had more Nigerian women in politics, wouldn’t our economy grow faster like the way Rwanda’s economy has grown? If we had more Nigerian women elected into political office, wouldn’t that help to give us better policies? If we had more women elected in political office, wouldn’t it help to give us a more balanced and sensitive government? If we have more Nigerian women elected into political office, wouldn’t we have a more people friendly government? If we have more Nigerian women elected into political office, wouldn’t government’s actions be more proactive? Wouldn’t we have fewer crises in our country? Why because women and children always end up paying the high price for crisis in any nation. And as such women will ensure that they do everything possible to prevent anything that would put women and children in harm’s way. In 2008, a research was done by Pew Research Centre (http://pewsocialtrends.org/ files/2010/10/gender-leadership.pdf) and they looked at the eight important leadership traits. From the research they discovered that American women outperformed the men in five out of the eight areas and tied in two. Women were ranked higher in honesty, outgoingness, compassion, intelligence and creativity. The women tied with the men in hard work and ambition. According to the

the true meaning of his name, is a steadfast party man. His compelling intellectual oratory, simplicity, commitment to service, sense of humour and ability to blend with the high and mighty in the society, add up to give him a remarkable edge. His policies including Opon Imo, O’Meals scheme and his employment-generation ability, especially for the youth, are admirably inspiring. The incumbent is indeed popular and loved by the Osun people. It is this Aregbesola’s genuine affinity with his people that calls for caution from the ruling PDP not to be hell-bent on having that way at all costs tomorrow. President Goodluck Jonathan’s public statement that tomorrow’s election will be highly policed and militarised is misplaced. Ekiti election was militarised and despite the fact that this was not why Governor Kayode Fayemi was voted out does not make it right. In yours sincerely’s view, militarization is act of assembling and putting into readiness for war or other emergency, the soldiers and entire military of a country. This is no war in Osun tomorrow; it is an election. And in case President Jonathan and his Minister of Defence had forgotten the provisions of the constitution (as amended), it is better to restate it here for their kind and keen attention: Section 215(3) of the 1999 Constitution vested in the Police the exclusive power to maintain and secure public safety and public order in the country. On the other hand, the President has the power as enshrined in the constitution in section 217(2) of the Constitution to deploy the armed forces for the “suppression of insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore law order.” Again, where is insurrection in any part of Osun as the state prepares for tomorrow’s election? Does the deployment of military and hooded security men not amount to usurpation of police powers with regards to maintenance of law and order? Now, my message to Osun people: Democracy requires eternal vigilance. They must do everything to protect their votes jealously, lest they have a costly error to pay for!

‘Again, where is insurrection in any part of Osun as the state prepares for tomorrow’s election? Does the deployment of military and hooded security men not amount to usurpation of police powers with regards to maintenance of law and order? Now, my message to Osun people’ survey the only leadership quality that the men scored higher in was decisiveness. However men are seen as overall better leaders. Isn’t that interesting? Asides from Rwanda, do you know that there are a substantial number of African nations in top 20 countries with a high representation of women in parliament? These countries are Angola, Seychelles, Uganda, South Africa and Mozambique. Is there something we can learn from these other countries as well? What are they doing right? How are they getting women to participate in politics? How are they getting more women elected into political offices? Nigerian women need to get involved in politics now so that we can avoid making the same mistakes Rwanda made 20 years ago! Nigerian women need to mobilize and to get involved in politics now so we can change the Nigerian society for good! As Charles Malik said “The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” Nigerian women need to get involved in politics now so that we can complement our men in politics and help Nigeria reach her full potential! As the true architects of society, Nigerian women need to get involved so that we can design and build the Great New Nigeria we desire! Nigerian women must find their voice because they are Nigeria’s major untapped pool of gifts, talents and abilities. Nigerian women are our gold nuggets in the dirt of crisis, chaos and confusion in our country! Nigerian women are like diamond stones hidden in the soil of Nigeria’s madness of negatives! Someone once said that “If Nigeria will be saved it starts with the women!” And I couldn’t agree more!!! Nigerian women have been political spectators for way too long! It is time for that to change. It is time for Nigerian women to get into the game! It is time for Nigerian women to play their leadership role in our nation’s political affairs! It is time for Nigerian women to come out of their comfort zone and play their part in Nigeria’s game of politics!

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Omeruo eyes promotion with Boro

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Clubs chasing Iheanacho â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Man City official

Omeruo eyes promotion with Boro

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

PTAD assures PHCN pensioners of end to delayed pension By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

HE Director-General, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Ms Nellie Meshack, has described the capturing of pension funds of electricity sector pensioners of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) under capital budget as an aberration that should be corrected. The PTAD chief asured the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) members that she would probe the cause of the delays in their monthly pension payment. She was addressing the pensioners at the just concluded workshop for treasury funded parastatals and their pensions’ Boards of Trustees in Abuja. The Federal Government had ordered the transfer of management of the PHCN pensioners from the Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Ltd/Gte (NELMCO) to the Pension Transition Arrangement Department (PTAD) established under the Pension Reform Act, 2004. Ms Meshack said PTAD was working with NELMCO to engage the budget office to find out why the pensioners pension provision is captured under capitalisation as opposed to recurrency. She said: “I don’t know why your pension fund is put under capital. Now that you are coming under PTAD, we are going to find out. “The problem with the pension fund captured in capital budget is that in instead of monthly releases, they have to wait for quarterly release. Everything is released first before you ever get to capital. “For pension, that is a matter of life and death, it should and could not be put to quarterly releases. It is an aberration but what I am asking is that you let us go and engage with budget office to find out why it has been so. “The NELMCO MD will attest to the fact that we are planning to unravel this situation. Certainly, I do not want to manage pension that I will have to explain on a monthly basis why I have not paid. “If the money is not paid, there is nothing NELMCO or PTAD can do. For pensioners to be owed two or three months is going to be extremely difficult not just for the pensioners but for us at PTAD. But it is something to take up with the Budget Office,” she said. NUP Electricity Pension National President, Comrade Temple Ubani appealed to the PTAD helmsman to ensure that the pensioners do not suffer again since they have been transferred to the department. He said noted that the government has adopted them following the privatisation of PHCN. He said they had just been paid four months’ pension arrears and are now another two months arrears. He said the Budget Office has been a major problem to release of their funds, urging the accountant-general to buckle up.

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government. -Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Diaspora remittances rise to $65b, says AfDB R EMITTANCES from the Diaspora and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Africa have continued to rise with relatively large volumes in recent years, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has said. According to the lender’s 2013 annual report, remittances reached $65 billion last year, indicating an increase of five per cent, compared to 2012. Remittances from the Diaspora should reach $67 million by year-end, it said. The lender said bulk of the remittances were to North and West Africa, regions with the largest number of migrants abroad and which alone received some 80 per cent of the total funds from the Diaspora.

By Collins Nweze

AfDB said 40 per cent of the remittances are from Europe, 28 per cent from the United States, 13 from Africa itself and nine per cent from the Middle East. It said the resilience of these remittances is starting to attract the interest of the public authorities and the private sector in Africa. The bank said net FDI flows have increased by almost nine per cent, to reach $57 billion last year. This increase reflects Western investors’ quest for value amid general low interest rates. The bulk of FDI went to mining exploration and to building the capacity of the extractive industries.

Paradoxically, while the continent is short of investment capital, considerable financial resources continue to leave African countries illegally. AfDB’s Group President, Donald Kaberuka said last year that growth for most African countries continued to be robust and was expected to accelerate this year. However, sustainability requires that the benefits are shared more equitably. “In 2013, the bank committed $6.7 billion to projects and programmes in member countries, an increase of some three per cent in real terms over the previous year in accordance with our strategy—the

bulk of the investments were in infrastructure,” he said. Kaberuka said the lower overall lending at the bank window was more than compensated for by higher levels of financing from our concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF). “Despite the unfavourable global economic environment, the bank has maintained a strong financial position. Our risk bearing capacity remains robust. The four major rating agencies once again reaffirmed their AAA rating of the bank’s senior debt, with a stable outlook. This confirms the bank’s capital adequacy, prudent financial and risk management, solid shareholder support, and preferred creditor status,” he added.

•Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Sulaiman and Acting Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu during a visit by the Minister to PenCom Headquarters in Abuja.

0DU’ACCIMA launches fair prospectus From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Odu’a Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ODU’ACCIMA) has launched the prospectus of the forthcoming international trade fair slated for November. The theme of the trade fair is “ Promoting mass agricultural production and agro processing as panacea to unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.” Its Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr Olaitan Alabi, said: “The fourth coming Odu’a international trade fair is being organised by ODUACCIMA in collaboration with all the five Odu’a states, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti state governments. The prospectus will provide information that every participant will need, the terms and conditions and procedures.” He appealed to the Oyo State government to provide a permanent international trade fair site to make it more prestigious and attractive to foreign exhibitors and participants from other parts of the country. According to him, the association also hopes to rekindle the unbeatable record which the Southwest was known for in the old Western Region. T h e P r e s i d e n t , ODU’ACCIMA, Chief Iyalode Alaba Lawson, said the objectives of the association is to return the sector to the area of economic buoyancy through agriculture revolution and industrial mechanisms. ”Odu’a Investment Company Limited also expressed its interest in assisting the association to achieve its aim,” she said.

Nigeria, others to benefit from Dangote’s $5b power investment N IGERIA Ghana, Togo and Tanzania will benefit from the Dangote Group’s fresh investment capital, its President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said. Speaking at the United States (U.S).-Africa Business Forum in Washington on Bloomberg Television’s “Market makers,” he said the money will be invested in power generation, distribution and transmission infrastructure, adding that the deficit between what is available and what is needed is “enormous”. He said: “Well, it is going to be in the sub-Saharan African countries, mainly Nigeria, Togo, Tanzania, and Ghana, the likes of them. We are going to really invest this money in terms of generation of power, transmission of power, distribution of power, infrastructure, in terms of gas pipelines, to make sure that we unleash the opportunities. When you look at it really, the gap especially in power generation in Africa it’s enormous. “And we saw that and then we agreed that, look, let us now team up, the big corporations to put money (down in the ratio of) 50/50. We are already

By Lucas Ajanaku

going to go into a 50/50 agreement where they put 50 per cent of the money, you put 50 per cent of the money and we will roll out. On the Chinese footprints on the continent, Dangote said the Chinese do not engage in 50/50 partnership, adding that they prefer to go on their own. “Well, the Chinese, normally they don’t actually do 50/50. They hardly take locals. They go on their own. But the Chinese are not in the kind of things that we are doing. And they’re not normally in cement, energy and power. “They are in railroads, but they are also - mainly Chinese companies are looking for contracts to do things, or mineral sources. And what we are trying to do now is to say: hei look, we don’t want people to now come and take our mineral resources. We want them to process these mineral resources locally so that they develop our own people, they can train our own people. That is the way it can be a win-win situ-

ation,” he said. He restated the commitment of the Group to building its 500,000 barrels of oil refinery with a petrochemical complex with it in the country. “Actually, it’s not about execution. It is about the demand growing. And the answer is yes. The demand is growing. Well, as a company, what we have always been doing is to look at what can we do to bring our costs down. So, even if margins will go down, but once the cost is down, then you’ll be able to maintain your margin. What I am not saying is, we must make this certain amount of money. Obviously, if you ask me in the next 10 years, are we going to make the same money we are making per unit? No. That’s the answer,” Dangote said. Justifying his firm’s investment in Zambia, he said there is a ready market for cement in that country. “In some of those countries, when you look at Zambia, for example, Zambia has nine borders; they have nine borders with nine countries in Africa.

And some of these areas, they are landlocked. They don’t have any manufacturing there. So, whatever you produce in Zambia you can actually take it to the next other countries and invest. It’s not normally for only the domestic market. “Even though Zambia itself is a landlocked country, there’s quite a lot that could be done. What we’re not really targeting is a particular country in Africa. We are targeting regional markets. And so now, for example, in Nigeria, if I grow the business very, very, very large in Nigeria, I don’t just rely on Nigerian market, I rely on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market,” he said He expressed worries over the ravages of Ebola disease that has taken parts of the sub-region by storm, arguing that governments in the affected countries are trying their best to curtail the onslaught of the disease. He said: “Well, yes. It is a worrisome issue, but the governments of the affected countries are doing quite a lot about it. The guy who came from Libe-

ria, luckily fell ill right on board, so he was taken straight to the hospital. This means, we are lucky. If he was actually somebody who had actually run in the city for a while, then it would have been a big issue, but he fell ill right on board and they were able to detect it and they were able to quarantine the person - he died there. And all the 59 people that he was in contact with, they’ve actually been contacted and some of them have actually been quarantined. “The effect of the disease might be one per cent on business. But I am sure various governments, they are doing things to tackle the situation. Ebola had actually been around since the late ’70s. So, it’s not a new thing today. It’s just that people are panicking now, which I think yes is okay. It’s good for people to panic so that something could be done about it. But, right now, it has come to the attention of the Western world and I’m sure we’re going to find a cure for it soon, and also see occupying what is really causing Ebola so that we can attack it from that front.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

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

Women are perceived as better managers of resources. Yet, only few are in leadership positions, especially in the marketing communication industry. These few have made their marks in an industry dominated by men. Is there more room for women at the top? This issue, among others, dominated discussions at the first Women In Marketing Conference and Awards (WIMCA) in Lagos. ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports.

What future for women in marketing? T

HERE is concern over the shrinking number of women in top management in the marketing communication industry. There are many at the entry level only a few make it to the top. Marketing communication experts expressed worry over the development at the Women in Marketing Conference and Awards (WIMCA), organised by a marketing magazine, Brand Communicator, in conjuction with Procter & Gamble (P&G). Managing Director of Noah’s Ark Lanre Adisa noted while 80 per cent of those who make purchases are women, there are none in the creative director cadre in advertising agencies. Adisa said: “There is a need for a balance which must however be driven by merit not feminine sentiments.” Some are worried that to reach the top, many women sell their pride and yet, hardly achieve their aim. President of Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr. Kola Oyeyemi said a woman who got an edge because of “her sex and romance with a man who could help influence opportunities for her becomes a slave”. Oyeyemi affirmed merit rather than sex appeal to enhance promotion to the higher level in the industry. “Women should always think about merit and not their sex,” he advised. He believes that women are better managers because they have the innate talent to multi-task. Despite some of the challenges they face, the chairman on the occasion, Sir Steve Omojafor, believes women will take over the industry soon. Noting that there is no better time than now, he said women are not just pretty, but goal-getters and resourceful. “The women have arrived and this is their time. We need your leadership and feminine touch,” he said. Omojafor said in the in course of his foray into advertising after quitting journalism, he was inspired by the women he met on the field, especially at Lintas, Nigeria’s first advertising agency. Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Biola Alabi Media, Mrs. Biola Alabi, urged women to have a grasp of research and sound education to get to the top in the marketing communication industry. Mrs Alabi,a former Mnet boss, said to make a success of a career in the industry, women must be good in data, understand their environment within and outside the workplace, remain focused, understand that they are unique and always willing to acquire new information. She also advised unemployed women marketers who are willing to acquire experience to explore volunteering as a good way to start. She also tasked women to lev-

• Mrs Ani-Mummuney

erage good network, build a support team or personal board of directors. “Women should always build a support team to get to the next level. It should be a support team you trust so that they could guide and support you. She, however, maintained that for the relationship to be fruitful and long lasting, it must be a twoway relationship that is beneficial on both sides. She also believed that women are not telling their stories enough. “Always market the brand and yourself,” she urged. Also, the immediate past President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mrs. Bunmi Oke, reechoed the need to have a support team, said women must be their own challenger by motivating themselves to always want to get and do better. With inability of female marketers to identify opportunities, the Managing Director, Goals and Ideas Communications, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde said ability to identify opportunities remains a

• Omojafor

critical ingredient that could foster career growth in the profession. Drawing inspiration from her career in marketing, she said she had to resign from one of the advertising agencies to set up her own agency which specialises in education marketing. Despite discouragement from friends who wondered aloud why she ventured into such niche marketing, Ogunde’s doggedness despite initial challenges gave her an insight into education-marketing field, which has become a success. With many marketing women facing family crisis because of job demand, the Associate Director, Brand Operations, Procter and Gamble Nigeria, Mrs. Ehinomen Enekabor, is of the opinion that if female marketers married the right person, their family will support them rather than put pressure on them. Meanwhile, the Managing Director, L’Oreal West Africa, Idorenyen Enang, maintained motivation remains key to career growth whether for a man or

• Mrs Iquo Ukoh

women in marketing. To protect women from some of the challenges Enang believed legislation would be a right step to have more women in higher cadre. He argued that working with women give room for better transformation within the work place. He also noted that women must understand that it is not about employment but what they do with the opportunity given to them. Enang also believed every practitioner must learn to adopt the qualities of an iconic brand, which are authenticity, staying power and consistency. The convener of the conference and Publisher of Brand Communicators, Joshua Ajayi, disclosed that he and his team decided to come up with the conference because they noticed that there were fewer female CEOs in the marketing and integrated marketing communication fields. He said that when the issue was raised among practitioners, they were asked if they are a feminist organisation. According to him,

‘To make a success of their career in the industry, women must be good in data, understand their environment within and outside the workplace, remain focused, understand that they are unique and always willing to acquire new information... Women should always be build a support team to get to the next level. It should be a support team you trust so that they could guide and support you’

they were later accused of not even being gender sensitive as fewer women had featured on the cover page of Brand Communicators. “Amongst many other things, WIMCA seeks to ignite the potential in women towards attaining enviable heights in marketing and management, create a platform for networking among women in the marketing and communications industry, inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in women towards creating and sustaining enduring marketing and communications industry businesses, as well as providing a mentorship platform for young and prospective professionals,” he said. During the conference, some female professionals were given awards. The Outstanding Female Marketing Professional in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (Marketing) Category, went to Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, Executive Director (Marketing Services), Nestle Nigeria Plc. In the Financial Services Category, it was Mrs Folake Ani-Mummuney, Head, Marketing and Communications, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited; in the Telecommunications, (Corporate Communications), Ms. Funmi Onajide General Manager, Corporate Communications, MTN Nigeria, smiled home with it; in the Creative Advertising Category, Mrs. Mowumi Owoduni, Managing Director, STB McCann Lagos, got the award; in the Public Relations Category, Ms Alima Atta, Managing Director, SESEMA PR was awarded while In the Out of Home Advertising Category, it was Managing Director, NAS Advertising, Mrs Ify Onukwuba, that emerged tops.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

Brandnews

‘Insecurity is killing businesses’ Businesses need a conducive environment to grow. In Nigeria, many businesses are dying because of many factors, including insecurity, especially in the Northeast, in this interview with ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI, Mr Steve Babaeko, founder of X3M Ideas, says insecurity must be addressed for businesses to thrive.

OUR agency is marking its second anniversary. How has the journey been considering the challenges in the industry? It has been one of the most challenging ventures I have ever undertaken. It is also interesting because we have passed the stage where the initial doubts have ceased to exist. However, the next challenge is how we push the envelope and move to the next level. How have you been pushing the emvelope (i.e. challenging the barriers)? If you have seen the kind of work we have been doing, you would agree with me that we are part of the agencies that have been pushing the envelope in this country. We get briefs because of the quality of works we churn out. If you see our clientele list and the portfolio we have in our custody, you will see that there has been quality in terms of the creativity coming out. How many clients do you have? Anybody who is conversant with our work will know that we have a very robust portfolio across different segment of the market. From telecoms to banking, carbonated soft drinks, card and switching business and the FMCG. Etisalat, Diamond Bank, Inter-switch and DStv are four of the clients that have been pushing us to continuously deliver. We are really grateful to them because without them, we are nothing. Are clients complying with the issue of pitch fee? Those are issues for the new Association of Advertising Agencies ofNigeria (AAAN) executive to tackle. The laws are there; we just have to follow up and see that clients stay compliant. At agency level, we just follow the law; we are not like the regulatory body, we are participants in this game. How have you been able to transform your employees? The crux of our team is people who are a part of the system that are very young when we started. Then, the other 70 per cent of our team are those who have never done advertising before. Our model was different ab initio: people who are well travelled, well exposed in different fields with the idea that we don’t want do the same old kind of communication. We set the agenda and everything followed. Is there any business objective attached to your company’s CSR? This is something we really feel strongly about. This is our country and we have no place to call our own. The issue is that as individuals and corporate organisations, we must step up and fight for this country. Hence, the only way we can do that is being able to salvage the future of this country. How can you survive in today’s world without having a grasp of Infor-

Unilever launches Pepsodent

NILEVER Nigeria Plc has unveiled a new Pepsodent gel toothpaste. At the launch attended by over 1000 school children, parents, teachers and the executive members of the Nigerian Dental Association attended, the Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria, David Okeme, said the toothpaste would cater for consumer’ need of consumers. “The New Pepsodent Cavity Fighter toothpaste integrates Active Micro Calcium and ProFloride Complex. This dual technology is proven to effectively fight cavity and fortify teeth in the long term. Micro Calcium- helps repair tiny invisible holes before they become cavity. Pro Fluoride Complex - protects teeth for longer,” he said. He noted that as part of the company’s commitment to supporting the fight against tooth

cavity, Unilever is donating over N10 million worth of Pepsodent toothpaste to Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS). The guest speaker at the launch, Prof Adeyemi Olusile, from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said: “Tooth Cavity is a bacterial infection that causes removal of mineral irons from the dental enamel and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth. This is a result of the production of acid by bacterial fermentation of food debris accumulated on the tooth surface. “Bacteria have means of sticking to our mouth, and if we do not brush them properly in the morning and night, they cause holes in our teeth. Therefore, we must brush our mouth twice daily with calcium and fluoride filled toothpaste, like Pepsodent to reduce bacteria in our mouth and make it not to smell.”

OAAN appoints Okorocha patron

HE Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has appointed Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as its patron. Its President, Mr. Charles Chijide made the announcement during a visit to Okorocha in Owerri, the state capital, to kickstart the association’s 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Okorocha donated land to the association on the condition that OAAN builds its headquarters there. He also urged OAAN members to use their platforms to promote good leadership. “I want the members of your association to partner the state government by deploying innovative billboards and signages across the state and assist in the implementation of my administration’s transformation agenda by using the billboards to spread the message of good leadership,” the governor said. The visiting OAAN members

• Babaeko

‘This is our country and we have no place to call our own. The issue is that as individuals and corporate organisations, we must step up and fight for this country’ mation Communication Technology(ICT)? Sadly, today, you find many schools without computer and technology. We feel that this is something we will continue to do and not a one off thing. How do you select schools for your CSR? We believe that charity begins at home. That was why we decided to renovate the five blocks of a school that was close to our office which is Opebi Junior High. Before we got here, we set up an in-house committee that carefully selected and made a presentation on the challenges of the school they visited. This year, we have focused on ICT because we are a forward-thinking company and we want to give young minds the opportunity to be more ICT compliant. Do you have confidence in the

AAAN executives? My belief is that whatever the last exco did not finish; hopefully, this exco would be able to finish it. Even if they don’t, it is all about continuity and we hope that someday we would get it right. To what extent has insecurity affected advertising business? The state of security has affected business for everybody in Nigeria. Almost like 1/3 or 2/3 of the economy is totally cut off. If the Northeast is not operational, it is going to affect your clients. So, it means that for people who produce goods, you cannot ship to a lot of states in the Northeast. That has already hit their bottom line. Telecom masts are being sabotaged. It affects everybody, which is why we are really hoping that the government would step up and curb the scourge. This is an issue that affects our means of livelihood.

which comprised the executive council and members of the board of trustees. Chijide thanked the governor for his generosity, saying the land would be used as the regional headquarters of the association in the Southeast. He also thanked the governor for hosting the association despite the short notice. He praised the governor for appointing a member of OAAN, Mr. Theo Ekechi, as commissioner for Information. During the business meeting of the AGM, the association inducted three new members and upgraded four others. The inducted agencies include Spot On Media Limited, Eminem Global Concept Limited and Giottos Graffix Display Limited. Four agencies were upgraded into full membership of the association. They are Spread Out Limited, Ex-Summit Limited, Malleable Communications and Touch Points Limited.

