August 13, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Chadian president sets Dec. date for end to insurgency PP22 •Buhari, Obasanjo, Aregbesola, others mourn Ooni P8 P56 •WAEC releases withheld results of 13 states •Police tear gas Peterside, Abe, others at INEC office P10 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3305 THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

NEWS Page 6

Alleged $4m fraud: EFCC holds suspect

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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•Republic of Guinea President Prof. Alpha Conde (fourth right), Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (third right), All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (middle), one-time Lagos State Information Commissioner Mr Dele Alake (second right) and other members of the Lagos State delegation to the Regional Integration Summit in Conakry, the Republic of Guinea...on Tuesday.

Four oil rig workers dead in Lagos helicopter crash Six injured, two missing as chopper plunges into Lagoon

A GRIPPING SCENE

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor and Precious Igbonwelundu

F

OUR passengers died yesterday when a Bristow Helicopters chopper plunged into the Lagos Lagoon.

On board were 12 people, including two crew members.

Six others, who were injured, were rescued from the scene of the crash, which was still being combed late yesterday for the two missing persons.

The chopper, marked 5N - BDG – 760540, was flying from an oil rig between Ondo and Lagos states, with contractors of a dredging company, Indigo, who were returning to base.

The incident occurred at about 3:10pm at Oworonsoki.

Eyewitnesses said they saw the chopper spinning before nose-diving 900 metres from the shore.

The victims, The Nation gathered, had spent two weeks on the rig and were coming back for their two-week break, as it is the practice.

One person walked out of the crash without assistance. He was taken to the hospital on a motorcycle. The others had fractured limbs.

According to dredgers on WILL THE Alonge Street, where the CHIBOK chopper nose-dived, the six GIRLS EVER persons rescued alive inRETURN? Continued on page 2

•Cash, wrist watches recovered from the crashed chopper

•Luggage of passengers

?

•Rescue workers attending to the victims...yesterday.

•Damaged part of the helicopter PHOTOS: ISAAC AYODELE, ABIODUN WILLIAMS AND PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

NEWS

•President Muhammadu Buhari (eighth right) and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Hajiya Rabi S. Jimeta (nineth right) and some youths at the anniversary of the International Youth Day at the State House in Abuja.

NNPC to be sole petrol importer, says Emefiele

NJC moves to bar petitions against judges

I

N what appears a move aimed at shielding judges from frivolous complaints, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has introduced stringent conditions for complaints.

Under “the 2014 Revised Judicial Discipline Regulations of the National Judicial Council (NJC)” recently released by the nation’s apex judicial sector regulatory agency, anybody, who wishes to complain against the conduct of any judge must do so within six months, such a complaint/petition will not be treated.

Any extension of time will be

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

at the discretion of either the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN),who is the NJC Chairman or the Council itself.

The new regulation also requires a complainant/petitioner to accompany his petition/ complaint with a verifying affidavit deposed to before a Court of Record.

The NJC, in a statement, drew the attention of the public to its new stance to the effect that only complaints/petitions that comply with Rues 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the new regulation will be treated.

Rule 4 sets time limit within which a petition/complaint could be filed; Rule 5 subjects any extension of time to the discretion of the CJN; Rule 6 deals with the consequences of failure to meet the time limit, which is dismissal. Rule 7 provides for the format in which a complaint/petition must be submitted, failing which it shall not be attended to.

A copy of the 2014 Revised Regulations, obtained by The Nation, states in Rule 4(1) that: “A complaint must be made within six months of the event or matter complained of, pro-

vided a complaint relating to a continuing state of affairs may be made at any time while the state of affairs continues or within six months from when it ends.”

4(2) provides that “Subject to Regulation 5, a complaint made outside the time limit set in Paragraph 1 must be dismissed by the Council upon report to the Council by the Secretary to the Council.”

Rule 5(1) states that “The Chief Justice of Nigeria/Chairman of Council may extend a time limit under these regulaContinued on page 58

Chadian president sets Dec. date to end insurgency

C

HADIAN President Idriss Deby is optimistic that Boko Haram insurgency will end by the end of the year.

He said the combined effort by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has succeeded in ‘decapitating’ the terrorists, adding that “the group would be wrapped up by the end of the year.”

President Deby, who was addressing reporters in N’Djamena, the capital city, on the 55th anniversary of Chad’s independence from France, also informed that the terrorists have picked Mahamat Daoud as their new leader.

Deby said: “Boko Haram is decapitated. There are little

Troops’ll soon neutralise terrorists, DHQ assures Nigerians

D

ESPITE the rising wave of suicide bombings in the Northeast, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops will soon neutralise Boko Haram insurgents.

It also said the insurgents were already in disarray and therefore opted to embark to wreak havoc while fleeing from their camps.

The DHQ gave the assurance in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Ingroups (of Boko Haram members) scattered throughout east Nigeria, on the border with Cameroon. It is within our power to definitively overcome Boko Haram.