FirstBank unveils First Academy

IRSTBANK Nigeria is set to strengthen its market penetration through First Academy. First Academy is aimed at enhancing the management techniques of employee, through motivation, and leadership development. The bank said First Academy, an affiliate of the Global Association of Corporate Universities & Academics (G–ACUA), and the World Institute of Action Learning (WIAL), is seeking to combine corporate training with the discipline and rigour of academic learning in the bank to achieve the global brand status of the bank. The Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Nigeria Plc, Bisi Onasanya, reiterates the relevance of the academy. He said: “The academy is committed to attracting and retaining the best human capital available in the banking market while a platform is also provided through the academy to hone the skills, knowledge and capabilities of their workforce for competitive

advantage.” The bank’s Head of Human Capital Management and Development, Ayodele Jaiyesimi, said the academy arose from the need for the Learning and Development Unit in the Human Capital Management and Development Department to support growth across the bank’s businesses and address the training needs of the group. Jaiyesimi said the ultimate focus of the academy is the emergence of a learning structure built around behavioural standards or competencies required by staff to achieve the bank’s strategic objectives and business priorities. “The idea of the academy was conceived as a result of the need to maintain a high-performance workforce that connects with the imperatives of the bank’s vision and corporate strategies. ‘Talent development has been an integral part of the success of FirstBank over the years, making the bank a constellation of leading professionals in the sector,” she said.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326

SHOPPING

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

Dubai to build ‘Mall of the World’ I

S there anyone who feels like going shopping in a big way? Dubai, United Arab Emirates is the place to go. It is set to build the biggest mall in the world, one that would house 100 hotels, eight million square feet of stores and retail outlets, a wellness centre, a theme park and other features. The emirate hopes to attract 180 million visitors yearly to the proposed Mall of the World to capitalise on “the growth in family and retail tourism,” Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said. Plans from developer Dubai Holding call for the mega mall to be temperature controlled for a year-round tourism, shielding those who come in summer from the big heat. But it’s not like there’s a shortage of places to go shopping in Dubai. The Dubai Mall, which claims to be the largest shopping mall in the world based on square feet, houses 600-plus stores and retailers, an ice rink, an aquarium, water fountains and waterfalls, a gold souk and more. The new mall would up the ante. With 20,000 hotel rooms at hand, you could stay for a week and never have to get into your car. Four miles of streets and promenades — covered in summer to keep it cool, open-air in winter — connect the different elements of the mall. Proposed features include: replicas of the world-famous shopping districts like Ramblas Street in Barcelona and Oxford Street in London; the world’s largest theme park (though no further details were released); a theatre district for cultural events; a wellness area that provides holistic treatments, including surgical options and cosmetic procedures. No price tag was mentioned, but the Wall Street Journal reports that the mega mall would cost $6.8 billion. Dubai will now boast of the largest mall on earth to be named as ‘Mall of the World’ that will add further glitz to the already attractive emirate. Mall of the World, which will be capable of receiving 80 million visitors annually, will present an attractive mix of international and regional brands. One of the biggest attractions at Mall of the World will be a park, expected be 30 per cent bigger than Hyde Park of London. With an aim to offer top-notch entertainment facilities, Mall of the World will be connected to a family entertainment centre to be developed in collaboration with Universal Studios International. Expected to attract six million visitors annually, the entertainment centre will be the largest in the region. Additionally, the mall will boast of 100 hotel facilities. With tourism in Dubai growing at a rapid pace – 13 per cent annually – and likely to receive 90 million passengers at the Dubai airport within the next six years – the hotel will be equipped to accommodate large number visitors. Setting new benchmarks in urban development in the region, the recently announced ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid City’ – that will house Mall of the World – by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin

• Dubai biggest mall.

Ebola: Sanitary sales rise Few weeks after the deadly Ebola epidemic hit Lagos, top online shopping firm Kaymu.com.ng reports a rise in the purchase of sanitary supplies by Lagosians. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes. OLLOWING the death of Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian born American who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on July 20 and died five days later, the awareness about the fatal virus has spread like wild fire. This can be accredited to the prompt actions taken by the Lagos State government to inform Lagosians about the severity of the virus and the continuous coverage of the situation by local and foreign media. According to a statement by Kaymu, online search for hand sanitiser on the platform has increased by 130 per cent in the past week and sales of hand washes and lotions have increased significantly. Managing Director of Kaymu Nigeria, Evangeline Wiles, said: “It is very encouraging tosee that Lagosians are taking the news of this outbreak seriously. Lagosians and Nigerians in general are advised to take to

the precautionary measures communicated by health officials, such as frequently washing hands, to ensure the virus is contained and possibly eradicated.” The Ebola virus is primarily transmitted through contact with body fluids of infected persons, with the skin and mucous membranes being the main routes of entry. As a result, the public is cautioned to sanitise their hands and immediate surroundings as often as possible. Meanwhile, supermarkets in the Lekki area of Lagos have recorded massive sale of hand sanitisers so much so that the demand far outweighs the supply. According to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, one of the doctors that treated Sawyer, the casualty of the first recorded case of Ebola in the country, had contracted the virus, while another is showing symptoms and about seven other persons who came into contact with Sawyer, and had developed the Ebola symptoms, had been quarantined

while 70 others were under surveillance. The virus may be spreading quickly this season, but if sales of hand sanitiser are any indication, germaphobia has already infected every corner of America. The nation’s hands are saturated with the ethyl-alcohol-based bacteria beater, studies show. Hand sanitiser sales totaled $173.5 million in 2012, up less than one per cent versus the year before, according to SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago, Ill.-based market research firm. That figure — which accounts for purchases made at supermarkets, drug stores and mass market retailers — is actually down 42 per cent from the 2009 peak of $301 million (prompted by the swine-flu outbreak). “We would have to see something pretty dramatic for hand sanitizers to reach those levels again,” says Josh Green, chief executive officer, Panjiva, a company that tracks consumer products imports.

Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, will offer world-class facilities. This large-scale project will be jointly undertaken by Dubai Holding, a conglomerate owned by the Dubai government, and real estate firm Emaar Properties. The development plans for the new city will be segregated along four lines – family

tourism, retail, art galleries and a unique area providing an integrated environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. Located between Emirates Road, Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, the Mohammed Bin Rashid City will be connected to Downtown Dubai and Business Bay through a crossing to be named as

the ‘Cultural Crossing’, which will include art galleries, creating the largest area for arts in the region. In keeping with the emirate’s vision towards 2030 and to boost the UAE’s economy, this new city will play a pivotal role in placing Dubai as the capital of entrepreneurship, arts, culture and family tourism.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

•Ogunsakin

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

PAGE 29

KIDN APPING KIDNAPPING

BAYELSA SUBEB

BABY TIMO THY TIMOTHY

RIVERS State Commissioner of Police Tunde Ogunsakin is waging war against kidnappers who have seen in the state a good ground. With a campaign targetted at kidnappers, statistics show the kidnappers are losing the fight.

The Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Walton Liverpool, has been in the eye of the storm. He speaks on the state of emergency declared in the state’s educational sector and crisis rocking SUBEB.

LITTLE Timothy Atoe is quite young to be aware of his current predicament. He is yet to know the importance and function of a missing vital organ in his body because he is just three years old. His problems? Timothy was born without the male organ. He has in its place a lump and little testicles. •PAGE 31

•PAGE 32

•Visible hydrocarbon pollution on surface water in Ogoniland

•Liverpool

•PAGE 33 •Timothy

PHOTO: UNEP

Three years after UNEP Report... Ogoniland mourns inaction • YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Three years after UNEP Report, Ogoniland mourns inaction Three years after the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a scientific report detailing decades of devastating oil spill and its subsequent hardship on Ogoni land, environmental monitoring groups have released a report indicating that Shell and the Federal Government have done nothing to clean up Ogoni land, SEUN AKIOYE reports

HE 17-page report gave a damning verdict: No Progress. It was an evaluation of the implementation of a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on environmental assessment of Ogoniland. Three years after the report was released and after the Federal Government and multinational oil company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) promised to implement the recommendations, the environmental justice groups had just one conclusion for the stakeholders: Failed. The groups: Environmental Rights Action (ERA), the Center for the Environment, Human Rights and Development, Friends of the Earth Europe, Platform and Amnesty International were unequivocal in their condemnation of government's insensitivity to the plight of the Ogoni people.

Ogoni: The curse from oil The Ogoni live on approximately 400 square miles or 1,000 square kilometers of land east and southeast of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. According to the 2006 census, the Ogoni population is approximately 832,000 people. Oil was first discovered in Ogoni land at Bomu in 1958. According to Shell, 634 million barrels of oil valued at US$5.2 billion were taken from Ogoniland from 1958 - 1993 when production was halted following series of protests against the company. Although oil has not been produced in Ogoniland since 1993, there are regular oil spills from aging and poorly maintained oil pipelines. Perhaps, nowhere is this more pronounced than Bodo community in Ogoni land. In 2008, two massive oil spills from the Trans-Niger pipeline devastated the Bodo coastline destroying every living thing in the river. While the community was still dealing with the spill another from the Trans-Niger pipeline at Koloma-Zommadom road rocked the community, this time shaking the community to its very foundation. Bodo is on its kneels. The mangrove, the river and life as it used to be have been turned upside down. A mainly fishing community, the fishing industry has completely collapsed. After the 2009 oil spill, the Bodo people began to cut whatever tree was left of their forest, park them in canoes and sail to other communities to sell. The once proud people were humbled. Bodo's devastation is only a part of the entire catastrophe that befell the Ogoni land, courtesy of decades of oil spill in the region. In a detailed scientific evaluation, the UNEP enumerated how the Ogoni landscaped has been raped by oil spill. But the people of Bodo are not taking the rape lying low. After the 2009 oil spill the community instituted what has been termed the largest environmental trial in history in a United Kingdom court. The community asked for a payment of three hundred million Pounds Sterling as compensation for the twin oil spill, a claim Shell was

quick to dismiss as "exaggerated." However, Shell accepted responsibility for the oil spill and offered to pay the sum of $51million as compensation to the community. The Managing Director of Shell, Mutiu Sunmonu said: We want to compensate fairly and quickly those who have been genuinely affected and to clean up all areas where oil has been spilled from our facilities, including the many parts of Bodo which have been severely impacted by oil theft, illegal refining and sabotage activities. We hope the community will now direct their UK legal representatives to stop wasting even more time pursuing enormously exaggerated claims and consider sensible and fair compensation offers."

•Ogoniland’s Ogoniland’s paramount ruler: King Godwin Giniwa

•UNEP’s recommendations

•An aerial view of polluted Ogoni water

PHOTOS: UNEP

One report, global outrage The final report from the field monitors who for 14 months laboured to evaluate the environmental devastation visited on Ogoniland was not sanguine about its findings. No part of Ogoni land was spared as the devastation took hold on air, land and the sea. The economic impact was devastating, according to reports, almost everyone in Ogoni live below $2 per day. Fishing activities which is the primary occupation in the region has been reduced to the barest and live in Ogoni is hard. "It is clear from UNEP's field observations and scientific investigations that oil contamination in Ogoniland is widespread and severely impacting many components of the environment. The Ogoni people live with this pollution every minute of every day, 365 days a year. Since average life expectancy in Nigeria is less than 50 years, it is a fair assumption that most members of the current Ogoniland community have lived with chronic oil pollution throughout their lives," the report says. The report had only knocks for Shell and the Federal Government for decades of pollution in Ogoniland. It said the cleanup would take 30 years and a bill of $1billion. UNEP Executive Director, said Nigerians had "paid a high price" for the economic growth brought by the oil industry." The report found heavy contamination of land and underground water courses, sometimes more than 40 years after oil was spilled; community drinking water with dangerous concentrations of benzene and other pollutants; soil contamination more than five metres deep in many areas studied. The report also indicated that most of the spill sites oil firms claimed to have cleaned still highly contaminated and found evidence of oil firms dumping contaminated soil in unlined pits. In many places water coated with hydrocarbons more than 1,000 times the level allowed by Nigerian drinking water standards and indicted Shell for failing to meet minimum Nigerian or own standards. Environmental activists in Nigeria are gearing up for another round of battle after the government and oil

•Ogoni: no more healthy fishes for the net to catch

company failed to implement any aspect of the report. Recently, during an activity marking the third year of the release of the report, Ogoni indigenes demanded a $100billion restoration and compensation fund for Niger Delta. Understandably, there was frustration written all over the people of Ogoni and other environmental activists who had gathered in solidarity with the people. Prominent among this group is the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN),Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo. Ojo has been a lifelong environmental activist and for many years a fierce opponent to the activities of the oil companies. Uyi berated the Federal government and the oil company for this failure and lack of transparency in dealing with the Ogoni devastation. "Shell would not obey the laws of Nigeria and would not accede to the implementation of the report recom-

mendations. We reiterate our demands, among others, that the Ogonis in collaboration with other Niger Delta communities and civil society approach the United Nations to appoint a Niger Delta Reconciliation and Restoration Commission with autonomy and authority to do so." Ojo then demanded a $100billion cleanup fund for the region:"We are not only demanding $1bn for the Ogoni environment restoration but the sum of $100bn restoration fund for the Niger Delta to address clean-up, restoration and compensation."

How the government failed The Federal Government was the first to respond to the findings of the United Nations investigative team after a detailed report was forwarded to the presidency. While the government did not respond directly to any of the recommendations, it set up processes designed to take the report forward. Following the presentation of the

•Ogoni protesters

report, the government set up a committee chaired by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Allison Madueke. The primary objective of the committee was to review the UNEP report and make recommendations on the remedial and long-term solution. However, the content of the report of the committee which was submitted to the President in May 2012 has never been published and its result unknown. One year after UNEP report and following prompting from civil society organisation, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, established the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) with a pledge to fully implement the UNEP report. The mandate of the body include: To investigate and evaluate all hydrocarbon polluted communities and sites in Nigeria and make recommendations to the Federal Government; to re-

store all communities and sites established as impacted by hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria, and any/all matters that the Federal Government may assign to it, finally to implement the actionable recommendations in the UNEP Assessment Report on Ogoniland. While HYPREP has been involved in the implementation of some emergency measures, it has been largely criticized for not doing anything meaningful to address the major issues raised in the UNEP report. By the end of July 2014, according to Amnesty Internation, no local organisation working in Ogoni is aware of any meaningful work done by HYPREP. Since its publication, Shell has taken the report and the recommendations with a pinch of salt. Over the three year period, it had disputed many of the claims and has done its best to distance itself from the report. The company's overall response is to note that "the UNEP report was commissioned by

•Ogoni men and women protesting

and delivered to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Many of the most important UNEP recommendations - such as the creation of an Ogoniland Environmental Restoration Authority and an Environmental Restoration Fund for Ogoniland - are directed at the government and require the government to take the lead to co-ordinate the activities of the many stakeholders involved. Other recommendations concern the Ogoniland community, the oil industry operators and SDPC." In 2011, Shell announced that it has hired a company called the Bureau Veritas to verify the oil spill investigation system. The report of Veritas despite repeated request from Amnesty International has not been made public. Shell has also debunked the claim that its operations resulted in oil spill instead blaming oil theft and the issues of sabotage as the main cause of oil pollution in Ogoni. But the report from Amnesty International and its partners

debunked the claims. "While Shell is quick to point to sabotage as a problem, the company has failed to take appropriate action to prevent it. For example, as noted above, when Shell left Ogoniland it did not properly decommission its facilities, leaving them vulnerable to illegal tapping and sabotage - and leaving communities exposed to the associated risks. This is completely contrary to internationaloil industry standards as well as international standards on business and human rights, both of which require that Shell exercise adequate due diligence in relation to prevention of sabotage and the associated human rights and environmental risks." The report also faulted Shell's position on UNEP finding saying Shell has the responsibility to clean up the spill even if it is from a third party. "One of the most serious findings of the UNEP repor t is in relation to Shell's failure to clean up properly.

Under Nigerian law the operating company is responsible for cleaning up oil spills from its facilities, even if the spill is the result of third-party action. Therefore, the human and environmental impacts of Shell's failure to properly clean up pollution cannot be defended by reference to illegal activity that, allegedly, caused the oil spills," it says. But defending the oil company's position, the Corporate Media Relations Manager of Shell, Mr. Precious Okolobo, in a statement said that neither SPDC nor any other stakeholder is in a position to implement the entirety of UNEP's recommendations unilaterally. Okolobo said three years on from the UNEP report's publication, the SPDC, operator of a joint venture between the NNPC, SPDC, Total and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, had made progress in addressing all the recommendations directed, to it in that publication.

Okolobo: "The majority of UNEP's recommendations require multistakeholder efforts coordinated by the federal government. However, it is important to emphasise that neither SPDC nor any other stakeholder is in a position to implement the entirety of UNEP's recommendations unilaterally." He further stated that SPDC had an activity programme in place, focused on delivering improvements in the environmental and community health situation on the ground. "We continue to work with the government, communities and a number of constructive Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups in the Niger Delta to accelerate progress," he added. But, as legal battle continues in Nigerian and foreign courts over fight for justice in the Niger Delta, the over 800,000 inhabitants of Ogoni land would wake up every day to an environment, polluted by oil giants.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Who will restore Timothy’s manhood?

ITTLE Timothy Atoe is quite too young to be aware of his current predicament. He is yet to know the importance and function of a missing vital organ in his body because he is just three years old. His problems? Timothy was born without the male organ. At the place where there is supposed to be the organ is a lump and little testicles. Test results, according to his mother, Charity, showed that Timothy is a male. The mother said Timothy’s pee used to soak his panties for her to know that he has urinated. Timothy’s supposed male organ is reddish and appears to be growing. Timothy’s problem has been further compounded as a supposed N5 million donated for his surgery has vanished due to ignorance of the mother. Timothy’s plight might have become a meal ticket for perhaps his parents and some greedy persons who pretends to offer help. He was born without penis and after a first operation doctors

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, doctors demanded the sum of N900,000 for a proper surgical operation that would restore the genital organ. His father, a bricklayer, abandoned him to his fate, while the mother who simply identified herself as Charity, said she took the pains to look for fund to carry out the operation. She stormed the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Edo State to narrate her endless quest to find solution to her son’s problem. Charity said she wrote the Edo State government for assistance and after several failed attempts to raise the money in Edo State, she relocated to Lagos State with the hope of getting help at the Synagogue Church of All Nations led by Prophet T B Joshua. She is back from Lagos crying for more help. She is calling on the Police to help her unravel the whereabouts of one Blessing Asatu, whom she alleged eloped with the N5m fund

•Timothy donated for her son’s surgery.

money on this condition. He is a bricklayer and I used to sell garri. I stopped to enable me look for money to take care of Timothy. I have children for two husbands. Two girls for another man and two boys for this man that ran away. I have not seen my husband for the past eight months. I have been to several places and no help came. I have been looking for help for the past three years. “After looking for help in Benin without any forthcoming. I decided to go to TB Joshua church. On my way, someboday said I should go to Redeemed Church. It was where I was to buy sachet water to drink that I met one woman by name Blessing Usatu. “She promised to help me and within few minutes I saw pressmen asking me questions and the report was published the next day alongside my photographs. After two days, I started receiving calls from individuals across the world stating that they have She said: “My husband ran paid money into an account away after he has spent lots of provided alongside the story.

I did not know that the account was in her name. She has a store at Ikeja opposite the Redeem church. We went to the hospital at Lagos and Dr. Bankole asked her to give me the money to go and do the operation in Benin but she refused. I used to sleep at Ijesha outside The Lord Chosen Church. “Somebody brought N600,000 cash which I saw. I was given N100,000 and the woman said she would keep the rest. I later gave her N80,000 out of the N100,000. Whenever I am going for check-up, she would give me N2000. She said I should go and call my husband before she would hand me the money. I went to the Zenith bank and the bank officials my picture was not in the account. I really need help. I do not know that the woman was out to dupe me. I have been calling her and her number is not connecting.” Charity said she was not in possession of copies of the doctor’s report as well the account number used by Blessing to raise fund for her son.

Redefining land management in Cross River The Cross River State government has made land acquisition easy for those interested in investing in the state or settling there, writes NICHOLAS KALU

MAGINE you were in Cross River around, say, 2005 to register your land. The mental stress of the processes you had to get through may be enough to deter you from going ahead. The Ministry of Lands where the exercise was expected to be carried out was enmeshed in bottlenecks. Chances were you would be passed from one office to the other, paying so many different fees, you would even lose count. Many times files that pertained to your case get missing somewhere in the long chain of hands that it had to pass through. Otherwise you would wait endlessly for one to look for a hard copy of your title. Many a times many had thought it wise to abandon the process even after spending so much time and money. Little wonder then that problems relating to land ownership abound. The old system was swallowed up in so much paperwork and bureaucracy and was error-prone, time consuming and frustrating . It was often that you would see two or more people with titles for the same piece of land. It was a situation that created plenty of problems for individuals and government. Fast forward to the present day. With Cross River becoming a destination in the West African sub region, the demand for land has become and

•The Geographic Information centre

the need for proper land management becomes necessary, especially with so many investors knocking on the door. Hence to ensure that every issue relating to land management is streamlined and properly managed to eliminate all problems, the state government had set up the Cross River Geographical Information Agency (CRGIA) to digitally manage every issue related to land. With this development, all the available land in the state is to be digitally captured. The bill establishing the agency was signed into law in July 2012 by the state House of Assembly. The state has shown interest in Geographic Information Systems applications in acquisition of orthophotos in 2001 and 2005, though it was not until 2011 that the implementation of a standard Geographic Information SystemLand Information System (GIS-LIS) platform was initiated. It was implemented with a project name “Cross River Geographic Information Sys-

tems (CRGIS” focusing on the introduction of GIS to various components of LIS such as capturing, processing, managing, analysing and disseminating land information. The project driven by Cross Riverians under the supervision of a consultant, led to the bill that established the agency. It examined all extant laws of the state as well as the laws of the Federal Government pertaining to land and repealed those state laws anachronistic and injurious to modern land administration. Marking a huge departure from the past, one can now an electronic Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) just 21 days after application. This is a process which under the former manual regime could run into years if successful. Again with a policy that no staff of the agency touches cash at any point through the process, the tendency for corruption has been whittled down. Director General of the agency, Dr Clement Oshaka, in an interview, said as an agency that has zero tolerance for corruption, all payments are

•The CRGIA building

made through the bank, and this will enable 100 per cent collection of all monies meant for land transactions and a boost to the internally generated revenue of the state. According to the DG, the agency which serves as a “onestop-shop” for all land transactions in the state has not taken over the duties of the Ministry of Lands. “Rather, we complement them. We work in synergy with them and other relevant agencies. You are aware the world has gone digital and we cannot be left behind,” he said. Oshaka, who lauded the vision of the governor, Liyel Imoke, said: “The agency was set up to ensure that problems related to land management are reduced to the barest minimum. Land is a very important aspect of any human endeavour and needs to be managed properly especially in the light of the increase in demand of land in the state. Land management in the state now is done digitally. With the innovations in the agency one does not need to wait for months or years to get a certificate of oc-

cupancy, but can get it now within 21 days of application.” He said the agency offers bank-able certificate that is tamper-proof, has advanced digital security features that cannot be forged, different types of data analysis, offers town planners, agriculturist and other land users ability to key into world class Geographic Information System. “Today, heritage land is protected by the simple act of registering the property with a little fee. The issuance of land instrument gives all land owners in rural areas access to credit facility from financial institutions, a benefit currently enjoyed only by urban dwellers,” Oshaka said. He noted that CRGIA would ensure that historical data on each plot of land was captured and preserved electronically and hard copies preserved in standard reference archive, maintained in the agency for posterity. As an agency that to boost internally generated revenue also, the DG said it had generated about N300 million for the government in the first quar-

•Oshaka

ter of this year. Beyond the issuance of CofOs, recertification of CofOs, registration of title documents viz-a-viz, processing of land transactions other areas of resource management where GIS can be applied include urban planning, management and policy, environmental sciences, political science and business, he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

10-million man campaign against kidnappers in Rivers landlord At a point Rivers State was almost synonymous with militancy and kidnapping. Militancy gave way later but kidnapping remains. It has, however, reduced drastically in the last two months. A 10-million man campaign launched by Police Commissioner Tunde Ogunsakin promises to further spoil business for the ‘bad boys’, writes PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA

The Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Walton Liverpool, in this interview with MIKE ODIEGWU, speaks on the state of emergency declared in the state’s educational sector and crisis rocking SUBEB.

•Ogunsakin (in uniform) with members of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) at the launch of the anti-kidnapping campaign

•Mrs S. Lulu-Briggs expressing her satisfaction with the campaign

HECK out the cars of many of the rich and famous in Rivers State and chances are that the cars are bullet-proof. It is not that they just wanted to waste their money; it was a guide against kidnappers and other criminals. But while the rich and famous can afford to protect themselves with armoured cars, the poor and the middle class cannot. So, they fell prey to kidnappers. There were even instances where the kidnappers went after the wives, children or relatives of the rich who hid in armoured cars. At least 20 people were kidnapped monthly before things began to change in February. The end seems here for kidnappers. Rivers Police Commissioner Tunde Ogunsakin last Friday launched a one million man anti-kidnapping campaign. Already, prominent indigenes of the state, such as Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, have signed the register, volunteering to give information that will help police nail kidnappers. Prominent youth organisations, such as the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), have also signed up to the campaign. Speaking at the launching of the campaign, Ogunsakin described the initiative as “the first of its kind in the history of the Southsouth”. He said: “This gathering is reminiscent of the January 10, 1920 League of Nations meeting to put a stop to a general enemy of mankind; war at the time. This initiative would not have come at a better time than now seeing that we are hard-pressed to take a definite and collective stand against our common foe; Kidnapping. “The relationship between both occasions of history is marked with a determination to achieve sustainable results. For the former, success was recorded when the all powerful United Nations was ultimately formed to forestall any future world war. As it concerns our cause today, victory will be achieved when we bring Kidnappers to their knees and make this State a haven of peace and order. This task seems enormous but dwindles in magnitude when we pool efforts together. “ I am sure you all must be wondering why we chose to adopt this strategy of bringing people to discuss and find lasting solutions to the blowing wind of kidnapping. The answer is simple; we need to see the crime from different perspectives so as to obtain a holistic approach to tackling it. It is important to opine at this point that the Rivers State Police Command has identified a need to place more emphasis on prevention of the crime as we continue in our post kidnap re-

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW Jonathan’s school, SUBEB and I, by Liverpool

•A cross-section of guests at the event

sponse. We also see the pressing need to involve the general public in combating the menace.” Ogunsakin said when he resumed as CP in Rivers last February kidnapping was the most worrisome crime he was confronted with. The figures were just alarming. Over 20 cases were reported monthly, with the victims cutting across every age grade, religion, creed and social status. He added that people in government and businesses were not spared by the kidnappers. “As Police officers, my men (Anti Kidnapping Unit in particular) and I

•Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru signing the 10million man register. With him is Senator Sekibo.

were deeply concerned and began conscious efforts to reduce the crime. I announce to you today that we have been able to reduce the crime by over 50 per cent with less than 10 cases recorded monthly. Even this doesn’t suffice for us, as a single case is bad enough. “Kidnapping as we all know is a big phenomenon affecting every organisation, individual and community. Kidnappers hide under the façade that justice and equitable distribution of natural resources is a farce in our soci-

ety and as such they are free to grasp as much as they can, while they can. The quest for immediate wealth is also a major cause of the increase in this crime in Rivers State. “ He referred to a September 14, last year report by The Economist which shows that Nigeria contributes 26 per cent of cases of kidnapping globally and has been recently tagged the second most dangerous place to live in largely because of the spate of crimes, including kidnapping. Ogunsakin said: “This has coincid-

ed with a drop in the nation’s Foreign Direct Investment by $2.6bn in the last three years. I will make bold to state at this point in my speech that Rivers State, the Southsouth and Nigeria’s development in general are under attack by various forms of criminal activities with terrorism/kidnapping at the top of the list. We cannot surrender to it; neither can we relent in our crusade against it. “The “STOP KIDNAPPING campaign” is not a mere campaign. It’s our noble effort in taking policing above

the present bar of arresting, investigating and prosecuting, to a point where the community is viewed as one impregnable tool for policing. As earlier pointed out; emphasis on prevention is paramount. The campaign is one of the humble attempts of the Police in Rivers State to create awareness and point to information sharing as a key to successfully ending this scourge. Members of the public are to be vigilant and cooperative at the same time. Every one of you here is a stakeholder in this effort and the time to

view the Police as a friend is now.” The campaign is to be launched in the Area Commands and Divisions to encourage citizens to file complaints. Part of the plan is to also get the people to march in solidarity through the streets of Rivers State and sign a 10million man register in support of the campaign. The campaign also integrates churches and other religious bodies because “the family and religious bodies still serve as very powerful tools in the socialisation and acculturation of our children and youth”.

FERMA intervenes on Akwa Ibom federal roads

HE Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced work on EkparakwaIwukem-Azumini road; Ikot Ekpene - Umuhia road and Aba-Ikot Ekpene- Itu road. The Board member representing South South Zone on FERMA, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Nkanga, who was an Ex-Military Administrator in Akwa Ibom State, explained that FERMA acted on Presidential Directive ordering it to

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

unlock the state from the poor conditions of the roads surrounding it. According to him, the Federal Ministry of Works had been working on the roads but the contracts were re-awarded due to poor performance of the contractors handling the road projects. He said: "You may have noticed particularly those of you from this environment that for some time now Akwa Ibom State has basically literally been locked out because of the poor condition of the Federal

Roads beyond the state. "The roads in the state are all nylon tarred but beyond the state we cannot say the same. But there is a Presidential Directive that FERMA must stepped in immediately to unlock the state from the poor conditions of the roads surrounding it. "With the Presidential Directive, I need to let you know that Federal Ministry of Works has actually been working on those roads, contracts were awarded but because of poor performance of the contractors those contracts have been terminated.

"FERMA couldn't have been working on those roads at the same time Federal Ministry of Works is working on the roads. We have three different contractors working on those roads now. Zerock Contruction Nigeria Limited is to handle Ekparakwa-IwukemAzumini road; Walltown Stone Nigeria Limited is to handle Ikot Ekpene - Umuhia road while Mothercat Nigeria Limited is to handle Aba-Ikot Ekpene- Itu road. "Within this August break and into the dry season those roads must be clearly motorable that is the

matching order that have been given and some of the contracts have now been re-awarded within the last three weeks to a month and I am very sure that those roads will be motorable and Akwa Ibom state will be unlock as it were." While calling on the Federal Government to improve her maintenance culture on the existing federal roads, Nkanga argued that if more money is given to FERMA to maintain the roads, the country would have saved more than constructing new roads. His words: "What we are doing is

an intervention by FERMA. FERMA is not coming to put brand new roads but it is an intervention so that people can make use of the those roads until a decision will be taken on how it will be done for a more permanent solutions. "In other countries, more money is spent on maintenance of the existing roads. When you hear people asking for the opening of new roads it is because the existing roads have dilapidated to a point that they cannot make use of it again. If you pay attention to maintenance in this country, we will be better off."

HAT was the nature of Educational system in Bayelsa State prior to the Inauguration of this present board? Actually, we came into existence in August 6, 2012 after our Governor Serike Dickson declared a state of emergency in our educational sector. The educational system was in the state of comatose and the children were learning under leaking thatched roofs. The system was collapsed. We just felt that it is not good enough for the state. In our first SUBEB quality assurance meeting, Bayelsa came least out of the 36 states in the country. We had to tell them that we just came on board and that if they could give us some times, we would meet up with whatever expected standard and actually in not less than two years Bayelsa has moved from the least performing state to the number 10th position in the country. These were the achievements we recorded within this period. Actually the governor in our assumption in office paid a counterpart fund of 1.8 billion Naira which was Bayelsa’s share. With that, we have been able to construct 200 primary schools across the state. We did not end there; some mega projects that were abandoned before we came in were activated. We mobilised the contractors to start working on the schools. Most of them that could not meet our standard, we revoked their contracts and gave them to other contractors and today out of 25 ongoing projects we have successfully completed 21 of those schools here in Yanegoa .All the completed schools contain 12 classrooms, 23 toilets, a multi-purpose hall ,for primary school pupils which is as big as the banquet hall and an ICT hall where primary school pupils can access the internet right in their school here in Yenagoa and even teachers research room which is also computerized at present. Now when you look at the headmaster’s office, you can confuse it with that of the commissioner’s office. There is no school in the country that can measure up with the schools we have built in Bayelsa state not even in Rivers State. We have seven of these schools in Yenegoa metropolis. We have in Okolobiri , Opolo, Zarama, Biogbolo, Agudiama Epie and Ekpetiama. We have installed 75KVA sound-proof generators in all the schools we have mentioned. We have also dug boreholes to regularly supply water to avoid messing up the environment. Are these schools operating now? Yes. You can take a ride to all the newly constructed schools in the metropolis. You will see that we have installed generators in all the schools because without them, the internet cannot be accessed. So, if you go to Brass, we have one in Twon Brass, another in Okpoma in Nembe, we have one. In Southern ijaw, we have in Amasoma and Oporoma. Tha is the success we recorded which made us to attain such height in the educational sector in the country. These schools are built with headmasters’ quarters. The governor approved 400 projects which include 400 headmasters’ quarters built across the state and if you go round the schools you hardly see a school without a headmaster’s quarters although we haven’t completely built such quarters in all schools because we have over 540 primary schools. The remaining ones will be done or completed with the 2014 intervention fund. But pupils are still sitting on the floor in some schools including those

in the primary school attended by President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke. For the President Goodluck Jonthan’s primary school, the governor has directed that the school should be pulled down and rebuilt. So as we talk, they are working on the school. Before the directive was given, more than 200 seats have also been sent to the school. But when I went to the school to see things for myself to know if the furniture was distributed to the children, I discovered that the chairs were surplus and most of them were packed inside a room. They also complained that the school lacked headmaster’s quarters and that we have built headmasters’ quarters in other schools across the state. At the same time, they said there was no land to build on. But when I went behind I saw an old structure there which I pulled down. As we talk now the headmasters’ quarters is almost ready. We are doing a lot of work in Otuoke and by the time we finish with that school, I don’t think any school will be better than that school. On this issue of children sitting on the ground, I want to categorically make a statement that by September this year no child will sit on the ground because we have made adequate arrangement to flood all schools with desks including teachers tables and chairs. The problems we had was the 2012 mighty flood that caused the schools and villages to be submerged by water. Then, if you go to our schools, you would just see only roofs. The whole buildings were inside water while those that were not submerged were used as camping ground for flood victims. We also discovered that women were using our chairs as firewood. This happened even in my own community. When we got back to all these schools, more than half of the seats were broken and used as firewood. There was nothing we could do because the water covered everywhere and there was no room for going into the bush to fetch firewood. So our chairs became firewood. Those were the things we experienced. The modern educational structure we are looking at is a gradual thing. Did you say nothing was done against the people who broke school chairs for firewood? There is nothing we can do about this because these people are villagers. Do you know in a place called Okoroba, a school compound wellcompleted and furnished, the community boys whose houses submerged during the 2012 flood used axe to break into those completed houses and they were sleeping inside those houses within those period. They vandalised a lot of things so when we heard of this incident, we went there with policemen with the intention to round them up but they stood their ground because they preferred to die instead of packing out. They said, ‘we don’t have any place to stay while will you lock all this places up?’ In a place called Odi, the whole Odi community went into that place and they were cooking inside our classroom, that befitting structure we have built. But after everything we asked, the contractors to repaint the structures. Your board is enmeshed in crisis and other members the board are up in arms against you. Has the crisis been resolved? As far as I am concerned, this board has no crisis. People are only trying to create artificial problem. As human

•Liverpool

beings, most times we disagree to agree. The area of disagreement now for example is on the nature of the board. Before now, the board operated in full time and each board member was entitled to an office. But today, the board is now working in parttime and nobody is entitled to a personal office apar from the executive secretary. The amended law is very clear which states that the executive secretary is the Chief Accounting Officer of the board. The law also said that the executive secretary is in charge of the day to day activities and running of the office while other board members are supposed to come to the meetings on quarterly basis. But most of the members do not understand the nomenclature of the board despite the fact that the laws were made available to them. Some are not even willing to read the law. They want to operate like full-time staff and question me on routine administrative matters like giving a teacher query and promotion of staff However, this is my legitimate duty. Mine is to set up a promotion committee, interview them and later present the result to board meetings for them to rectify. Then, letters are issued accordingly. These people are saying that I must invite the board members before taking any decision on who to promote. But this is not how it is done. This is the sole responsibility of the executive secretary. But the board members accused you of taking a critical decision of sacking teachers without informing them. Yes. The teachers were sacked by the board but the board members went behind me, and denied me. Thank God I had the video clips of the meeting, where all their faces, the minutes on how the decision to sack the teachers were taken. This group of people went to the assembly and denied me and this was a set-up. But I stood my ground. It was only one person that stood by me that was how God vindicated me. Also while in the assembly, they interviewed them by asking them ‘how many times we have met for our board meetings?’ They ended up by saying that we have met just thrice but the reality of the matter is that, apart from the last meeting held, this will make it the fifteenth time we have met from the time of inauguration. But if you want to go by the normal meeting it ought to be quarterly that is four times in a year.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT BRIEFLY

FEATURE

Rivers cottage hospital... From five to 367 babies

N four years, the story of a cottage hospital at Obio community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has changed, for good. The community thanks the Rivers State government and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for the good turn. Residents and beneficiaries could not hide their ecitement during the fourth anniversary celebration of the hospital. It all began when in 2011, Obio Primary Health Centre was renamed Obio Cottage Hospital. To date about 45,000 people have benefited from the hospital. Yet, the Health Insurance premium is pegged at N7, 200 per person per year. No wonder the scheme is highly sought. Mrs. Ngozi Onyeala, one of the beneficiaries, said she would forever thank SPDC and Rivers State government. She said: “My mouth cannot express what this hospital has done to me and my family. Those who establish it have done greatly on the side of the Lord. When I newly registered with this hospital, I had no money to register for antenatal or to take some necessary medications for me and my unborn baby. But coming down here, my problem was over; I did not pay kobo when I delivered my baby.” Another beneficiary, Mrs. Rose Nwoka, said: “One thing about Obio Cottage Hospital is that after the initial registration, the hospital will not demand for anything even in a critical condition that required surgery, which for other hospital could have been N300, 000 and above but the hospital will take care of the situation without asking for kobo. So, the women of Obio are saying thank you.” The Medical officer in-Change of Obio Cottage Hospital, Dr. Umejiego Chigozie, said the major challenge is how to attend to the clients with limited staff. He said: “We used to have 20 patients but today the number has tremendously increased. But, we are also working hard to get more doctors. Before now we have only two doctors but today we have eleven doctors; with the help of the commu-

•The women and their kids at the event From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

nity insurance scheme, we are going to have more doctors.” On the area of infant mortality, Dr Chigozie said: “In every centre like this, you must have child mortality, but we have done a lot to reduce child mortality rate. Before now, we used to have five deliveries in a month but now we do have 367 deliveries in a month. This has showed how we have grown since 2010.” SPDC Acting Regional Community Health Manager, Dr. Edet –Edet, while addressing reporters, said the need for accessible healthcare informed the idea to partner with Rivers State government for the benefit of the people. He said: “The SPDC with JV partners renovated the facility in 2006/ 2007 and started working with the I.A GMOU cluster Community Development Board (DCB) in designing and implementing a sustainable health care model that could impact health care in their community. The

Rivers…Between Riverine and Rivers Southeast

S we approach the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, Rivers State is on the spot for a lot of reasons. One, it has enormous voting strength capable of tilting the balance in favour of any political party in Nigeria; two, it has a popular incumbent who understands the levels of power and grassroots mobilisation; three, it is a multiethnic society with different ethnic groups on collision course on whose turn it is to produce the governor; four, the state has enormous human financial resources; and five, the state has wider implications for the larger Nigeria. However, the governorship elections can be narrowed down to a two way battle between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC bench is sparse for good reasons though very formidable. It is sparse because Governor Rotimi Amaechi has control of the party machinery. The PDP has a full house of persons considered to be light weights, most of who may have jumped into the race without thinking through it, something politicians calls battle of second eleven. One unique thing

Obio Community Health Insurance scheme was thus born as a pro-poor programme after Shell conducted an actuarial study which placed the community readiness to pay for Health services at 85 per cent. SPDC in partnership with the Rivers State government and the IA cluster of communities introduced the community Health Insurance Scheme with the goal to develop and implement a scheme which will provide community members with access to efficient and effective healthcare services accessible through sustainably operated healthcare facilities within the communities where they reside. “We have also moved to Rumuokwurusi, within the state there are request from other state pleading to have the programme in their state. We have a big health insurance scheme. Recently we have a roundtable discussion with the Commissioner of Bayalsa State who has seen what we are doing decided to have it in their state. The scheme is now financially independent from SPDC and underpinned by a com-

•Dr. Chigozie

mercial viable business model which ensures the scheme’s long term sustainability.” The highpoint of the occasion include a drama presentation, a lecture, dancing and cutting of the 4th anniversary celebration.

PERSPECTIVE

By Celestine Kiobel

about the PDP candidates, however, is that all are claiming to have been endorsed by President Goodluck Jonathan or the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan. Before Amaechi defected to the APC, Magnus Abe, a senator and Dakuku Peterside, a member of the House of Representatives, were considered clear favourites for the governorship ticket of the PDP. The permutation is that their Senatorial District, Rivers Southeast is the only one yet to produce a governor. When Amaechi moved, the duo moved with him leaving the field open for those considered second 11. Abe and Peterside, tested grassroots mobilisers, were formidable foes to any opponent. Abe's greatest advantage is that he is a media personality and is blessed with the gift of articulation. Peterside is considered humble, God-fearing, deft and a mobiliser. He comes from the riverine part of the Rivers South •Peterside east Senatorial District. Riverine Ijaws and Abe. On the other, if it is decided have been at the fore front of agitation that no upland person should give for governorship of Rivers State, the the APC ticket a shot, then the upland would by next year have had riverine takes the ticket and Dakuku it for sixteen years at a stretch. is the clear favourite. He is the only So, if the pendulum of zoning goes to major contender who is riverine and Southeast Senatorial District, the race is also from the Rivers Southeast for the APC ticket is between Dakuku Senatorial District.

•Abe

For the PDP, it has two big hurdles to face: one is the ability to choose a candidate acceptable to most of the stakeholders from the crowd; and two, what to do with Nyesom Wike, who is Ikwerre like Amaechi. At the last count, PDP has about 18 aspirants. Some of them are Alabo

IYC charts new course From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

THE Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) is charting a new course. Last weekend, the body elected zonal officers, starting with the election of officers into the Central and Western zones. It said it chose to carry out the elections now so as to have a vibrant organisation across the region and in the Diaspora ahead of the 2015 elections. The Western zone officers emerged on Saturday after a keenly contested election held at Ogbe-Ijoh Primary School ground, in Ogbe-Ijoh Local Government Area of Delta State. The election, which was witnessed by the National President of IYC, Comrade Udengs Eradiri alongside the spokesman of the council, Eric Omare and other national officers of the council, was declared free and fair by the chairman of the 7-man electoral committee, Omoro Ogei. Declaring the results, Ogei, flanked by other committee members, said the election was devoid of rancour. According to him, 69 delegates participated in the election from the 23 Clans that were duly certified to vote, adding that in the IYC zoning arrangement, six offices were zoned to Delta State and two zoned to Ondo. Comrade Freeborn Atigbe from Edo State emerged the new executive chairman of the Western zone, beating three other contestants to the position. Others elected to pilot the affairs of the zone for the next three years include: Preye Thomas Koremene (Vice Chairman, Delta), Iwabi Ebigha Ebidaubra (Secretary General, Ondo), Napoleon Kenerekedi (Information Officer, Delta), Ms. Patience Seimode Inigha (Women Leader, Delta), Augustine Ebi-Okporu (Assistant Secretary, Delta), Ms. Esther Ukulor (Treasurer, Delta), Jackson Agbor (Financial Secretary, Delta), Denmene Edwin (Mobilisation Officer, Edo), as well as Loko Kikiranki Ibakeyowei (Student Representative, Ondo). Eradiri said: “It is a fulfillment of the convention we held at Ofunopama, Edo State in June. In that convention, we agreed that all elections should be held in clans, chapters and zones both in Nigeria and in Diaspora.” Paworiso Samuel Horsfall, Dumo Lulu Briggs, Nimi Walson-Jack, Reynolds Dagogo-Jack, Engr. Emma Princewill, Major Lancelot Ayanya, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator George Sekibo, Ateke Tom, Prince Tonye Princewill, Prof. Don Baridam, Senator Lee Maeba, Faafaa Dan Princewill, Hon. Ibinabo Michael West and Nyesom Wike amongst many others. Of the 18 aspirants, more than eleven are from the riverine part of the state considered the natural geo-political zone to produce the next governor. Two are Ogonis, another part of the upland though in Rivers Southeast Senatorial District agitating to produce governor in 2015. The real issue in PDP is who has the will of Jonathan. It is clear to all that Wike is carrying the anointing of the First Lady. The second real issue is the fact that Wike has a stranglehold of the party structure in Rivers State to the exclusion of all other aspirants. There is no doubt that if things continue the way they are now, Wike can start celebrating his emergence as PDP standard bearer in 2015. How the emergence of Wike will translate to votes in the general elections is a different issue. The APC needs to just pick the right candidate from the area that has not had it since 1999, the race is won and lost. It is sure the party to beat. PDP is only struggling. •Comrade Kiobel, a public commentator, writes from Port Harcourt

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HE last time Moseyn Ekiw saw his mother she showed no sign of ailment. That was just a week ago. At 80, she could still break bones with her teeth. Now, he is on his way to the Garden City, the capital of Waters State to see Mama. He received a call early that day that she wanted to see him urgently. His heart was heavy. She is the only parent he has known for a long time. Though his father is alive, he considers him dead. The man is a good example of irresponsibility. He has 20 children from five women and did nothing to raise them. His own case was the most pathetic because he even denied his pregnancy. It took all kinds of persuasion for him to accept being his father five years after his birth. His emergence as a council chairman after the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) one-year mandatory service worsened their relationship. Every day his father would call him requesting for money and other material things. By the time he became the Controller of Staff to Governor Timiro Ihceama of Waters State, he was no longer on talking terms with the old man. Soon, he drives into his house in the GRA. Mama is in the sitting room eating apple. Smile plays on his face. “Thank God nothing is wrong with her,” he says quietly and moves closer to exchange pleasantries with her. “Welcome my son,” the old woman says. A minute of silence ensues before Mama takes the conversation to a level he never imagined. “The Dame was here,” she says. “Which Dame?” “The most popular Dame in this country, the one whose husband you work for, the one who asked you to vie for governor of Waters State.” “Okay, go on Mama,” he says. “Her mission here is simple. She wants me to convince you to stop preparing for the governorship race. According to her, the mood in the state does not favour someone from the same place as the governor to replace him. She says it is the time of the Riverside People.” At that moment, his eyes feast on the Dame’s picture on the wall. It is one of those her pictures taken by an ace female photographer which gave her beauty she can never have. His eyeballs become heavy with tears. “I have been used and dumped,” he tells Mama. “When she first asked me to go and be causing trouble for the governor all in the name of becoming the next governor, I pointed out to her that the mood in the state is that the People on the land have had enough. That by the time this governor finishes his tenure, they would have done 16 years. I told her the pendulum favours the People on Water but she told me to forget that. She said all I need to become governor is the Goodluck Charm with her husband and that she would get it for me. Now, two months to the emergence of flag-bearers she is sending my mother to me that I should drop

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Goodluck charm ‘

I knew they had no good plan for me when they refused to make me a senior minister despite all I have done to help them break the governor’s stranglehold on the state. They even made a man I convinced to dump the governor a senior minister •Umbrella

out of the race. I knew they had no good plan for me when they refused to make me a senior minister despite all I have done to help them break the governor’s stranglehold on the state. They even made a man I convinced to dump the governor a senior minister. Mama, I have been humiliated by this woman and her husband. If only I had stayed true to the governor.” Tears cascade down his face. “Don’t cry my son,” Mama says. “At some point when I saw that she was going back on the content of a statement she issued saying I was in charge of the Umbrella Peoples Party (UPP) in Water State, I got my loyalists in the parliament to issue a statement saying without me the party would lose the governorship of the state. Mama, I don suffer for these people. Where I go hide my face?”

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

The ‘Stop kidnapping campaign’ is ...our noble effort in taking policing above the present bar of arresting, investigating and prosecuting, to a point where the community is viewed as one impregnable tool for policing __

‘

Rivers State Police CP Tunde Ogunsakin

‘

His phone rings. The caller is the UPP chairman in Water State. “Good day oga,” the chairman greets the junior minister. “Good day,” he manages to sound alright. “I just got a letter from the Dame saying the time had come for us to face reality. She said we must choose our candidate among the People on the Water if we hope to make any headway in this election,” the chairman says. “This woman has finished me. She has finished me. She also came to see my mother to deliver a similar message,” he says. “That is serious. What do we do now?” “I don’t know. I really don’t know.” The conversation ends and he briefs his mother about why the chairman called. His phone rings presently. On the line is his Media Aide.

“Good afternoon sir.” He replies the greeting. “Sir, there is a report in Evening Monitor and Evening Enquirer quoting a letter from the Dame to the chairman on the need for the UPP candidate to emerge from the Riverside. Online papers are quoting it too.” “I will talk to you later,” he cuts off the call. His phone rings immediately. The second phone begins to ring too. The calls are from men who are looking forward to taking active part in his government. He refuses to pick any of the calls. He decides to go get a copy of the Evening Monitor from the news-stand a few blocks away and right there on the front page is his picture with the banner headline : “UPP dumps Ekiw”. A bromide of the Dame’s letter is also on the front page to authenticate their report. There is also an interview with an activist from the Riverside. These words catch his attention: “ The Riverside people in Waters State have every reason to expect to have one of their own leading the state,based on history, fairness and balance. The People on Water are the largest ethnic group in the state with about 10 Local Government Areas and substantial populations in 2 others of 23 Local Government Areas. The other two have less than 5 each. The People on Water are 39.7 per cent of the population of the state. In 1999, Ilido emerged on popular Riverside support. Again in 2007 and 2011,the Riverside people gave the incumbent their mandate.” He goes back to the house to show his mother the paper. As Mama goes through the story, he remembers he once told a group of editors in Lagos that he could never govern the Water State in 2015. “I am from the same place as the governor,” he remembers telling the in his suite in a highbrow hotel on the Island. “Never say never in politics,” he remembers one of the editors saying. “I will be creating problems for myself if I start thinking about succeeding my kinsman,” he remembers saying to close the conversation. Now, he has created problems for himself. He cannot go back to the governor. The trust is broken and he will feel sad if he remains in the cabinet. “Mama, I need to take a break from this madness.” “How do you mean?” asks the old woman. “UNICEF once offered me a job in Paris, which I turned down because of my political engagements. I saw the head of the body in Geneva a month ago and he said they would still be glad to have me. I laughed then because I thought I would never need it. Now, I think I will resign my appointment as minister, move to Paris and start a new life.” He hugs his mother and they both cry. An era has ended. A new one is beginning.

By BOLAJI OGUNDELE

Ugborodo…What can big stick achieve?

OME days back the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta threatened to wield the big stick against recalcitrant side in the Ugborodo crisis. The crisis recently took a turn for the worse with the various acts of arson carried out against each other by members of the feuding factions, resulting in the destruction of houses and cars worth several millions of naira in both Ugborodo and Warri. The recent gale of arsons followed the refusal of members of Aruton quarter of Ugborodo to allow the Navy, led by the Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Navy Captain Musa Gemu, to return some members of the community who have been displaced, citing the need for the people, whom the community is accusing of leading the invasion of Aruton, to atone for the sacrilege before they could be reabsorbed. At a meeting organised by the Navy at the Warri naval base over the weekend, Captain Gemu sounded a note of warning to those working against the implementation of the peace agreement, especially the resettlement of displaced person, not to test the will of the force, giving them a week to sort out the reabsorption disagreement, after which the navy might have to step in to enforce the term. “I am sounding it clearly to the elders, leaders and the youths. This is your last chance. You have one week to go home, sit among yourselves and agree to allow displaced persons return home in peace.

“This is not my personal decision. It is part of the peace accord your leaders on both sides signed with the Federal Government in Abuja. I want to receive a positive feedback at the end of the week. After then, we will not tolerate any more act of lawlessness. It is not the desire of government to apply force. But we would have no other option if you fail to respect peace,” Captain Gemu said. Speaking with this writer in Warri, the leader of one of the warring factions, David Tonwe, said nobody would force the community to reabsorb the displaced until they fulfill the rites required of them by Ugborodo tradition, for the atonement of the sacrilege they committed against the community. Tonwe warned that an attempt to force the community against the dictates of its customs and traditions would not work well. According to him, peace would not be achieved in the community by the use of force, rather the concerned authorities should see to it that the right things were done in the matter. “Some other people have gone through the same process before; the Olaja-Orori went through it, the Eghara-Aja went through. Nobody is above the law and tradition. You are dealing with military people and military people don’t care about whatever you say. What they are saying now is that we want peace and let me tell you, that is where we have problem in this country; the process of achieving peace is not by force, it’s by dialoguing, it’s by negotiation, it’s by dis-

cussing. “Even in the meeting at the naval base, an elderly man stood up, Abeokutan Anderson, and told the naval chief that these people have committed a crime, which is a sacrilege and they need to go and appease the gods of Ugborodo community and they shouted him down there, saying the issue was not for there. You cannot use force, except you want to kill everybody. You are now trying to use force, imposing people so that they can forget about their culture and tradition. “If they want peace, let them follow that process; we don’t even need a naval man to take them back to the community, we don’t need any force to bring them to the community. It is our own custom and tradition,” he said. Chief Emami with Tonwe’s absence at the last meeting, it is clear ehere the problem is. “We are aware that Aruton and Magangho where the violent youths were resisting Navy from resettling displaced persons, are not our stronghold. So, when those who these youths are loyal to continuously stay away from meetings like this, it tells where the problem lies,” he said. With Tonwe rejecting the meeting’s resolution and the one-week ultimatum expiring this weekend , trouble seems ahead. But can wielding the big stick bring about the much-needed peace? It does not look so.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SHOPPING

More Spar Shopping Malls for Port Harcout I

MPRESSED with the patronage from residents of the Garden City, the management of Spar Shopping Mall, which has just opened shop in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, is set to expand to other parts of the metropolis. The International Retail Development Officer of Spar International, Mr Evan Christophides and Artee Group Officer, Mr John Goldsmith made this known in Port Harcourt. Goldsmith told The Nation: “Our expansion plans are both in terms of width and depth of cities and stores. We would be looking at having multiple stores within the same cities to leverage economies of scale along with spreading across cities.” On why Spar came to Port Harcourt, Goldsmith said Artee Industries Limited, a pioneer in retail business, had been operating in Nigeria in the past 26 years with the name “Park n Shop”. Prior to joining Spar International, Park n Shop stores were in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt but since 2010, Artee Industries opened new stores with the name Spar and rechristened the existing ones Spar Park n Shop. He added: “As a part of the pan-Nigeria expansion plan, we will be covering many key cities across Nigeria, and Port Harcourt is definitely one of them.” On the relationship between

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

Artee group and Spar, Goldsmith said Artee Industries took the master franchise of Spar brand from Spar International to Nigeria and that they were working a massive roll out plan of stores under the Spar. He also said: “In the coming years, people across many cities in Nigeria will have a first-hand experience of shopping in Spar.” On the strength of their workforce and how they are coping with them, the Artee group officer explained: “Retail as choice of career is at its infancy in Nigeria and hence we face multiple challenges in terms of well-trained manpower suitable for retail.” They have, however, “worked around it by developing a robust programmed to train and develop the local manpower to global standard”. Christophides said the organisation was founded in 1932 in Zoetemeer, Netherlands by Adriaan van Well. Spar has licences operates in Angola, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Georgia, and Greece. It also operates in Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia,

• Port Harcourt mall

South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Despite the presence of the firm in about 38 countries, the management is not resting on its oars; it is planning to open shops in

which will deliver world-class shopping experience not only to the people of Port Harcourt but to the adjoining places in and around Port Harcourt”. This is because “our endeavour is focused around choice, service and value”, they added.

Benefits of financial inclusion, by experts

Jumia Shopping Festival to boost e-commerce in Egypt

UMIA Egypt announced the launch of the first edition of ‘Jumia Shopping Festival’, the first online shopping festival in Egypt that brings together top brands in all categories – electronics, home and kitchen, health and beauty and others. Over those 10 days, Jumia visitors will encounter discounts up to 80 per cent across different categories that they can avail by making purchases from home, office or even by using their phone, through Jumia’s mobile app or the website. This initiative aims to increase the rate of online shopping and users in Egypt stressing on the idea that online is not only the new way of shopping, but the new way of living. Moreover, with many first-time online shoppers expected to log in, brands and companies are targeting the acquisition of more and more new customers. “With thousands of new Internet users in Egypt every month, Jumia Shopping Festival will be the biggest platform seen in Egypt until now for awareness raising about the usability and practicality of online shopping. With this initiative we are not only increasing the number of online shoppers in Egypt, but also fuelling the growth and sales of local and international companies helping them with brand visibility and traffic,” says Mattia Perroni, CEO at Jumia Egypt. On the initiative, Ahmed Elfiky, online marketing manager, Jumia Egypt, added: “We are excited about this first Jumia Shopping Festival and hopeful of

Qatar, Lebanon, Oman and Georgia later this year or early next year. On the message they have for Port Harcourt residents, they said Spar has come to change the way people shop in Port Harcourt “by creating stores

• Jumia customers in Egypt.

achieving an impressive number of sales and traffic. This will benefit Jumia, the brands and companies, the users and the e-commerce industry as a whole.”

Big year for shopping on mobile phones

s more people become comfortable with the notion of using their mobile devices to shop, families are planning to turn to their handhelds to aid in their shopping. A recent survey in lagos found 30 per cent of smartphone owners shopping for items and researching products using their mobile device. The survey also says, one out of five people will make purchases via their smartphones. While many will simply shop online directly through their smartphone, one-quarter will use their device to find information about a physical store.

ORGING Inclusive growth in payment systems and financial inclusion initiatives in Nigeria’ was the theme of this year’s Business Day Mobile Money Roundtable in Lagos The event, which is in its third edition, was organised by Business Day Media Ltd, the publishers of Business day newspapers,; it was an avenue for mobile money operators, regulators, consumers and journalists to come together and dialogue on how to improve mobile money in Nigeria. Mr Valentine Obi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eTranzact International PLC; Mr Sim Shagaya, CEO of Konga.com; Mr Niyi Ajao, ED(Technology & Operations), NIBSS; Mr Olaoluwa Awojoodu, CEO, CashEnvoy and Mr Emmanuel Okoegwale, Principal Associate, Mobile Money Africa, were among those who attended. Obi kicked off the discussions. The owner of PocketMoni, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed mobile money service, said: “Financial inclusion without value add will not work, and every day at eTranzact we are working on unique solutions that continue to add value to the end consumer.’’ ‘’Over the years, we have worked hard to understand and deploy strategies that have truly helped mobile money grow, and though we have been hit with challenges along the way, we continued to invest financial, educational and other resources to ensure we can reach both the banked and unbanked. He added:‘’For the potential of mobile money to truly explode, it is important that we begin to see it as more than an add-on, but a truly important part of the future of payments in Nigeria. ‘’Right now, teams from PocketMoni are on ground in Kano and Ogun states driv-

By Tonia ‘Diyan

ing mobile money adoption; the project is done in collaboration with EFInA, and we are happy with the results we have seen so far. We believe collaboration can help in building the industry.” Also, Shagaya urged Nigerians to think less of value destruction but more of value creation. He cited China as country where finanicial inclusion has been successful, adding that it opened up the economy. He said: “Human beings are economic animals, and they want value and convenience. We need to rethink mobile experience even on the hard ware basis, and the power of mobile money will truly come alive. Today, 70 per cent of Nigerians will rather pay on delivery, and even though we do not have a problem with this, most of these people still insist on paying cash, but until we can solve some of these underlying issues, we will not be able to truly unlock the potential of mobile payments.” Alao said: “Mobile is a critical technology needed to achieve inclusiveness. Some of the challenges I see are in the way the mobile money solution is communicated to the average man on the street. We, at NIBSS, are committed to ensuring the success of mobile payments in Nigeria, and we have been working closely with providers like eTranzact and the banks to ensure that we truly achieve the set out goals for mobile money.” Okoegwale harped on the importance of collaboration among the players to achieve success. Iheukwumere, Manager, Conferences/ Enterprise and Promotion, Business Day, who served as the moderator of the event, urged stakeholders to help in achieving mobile money goals in the coming year.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

Post-harvest handling of rice in many parts of the country is still primitive. To redress the situation, scientists at the National Cereal Research Institute in Badeggi, Niger State, are working on how to increase rice production by tackling post-harvest losses. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

•The developed threshers

• Ukwungwu

• Danbaba

How to tackle rice post-harvest losses R

ICE is a staple food consumed in many homes. But since the decline in its production, the government has been trying to bridge the deficit. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina describes rice importation as a “prodigal economy,’’ saying Nigeria has no business importing the commodity when it could be grown in all parts of the country. To reverse the trend, Adesina is enjoining producers to aim at attaining self-sufficiency by adopting technologies and good practices geared towards improving productivity. Indeed, producing enough rice to feed the ever growing population is a big task. By the end of this century, analysts say there will be four times as many people to feed in Nigeria as there are now. With this, it is clear that farmers will need to increase their food production. The speed of this population growth is visible. But the farmers that will make this happen are facing a lot of challenges. For instance, in some areas in the North, there is growing need for rehabilitation of irrigation facilities to ensure that farming communities are served adequate water supply. Once this is addressed, new hectares can be opened up for rice production, resulting in an increase in area to be harvested. While non availability of irrigation systems is a critical issue, post-harvest losses has been identified as one of the major hindrance to rice selfsufficiency. This takes the form of reduction in weight and quality during drying and milling and in value of paddy while harvesting. These losses mean a reduction in farm income. Poor harvesting means not all grains or potentially useful straw is harvested. Such losses are compounded if threshing is inefficient at separating the grain or it produces damaged and split grains susceptible to storage damage and of lower marketable value. If inefficient post-harvest handling is to be addressed, it will require providing farmers with affordable equipment and facilities. The Executive Director, Na-

tional Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi,Niger State, Dr Mark Ukwungwu shares this opinion. Addressing a national workshop for the Fabrication of ASI Thresher under AfricaRice Project organised by the institute in Badeggi, Niger State, Ukwungwu said manual harvesting was not helping the rice industry to achieve its goal. Therefore, the partnership between the institute and AfricaRice, Benin Republic was aimed at reducing this burden and improving the usable yields and marketability of rice. The partnership, he noted, has developed a technical solution that is affordable, locally-constructed and acceptable to everyone in the rice-growing community. Where manual threshing yields one tonne of paddy per day, ASI produces six tonnes of paddy. With a grain-straw separation rate of 99 per cent, no additional labour is required for sifting and winnowing. A high internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit cost ratio made ASI extremely attractive for use. When ASI works for 90 days, the benefit cost ratio reaches 2.3, well above standard guidelines. The economic life of an ASI is assumed to be five years. Overall labour demand is lower with the technology, eliminating one of the most back-breaking tasks for women and children, and freeing family labour for other activities. For the investor, the potential returns on ASI are greater than with the alternatives under similar conditions. This is because working faster lessens post-harvest delays that can affect grain quality. In addition, higher quality grain is a prerequisite for competitiveness against imports that cost the nation huge foreign exchange. The project, according to Ukwungwu, was conceptualised to build on and expand the successes of earlier projects such as the USAID-funded Emergency Rice Initiative, NERICA Rice Dissemination Project of Africa De-

velopment Bank and other similar projects earlier commissioned, by addressing critical rice post-harvest handling, valueadded product development and marketing constraints. In line with the Federal Government Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), he said NCRI has strategised its research and development (R&D) activities to meet the challenges of global warming, consumer demand and social needs through resultbased, multi-disciplinary approach, cost-effective and adoptable research, with the overall aim of combating hunger, improving yield of its mandate crops and general improvement of postharvest system to reduce losses. To this end, he said NCRI-Rice processing technology is being perfected through the addition of destoner and paddy cleaner, while, high yielding, stress tolerant varieties are being developed for release to mitigate the effect of drought and iron toxicity in endemic areas. He said the Food Technology and Value-addition Programme was created in the Research Outreach Department of the institute to lead research and development through the transformation of primary agricultural produce into value-added products required to alleviate malnutrition and hunger, raise income of rural farming families and general improvement of agrobased industries. The training, organised by the institute, he noted would go a long way in achieving the mandate and putting smiles on the faces of small rice farmers. Ukwungwu added that it will also create jobs for young men and women benefitting from the training, who are expected to train more Nigerian to benefit from the project. He thanked the government and people of Canada, Africa Rice Center, Desfabeng Nigeria Limited Bida, and Hanigha Engineering Limited Kaduna for their financial and technical support to the project. He assured that NCRI will do all within the project document

to achieve the expected outcomes. Project Coordinator, Food Technology and Value addition Program, NCRI, Danbaba Nahemiah said policy interventions in the rice sector after the 2008 crisis focused mainly on increasing farmlevel production, while little attention was paid to post-harvest handling, processing and rice marketing issues, which play major roles in the final retail price and in the incentives for farmers to grow rice. He said improved handling practices and technologies can significantly increase overall rice productivity by reducing rice paddy and grain losses due to poor harvesting and rice processing technologies. Nahemiah noted, however, that many of the good harvest and postharvest handling and timing practices developed by agriculture research and development centers are not available to most farmers, local artisan and local agricultural machinery manufacturing companies. To this end, he said the institute has intensified the transfer of technology to farmers to pave the way to a more empowered rice sector. He said the institute received funding and technical support from AfricaRice and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to implement the project tagged: “Enhancing Food Security in Africa through the improvement of Rice post-harvest handling, marketing and the Development of new rice-based products.” About 32 local artisans, he said are had trained and about 20 has earlier been trained by Africa Rice, NCRI and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation(NCAN). “It is intended by the end of the year, the trainees will step down the training to about 100 other artisans,” he said. In 2011, he said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development initiated and launched the RTA aimed at transforming the rice value-chain through increased efficiency. The thresher, he explained , would certainly improve efficiency in rice threshing and cleaning,reduce human labour, enhance the quality of the threshed

paddy with minimal breakage , reduce the possibility of stones and soil contaminating the paddy. “On the overall, the introduction of the thresher/cleaner will reduce cost of rice production through the use of appropriate, simple, cost effective technologies,”he added. He noted that government investment in the rice sector has started to yield results as available statistics indicated that last year through the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, about 400,000 farmers took part in the scheme with estimated paddy output of 1.6 million metric tonnes. “Today, the estimated paddy output in Nigeria produced through rain-fed and irrigated production practices and by both GES and non GES farmers have reached about 8 million metric tons which close to the national target of 9.0 million metric tons by 2015. This growth in production must be accompanied by improved technology to handle the volume of harvest, hence the critical the critical need the training will fulfill, “ he said. With current level of government investment and policy framework put in place, private sector investment in production and post-production will no doubt facilitate the achievements of the RTA in no distance future. Under this project, he said significant number of researchers have received training on improved postharvest practices, rice grain quality evaluation, development of rice-based value added products and policy analysis. Information on the level of postharvest losses at all levels of rice post-production is also being generated to facilitate possible and appropriate interventions area. Hessaid the initiative provided opportunities for all stakeholders in the rice sector to show what they could do to improve their harvest and reduce production cost. He thanked the Africa Rice Centre, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the management of NCRI, the minister and private sector partners for their support.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS

Ebola: Govt urged to ban food import T

O prevent the spread of Ebola through farm produce, the Federal Government has been advised to ban the importation of certain foods. According to Prof Tola Atinmo, immediate past chairman, Federation of African Nutrition Societies, agricultural and health watchdogs must keep an eye on poultry to prevent contaminants in dairy products that can create an environment for Ebola to prosper. He said adultrated food could contain poisonous substances which may render it injurious to health. To ensure that the disease is not spread through bush meat, he said

Stories by Daniel Essiet

meat should come from regulated, government-inspected slaughter facilities. He urged food retailers and growers to move to ease consumer concerns over the safety of their products. Fruit and vegetables should be produced on farms that are managed by safety conscious growers, Atinmo said. He said the country of origin tests must be conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies to find cases of misleading origin claims.

Atinmo said tests and investigations must be done to trace documents and analyse the accuracy of food samples. He stressed the need to ascertain whether people were receiving accurate information on the origin of their food and where the results are good for consumers and businesses. According to him, it is vital that consumers are provided with a true picture as to where the food they buy comes from. Ebola is a severe, often-fatal disease in humans and non-human primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees) that has appeared sporadically since its initial emergence in 1976.

Beef shortage looms in North

IGERIANS should expect beef shortage following increasing insecurity in the North, the Programme Coordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr Victor Olowe has said. The shortage may hit the region if the government does not protect cattle farmers, he said. He said: “There is need for increased efforts to prevent the deterioration of the situation. A major determining consequence of this phenomenon is the rise in prices, which contributes to the households’ increasing vulnerability. “Serious consequences could occur, when food items are in the depleted markets, because of the communities’incapacity to rebuild their stocks and cattle.” He said the consequences are far more serious for the population, who have to deal with drop in food production.

According to him, the government needs works on food insecurity and also in areas most hardly hit by consecutive droughts and low-yield harvests. Meanwhile, there are reports of increasing wave of cattle rustling, across the north with foodstuff and livestock supplies affected. A report said if concerted effort is not made to address the malaise, the country might soon experience meat shortage, with its debilitating consequences on food security. Herdsmen in Adamawa State have reported loss of over 1,500 cattle to thieves in the last one year, costing millions of naira.The rising incidence of cattle theft has also continued unabated in some council areas of Katsina State has been a source of serious concern to residents. Frequent cases of cattle rustling occur in Safana, Faskari, Funtua, Batsari and

Danmusa local governments of the state. Hundreds of cattle have been stolen by thieves who often invade communities and farm houses in the night. However, the incident is allegedly being perpetrated with the connivance of some locals. Some victims claimed that the cattle rustlers use charms to take the cows away. Cattle rustling has become a huge problem in Kaduna, threatening its peace and food security. A report said cattle rustlers is threatening the Fulani communities and their cows. Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Jibrin Maigwari, who said: “We don’t know how many thousands of cattle have been stolen so far. The issue is that everywhere you go in the Emirate, you will find a casualty; someone’s herds of cattle were stolen, a wife or children raped and others even killed.”

‘Warehouse system good for production’

HE President, Federation of Agriculture Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr Victor Iyama, says the warehouse receipt system will boost farm produce. The system allows farmers to deposit their commodities in a warehouse which dries, cleans and grades them according to standards. The warehouse issues farmers a receipt, and holds the commodities until the farmers sell them. Iyama said the system would curb post-harvest losses as well as improve the quality of produce. According to him, the farmers will be eligible to use the receipts covering the deposited grains as collateral to secure credit from financial institutions, thereby improving cash flow of the farmer hitherto realised the value only after the produce were sold. He admitted, however, that there will be challenges getting bigger warehouses built and established with capacity to accommodate large volumes of commodities. Under the system when grains arrived at the warehouse, they are graded and those who want receipts to cover their deposits are given, with the use of warehouse receipt software. The grading, done according to quality standards, assigns different values to the grains, another incentive for farmers to desire and strive to reach the highest grades. The grain warehouse system, according to him will increase the competitiveness of agriculture by increasing food production, and enhancing higher rural investment. In support of the programme, Iyama said the association is carrying out an awareness campaign to enlighten farmers the opportunity to increase their knowledge about the warehouse receipt systems. He said Nigerians will have the opportunity to study the benefits that

small-scale agricultural producers gain from a regulated warehouse receipt system. The campaign will expose participants to the benefits and critical requirements of developing warehouse receipt systems which are sustainable and accessible to smallholder farmers. In line ,Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, BOA, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, said the launch of the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System, eWRS for farm produce would bring farmers closer to the market. Speaking during the launch of the system in Abuja, Santuraki listed the commodities to be traded include, cocoa, sesame seeds, maize, sorghum and cashew. According to Santuraki, post-harvest loss is a very big challenge for the Nigeria farmer as it forces farmers to sell their produce at very low prices. “But with this system, the farmers will get better value for their products and it will increase the margin farmers get for their produce. Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh, described the implementation of the e-WRS for farm produce as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agriculture. Oteh said it was a significant milestone for the Nigerian economy and the backbone of any commodities exchange. “It is bound to have transformative impact on agriculture, food security, poverty alleviation, economic inclusion and ultimately on the socio-economic advancement of Nigeria as encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. “Agriculture employs over 65 per cent of Nigerians and this scheme will help address the persistent problems our farmers face in terms of limited access to markets and credit’’, she said. According to Oteh, commodities exchange helps in creating efficiencies in the production and distribution of essential raw materials across countries.

Bumper harvest expected in Northcentral

HE Regional Director of Agriculture, North Central Zone, Mr Sunday Edibor, has predicted bumper harvest for farmers in view of farmers easy access to input. Edibor spoke in Minna at a briefing. “There will be a bumper harvest in the North Central Zone this farming season because the Federal Government has made it easy for farmers to redeem farm input such as fertiliser and improved seeds.’’ Edibor said the Federal Government’s collaboration with private investors had made access to input easier and affordable. “The introduction of the private part-

ners to enable farmers to get their inputs has been a huge success and we will continue to improve on it.’’ The director said the inauguration of the largest rice mill in Doma, Nasarawa State by President Goodluck Jonathan would trigger the export of the commodity. “The Olam Integrated Rice Mill in Doma, Nasarawa State, will definitely boost the economy of people leaving in that place and encourage local and foreign export of the commodity. “More of such laudable industries are required in the economy by dedicated leaders to move the nation’s economy to another height,’’ he said.

Group seeks grazing land for nomads • From left: Lecturer, Federal College of Animal Health Technology, Mr Okotie Ufuoma; Acting Provost, Dr Friday Nworgu and Dr Oladipo Tunbosun, during an event at the school.

274, 000 get input in Kebbi

HE Federal Government has supported 274,000 farmers in Kebbi State with fertiliser, improved seedlings and chemicals to boost food production. Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Kelvin Tekpat said in Birnin Kebbi that the farmers were among the 340,00 registered under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) in the state. He said 58 redemption centres for the distribution, adding that each farmer would receive two bags of subsidised fertiliser, two packs of chemicals and 50 kgs of improved seedlings. According to him, the improved seedlings would enable each farmer to produce at least seven tons of crops per hectare. Tekpat urged the state government to assist the ministry with vehicles to monitor farmers for the success of the programme. The Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state,Alhaji Muhammad Idris, said the implementation of the GES was a huge success.

•250,000 Borno farmers to get fertiliser He commended the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it had reduced hardship faced by rural farmers in accessing critical farming input. Meanwhile, about 250,000 Borno farmers are expected to receive fertiliser under the Federal Government electronic wallet system of the Growth Enhancements Scheme (GES) this year, according to an official. The Acting Federal Director of Agriculture in Borno, Alhaji Bukar Musa, made this known in Maiduguri. He said each farmer would receive a bag of NPK and Urea brand of fertiliser at N2,750 which translates to 50 per cent subsidy. He said most of the farmers had already received phone alert on the allocation, thereby enhancing access to the input. “Most farmers have already received alert on their phones of the fertiliser allocation. “However, there are some areas with

poor GSM networks due mainly to the security challenges in the state. “We have introduced radio jingles and announcement to alert this category of farmers. “ We have also made contact with farmers associations and cooperatives towards reaching out to farmers at the grassroots level.” He said 12 agro dealers were shortlisted for the sale of the fertiliser to genuine farmers this year. Musa said farmers in Borno North and Central zones would get their supply in Maiduguri because of the insecurity in the area. He said farmers in Southern Borno would get their supply in their local government while those in Damboa and Gwoza councils, would get their supply in Askira Uba Local Government Area. Musa expressed optimism on a bumper harvest depite the security challenge in the state.

HE Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Abia chapter has urged the government to provide pasture for cattle rearers to save the lives of people in the communities. The CAN Chairman, Bishop Goddy Okafor, made the call in Aba. Okafor observed that the lack of grazing lands had led to deadly clashes between nomads and their host communities, and causing road accidents on the highways due to their quest for pasture. He cited the killing by cow on Sunday morning of a male resident of

Aba on his way to church. He called for concerted efforts by Federal and state governments to prevent such incidents that create unnecessary losses, by ensuring cattle rearers were not allowed to move from place to place, especially in cities. The CAN chair noted that in civilised climes, cattle owners no longer moved them around but kept them in well equipped ranches. He said providing grazing lands would help protect cattle from exposure to diseases as well as prevent the frequent clashes between farmers and pastoralists.

Varsities asked to step up research FRICAN agricultural universities should carry out more research that would increase production thus ensuring food security and poverty reduction on the continent The Executive Secretary, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Prof Adipala has said. Speaking at the end of the organisation’s fourth biennial conference, Maputo, Mozambique, he said the universities have provided the technologies to support farmers on the continent to boost food production.

Ekwamu said: “We have a wonderful opportunity to not only influence its future direction strategically but also across the continent as a whole.” The conference attracted nearly 700 participants from 45 countries, including Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission; Mrs Graca Machel, Member of the International Panel of Elders and Former Minister of Education, Mozambique, two AU commissioners, 10 ministers, 34 vice chancellors, and university principals and deans, as well as many graduate students studying across the continent.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

BUSINESS

Samsung, Apple seek end to Glo offers tripple recharge option N patents war outside U.S.

AMSUNG Electronics Co Ltd and Apple Inc said they had agreed to drop all patent litigation outside the United States, scaling down a protracted legal battle between the smartphone rivals. The iPhone and Galaxy handset makers issued nearly identical statements announcing the global ceasefire while vowing to pursue ongoing litigation in the United States, which analysts say involves much bigger amounts of potential damages. Last week, Samsung Electronics posted its weakest earnings since the second quarter of 2012, partly hit by rising competition from Chinese smartphone makers. Xiaomi took China’s smartphone crown in the second quarter after replacing Samsung Electronics as China’s largest smartphone vendor, data from Canalys shows. The legal battle between Samsung Electronics and Apple began in the United States in 2011 when Apple first

filed a suit alleging that Samsung “slavishly” copied elements of its iPhones, the device which launched the industry. Days after the initial Apple suit was launched in the United States, Samsung Electronics sued its Cupertino, California-based rival in South Korea, Japan and Germany, kicking off a series of tit-for-tat cases that spread around the world. The latest agreement ends patent disputes in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom, countries where the smartphone market leaders had engaged armies of lawyers for what analysts said were questionable gains. The South Korean and U.S. tech giants declined to disclose the terms of the deal, but said it did not involve “any licensing arrangements and the companies are continuing to pursue the existing cases in U.S. courts.” The litigation raged on even as busi-

ness flourished between the two companies, with Apple depending heavily on Samsung Electronics for components such as chips and liquid crystal displays. Apple and Samsung Electronics together dominate the global smartphone market with a combined market share of 37.1 per cent in the second quarter, according to Strategy Analytics. “They now see little need to wage a war around the world, which will only fatten the bills of lawyers,” said Young Park, a Hyundai Securities technology analyst in Hong Kong, adding that the deal raised the possibility of a final license agreement settling how the companies use each other’s patented technology. He and three other analysts whom Reuters talked to said they do not have estimates for the legal costs that Samsung Electronics and Apple are facing.

IGERIA’S second national telecommunications carrier, Globacom, has unveiled a unique 3-in-1 Recharge Option to make loading regular airtime credit, international calling packs and data bundles more convenient for its subscribers. The telecoms firm said the threein-one recharge option gives its customers the convenience of topping up their airtime credit for various services directly without going through the process of first topping up their prepaid accounts beforeý allocating the airtime for data bundles or international calls. Launching the three-in-one recharge option in Lagos, its Head, Operations, Mr. Bisi Koleoso said the company decided to simplify the airtime recharge process to provide customers with more convenient options in line with its avowed commitment to put subscribers first in everything. “Under the new arrangement, customers who want to directly top up and add to their main balance should dial *123*PIN#, while those interested in directly buying a data bundle without cramming codes should dial *223*PIN#. Similarly, subscribers wishing to load International Direct Dialing (IDD) packs should dial *323*PIN#,” Mr. Koleoso added. He said the introduction of the new three-in-one recharge option is particularly timely for subscribers who make international calls because Globacom only last week crashed the cost of making calls to

key destinations like United States, Canada, India, China and UK to as low as 10k per secondý. Koleoso said customers, who use the *223*PIN# option to load a data bundle, would get an extra 385MB of data when they load a N1000 credit instead of the 350 MB of free data they would have received if they had used the conventional recharge option to load the same N1000 recharge credit. He noted that the launch of the option was in sync with Globacom’s relentless desire to make recharge very convenient and accessible to all and sundry on the different call platforms of the company’s network. “By virtue of our well-established pedigree as always the first network to initiate wonderful innovations in the telecoms industry since we came into operation on August 29, 2003, the telecoms subscribers have graciously nicknamed Glo the King of Innovations. “As a proudly Nigerian company, we are happy to blaze trails and set the pace for the industry. With all modesty, Globacom entered the industry as the game changer with Per Second Billing and followed it in quick succession with other innovations. It was on the Glo network that Nigerians for the first time were able to browse the internet on their phones in 2004. It was also on the Glo network that Nigerians for the very first time were able to use the Blackberry service on their phones in 2006,” he added.

An entrepreneur with a difference

•From left: President, World Travel Awards, Mr Graham Cooke; Chief Commercial Officer, Lufthansa Airlines, Mr Jens Bischof and other staff of the airline celebrating the best European Airline Award by World Travel in Greece.

China probes auto makers, tech firms

HINESE regulators have launched a series of anti-monopoly investigations of foreign auto makers and technology providers, stepping up pressure on foreign companies that feel increasingly unwelcome in China. On Wednesday, a regulator said Chrysler and Germany’s Audi will be punished for violating anti-monopoly rules. Mercedes Benz and Japanese companies also are under scrutiny. A probe of Microsoft was announced last week. The investigations are fuelling unease among foreign companies that complain Beijing uses regulatory measures to hamper them and promote potential Chinese competitors

in technology and other fields in violation of its free-trade commitments. Regulatory conditions are “less certain and more challenging,” said James Zimmerman, a former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China and managing partner of the Beijing office of law firm Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton. “Foreign companies view recent investigations and prosecutions as politically motivated,” he said. In an apparent effort to force down consumer prices, regulators have launched investigations of foreign auto, technology, pharmaceutical and dairy companies over the past two years using a 2008 anti-monopoly law. In the auto industry, investigations

appear to have been prompted by complaints prices of imported vehicles are too high and foreign auto makers abuse their control over supplies of spare parts to gouge customers. A spokesman for the Cabinet’s planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission, said investigators concluded Chrysler, a unit of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, and Audi, Volkswagen AG’s luxury unit, engaged in unspecified “monopolistic behaviour.” “They will be punished accordingly,” said the official, Li Pumin, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The report gave no details of penalties.

‘Power optimisation good for IT applications’

POWER management firm, Eaton which recently launched in Nigeria has said optimisation of the available power supply in the country is crucial for the efficiency of information technology (IT) applications. It said it has the capability and innovative wherewithal to optimise the performance of IT applications and data centres to meet increasing demand of stable and functional IT system in the country. Speaking at the opening of its corporate office in Lagos, its Managing Director, Africa, Mr Shane Kilfoil, said the primary goal to is to support Nigeria’s growth and transformation in key sectors with provision of power management solutions capable of running efficiently with less energy. He said the company is a-$22billion com-

Temitayo Ayetoto

pany with key locations across Africa and has invested N100million in its first year in Nigeria. Eaton manages electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power by providing alternative power solutions to meet specific power management demand. He added that one of its alternative solutions to run sustainably is the solar energy considering the imminent power challenge in the country. He said: “The development and use of innovative technologies is critical in increasing energy efficiency in Africa. Africa’s energy challenges lie not in building more and larger power generation plants, but instead in investment in advanced power management technologies to enable businesses to do more with less energy in an increasingly resource constrained

world.” Its Regional Sales Manager, Mr. Charles Iyo noted that although Eaton is a late entrant into the market, it is well-equipped to operate efficiently adding that the emergence of Nigeria as an economic power-house depends on designing innovative technologies to solve the country’s power management challenges. He said: “The power reform agenda of the federal government is aimed at a complete restructuring, from a vertically integrated monopoly industry to a privatised competitive electricity market. It will enable Nigeria to overcome its huge deficit in the supply of electricity and Eaton is well positioned to support businesses with customised, end-to-end solutions utility requirements and renewable energy management needs.”

HE massive success of Mrs. Folake Oyemade, founder of Sam & Sara and a designer line that carries IMPRESZA, is a result of her predisposition to follow her instincts. Like most successful entrepreneurs, Mrs. Folake Oyemade, founder and creative force of fashion outfit, Sam & Sara.com , is an innovator with passion. The evidence is her own line . She started business operations in 1987 as Bijoux Unisex Collections and has grown to become a well-known garment manufacturing outfit in Nigeria. Their flagship brand, IMPRESZA, has become a household name in the areas of corporate wears, promotional wears, school uniforms, hospitality uniforms, paramilitary/security uniforms, professional wears, robes and academic gowns. Really, she didn’t want to be a fashion designer. It was the desire of her mother. She declined because she didn‘t want to sew. But her mother was not deterred. She wanted her daughter to pursue fashion designing which she saw as the business of the future. Consequently, she even gave her the initial capital she used to start her first business; unfortunately, the business didn‘t succeed because she refused compromise. She has taken the opportunity to learn more about the fashion business from fabric sourcing to sales. When the government lifted the ban on clothes, she opened Bijoux Unisex Collection which later became a name in fashion retailing in those days. During the dark days of the Abacha junta, she had to close all her outlets because the business environment was asphyxiating and travelled to America. When she came back in 1999, she floated Bijoux again. However, the business no longer held any attraction to her, so the idea of manufacturing high-quality uniforms started to take shape. That was what led to the birth of Sam & Sara. According to her, God inspired the vision and inspiration to set up the business as making uniforms is an untapped area in the country. The biggest challenge, she noted, was getting fabrics following the ban on importation of fabrics. This has made it difficult for them to source pro-

•Mrs Oyemade

duce quality materials to produce uniforms. While some are doing well, she said most local manufacturers aren‘t in terms of quality and delivery; and this is having a crippling effect on the business. Despite this, she said the quality of her products is the reason the company is the preferred choice for organisations that care about the appearance of their personnel. Repeat businesses and referrals from satisfied clients are testimonies of the everpresent quality associated with the Impresza brand. She has taken the business beyond Lagos. She opened Omoluabi Garment factory in Osun State. This followed the decision of the state government to partner with the private sector to produce quality uniform for pupils. Strategic partnerships, however, have helped the business grew by leap and bounds. Right now, she has big plans for her fashion business. She wants to design unique products, things that are unexpected. She likes to be a trendsetter, not necessarily to follow the current trends. She wants to be viewed as a designer who is always thinking outside the box, a designer who is not afraid to try something different. She combines her vast knowledge of visual arts with her business acumen in knowing where the industry is going and what the market wants. Mrs Oyemade believes that the appearance of staff and personnel plays a major role in conveying a positive image of an organisation. That is why they operate a customer centric business model that makes the client the focal point of the organisation’s entire operations. They go beyond the role of garment producer, but, provide end-to-end services.

Friday, August 8, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SHOWBIZ

S the end credit rolled for Kunle Afolayan’s new flick, October 1, an outburst of cheers engulfed the theatre, at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Lagos, venue of the press screening, last Tuesday. For more than two hours, guests were engrossed in the much-anticipated movie, which provides a measure of comic relief, within a serious theme that portrays the colonial masters as evil-genius. From reactionary murmur, to occasional giggles and roaring outbursts by the viewers, the film appeared to be meeting the expectations of the filmmaker, as an educative and entertaining work. The event was the fourth in a series of private screenings which the filmmaker intends to use to drum support for the film, before it is released to the public in October. “We are certain that from these private screenings, we will be able to make some money also. This goes to subsidise our budget before we go public. Because once the film is out, it’s out,” said Afolayan, apparently referring to the menace of piracy. Afolayan, who revealed that Terra Kulture is chief supporter of the exclusive screenings, said the movie has gulped more than N200million so far, and that there was need for him to recoup his investment, if he must continue to make quality films locally. Giving the breakdown, he said: “We shot on RED cameras. All those forest scenes were shot using two pieces of 12K HMI light; to rent one 12k costs between N80, 000 to N100, 000 per day, and we shot for about 60 days. We had more than 30 lights on that shoot altogether. We had about 100 cast and crew, living and feeding on the production. Post-production costs more than N20 million, which is why the film looks good. We tried to maximise the potentials that we have inhouse. By this, the only

Encomiums for Kunle Afolayan’s October 1

•As Filmhouse takes up theatrical distribution By Victor Akande

thing we did outside the country was colour correction and grading. We used two RED cameras, each one costing over N100, 000 a day. Also, look at the costumes for that period, look at the cars. We had to refurbish some of those cars so as to create that period and put them to use. The CDI, the PFX (Production effects) etc. in that town are electric poles, electric wires, transformers and billboards, MTN, Airtel and Globacom masts all over the place. Did you see anything like that in the film? They were all removed at postproduction, and PFX costs fortunes. If I start breaking it down, we will be here all day,” he said, smiling. The budget for Afolayan’s film is the biggest so far in the country, only next to Half of a Yellow Sun, which got more corporate funding in Nigeria and support from the British Film Institute (BFI), London. The filmmaker, who has been described in some quarters as the posterboy of Nigerian

cinema said he believed that the nation’s movie industry is evolving. “The reason why we have spent so much is that we believe strongly that there is so much potential for this kind of film. How many viewers do we really need to be able to recoup that money? It’s not a lot, and the good thing is that now, you have Filmhouse, whose cinema chain seems to be expanding every day. And they already said to me that by the time we are releasing it in October, they will be having like 20 screens, compared to the six that we had when we released The Figurine and Phone Swap.” Afolayan revealed that Filmhouse’s projection for the film is $1million. “But all that $1million is not coming to me o,” he noted, with an air of sarcasm. “Because by the time Filmhouse takes their percentage, and by the time all the taxes are deducted, what will come to us will be small. But at least, people will start believing in indigenous film projects.” He said although he is yet

to get from the Project ActNollywood grant, it will also subsidise his budget if he eventually becomes a beneficiary. “But we will continue to work. I believe strongly in film, I believe strongly is good production value, I believe in Nigerian talents and that is why we have put everything in this film.” A psychological thriller, October 1 pictures September 1960, with Nigeria on the verge of independence from British colonial rule. It tells the story of a northern Nigeria Police detective, Dan Waziri (Sadiq Daba), who is urgently dispatched by the colonial government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria, to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community. On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed. Matters take a turn for the worse, however, when Waziri dis-

covers that his prime suspect is none other than the highly influential, university-educated son of the King of Akote, Prince Aderopo (Ademola Adedoyin). Intelligent, good-looking, charismatic, witty and daring, the prince proves to be a most complicated adversary for Waziri. Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending independence, Waziri and Prince Aderopo indulge in a game of cat and mouse as they try to outwit each other… leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, Tawa (Kehinde Bankole), is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to capture the prince, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day. “This film is a great film in so many ways. It tells different stories in just about two hours and it brings everything together very well. Really, there is no film with-

rians Human trafficking: Nigerians premiere film in London

MOVIE re-enactment of the endemic human trafficking vice, among Africans, has opened at the popular Odeon Cinema, London. The flick, St. Mary, provides another insight into capital flight, forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation. The film could have been positioned as a subtle campaign for Nigerians and other Africans in the Diaspora. Produced by Obi Osotule and directed by Matthias Obahiagbon, the 110-minute movie follows the story of Tejiri, who uncovers a massive web of conspiracy on human trafficking and crime on board St. Mary, an oil vessel on voyage bound for Amsterdam. The movie also narrates the story of Nonye who gets lured by a Facebook confidant and friend into a seeming breakthrough in her singing career. Her excitement banishes caution and her world is thrown into a spiralling string of turmoil and disaster. She lands in a

cabal’s dragnet stripping her away from the safety of family and imposing a terrifying adventure amidst her pleas for survival. The movie also exposes the exploits of Don Daddy, an epitome of success whose massive business empire is built on extraction and sales of human organs. His tentacles spread out to the frontiers of establishment and he lives his fairy tale life in all the perks of comfort with a consortium of agents luring young girls with a promise of better life in Europe until he attracts the petit framed daughter of Prof. Ojukwu whose search pulls Don Daddy’s empire down. Featuring some of Nollywood’s top-rated actors such as Zack Orji, Ekpeyong Bassey-Inyang, Frank Dallas, Benjamin Joseph, Scott Roberts, Benita Nzeribe, Paul Obazele and Ibinabo Fiberesima, the Executive Producer of the movie Darlington Agha disclosed that the movie will premiered in the United States and Australia after the London premiere. He also

disclosed plans to have the movie premiered in Kenya and Uganda before a grand premiere in Nigeria. ‘Human trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon, so it is not out of place to

out little errors here and there, but I think this is a very great film. The significant thing is that, it successfully brings together different generations of artistes and it does it so well. I have also noticed that a lot of people who participate in this film are Nigerians. I was looking out for the Director of Photography (DOP) and Screenplay writer, and I could see they are all Nigerians. I’m just standing up to say congratulations,” said Niran Adedokun, a guest at the event. “One thing that I find interesting is the fact that you touched on a subject such as sexual molestation, especially as it concerns the male child,” noted another guest. “This is something that, as a society, many people are not ready to talk about. As the writer, how do you feel delving into a subject many people are not ready to talk about?” Responding, Babalola said: “As a writer, I want to delve into subjects that people don’t want to talk about. I don’t want to write things that people want to say. I would rather write about things that are controversial, and that which will get people talking for weeks.” Paedophile, violent rape and murder have been used by the writer to depict some of the negative effects of the colonial experience. “The rape of those boys is a well-known fact. These things occurred. Whether or not they happen in Nigeria, we can’t be certain. But we know they are quite worldwide and it’s a very open subject to deal with. I had to do research into the stories of people that were so abused when they were young. I wanted to make sure that when people see the film, they would be able to relate to it in a very sensitive manner. And I think Kunle did a pretty good job without putting it right there in your face. We don’t have to be in the room to know what’s going on, and he rightly portrayed the pain and anguish of these people,” Babalola said.

Obesere thrills Ekiti tomorrow

embark on a world tour with the movie so that people can learn from the narrative. So we will take it round and then hold a grand premiere in Nigeria where the movie was shot’’ Agha said.

HE King of Fuji, Alhaji Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, will on Saturday, treat fun seekers and fans to a night of entertainment and pleasure at Prosperous Royal Hotel and Resort Centre, Ado Ekiti. Chairman of the Hotel, Mr Abiodun Isinkaiye, said the event, which will also feature Fuji sensation, Styleh, was scheduled to spice up the weekend in the Ekiti State capital city. Isinkaiye said the guests expected from across the state and the neighbouring Ondo and Osun and as well Lagos states would also be treated to the world-class hospitality and entertainment, which are the hallmarks of the hotel. According to him, mouth-watering gifts await the first 50 guests seated at the show billed to begin by 8pm til dawn.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 2014

COMMENTARY

“

...AND fear a calamity that may descend not only on those who incurred it but also on the innocent ones. Know that Allah’s retribution can be severe.’’ Quran 8:25. Dear Acting Inspector General of Police, This letter is, no doubt, coming to you at a very precarious time in the history of Nigeria. Its contents are motivated by a mixture of delight and sadness not only on the part of this columnist but also on that of the generality of Nigerians. This same letter was written to your immediate predecessor on assumption of office and he did not find its taste sour even though he never expressed any sweetness in it. Considering the experience of the past decades in which most of your predecessors made promises and ate up their words almost immediately, this letter would have been unnecessary. But since seasons are not the same, fruits cannot be graded alike. Ordinarily, It would have been wiser for me to tarry a while to see what difference (if any) you will make in office as IGP before putting my pen to paper on a number of issues affecting the corporate existence of Nigeria and Nigerians especially in relation to security. But the current boiling situation at hand gives no room for such. And I do not want a situation whereby you would have taken certain mistaken decisions only to turn back and say “no one called my attention to it”. By the way, I do not know whether or not you are familiar with this column called ‘THE MESSAGE’ being published in Nigeria’s foremost newspaper called ‘The Nation’. But if you ask some people around you especially those who manage the image of Nigeria Police they will tell you that ‘THE MESSAGE’ is not an ordinary column but one that is worth its name in contents and in essence. Having started in Concord newspaper about 32 years ago (1982), the column has consistently served as a pilot for Nigerian conscience on many national issues to the benefit of all and sundry. Reminscences Letters similar to this had been written to former Presidents (Olusegun) Obasanjo, (Umaru) Yar’Adua and even (Goodluck) Jonathan. Thus, any advice or suggestion offered you here should not be seen as an intrusion. ‘The Message’ as a column curries no favour and knows no juggernaut when it comes to calling a spade a spade. When your appointment as Acting Inspector General of Police was announced by the Presidency last week, it held many Nigerians nonplussed because it beat the imagination of some lobbyists. But those who knew you very well with your antecedent and your worth were quick to give testimonies to justify your appointment. Besides, those who appointed you knew what you were capable of doing. When I juxtaposed the two sides, I thanked God for you even though I have never met you. It is hoped that you will not disappoint. In retrospect Shortly after your immediate predecessor assumed office in 2011, he brought many surprises to bear. He did not only cancel Police road blocks throughout the country, an action that was received with mix feelings because of the previous experiences, he also gave an impression that he was in office to clear the rottenness with which the Nigeria Police was characterised and sanitise that colourless force. However, despite the unbridled scepticism that greeted some of his policies and despite the surreptitious pressure from the beneficiaries of the rot at that time, he firmly stood his ground. Please, be informed that those policies, based on principle endeared him, if briefly, to many Nigerians who valued decency and civility. Today, Nigerians across board continue to appreciate the daring courage with which he surmounted a major problem of insecurity in the land mostly constituted by men of Nigeria Police. Because you were then a senior member of that Force, you might not know the extent of the relief he temporarily brought to Nigerians and the rate of reduction in corruption he induced by some of the decisions he took but posterity will bear witness to it all at the right time. At least, the rate of killing bloody civilians for failing to ‘deliver’ reduced drastically. It is the belief of this column that the gesture will continue to be appreciated many years after his exit from office by the future generations as it is now being appreciated by the present generation. Oliver Twist Nevertheless, Nigerians, as may be known

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Letter to Acting IGP

•Acting IGP Suleiman Abba

to you, are like ‘Oliver Twist’ who always ask for more. There is no doubt that despite your predecessor’s efforts days and nights to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in Nigeria and whatever may be in your blueprint for same you will be much disturbed by more demands especially in respect of the current spate of terrorism amounting to crime against humanity. And this will not just pose a great challenge to you as a Chief Security Officer but will also constitute a major cog in the wheel of the country’s supposed progress. Thus, you are expected to do more even as our worry on this disturbing issue is that the government is not approaching it from the right angle. Now that you are in the saddle, people will see your handling of the situation as a test of your competence. And the election coming up in Osun State tomorrow will be the first leg of such test. Already, by deploying over 140, 000 armed forces to that state alone just because of election, you have given the impression that election in Nigeria is war that the federal government must execute by all means in the guise of maintaining peace. How you will manage it without a boomerang arising from any naked or avowed partisanship remains an issue to watch. ‘THE MESSAGE’ like some other sensible Nigerians believe that in a normal society, security is not just the absence of war and pandemonium but the presence of confidence in the leadership by the populace. In other words, insecurity is like a suffocating smoke hovering in the atmosphere and preventing everybody from breathing properly. To stop such smoke in order to save lives, what should be done is not to dispel it with a crude local fan but to search for the fire from which the smoke is oozing out of the chimney and quench it once and for all. However, no such smoke can ever be dispelled as long as the fire remains kindled beneath the chimney. As a Police officer of note, I do not know what various measures you have in the kitty for achieving peace but there is a way of measuring your performance by yourself. If you discover that you are getting the same result every time from the same effort and that result is unfavourable, it is only instructive that you change the method. With my little experience of how security functions in some other countries outside Africa, south of the Sahara, I believe that your duty as the boss of Nigeria Police is not merely to deploy ‘the boys’ to the field with guns but also to instruct them that the lives of the citizenry are their priority in protection. Security by other means If you study the situation in some states in the Southern part of Nigeria especially the Southwest, you will discover that most of them have

technically devised security by other means. Each of them employed about 20, 000 jobless youths and engaged them in various ways while paying them what can be termed a token by the standard of Nigerian economy. Small as that token is, it saves a lot of hassle security wise. Yet, despite that devise, there are still hundreds of thousands of such jobless youths wandering about aimlessly in the cities and towns like Egyptian gypsies of yore. One major hope in that effort, however, is that those youths understand that they cannot all be employed at once. And those among them who are wandering about know that some of their cousins or other siblings have been somehow employed and that alone is a consolation. Otherwise, each region of the country would have been plunged into a state of anarchy by now. Sir, security is not about the ability of the police to quell the fire of any crisis. It is more about the trust and confidence which the populace repose in the performance of the government as well as the credibility accruing from that performance. It is only when the majority trust the government on its performance that support can come to the government in managing security in the land. As of now, this cannot be said to be true of Nigeria. Hunger in the land Millions of citizens are hungry. They have no means of feeding. Millions are orphans. They have nobody to care for them in life. Millions are widows who will do anything to survive. Millions are aged and wretched whose only hope in life (pension) is audaciously been embezzled by the vampires in government who may not live to see old age with comfort. Yet millions more are looking for jobs to engage in even if they will be paid pittance. And to them, the government is indifferent. Yet the same government wants peace to reign in the country. It wants Nigerians to be patriotic and Nigeria to be great. What a contradiction? Can any nation be great on idleness and hunger? Currently, the general focus is on the vandals called Boko Haram who are masquerading under the cloak of Islam to perpetrate what Islam forbids. But insecurity is much more than that in Nigeria. There is a ubiquity of idle army of youths in every part of the country who are ready to do anything for any amount of money. Such youths are a potent tool in the hands of mischief makers like politicians especially now that elections are approaching. If you want to confirm this, please, take off some early morning hours on a number of days to visit some newspaper stands in various parts of the country. Pretend to be one of the free readers and listen to the discussions of our youths. From there you will automatically concur that Nigeria is truly a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode at any time. These youths spend every day of the week at those newspaper stands discussing politics in the morning, economy in the afternoon and sports towards the evening. And when it is twilight, they all disperse to their respective houses only to regroup the following morning. That is their way of warding off boredom. Will you blame them? The question is this: if they do not spend their days that way how else will they spend it? Some of them are University or Polytechnic graduates who want to work either in offices or on farms but there are no provisions for them. Yet on their very nose some political

demagogues are stealing or embezzling billions of naira which these youths know for sure that belong to all Nigerians. Mr IGP, if any or some of these youths are your children and you are so helpless what would you do? Another category of idle Nigerians are the millions of uneducated men and women who have resorted to begging as a calling because there is nothing else for them to do. What Saudi Arabia, a fellow OPEC member, is doing to solve such problem is to earmark a chunk in the annual budget for such people either as grants or loans. And that is why an average Saudi citizen will do anything in defence of his or her country. Can we sincerely talk of patriotism in Nigeria? God forbid a situation in which Nigeria will engage in an international war. Judging by the present situation, any defeat that may arise from such a war will come not from the enemies but from the citizens who will sell out due to long time suffering neglect and frustration engendered by abject poverty. FGN’s duty If, like the Southern states mentioned above, the Federal government too can employ at least 20, 000 in each state of the federation, wouldn’t the labour market shrink and thereby reduce the rate of danger constituted by idle hands? What is the federal government doing with over 52 per cent of the federal allocation it collects every month? If we have a central government in place that abdicates its responsibilities by zoning every one of its duties to privatisation, why do we need a central government? And if the government cannot manage roads, electricity, water, education, health, railway, aviation, and even security for decades what qualifies it for a government? If I were President Jonathan, what I would have done to break the backbone of the so-called Boko Haram was to mop up the labour market from which that obnoxious group recruits suicide bombers by employing the youths in those areas massively even if they would be deployed to farms. Nobody willingly wants to die. But when people are overwhelmed by poverty in the midst of plenty, the tendency is to ask themselves of the value of their lives. Can you imagine a married young man volunteering to engage in suicide bombing just for N7500 as confessed by some arrested criminals? Can you also imagine some female teenagers in niqab blowing themselves up with bombs or other explosives? Can this sincerely be for the purpose of religion? How can one be sure that such teenagers are not acting under duress due to poverty? If such people are paid even only N10, 000 each every month and they are sure of its consistency, will they undertake such a devilish venture? Yet, we do not know where the billions and trillions of naira being incessantly stolen with impunity by government officials are going. All we are hearing of is investigation into every case of corruption. But amazingly, the more we hear of investigations, the wider the tentacle of corruption in the land becomes. Where are we going from here? Learning from hindsight Many Nigerians do not know what the late President Musa Yar’Adua saved Nigeria with his ingenuous unconditional amnesty granted the South-South militant groups on a platter of gold some years back. Perhaps if President Jonathan had adopted a similar policy about three years ago, Nigeria would have been saved from today’s shameful embarrassment of Boko Haram menace. But it is not too late. A major part of security is to advise the President on such issues and that is part of your duty. You cannot rely on guns alone to wrestle down people classified as faceless who are fighting a guerrilla war. You will only end up subjecting millions of innocent people to undeserved massacre. We have had enough of the shedding of innocent bloods. Let the government be responsible and peace will automatically return to Nigeria. There can be no separate laws for the rulers and the ruled. Governance is like a water stream which can easily become undrinkable for the majority if it is polluted by the minority who are drinking from its source. If the truth must be told, corruption is the tap root of insecurity in Nigeria. Whoever wants to secure Nigeria must stop corruption by example. As a Chief security officer, this is the message you should deliver to the President with courage. And by so doing, you will become a foundation layer of corruption eradication. With corruption remaining a monster, no one should dream of either peace or greatness for this country. A word is enough for the wise. The above quoted Qur’anic verse is a summary. Long live Nigeria!

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY REMEMBERING A BELOVED FATHER

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Conversation

•APC chieftain Alhaji Moshood Tijani (A.k.a Tijaco) (left) and Mr Bola Shodipo

•Commissioner for Waterfront Prince Segun Oniru (left) and his Works counterpart Dr Femi Hamzat

•Hon Kamal Bayewu

•From left: Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Lateef Ibirogba; Hon Ibrahim Sanusi; Hon Rahmatallahi Akinola-Hassan; Amina Akinola and Alhaji Jubreel Abdul Kareem

•Mr Feyi Fashola

•From left: Hon Kamal Salau-Bashua; Alhaji Akeem Apatira; Prince Abayomi Daramola and Hon Wale Adeniji

•CONFERENCE 57 chairman Akeem Sulaimon flanked by Hons Abiodun Mafe and Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe

•From left: Mrs Bola Afun; Dr Titi Anibaba and Dame Damola Akran

•Ms Olayinka Fashola and Special Adviser to Fashola on Media Mr Hakeem Bello

•APC Lagos Secretary Prince Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni (right) and Prince Mursiq Yinka Durosinmi

•From left: Alhaja Yetunde Awobajo; Yeye Bisi Kotun and Mrs Simi Otuyalo

•From left: Mr Akeem Danmola; Alhaji Tunde Balogun and Mr PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Sammy Oki

ONVERSATIONS can be pleasurable or burdensome, depending on the way we look at them. While they are considered to be a normal part of life, they are not as natural as they seem. You know, there are some things that are natural e.g. breathing, sleeping and talking- but carrying on a conversation is not natural. By being unnatural, I don’t mean that it is supernatural or abnormal; I just mean that AMODU LANRE OLAOLU it is a skill you develop and not an ability you are born (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. with. 07034737394 Carrying on a conversation @lanreamodu is a lot of work. It takes a lot of effort to engage people in a discussion that is mutually profitable and enjoyable; most times, someone benefits from it while the other just looks on. That reminds me of an experience I had several years ago. A friend paid me a visit and stayed over at my place. After an event-filled day, I looked forward to a refreshing night rest but my friend obviously had another intention. He started a conversation and we both had a nice time discussing the subject. As time passed, however, I became more and more drowsy and my desire for my bed became irresistible. The gentleman, on the other hand, was just warming up. After a while of politely carrying on my side of the conversation, I decided to send some subtle signals to him, hinting that we had to call it a night. After a few yawns, which definitely went unnoticed, I dozed off. To my great surprise, I awoke a few minutes later to discover that he hadn’t even notice! At that point, I had to courteously ask that we go to bed. When a conversation is one-sided, it definitely bores the other party involved. I discovered that a lot of people have challenges with conversations. While some people speak too much, some others speak too little. Some people are considered to be introverts but they are not; their only problem is how to carry on a conversation so they stay silent. There are some times that you meet people and after the initial greeting, you don’t know what next to say. You find yourself thinking hard about the next question to ask just to avoid an awkward silence. Some people even prefer to travel with book just to avoid prolonged conversations with other passengers. If you have experienced the above, then you are not alone. Even some celebrities share similar experiences. Pete Wentz, an American musician, lyricist and music video director once said, “Sometimes when it looks like I’m deep in thought I’m just trying not to have a conversation with people.” And here we are thinking that celebrities have to be nice all the time! Also, a writer by the name Jarod Kintz said, “I’m not good at talking. Can’t I just nod my way through a conversation? It’s better than nodding off.” After some time of observation, I have come to decide that only a few people converse. More people believe they are conversing, though they are not. However, majority would rather stay on their own than converse. What is conversation anyway? It can simply be defined as an exchange of words among two or more people. The key word here is exchange. As you give, it is very important that you also take. Conversations may last a few minutes or a few hours, but the most important thing is to leave your partner with a good impression of you. In your mind right now, I’m sure you can count a few people you enjoy their company and you love to talk to. On the other hand, you may also be able to count a few other people you would rather avoid. Just as you judge people by your conversation with them, people judge you too. This is not about pleasing people; it is simply about not misrepresenting yourself. So, let’s check out a few things that can help you improve your conversational skills: • Be friendly: the first rule of conversation is to make the other party comfortable. Don’t look bored or uninterested. Try to be as cordial as possible. People who are friendly attract others to them. • Choose mutually relevant topics for discussion: avoid discussing a topic that will make you do all the talking. Remember that it should be an exchange, so make sure that your partner is talking too. • Be a listener: a lot of people don’t listen to others speak. These people just want to say all they know about the topic without giving their partners the opportunity to respond. If you are a good listener, you will never lack topics to discuss because one point made by your partner can lead to another. • Avoid making yourself the subject: some people are so carried away by their ideas or achievements that at the slightest opportunity, they tell people. The problem here is that they tend to make themselves bigger and their listeners smaller. No one wants to talk to anyone who directly or indirectly intimidates them; they would rather talk to people who make them feel comfortable. • Don’t pry: it can be really uncomfortable to have to answer personal questions, particularly when they are asked by a stranger. Even if you will ask about the other person, keep it simple. Without any attempt at flattery, dwell more on your partner’s virtues and the conversation will go well. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY THE FIGURINE BOOK LAUNCH AT THE MUSON CENTRE, LAGOS

•From left: Movie producer Kunle Afolayan; his brother and author of the book, Dr Adesina; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Chairman, Doyin Group, Chief Samuel Adedoyin and frontline art collector and industrialist Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi

•From left: Film maker, Mohammed Ali Balogun; TV producer, Mr Tunde Oloyede and his wife Bimbo

•From left: President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina; Chief Executive, Relentless Media, Mr Steve Ayorinde and United State Consulate, Senior Culture Staff, Bene Uche

•Director, Nollywood Centre, Pan African University, Dr Ikechuckwu Obiaya

•Lecturer, University of Lagos, Tunji Sotinmirin (left) and Film maker, Fidelis Duker

•Chief Executive, Sodium Solutions, Mr Abisoye Fagade (right) and Dayo (D1) Adeneye of Primetime Africa

•Film maker Tunde Kelani

•Chief Muraina Oyelami (left) and Bayo Awala

•Head, Corporate Communication, Bank of Industry, Hadiza Olaosebikan

•Aisha Kafidipe

•Chief Executive, African Film Academy (AFA), Peace Anyiam Osigwe and representative of Kwara State Governor Prince Deji Oni

•From left: Dr Harris Chima; Executive Director, The Sun, Mr. Bolaji Tunji and Mr Kunle Adekanye of Nigerian Immigration

•From left: Managing Director, Savvy Capital, Mr Bolaji Oyeleye; Mr Segun Adebayo of Kakawa Discount House and Mr Biodun Ibiyemi of Fina Trust Microfinance Bank

•Actor Yomi Fash-Lanso

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY The Imo community in Texas, United States, has hosted Deputy Governor Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere on his 50th birthday, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

Mr Loyalty is 50 A

As Prince Eze Madumere entered the arena, the gathering started chanting “Mr. Humility”, “Mr. Loyalty”, “the master strategist” and so on. It was a gathering of Imolites in God’s own country to celebrate the 50th birthday of the number two citizen of their state. The event took place at the home of Chief Obinna Abuachi. Members of the Great Owerri Congress and their friends were there in large number. After exchanging pleasantries with his kinsmen, Madumere took his seat. The Igbo tradition was on display. The ritual of welcoming a visitor with kolanut was observed. In Igboland, kolanut enjoys a pride of place and no ceremony is complete without it. Presentation of kolanut has remained one tradition that has withstood the heat and alterations that came with colonisation, westernisation and civilisation. He was declared the leader of Imolites in Diaspora, his excellent representation of Imo Community in Diaspora in the Rochas Okorocha Administration. The event turned into a rally of sorts as people took turns to speak

Chinonye, daughter of Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, of the Abia State High Court and her beau, Stanley Emmanuel, have tied the nuptial knot at the Saint Michael’s Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

EMBERS of the Saint Michaels Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State, will remember the wedding for a long time to come. Two optometrists – former Miss Chinonye Nwanosike and Stanley Emmanuel, were joined in holy matrimony in the church. The wedding brought many judges, magistrates and lawyers together. The atmosphere was serene. Guests trooped to the church to witness the solemnisation of like minds. The groom was in black suit with purple shirt; the wife looked glamorous in a sleeveless white flowing gown. The bride arrived the church in a black Spider Camry; the groom came in a red Spider Camry. The vicar, Ven. Dr. Polycarp Ibe, in his sermon, told the couple to be the eye and mouth of each other. He reminded them that marriage is for better for worse, adding that it should be seen as bitter and sweet

•Prince Madumere (third right) receiving award from Chairman Mbaitoli-Ikeduru Association, United States, Mr Iwuchukwu as other members watch

on the Okorocha administration. Madumere is a worthy son giving the way he has comported himself in office, first as Chief of Staff and now as deputy governor. He described Owelle Okorocha and Madumere as transformers. Ugochukwu Dike described the Okorocha administration as the greatest thing happened to Imo State, saying Imolites in Diaspora were happy with the development. “Today, we are witnessing change in all facets of our dear state. Secu-

rity challenges that used to be our worries are almost a thing of the past. As a son of Ideato nation, I stand to say that our deputy governor is a brother to us all by his kind gestures and humility to the cause of our people in diaspora,” he said. Chief Ralph Obijiofor also known as Big Fish, from Anambra State, drummed support for Okorocha’s re-election. He louded the governor’s philanthropic gestures and free education to the indigent under his Rochas Foundation Col-

leges. A lawyer, Okey Dike, called for support for Okorocha’s administration. He thanked Madumere for his gesture to Ndi Imo in Diaspora. Imolites in Diaspora, he said, have got more recognition under Okorocha’s administration than any other government. Chief Marcon Nlemigbo, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also called for support for Madumere for remaining himself even in power.

Madumere enumerated the giant strides of the Okorocha administration. He called for support for an administration that has transformed Imo State in less than three years. According to him, this is a proof that the state is on its way to realise the dreams of its founding fathers. Pounded yam with Onugbu, Egusi, Ofe akwukwu was served for dinner Prince Madumere is the third child of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere of Ezi Achi Mbier.

A union of doctors •The couple, Stanley and Chinonye with their parents. Mrs Emmanuel (left), while Justice Nwanosike and wife, Nwanyioma (right)

just as some people call themselves honey. Dr Ibe told them to listen to each other and solve their problems together, urging them to be steadfast in prayers also. Prayer, he said, is the master key to every problem. After the church session, the train moved to Hotel De-La-Paix for the reception. Guests were gaily dressed. Traditional attires were the order of the day. Gaily dressed men and women led guests into the hall where they were served assorted wines and drinks. The one-man band played old tunes softly, but with a good, sharp

rhythm. The couple cut the five-step white cake, decorated in wine and cream, with sparkling light, at the spelling of J-E-S-U-S. During the cake-cutting, Stanley held his wife tightly, provoking comments that he did not want her to run away. Stanley re-proposed to his wife in the presence of the guests, who applauded his gesture. The wife accepted and the husband lifted her and sealed it with kisses. She threw her bouquet to spinsters who struggled to catch the flowers.

Chinonye and Stanley thrilled guests on the dance floor, with family members, guests and friends joining them. Chairman on the occasion Justice Kenneth Nwosu told the couple to see themselves as one and not allow those he described as “meddlesome interlopers” to wade into their affairs. He urged them to be prayerful, so God would be the third person in their union. The bride’s father, Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, and mother Nwanyioma expressed happiness on the success of the wedding. They claimed that they did not

know when their daughter met her husband, praying to God to give them the understanding to know each other better. The groom’s mother, Mrs Ocheze Emmanuel, told The Nation that God has done what she had been praying for in her life. Stanley said it was a day he would never forget. Chinonye thanked God for making the wedding a success. At the occasion were Justice Ory Zikeora; Justice Lilian Agbai; Justice Stella Ururuka-Onyesoh; Justice Amanze Chikwendu Chioma; Justice Levinus Nwabughiogu and Justice Onyekachi Chijioke, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

SOCIETY

•Prof Adefila (right) and the children

•Prince Oyinlola (right) greeting Dr Saraki. With them is former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni

•Dr Ezekiel Ogunbiyi and his wife, Clara, a Supreme Court judge

•Cross-section of traditional rulers

The remains of Princess Emily Morolake Oluwayemi Adefila, elder sister of former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, have been buried in Ilofa in Kwara State, reports ADEKUNLE JIMOH

HE was a princess and she got a funeral befitting royalty. The late Princess Emily Morolake Oluwayemi Adefila was the elder sister of former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and daughter of the late Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Moses Oyinlola. The Adefilas gave their matriarch a befitting funeral about two weeks ago. The venue of the commendation service was filled with the cream of the society. The Cathedral Church of St Peter at Ilofa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State was filled. Family members and guests, including captains of industry, academics, business tycoons, government officials and traditional rulers were seated as early as 10am. The event, which began with songs by the church choristers, was followed by reading from the scripture, prayers for the deceased and goodwill messages. Her remains were brought into

A royal funeral the church amidst singing and dancing by the pallbearers around 10am. The Bishop of Ekiti Kwara Diocese, Rt Revd Andrew Olusola Ajayi, led the officiating ministers. Rt Revd Ajayi urged the gathering to always prepare for a glorious home call, reminding them that death is inevitable. “Man has but a short time to live in a world full of misery,” he said. The widower, Prof Sam Adefila, in a tribute, described his late wife as an absolute loving and caring partner who, wholesomely, practicalised the Yoruba culture with deserving respect. Her remains were moved from the church to the Adefila’s home for interment at 1:30pm. Prof Adefila, his children and re-

lations performed the dust-to-dust rite after the casket was lowered into the grave. The train moved to Ilofa Grammar School Playing Ground, where guests were treated to a lavish reception Paying glowing tribute to his sister, Prince Oyinlola said she was ever ready to part with her last kobo to put smiles on people’s faces. Her son, Akin, said his mother touched lives and would be remembered for uniting the family, her steadfastness and fervent prayers. He wrote in his tribute: “Thank you for always being there for me; your desire to be patient, kind and loving, were special beyond words; I know you are my miracle, unmatched and unrivalled. A master of purpose, a warrior of love; your

AWARD

MARRIAGE

•Alhaji Kareem Oduntan and former Miss Shakirat Folashade Balogun cutting their wedding cake at Bariga, Lagos

•Imam Masjidul Mumineen in Houston, United States Alhaji AbdurRahman Adesokan (left) presenting award to Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i in Houston, United States

prayers sustained me, a reminder of God’s shield over us, a reminder that we have not been left alone to journey this earth.” The Alofa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada, said the Adefilas had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the community and deserved commendation. He described the deceased as a mother in a thousand, who showed interest in the community’s wellbeing. Former Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki, moved by the show of affection by the community, promised to complete the plastering and tiling of the church. The late Princess Adefila had her secondary education at St Monica’s College, Kabba in present day Kogi State, as one of the pioneer students

and Queens School, Ilorin. She attended Ahmadu Bello University and the International Institute for Aerial Survey and Earth Sciences in Ensechede, Netherlands where she got her first postgraduate diploma. She began working at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University in 1977. Dignitaries at the event include former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni; former-military administrator of Bauchi and Osun states Col Theophilus Bamigboye; President, National Academy of Engineering Prof. A.F. Ogunye; Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo, represented by Landmark University Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Yemi Nathaniel while the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ola-Rotimi Ajayi was represented by Prof Tunde Bello; the Olomu of OmuAran, Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye, the Owalobo of Obbo Ile, Oba Rufus Adebayo, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA

Transcorp invests N65b in power plant

HE core investor of Ughelli Power Plc, Transcorp, has in vested N65 billion into the power plant, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi has said. Director, Public Communications, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Mr. Chigbo Anichebe made this known in a statement yesterday. According to the statement, Fadeyibi spoke when the Senate Committee on Privatisation paid an oversight visit to Ughelli Power. Fadeyibi said the core investor has raised the capacity from 170 megawatts Mw (at handover of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria successor company to the core investor in November 2013) to 420MW— representing 46 per cent of the 972 MW available capacity.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

He added that the short/medium/long term goal include "gradual increase of plant output while stabilising energy sent out to conform with industry standards till we get to original plant installed capacity of 1000MW by end 2015", and "expansion of plant capacity by the installation of 1000MW greenfield power plant by the end of 2018." He noted that about 70 per cent of its current assets in the plant employ U.S. technology. Senate Committee chair, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, commended the company for the local content of its management team. Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has commended the management of Ughelli Power Plc for the level of

development and investment within six months of take over. He said that the Delta State Government decided to invest in the power sector so that the profit would be used to subsidise power supply to the rural communities in the state. The governor who spoke when the Senate Committee paid him a courtesy call in Warri, also commended the management of Benin Distribution Company for its effort at boosting power distribution within its area of operation. He noted that the oversight activities of the law makers would help to keep managers of privatised companies on their toes and ensure returns on investment for the benefit of Nigerians. The Committee visited the new

Warri Ports where it praised the satisfactory performance of the operators, Messrs Associated Maritime Services, for the excellent development of the infrastructure and commitment to the Concession Agreement. Senator Obadara advised the concessionaire to apply for extension of the concession period to enable them continue with their good works and development of the ports given that the firm has three years left of its 10 year- concession period. Officials of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) also attested to the excellent performance of the concessionaire with regard to safety, revenue target, infrastructure development, manpower training and almost 100 per cent local content of its personnel.

• From left: CEO, National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, Mr. Chika Mordi; Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Amb. Joe Keshi; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and CEO, Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mr. Uche Orji, at the CEO Dialogue Forum with US Congressmen, during the US-AFRICA Business Leaders Summit in Washington DC.

Jonathan seeks more U.S. investments in Nigeria

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said the volume of trade between Nigeria and the United States (U.S.) has risen to a record level of $36 billion per annum. In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the president the present level of trade will continue to grow with greater cooperation between Nigeria and its allies in the U.S. government and private sector. Jonathan, who spoke at a dinner held in his honour by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington DC said his administration welcomed the support of the Obama administration and both organisation’s for ongoing efforts to positively transform the

• Bilateral trade hits $36b From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Nigerian economy and ensure that it becomes one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020. Calling for greater direct investment in Nigeria from the U.S., President Jonathan said recent developments had shown that President Barack Obama was right when he spoke in September last year, of increasing international recognition of Nigeria’s role in the global economy. He said: “Our economy has since been re-based and it is now the largest in Africa. We are the 26th largest economy in the

world and the largest trading partner of the United States in Africa. “Latest figures show the volume of trade between Nigeria and the U.S. to be $36 billion and still counting. Between last year and now, we hosted the World Economic Forum on Africa which was attended by 1,000 participants from 70 countries. “The forum attracted over $68 billion in investment to the African continent in the form of Foreign Direct Investments, as well as private and public investments targeted at projects that would foster the agriculture sector, improve infrastructure such as roads, railways, hospitals, education, skill development and ICT across African countries. “We remain the largest source of

natural gas and have large areas of unexploited fertile lands for agriculture.” “We have a huge stock of untapped solid minerals and we continue to make Nigeria an attractive destination for foreign investors through the constant implementation of our policy of creating an attractive and conducive climate for investors.” The President also told his audience at the dinner that while the oil and gas industry remains Nigeria’s main source of revenue and foreign exchange earner, his administration was working very hard to fully diversify the country’s economy and will welcome greater support from the United States for its efforts to make other sectors of the Nigerian economy more productive.

AfDB gives success tips for Nigeria's economic breakthrough

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has pointed directions for Nigeria to follow if she wants to succeed in Global Value Chain (GVC) efforts. This direction is contained in the AfDB's African Economic Outlook Report 2014 launched in Abuja yesterday. Its Country Director (Nigeria), Mr. Ousmane Dore, said Nigeria has great potentials to draw from the gains of GVC to help her economy grow and reduce the poverty index down. Dore while reading the report said the bank has recommended strategies for the country. He said the government must "Provide the basic conducive environment;

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

Articulate a clear National Policy on Value Chain Development; Deepen policy to further improve the business and regulatory environment; Adopt inward-looking strategy with focus on areas of comparative advantages; Invest in Research and Development (R&D) with focus on technology and skills upgrade; and Empower relevant government agencies on GVC support." AfDB said the need for Nigeria to upgrade her technological know-how is important to achieve skills upgrade; access to global best practices; emergence of new and peripheral productive activities; deeper global market

networks; export diversification and promoIon of inclusive growth through job creation, wealth spread and poverty reduction. The continental lender identified impediments besetting the country to include: "weak local technological and skill capacity as result of: weak regulatory and institutional framework; poor infrastructure; poor coordination mechanisms; weak overall global competitiveness; limited support from the government to local producers and processors in facilitating their participation in global value chains and Insufficient intellectual property rights protection." GVC is a procedure for bringing together producers, processors, buyers and sellers in an intertemporal frame-

work with a view to adding value to the goods or services being exchanged as it passes from actors involved along the spectrum from conception to the final consumer in the domestic, regional, and global markets. "Increased integration of the poor into global value chains is essential for poverty reduction. Agriculture, which is largely informal, employs about 70 per cent of the labour force, a large portion of which is poor. Adding value to agriculture tradables will create more jobs through its upstream and downstream integration with other sectors of the economy, increase export revenues, boost income of the poor and reduce poverty incidence" the Report said.

NOSDRA gets oil spill equipment From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

HE Federal Government yes terday handed over oil spill detection, response and laboratory equipment to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to help detect oil spill in the country. The government also inaugurated the Geographic Information System (GIS) centre for the agency. Already, the GIS has been installed in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Uyo and Kaduna to assist in detecting oil spill. Minister of Environment Mrs. Laurentia Mallam who spoke in Abuja at the commissioning of the GIS centre at the headquarters of NOSDRA, said the project was the intervention of the National Committee on Ecological Problem, through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO). She said the GIS centres would assist the agency to locate and respond to cases of oil spill quickly when it happens in any part of the country. She said:“It is hoped that NOSDRA would deploy the procured equipment into effective usage by ensuring the early detection of any act of spillage in any part of the country. It is our hope therefore that this project would enhance the capabilities of NOSDRA to fulfill its core mandate. “Nigeria is blessed with enormous crude oil and gas resources. It is a national treasury that we should harness and exploit for the common good. I therefore call on well meaning Nigerians, oil and gas industry regulators and operators to join hands with government toward eradicating the ugly trend of oil spillage and its harmful effect on the environment.”

Service providers under fire over unsolicited SMS

By Lucas Ajanaku

HE Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Value Added Services Providers (VASP) yesterday met to address the issues of unsolicited and fraudulent short message service (SMS) and other challenges confronting the industry, especially the use of short codes. Mobile value-added services (VAS) are non-core services beyond standard voice calls and fax transmissions. According to industry statistics, mobile VAS sub-sector of the telecoms industry is currently valued at over $200 million annually with potential to reach $500 million in the next five years. Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said the need to parley with the VASP and MNOs in an enlarged forum has become more imperative in view of the deluge of complaints of unethical practices by WASP, adding however that the objective of the forum is not to witchhunt, but proffer solutions. “In the recent past, NCC has been inundated with several complaints by the general public with regard to the unethical practices by providers of Value Added Services in Nigeria. These issues range from unauthorised subscription to illegal deduction from subscriber’s accounts. “Our objective is to present our findings and views on the host of issues identified during our monitoring exercises pursuant to the formulation of an industry-driven regulatory framework on value added services provisions in the country,” Juwah said during his opening remarks. Some of the identified services VAS include mobile entertainment, caller-tune, ring-back tunes, music download, news breaks, Biblical and inspirational quotes, flights information, tele-marketing, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

MONEYLINK

Stanbic IBTC to raise N30b Tier II capital

TANBIC IBTC, the Nigerian unit of South Africa’s Standard Bank, plans to raise up to N30 billion in Tier II capital. The lender’s Managing Director/ CEO, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, who confirmed the capital raise during an analyst’s conference call, told Reuters that the actual amount would depend on market conditions and regulatory guidelines. She did not provide a timeline. She said the lender is aiming for a 15 per cent loan growth for the second-half of 2014, targeting business customers, after it grew loans 18 percent in the first-half. Also, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated’s (ETI) unit in Nigeria, sold $200 million of dated subordinated notes due in 2021 to join other

•Ecobank Nigeria sells $200m in notes Stories by Collins Nweze

lenders in Nigeria raising funds through debt sales. The issuance has a yield of nine per cent and a coupon of 8.75 per cent, according to information from a person with knowledge of the offering, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorised to speak publicly. Bloomberg said Deutsche Bank AG and Standard Chartered Plc are the lead managers. The notes are expected to be eligible as Tier 2 capital by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), according to the source. Also, Access Bank Plc sold $400 mil-

lion of subordinated notes in June with the yield falling 80 basis points since they were issued to 8.7 per cent. First Bank of Nigeria sold $450 million of bonds on July 18. The banks are raising money to help fund power, oil exploration and manufacturing projects in the country. Ecobank Transnational, a lender based in the Togolese capital of Lome that operates in 36 African countries, said net income rose 15 per cent to $194 million for the six months through June. The stock rose 4.6 per cent to N18.33 yesterday, thereby adding to its 13 per cent advance this year. The 195member Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index has gained 3.1 per cent in 2014. Ecobank’s Nigeria unit isn’t listed on the bourse.

UN asks firms to tackle corruption

HE United Nation Global Compact (UNGC) has advised business operators to shun bribery and corruption in the course of their operation, its Head, Transparency & Anti-corruption, Mrs Olajobi Makinwa, has said. Mrs. Makinwa, who spoke in Lagos, called for entrenchment of anti-corruption initiatives in all organisations, adding that governments at all levels are also expected to make commitment that would enhance transparency, sustainability in business practices. She said the fight against corruption is a collective one between government and private sector operators. The UN executive said over 10,000 companies have signed up with the UN’s anti-corruption policy created by the Global Compact and Global Compact Nigeria to fight corruption.

By Erekosima Lucy

She said local and global business operators have also shown commitment to fight against corruption by signing the call to Action: Anti-corruption and the Global Development Agenda. The Call to Action, she explained, is an appeal from the private sector to governments aimed at promoting anti-corruption measures and implementing policies that enhance good governance. She said the project has garnered more than 100 global business signatories to date, including Oando Plc. Mrs. Makinwa said the UNGC has also been at the forefront of advancing the 10th principle against corruption, which asks businesses to work and fight against corruption in all forms, including extortion and bribery. “The initiative funded by Siemens,

has sought to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration and capacity building by building alliances of like-minded business and public officials,” she said. Makinwa said the project has succeeded in increasing dialogue between the oil and gas industry in Nigeria on issues of fraud and corruption as well as raising awareness of corruption issues, especially in the procurement process. The project, she added, has helped in engaging a large number of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in multi stakeholder dialogues against corruption. Also, MTN’s Company Secretary, Mrs Uto Ukpanah, said the firm has been supporting the UNGC in its fight against corruption, adding that top management of MTN is in support of the body’s operations.

•CEO Ecobank Nigeria Jibril Aku

Bank warns of asset price collapse

INANCIAL sector imbalances could cause sudden price reversals and sharp spikes in volatility, risks many macroeconomists are still blind to, says Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan. Poor policy co-ordination and a continued failure to comprehend the dangers of financial cycles pose significant risks to the global economy at a time when central banks may be least equipped to deal with crises, Raghuram Rajan, governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), says in an interview published by Central Banking journal yesterday. Unfortunately, a number of macroeconomists have not fully learned the lessons of the great financial crisis. Financial sector crises are not as predictable. The risks build up until, wham, it hits you. Rajan says problems do not appear to be arising from credit growth – although this is an issue in some emerging markets – rather from the rise in asset prices as investors around the world chase yields. The former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund fears a

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,672.85 1,114.49 121.71 1,087.30 1.3620 1.3560 1.0221 1.1841

167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,672.85 1,113.68 120.82 1,087.00

Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014 21/07/2014

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 400m 300m 400m

Amount Sold in ($) 381.27m 272.9m 399.01m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES August 1, 2014

8.2%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.3b

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

260.4415

262.1247

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

CONOIL

62.32

68.70

6.38

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

UBN

8.20

8.61

0.41

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

ABCTRANS

0.82

0.86

0.04

Euro

207.3691

298.7093

19.70

20.65

0.95

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

170.4263

171.5277

Yen

1.5028

1.5177

CFA

0.2966

0.3166

236.1789

237.7053

Yuan/Renminbi

25.0351

25.1978

Riyal

41.2569

41.5236

SDR

27.8076

279873

NNFM ETI

C/PRICE

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Inflation: June

GAINERS AS AT 07-08-14

build-up of financial sector imbalances could cause sudden price reversals and sharp spikes in volatility. “We are taking a greater chance of having another crash at a time when the world is less capable of bearing the cost,” he says. “Unfortunately, a number of macroeconomists have not fully learned the lessons of the great financial crisis. They still do not pay enough attention – en passant – to the financial sector. Financial sector crises are not as predictable. The risks build up until, wham, it hits you,” Rajan says. Rajan fears central banks “may be exhausting room on the financial side and creating a situation where there will be a discontinuous movement in the financial sector”. A sudden shift in asset prices could happen in a variety of ways. The most obvious route would be as a result of investors chasing higher yields at a time when they believe central bank policies will protect them against a fall in prices.

DATA BANK

Bid Price

1.3529 1.3570 1.0039 1.1841

•Mrs. David-Borha

17.52

18.33

0.81

ROYALEX

0.51

0.53

0.02

VITAFOAM

4.12

4.28

0.16

PORTPAINT

5.19

5.37

0.18

NASCON FO

10.09

10.42

0.33

231.00

238.50

7.50

LOSERS AS AT 07-08-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

DNMEYER

1.15

1.10

-0.05

ETERNA

4.17

3.99

-0.18

CONTINSURE

1.04

1.00

-0.04

UBCAP

2.19

2.13

-0.06

WAPIC

0.85

0.83

-0.02

NAHCO

5.15

5.03

-0.12

PRESTIGE

0.51

0.50

MANSARD

2.55

IKEJAHOTEL NEM

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

12.175

12.101

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

T-bills - 364

10.22

-0.01

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

2.50

-0.05

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

0.72

0.71

-0.01

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

0.80

0.79

-0.01

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Iraq Christians flee as Islamic state takes Qaraqosh

•Iraqi fleeing Qaraqosh

P to a quarter of Iraq’s Christians are reported to be fleeing after Islamic militants seized the minority’s biggest town. The Islamic State (IS) group captured Qaraqosh in Nineveh province overnight after the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. IS controls parts of Iraq and Syria and says it has created an Islamic state. Meanwhile the US is considering air strikes or air drops to help the Yazidi community, another minority targeted by IS, the New York Times says. About 50,000 Yazidis are thought to have been trapped in the mountains after fleeing the town of Sinjar - although the UN says some of them have now been rescued. Unverified amateur footage shows members of the Yazidi religious minority fleeing into

the mountains, as Mike Wooldridge reports Tens of thousands of religious minorities have been forced to flee since IS, a Sunni Muslim group formerly known as Isis, launched their onslaught on northern Iraq in June. In other developments: •A suicide bombing in a Shia Muslim area of Baghdad killed at least 12 people •Is said it had captured the strategic Mosul dam on the Tigris river - a claim denied by Kurdish forces who insist they are still in control •At least six people died in a car bomb attack near a Shia mosque in the northern city o A majority of Nineveh inhabitants left their homes overnight, according to Fraternite en Irak, an international Christian organisation based in Paris. As many as 100,000 people

Russia hits West with food import ban in sanctions row

USSIA is imposing a “full embargo” on food imports from the EU, US and some other Western countries, in response to sanctions over Ukraine. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said it would include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and dairy imports. Australia, Canada and Norway are also affected. Elsewhere, Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Ukraine’s freedom and future were “under attack,” promising support against Russian “aggression”. The latest developments come during heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine, where heavy shelling was reported in the eastern rebel stronghold of Donetsk on Thursday In addition to the food imports embargo, Russia is banning Ukrainian airlines from transit across its territory, Mr Medvedev said in televised comments to the government. The Russian government is also considering banning transit flights for EU and US airlines in retaliation for sanctions over Ukraine, he said. Barring airlines from Siberian airspace would significantly increase costs and flying time for many jets bound for Asian destinations. EU food exports to Russia last year were worth 11.8bn euros (£9bn; $15.8bn) while US food exports to Russia were worth 972m euros (£772m; $1.3bn). Russia was the EU’s second-biggest market for food exports (10% of total), after the US (13%). The European Commission said the Russian embargo was “clearly politically motivated”. It is considering how to respond. Western governments accuse the Kremlin of fomenting the unrest in eastern Ukraine by supplying weapons and expertise to the pro-Russian separatists. Nato’s Anders Fogh Rasmussen, speaking during a visit to Kiev on Thursday, called on Russia to stop supporting the rebels and pull back its troops from Ukraine’s border. Russia “should not use peace-keeping as an excuse for warmaking,” he is quoted by Reuters as saying. Last month the EU and US tightened sanctions on Russia, with Brussels applying restrictions to key sectors of the economy as well as individuals. The first round of sanctions came after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region in March. Apples in Warsaw: Russia has been a major export market for Polish apple growers The crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 last month, killing 298 people, exacerbated tensions between the West and Russia, as the separatists in eastern Ukraine were widely blamed. It is strongly suspected that a Russian missile system was used to down the jet.

are believed to be fleeing toward the autonomous Kurdistan Region. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has called for the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting over the situation. Pope Francis has made an impassioned appeal to the international community to do much more to address the crisis. A Vatican statement said the Pope had appealed for “all necessary help” to be given to those forced to flee their homes, “whose fate depends entirely on the solidarity of others”. And Minority Rights Group International has warned that Iraq’s multi-ethnic future is now at grave risk. Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have been fighting the IS militants’ advance for weeks.

Chinese dissident Gao Zhisheng released from prison

NE of China’s most prominent dissidents, Gao Zhisheng, has been released after three years in jail. His brother said he left the Xinjiang prison on Thursday morning and was now at his father-in-law’s home in Urumqi. Fellow activist and close friend Hu Jia told BBC Chinese that Mr Gao was seeking dental treatment in Urumqi, the region’s capital. Mr Gao, a prominent human rights lawyer, was arrested in early 2009. He was accused of inciting subversion. He was released briefly in 2010, and claimed he was tortured while in detention. Shortly after that he disappeared again. State media subsequently said in 2011 he would be jailed for three years for violating probation rules. Mr Hu told the BBC that Mr Gao is “having problems with his teeth” but is expected to head to his hometown in north Shaanxi province after having treatment. Gao Zhisheng timeline ao Zhisheng’s law practice • Dec 2006: Convicted of subversion and sentenced to house arrest • Sept 2007: Says he was tortured during a period of detention

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Russia gives Snowden 3-year residency

DWARD Snowden gets three more years of residency in Russia. •NEW: “No change in our position,” White House says •Snowden’s disclosures in 2013 made him an icon among some •Edward Snowden is a former government information technology contractor •U.S. authorities have charged him with espionage and theft of government propertyEdward Snowden, who leaked secret information about U.S. spying programs, has been granted an extension to stay in Russia for three more years, his attorney said in a televised press conference in Moscow Thursday. Snowden recently formally requested that Russia’s government extend his temporary asylum, and Snowden attorney Anatoly Kucherena said the request had been accepted.

“As of August 1, 2014, Snowden has received residency for three years,” Kucherena told reporters Thursday. Snowden’s temporary asylum in Russia ended on July 31. He’d been holed up at a Moscow airport for five weeks before the Russian government granted asylum for one year on August 1, 2013. Snowden has kept busy working for a Russian website and speaking out on the disclosures about the U.S. government’s spying programs and processes that he helped make public. Did Snowden inspire a new leaker? Alexander: Cooperation with Germany vital Snowden’s disclosures in 2013 made him an icon among those who praised him for risking his future to expose these secrets and a villain among those who accused him of being a lawbreaker

•Snowden who betrayed the United States. The former government information technology contractor collected information on spy programs — in which the NSA mined phone and Internet metadata from thousands of people inside and outside of the United States — and exposed the programs to the media. U.S. authorities have charged him with espionage and theft of government property The White House says the

extension of Snowden’s asylum in Russia doesn’t change the U.S. government’s desire for his return. “There’s been no change in our position: Mr. Snowden faces felony charges here in the United States,” said Ned Price, a spokesman for the National Security Council. “He should return to the U.S. as soon as possible, where he will be accorded full due process and protections.” U.S. intelligence agencies fear Snowden has achieved celebrity as a leaker and could be inspiring others to disclose classified national security information. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently commented on Snowden’s case in an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel. “I think he is a poor messenger for the message that he’s trying to take credit for,” she told the magazine. “I think he could have provoked the debate in our country without stealing and distributing material that was government property and was of some consequence,” Clinton said.

•L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Adebowale Adefuye (left); Minister of Culture and Tourism Chief Edem Duke Congresswoman Sheila Jackson of the House of Representatives from Texas at the launch of the International leg of Nigeria, Our Heritage Project at the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, Washington DC.

Ebo-laugh: farewell to the great Nigerian handshake •Continued from Back page From early in the day, all sorts of quasi-practitioners have fought for their space and claimed their stake in the huge AIDS industry. From Dr. Abalaka to Prophet Joshua, it boiled down to turf fight in a multi-billion dollars business. Call it man-eatman if you like but the biz was good. How can you convince the followers of faith healers like Prophet Joshua or Pastor Oyakhilome that certain cases are beyond there Daddies; that they should not take their ailing children or spouses first to Daddy before a doctor? Is not the Synagogue of All Nations perhaps the most remarkable ‘healing’ place on earth? Is it not common knowledge that AIDS patients – presidents and pedestrians alike - from across the globe throng the Synagogue seeking succour? It is said that at a point in time there were probably more HIV/AIDS patients in Synagogue than in any specialist hospital. Did anyone reprimand or dispute his therapy? In like manner, the herbalist in our remote villages where the white man’s medicine has not been able to penetrate of course has exclusive rights to his patients whether they are afflicted by Ebola or Agora virus. Now we want to take him off the loop? And these: what are we going to do about our gyms, mass transit buses, schools and swimming pools? Now will you partake in the Holy Communion in your church on Sunday? That currency note in your hand, who touched it last? Finally, a few months ago when Ebola hit our sister countries along the West coast, our Information Minister in his usual blustery asserted that it was not a Nigerian problem. It was as if he either had the vaccine for it or he had a magic remedy. But of course he did not even know the symptoms then. The Health Ministry was merely full of reassurances and each time you mentioned Eb – they would insist they were on top of it. But you and I know that in this country, our governments are never on top of anything, in fact, everything is on top of us. Today, Ebola has walked into our homestead and everyone is running loose like a lonely testicle in a large scrotum? Which serious government allows her doctors to go on strike indefinitely? And you ask: who needs doctors if we have survived this far; who needs government too? And mark you, it’s only in Lagos that we have so much Ebola activity; in most other states, it’s still business as usual, nothing doing. Check your state if in doubt. Lastly, who is surprised that the Ebola virus is borne by monkeys; African monkeys in a monkey continent where we love doing monkey business. Has doom finally come upon the Blackman ? Now who is the monkey?

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS ‘Ebola victim’s delegation visited Calabar’ Continued from page 4

spoke on the danger posed by likely virus carriers moving about unhindered and concern against indiscriminate wearing of gloves. “Some primary contacts against our advice even left Lagos to other cities. So, everyone can be at risk. That is the message, everyone is indeed at risk. “If you say let us wear the protective gloves and walk the streets of Lagos, it will frighten the whole community. So, it is pretty difficult... The ECOWAS Vice President said: “At the airport upon his arrival, when there was detection in his failing health, our protocol officers that had gone to meet with delegates immediately took action in collaboration with Nigerian authorities on the ground and he was taken to the hospital. So, there was no time that he went into Calabar but it is true that he flew on the plane with people who went into Calabar and who had interacted with him. “As we speak, our officers, protocol officers, the driver and the head of our protocol department are all under careful observation and we hope that some other good news will come out from there but currently, we are monitoring their situation very closely.” Onyebuchi said between the aircraft and the hospital, the number of people who had

contact with Sawyer was unknown. He added that those involved in attending to Sawyer two days before the test result came out were not protected. He said not until after the test result confirmed that it was the deadly virus that precaution was taken. The minister who sounded a note of warning said the situation right now had assumed a global emergency as everyone is at risk. He said: “Indeed, this is coming from a Liberian citizen who is also an American. The family said he resided in America and he was expected to return to America for the celebration of his baby’s birthday. This tells us that if only the incubation period shifted a little bit, he would have come here, attended the ECOWAS meeting in Calabar and would have returned to the United States and probably it would have started manifesting in the United States. So, this means the whole world is in danger. “The two statements I want to make and if that is the only thing you will remember today, that will be sufficient for me; firstly, indeed, we have an emergency in our hands, for me, it is a national emergency but for all of us, it is a global emergency. Secondly, everyone is at risk, every nation is at risk and every individual is at risk. “We do know that 18 days

ago, it landed on the shores of Nigeria and of course because of the way it came, nobody at the airport was on the alert even though we were on red alert, terrorism was the foremost on the minds of people and not this form of viral terrorism and so, quite a number of people between the aircraft to the hospital and even initially at the hospital, as we know, were not really protected. Protection started two days later, i.e. standard protection started two days later after diagnosis was certain and obvious to everyone. “We were able to obtain the manifest from the airline, the only problem we had with this manifest was that, the sitting was free except of course the pilot sit. So, it made what we wanted to do a little bit more complex. We classify the passengers that traveled with him on two different flights, from Monrovia to Lome and Lome to Nigeria. “We decided later that all those on that plane should be considered as contacts, some of them left subsequently on another flight to another place but all those who landed in Nigeria were placed under surveillance. We have also had challenges with this surveillance, because one or two tried to hide from us and it was not easy looking for somebody you have already labelled as carrying the disease no matter how you explain to those who will go after him.

Osun: How PDP plans to rig election Continued from page 4

task force includes the intimidation, harassment and arrest of APC party chieftains, agents and sympathisers who are uncompromising or “refuse their offer of filthy lucre”. The APC said the second document, a part of which was written in longhand, contained even more damning evidence that the PDP has decided to employ rigging, thuggery and other acts of violence to “win”. For example, the party said, the document lists members of the ‘Omisore Youth Forum’ who must be supported with the deployment of a “Strike Force” as Adedotun Adebowale (alias Marcel), Kingsley Awosiyan, Muyiwa Odikunrin, Wale Ojo, Kola Oladipupo and Kako Banji. Other are Halif A. Adeniran from Isokan War 10; Blessing Ikeaba (Ilesa West); Sunday Akanfe Atidade (Ede South, Kuge Ward 2); Shaibu Oyedokun (Ede South, Ward 10 and 11); Bode Falade (Ejigbo Ward 2); Raji Kayode (Ejigbo Ward 5) and Lasisi Gambia (Iwo, Oke Adan Ward 2). The APC members to be arrested include Moshood Abdulahi, Akorede Lawal and Basiru Awobode (Isokan Ward 3); Femi Fasoro, Lanre Abu, Taiye Alapa, Seyi Elese and Taye Johnson (Ilesa West); Dele Nafui (Ayedire); Peter Babalola (Irewole) as well as Ra-

mah Ajiboye, Johnson Ojo, Adedeji Soji and Alimi Kajogbola (Ede South). The APC said actions to be taken to swing the election in favour of the PDP were also listed in the various local government areas, including Ife Central (stuffing of ballot boxes, thuggery and physical clashes); Atakumosa East (Multiple voting, thuggery and ballot stuffing); Ife North (electoral violence); Ayedaade (electoral violence and rigging); Egbedore (snatching of ballot boxes and ballot papers) and Ede South (snatching of ballot boxes). In the local government areas, the thugs in charge of the designated evil assignment and the APC members to be arrested were also listed. Meanwhile, the party has said it is not true that the military command is unaware of the plan to use soldiers to rig the Osun election, as 38 army officers were dispatched to Osun on Wednesday and were part of the team that disrupted the rally that was to be held in Osogbo by the NLC in support of Gov. Aregbesola. APC said businessman “Chris Uba has been given 50 soldiers from Enugu, which he would lead to Osun for one mission and one mission only: Brutalise, intimidate or kill any APC supporter who wants to prevent PDP’s rig-

ging. One wonders when Uba joined the army that he has now become a military commander.” APC said the outlined rigging plans explain why the PDP has been boasting repeatedly that it would capture Osun, having successfully executed similar plans in Delta Senatorial, Anambra governorship and Ekiti governorship elections. ‘’All these point to the fact that PDP’s devilish plans to destroy our nascent democracy would stop at nothing to achieve its aim. We hereby put all stakeholders on red alert. We call on Prof. Attahiru Jega to ensure that his name does not go down in infamy as some others have. ‘’We also call on the new IGP and other security agents to show to Nigerians that they are truly professional men and women of honour. We appeal to all Nigerians and particularly the Osun electorate to be extra vigilant and ensure that their will is not subverted by this onrushing brigade of evil,’’ the party said, vowing to put all machinery in place to safeguard the mandate of its teeming supporters and resist all forms of intimidation or devilish manipulation of the voting process. APC said it “is confident that, in the end, millions of soldiers, police and other security agents are not enough to take on the people and crush their will, much as they will try to”.

Controversy as medical doctors call off strike

Continued from page 4

approved life insurance policy for health workers involved in managing the EVD. Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu broke the news yesterday during a meeting with foreign envoys. Besides, he said outbound passengers would be screened before being allowed to leave the country. This will start next week. Chukwu said: “We are facing

some challenges because we need to encourage workers, especially when they hear that some doctors and nurses are dying even now in Nigeria, a nurse has died. It has now become increasingly difficult to convince health workers to attend to these patients but we have to and we are making efforts to get the people. “We have also improved their confidence level. What we have decided is that all the people tak-

ing part even if they did not have insurance, they must have insurance. “It is life insurance to protect them and their families so that in case anything happens to them, their families will not suffer double loss. So, that is mandatory and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for all federal workers and all the people we will recruit whether private, state or federal personnel, are going to enjoy this insurance.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

NEWS

The bigotry against Aregbesola By Yemi Osinbajo

complete fidelity, his major projects have been solely directed at alleviating the suffering and deprivation of his people. The hiring of, now 40,000 unemployed graduates , the provision of free balanced meals for all primary school children, provision of free uniforms, the provision of tablet computers for senior secondary school students containing all their textbooks, past jamb questions etc., monthly stipends to the elderly – all of these in a State that is the third poorest in Federalallocations and currently gets N2.6 billion monthly, a 40 percent reduction from 2013, courtesy of the Federal government. Mr. Eyieyien perhaps was not aware that even the 10 billion sukuk bond was purely for the building of 24 model state-of the art schools, most of which are now completed. The Wole Soyinka led Osun education summit recommended the replacement of the completely broken school infrastructure in Osun State with schools capable of accommodating 1000 students with modern labs, classrooms, power and sports facilities. The idea was to use economies of scale to benefit the largest number of students. When Mr. Eyieyien describes him as “Sheikh” it is clearly to give the impression that he is an Islamic fundamentalist. The facts on the man completely belie this. First, as Commissioner for Works in Lagos State,he built the chapel at the State House, Marina. Pastor Adeboye at the opening commended him and remarked that he would be a pastor soon! Within a year of coming into government, he commissioned in Ilesa the Open Heavens Christian Evangelical Arena , a purpose-built facility for evangelism which according to him was to celebrate the icons of the Christian faith who are from Osun namely- the Late Apostle Babalola , the Late Apostle Obadare, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Pastor W.F Kumuyi and Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo. Today, his government supports the establishment of five Christian universities in Osun, including The Redeemers University at Ede, the Joseph Babalola University, Dominion University, and Bowen University. How about the composition of government in Osun State? You will notice that his critics are never able to say that Christians are marginalised in government, why ? Because only Muslims can make that allegation! In the Cabinet of Osun State there are 10 more Christians than Muslims. In addition, the largest Ministries are headed by ChristiansMinistries of Finance, Justice, Education, Health, Environment , Agriculture, Physical Planning and Youth and Sports . The Legislature (House of Assembly), which came into office after he won back his mandate in court in November 2010, has a majority of Christian members – 18 Christians and 8 Muslims. Everyone knows that at that level if the Governor does not support your nomina-

tion by the party your ambitions are dead in the water. The State Judiciary is headed by a Christian who he appointed although he had preferred and proposed a judge from Lagos Justice Olubunmi Oyewole also a non-Muslim. Of over 30 new Permanent Secretaries appointed by him 22 are Christians. If the majority of your cabinet, ( including your Attorney-General), your Legislature, Judiciary and top echelon of your civil service are Christians how can we in truth say that such a person has an Islamisation agenda? Surely the least a “Sheikh” with an Islamisation agenda should do to achieve his objective is to populate the structure that can achieve that objective with Muslims! It is also entirely false that he patronizes or uses “TAAWUN” guards for his security. It is common knowledge that he hardly even uses any security at all, except for a couple of SSS men, his monthly LIFE WALKS , where he walks alongside his people for kilometres without any significant security cordon was commended recently by a former Governor in the South East. It is incredible what prejudice can do to us. Everyone in Osun knows that the State was nicknamed “State of the Living Spring” in reference to the Osun River after which the State is named. Renaming the State “the OmoluabiState “ – meaning “the State of children born of God” or “the State of men and women of virtue” certainly gives greater glory to God. To suggest that benefiting from a Sukuk bond to better the lives of his people of all faiths, is enough to justify the grave allegation of an Islamisation agenda, is with all due respect , calling a dog a bad name simply to hang it. I agree that it may have served the politics of religion better not to take the bond, but it is a fairer judgment of his motives, knowing him, that this was borne out of his desire to serve his people well. The 24 mega schools with state-of -the art facilities is a quantum leap in education for the majority of children of the poor who before now schooled in what the Soyinka committee saw as scandalous. The alternative was not to build the schools. When a man who is doing right by the poor and deprived people he governs, is being condemned by those of us who are called to serve the poor, the sick, , the naked, and the hungry then it is fair to ask what the values in governance we really intend to promote are? In any event the alternative is Chief Iyiola Omisore whose antecedents we ought, to put it delicately, be cautious to associate with. A problem with uncritically accepting as useful advice this viciously anti-APC propaganda, is that it throws the baby out with the bath water. So we are now expected to reject the landmark achievements in Lagos, in Ogun ( the huge infrastructural developments), Oyo ( which for the first time most admit is making real progress) , Edo, and Ekiti ( where almost everyone agrees the governor did a good job but Fayose un-

•Aregbesola

was greatly saddened to read the material written by Mr. Eyieyien urging “The Remnants” to vote out the current Governor of Osun State Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and vote in Chief Iyiola Omisore. I am also still somewhat puzzled as to how what appeared to be an opposition to a bond issue and other sundry allegations degenerated to the running down of the APC as an Islamic party, a propaganda tool notoriously deployed by the PDP through its various organs. Are we as Christians now being urged to support the PDP or what exactly is the message? Reason, is one of the most important contributions of the Gospel to development. From it emerge the practical concepts of fairness and justice for all, especially our enemies. Which is why lynching, even of an intellectual kind is unacceptable. I am not an unbiased intervenor, I had the good fortune of serving in an AD/ACN government in Lagos State. The ACN is a major partner in the APC. I will come back to the PDP APC issue presently. Also, I have known Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of the State of Osun, since 1999. We served on the policy committees of the then newly elected AD governor of Lagos State. He served in the infrastructure subcommittee and I, in the Justice subcommittee. I also served with him for 8 years in the government of Lagos State. He as Commissioner for Works and I as Attorney General. I developed a close personal relationship with him. His early ideological belief was shaped byMarxist-Socialist thinking, which probably influences his left- of- centre world view in governance. His first son Kabir went to university in Cuba on a scholarship. In 2005 when he graduated, only Rauf and I attended his graduation . He is a devout Muslim but liberal in his approach to other faiths. This is not unusual amongst the Yorubas largely because most families have both Muslim and Christian members and have always interacted without rancour. Of his six siblings only one other is a Muslim. All the others are Christians. His sister who is of the RCCG, is widowed ( her husband died a Christian) her two sons have lived with Rauf for years, he insists that they must practice their father’s faith faithfully. They both attend the RCCG. He and I shared and still share a burden to provide honest, transparent, people-centered governance. He is a scrupulously honest person, as Commissioner for Works in Lagos State he left office without a home and no financial comforts. I know, because aside from my personal and official interaction with him, I coordinated his legal team for the reclamation of his mandate for over three years. I know first hand, his difficulties with sustaining his family, and a small staff for that period. Not surprisingly no one can accuse him in Osun State of corruption. He is just not wired that way. Indeed, in keeping with that commitment to serve the people with

His early ideological belief was shaped byMarxist-Socialist thinking, which probably influences his left- ofcentre world view in governance... A muslim but liberal in his approach to other faiths... Of his six siblings only one other is a Muslim. All the others are Christians. His sister who is of the RCCG, is widowed ( her husband died a Christian) her two sons have lived with Rauf for years, he insists that they must practice their father’s faith faithfully. They both attend the RCCG.

derstood stomach infrastructure better!) Or now Kano or Rivers ( where a REAL rail service is about to begin;Lagos is also about to complete a rail service amongst other exemplary achievements )! It is also false that the APC’s new executive reserved its top positions for Muslims! The Chairman of the party Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is a Christian, the Deputy National Chairman (South) Engr. Segun Oni is a Christian, so are the National Organizing Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso, Deputy National Secretary Hon. Orji Ugofa and Chief Pius Akinyelure , theVice Chairman of the South West. For what it is worth, there are 22 Muslims and 21 Christians in the APC National Executive Committee. Regarding the rather thinly veiled ‘support the PDP/ JONATHAN’ message, it is incredible that we are invited to ignore the cynical manner that our President Goodluck Jonathan uses Christianity and the church to further his political ambitions. Why are we being urged to

support a PDP/Jonathan bid again? The platform has largely on account of its tragic failure to perform, decided to exploit Nigeria’s religious fault lines in the most cynical manner to win support, in the process he continues to divide Nigeria in by the far most extreme manner in our history. I have worked with many brethren since 2002 on issues around Islamization in Nigeria, in particular with Revd. Ladi Thompson of the Macedonian Initiative and the Omoluabi network. It is clear that Al Qaeda, ISIS , and more recently Boko Haram and their splinters are committed to an Islamization agenda. Their symphathisers certainly cut across all boundaries. The Late General Azazi, then NSA, pointedly accused the PDP of being behind the escalation of Boko Haram, I have that statement on DVD. The President, also openlylamented the infiltration of his cabinet by the Boko Haram. Recently a Nigerian pastor in a widely circulated CD, speaking on the Jihadist agenda accused General Babangida of funding the Islamization agenda from his days as President. Today President Jonathan’s most influential Northern supporter is General Babangida. His narrative unfortunately gives no credit to Gen Buhari, and his deputy Gen Idiagbon (also a muslim) who refused to join the OIC despite pressures. Or that Gen Buhari remains the one head of State who was able to defeat an extremist insurgency, the Maitatsine. How can we fail to see that the incredible corruption, incompetence, poverty of 2/3 of our people after almost seven years of the presentgovernment is unsupportable? How is it that Diezani’s use of 10billion Naira to run her private jet (the same amount of money for the building of 24 mega schools in Osun!) and the complete silence of the President on this travesty does not lead to calling for him to be voted out in 2015? So the allegation of the missing or unaccounted for 20.8 billion USD with 110 million desperately poor, should be dismissed as pure propaganda? So it doesn’t make a difference to us that under the PDP Nigeria has fallen behind in every human development indicator? 55,000 women dying yearly of maternal related ailments, only recently Stanford’s Professor Larry Diamond compared the yearly deaths of over 300,000 children yearly in Nigeria to the killing of 800, 000 mainly Tutsis in Rwanda. The latter was described as genocide, what is the description to give to mass deaths of infants caused by grand corruption? We discredit our treasured platforms such as this when we mask our political preferences with a religious veil. The vast majority of our people need to be delivered from terrible want and deprivation, what is required now are capable, honest men and women of all faiths, who know that this country may not long survive the daily punishment of its own people. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, was Attorney-General in Lagos State. He sent this article from Lagos.

Snapping of ballot paper is legal, says Gbajabiamila

INORITY Leader of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila has faulted the position of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, on snapping of balot papers. Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola during APC mega rally on Tuesday in Osogbo implored voters to copy the serial number of their allotted ballot papers and capture image in order to truncate any attempt to rig the election.

From: Dele Anofi, Abuja

But the INEC boss said such action is illegal. The Minority Leader said Jega misinterpreted the Electoral Act by warning voters against taking picture of ballot papers for transparency and posterity. In a statement yesterday by his Media and Research aide, Washington OlanrewajuSmart, the Minority Leader, a lawyer, said Jega’s warning was unlawful and bias. According to him, because

Nigerian laws of evidence admit and give high probative and evidential value to photographic copies if and when it will serve the cause of justice. Saying that Professor Jega is not to interpret the provisions of any law passed by the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila noted, “Our courts constitutionally continue to enjoy and exercise that exclusive preserve”. The statement reads: “PDP has not said a word (at least not yet) about this but instead it is a supposed unbiased elec-

toral umpire that comes out firing from all cylinders. It sounds like a case of one crying more than the bereaved. “Contrary to the position by INEC, the Commission should embrace the lawful advise made by Aregbesola since it would help the commission achieve its objective of conducting a free and fair election. “Even a cursory look at the Electoral Act from the beginning to the end shows a clear intent on the legislature to ensure transparency. That is the theme of the Act. Now the

section 125 of Electoral Act quoted copiously by the chairman is very clear as to its applicability and the meaning of secret voting. The section refers to third persons and not to the voter. “Moving beyond the law, one question I would want the chairman of INEC to answer is this, what harm would it cause for a voter to take a picture of his ballot paper with his phone and keep same in his pocket for future? What harm ? What does the system or INEC lose?

“If we were to concede to the INEC chairman’s strange interpretation, how then do we count the votes in public view after the election? How then does a court or tribunal subpoena ballot papers for examination? Surely, these two instances would also violate the secrecy of the votes. “INEC must also understand that our laws of evidence admit and give high probative and evidential value to photographic copies if and when it will serve the cause of justice.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

START with a declaration of two categories of assumptions on elections and human nature from which I infer the conclusion of a clear difference between the two frontline candidates in the governorship election coming up tomorrow. Concerning elections, I assume that they are crucial to a democracy and that all stakeholders, from the President to the lowliest citizens, have an interest in nurturing genuine democratic norms. In the light of our past history, the alternative is too horrifying to imagine. Second, democratic elections are best conducted in an environment free of intimidation or harassment. For, it is in such an environment that the electorate can exercise their right to choose the candidate that, in their judgment, can provide the service they associate with a particular office. Third, citizens have short-term and longterm interests ranging from the basic needs of food, health and shelter to the security of their lives and the education of their children. They guard these interests jealously. In a freedom-enhancing election, the electorate freely choose their candidates on the basis of their interests. Fourth, when candidates are faced with a choice between two candidates, one of whom is an incumbent, they base their judgment on his or her performance in office, whether or not his tenure has added value to their lives, considered as a whole and in the longer term. If their answer is negative, they choose to not give him or her a second term. If their answer is positive, they return him or her to office to finish the good job. For the challenger, the question on the minds of the electorate is what has he done in the past? What does he/she promise for the future? Is he or she a better alternative to the incumbent? It may be argued that my assumptions about elections apply to the ideal world and that we live in a world in which the ideal is the polar opposite of the real. I plead guilty as charged. But the real world that we prioritise is not the best we are capable of achieving. It is a world characterised by negativism and retrogression. It is a world in which we relish in our cleverness in subverting the will of the people and getting away with it because the silent majority find themselves outfoxed by those they trust with their lives. It is a world in which might has assumed the moral authority of right. Our real world has persistently failed to learn from history and has been forced at

HE other day I stretched my hand to shake a friend and colleague in our typical happy-go-lucky Nigerian style. He hesitated for a very brief moment, which could have been one long minute. Then he reached out his hand half-heartedly, making sure I got only the tip of his fingers. It was the coldest, the un-friendliest handshake I ever had. Imagine reaching out to grab a ‘live’ hand; to execute a macho handshake in the manner we Nigerians do it only to be met with a ‘dead’ hand. And it struck me: ah, no more all those boisterous Nigerian handshakes that sometimes last all of one minute! The type in which two palms are clasped and the two greeters would proceed to perform several hand-clasping rituals, which eventually end in a joint, loud, finger-snapping finale. Farewell to the great Nigerian handshake. By the time this new Ebola virus disease scourge is done with us, we may have lost our souls, our rich African souls. It is this warm handshake which is peculiarly Nigerian that will go first. Now our adversaries seem to be closing down on us fast; first it was HIV/AIDS which they threw at us but which seemed not to have been devastating enough for our doughty African souls. Boko Haram’s terrorism is raging up north and now Ebola. Chinua Achebe wrote that proverb is the palm oil with which words are eaten in Igbo-land and I say handshake and hugging are the crutches with which we support each other in Africa, particularly Nigeria. What shall we do without our big, rambunctious body-contact greetings? The big handshake which is our utmost show of fel-

VOL.9 NO.2,932

‘Again, where is insurrection in any part of Osun as the state prepares for tomorrow’s election? Does the deployment of military and hooded security men not amount to unsurpation of police powers with regards to maintenance of law and order?’ MOBOLAJI SANUSI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

A clear difference

•Aregbesola

•Omisore

every turn to face the ugliness of repeating it. Recall the use of federal might in 1964, 1965, 1983, 2003, 2007 and 2011. I have only included here the years in which a party in power at the centre was responsible for the conduct of federal elections. In various degrees, in each of those elections, the central government brought the force of its power to bear on the conduct of the elections, especially through the instrumentality of security agents. The first and second republics were brought down as a result of such machinations. It is a sad commentary on our political development that we are engaged in the same game of betrayal of the people with what the Federal Government did in Ekiti and is currently acting out in Osun. In 1983, the Southwest was run over with the connivance of an Inspector-General of Police who hails from the region. This time round, as history is being repeated, the Minister of Police Affairs and the Minister of State for Defence are the instruments.

For those who stick to the real world, then, the challenge is to defend the atrocities that are committed therein. On the other hand, the ideal world is not in the ethereal realm. It is a world in which many human beings like us live and thrive. It is a world in which the basic right of citizens to choose their leaders without harassment is respected and a world in which citizens hold their leaders accountable. It is still a world of politics and political calculations. But it is one in which those calculations do not cross the line to diminish the humanity of citizens. I would rather wish that world be my real world. In that world, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola towers above all his co-contestants in tomorrow’s poll. In particular, of all his opponents, the candidacy of Chief Iyiola Omisore would be dismissed as a non-starter. It is one of the ironies of our political culture and our real world that Omisore, with his antecedents in that state, could offer himself as a candidate and win the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in the first place. Either someone just decided to dare the people or to trick the candidate into political suicide. Neither disjunction is healthy. I am almost certain that PDP has better candidates to contest against Ogbeni. At any rate, if Omisore is the best candidate that PDP has to offer against Aregbesola, it is not difficult for me to determine the better candidate in terms of character, in terms of past history, and in terms of performance in office for the people of the state. Aregbesola has a clear edge. Aregbesola is a modern governor who thought deeply about the office before putting himself up as a candidate. He knew what he wanted to achieve for the people. He had a good understanding of the tragedy of our social fabric and what is needed to make it whole. It is therefore not surprising that on assumption of office, he just hit the ground

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Ebo-laugh: farewell to the great Nigerian handshake low-feeling; that energetic grip that re-assures us about our common humanity in an increasingly lonely and forlorn world may soon become extinct. Unknown to many, a hearty handshake remains the last common communion we share freely with each other, with love, without that offending hint of hesitation that dampens the spirit. For instance, in the developed world, people shake hands too, but without a cheer, in fact, often with cold, limpid hands. Some even wear gloves and many live an entire lifetime devoid of bonhomie and geniality. It is not only our ‘kissing with the hand’ (as some wag has described our mode of handshake) that will suffer in this Ebola fever; even our good, old hunters are in trouble. With bush meat completely stigmatised as the chief carrier of this virus, it can only be imagined what calamity would have befallen the horde of our compatriots, the tribe of Cain who live

LAGOS EBOLA VIRUS HELPLINES • 0800-32652-4357 • 0800-EBOLA-HELP • 234-803-308-6660 • 234-802-321-333 • 234-805-532-9229 through the providence of the forest. Their compounded tragedy is that the big men from the city, who patronise them, have become Ebola-savvy. They now dread the sight of their favourite delicacy. But bush meat is not mere delicacy but an economic commodity, an article of trade and a source of livelihood. Just because hunters

running, churning out ideas and turning dreams into realities for many individuals. The list of his achievements in four years of office is simply amazing. In addition to performance, Aregbesola towers above many of his colleagues in his closeness to the people. While I have not been in correspondence with him and have not visited him in office, many of his old friends confirm that he is still the same old friendly and accessible guy. In the currency of our political lexicon, he is a grassroots politician. In the world that I would rather live in because it is one that celebrates humanity and opens the door of opportunity for all God’s children, Aregbesola would be re-elected as Governor of the State of Osun. This leads me to my second category of assumptions. Human nature is a tricky business. There are certain commonalities that warrant the reference to human nature. All humans have certain basic needs as pointed out above. The satisfaction of those needs leads us to behave in certain uniform ways. For one thing, we strive to satisfy our basic needs. But we may do so in different ways. Thus, while some engage in legitimate business to satisfy their need for food and shelter, others may choose to rob and kill to achieve the same end. Secondly, we all have emotions of joy, sadness, love, hate, etc. But we may choose to express them in various ways. That someone has genuine love for a person does not cancel hatred of him or her by another. So to talk about human nature is to talk about generalisations. My sense, however, is that for the majority of folks, the generalisations are valid. Recall our reference to the normal and abnormal. The way human nature plays into the decision of the electorate as they thumbprint their ballot papers will make the difference. While I expect performance to matter to the majority of the citizens of Osun, I do not rule out the fringe elements for which no matter what Aregbesola did or failed to do, the mere fact of his being his father’s son is an anathema. And I cannot rule out a few for whom the thought of rice and kerosene for today overcomes considerations of the long-term interests of their children. I also cannot rule out special interest groups so hateful of reforms that they sold their souls to the highest bidder. In the final analysis, however, there is a clear difference and I hope that the majority vote for their long–term interests. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 have not upgraded their trade all these years does not mean they are not an important sector of the economy. But the Edo State branch of the Bush Meat Sellers Association (BSA) has cried out over the indefinite suspension of the purchase of the rare meat in the Edo State Government House. They are now condemned to consuming most of their commodity, said BSA’s spokeswoman. You see now that one man’s virus may just be another man survival. Further, it is woe upon our friends, the commercial sex workers too. Since this disease can be contracted through sweat and other body secretions, there cannot be a deadlier contact than that with the merry women of the red light districts. Oh, what a great economic calamity if you consider that that is perhaps the largest underground economic sector in the world. Imagine for a minute what will become of the world if the oldest profession of all is shut down, even temporarily? How would the practitioners be engaged and what will happen to their patrons? What about the harm Ebola is bringing upon herbalists, healing homes and spiritualists? How can the world come up with a ‘big’ disease like this and local medicine practitioners would be excluded from its concomitant largesse, so to speak? How can they be so absolute that Ebola has no native remedy or spiritual healing therapies? Not even the much dreaded HIV/AIDS with its convoluted foreign tags could become the exclusive franchise of the Western medicine men.

•Continued on page 59 •For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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