“The war will be short, with the setting up of the regional

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

formation, Col. Rabe Abubakar.

The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters has condemned in its entirety the spate of suicide attacks in the Northeast where scores of innocent lives are lost on regular basis. The latest being the suicide bombing at Sabon Gari market in Borno State.

force, it will be over by the end of the year.”

He added that the 10,000 MNJTF strong force put together by the Chad Basin countries of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Republic of Benin has a mandate to end

Continued on page 58

Boko Haram’s bloody six-year insurgency.

According to the Chadian leader, the force would be “operational in a few days”.

Deby further claimed that Boko Haram was no longer led Continued on page 58

P

AYMENT of subsidy on fuel importation and Foreign Exchange (FOREX) differentials on bank loans granted to marketers by the Federal Government are to end soon.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the government was doing everything to ensure that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) become sole importer of petroleum products.

Members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) have been on a running battle with the Federal Government over subsidy claims running into several millions of dollars.

But Emefiele said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the NNPC to cut down on importation by reactivating the four refineries and ensur-

ing they function at installed capacities.

Speaking in an interview with Financial Times of London, the CBN chief said: “The President came on board and said that we will work very hard to reduce importation of petroleum products by ensuring that our refineries work.

Our refin-eries are working now.

“The Warri and Port Harcourt refineries have started producing. They have not obtained the optimal capacity but they will. The Kaduna refinery will start working this month.

“Now, there are other actions that the Presidency is putting in place to ensure that we reduce importation of petroleum products where the NNPC will solely, almost solely be responsible for procuring refined petroleum.

Continued on page 58

NDDC can’t account for N183b

T

HE special audit conducted on the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has revealed that N183.7 billion could not be accounted for between 2008 and 2012.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura, spoke with reporters yesterday after submitting three reports to the National

Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

Assembly.

Ukura added that his office submitted the environmental audit on the drying up of Lake Chad and special periodic checks on the activities and programmes of the NDDC. He said a lot of discrepancies were noticed in the Continued on page 58

Four oil rig workers dead in Lagos helicopter crash Continued from page 1

cluded a man who allegedly walked out of the crashed chopper, had serious injuries and was in pains.

They alleged that the co-pilot, who was among those rescued, had broken limbs and held his back, gasping for air.

The dredgers told The Nation of their efforts at rescuing the passengers before emergency agencies arrived at the scene about 45 minutes later.

Ihindu, who alleged that his divers and equipment were deployed immediately the incident occurred, said one of the rescued passengers told them there were 14 people on board, including a woman.

He said all those rescued were male, identifying them as Solomon Ude, Joshua Emekanma, Chukwudi Onah, Dolu Ebiejuara, Iniala Paimi and Onoriode Ojiete.

Recounting how the chopper came down, Ihindu said

it was very fast, adding that they had noticed it flying very low.

According to him, the chopper nose-dived into the lagoon.

He said local divers recovered eight persons-seven injured and one dead- who were handed over to the police for further action.

Corroborating his story, a woman who identified herself as Ibirounke said: “We were here working when it happened. The helicopter was flying towards this direction at low height. But, suddenly it started spinning and turned on the opposite direction before going underwater.

“Our men saved all those who were alive. We rescued eight people from this side and of the eight, one died.

Seven others survived though they had serious injuries and some have drunk water.

“On the other side, three other bodies were recovered, making four dead. Some of the victims who could talk

told us that they work for Indigo Dredging.”

When The Nation visited the scene, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Michael Akindele; Southwest Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Onimode Bamdele, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, personnel from the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, NAMA, AIB, among others were on ground.

Shoes, bags, life-jackets and other personal effects of the victims recovered from the wrecked aircraft were seen within the premises of a neearby police station.

A crowd gathered last night outside the Oworonsoki police station.

In a joint situation report by LASEMA, NEMA and Fire Service, Akindele said two of the injured persons were at Afolabi Hospital. Four others were receiving treatment at

the Gbagada General Hospital.

He said the bodies of the dead had been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, adding that the rescuers could neither state the airline, nor the exact number of those onboard.

He said: “We were told that there were 12 people on board. But unless we see the manifest, we cannot confirm for sure. Right now, we are working with the alleged figure and so, are looking for two more people allegedly missing.

“At the moment, we cannot give you names of victims or the details of the aircraft because our primary concern is to save lives.

“We are deploying equipment at the moment to enable us work here all through the night until the missing persons are recovered.

“Those injured are responding to treatment at the various hospitals and we cannot be asking them questions now

because they are in pains,” Akindele said.

Giving details of the crash, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said in statement through its Commissioner, Dr Felix Abali “Twelve persons were believed to be on board.

There were casualties and survivors. It was a Bristow Helicopters’ chopper on approach to landing in Lagos.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed the helicopter crash.

A statement signed by NCAA’s spokesman Fan Ndubuoke reads : “A Bristow Helicopter, with registration number 5N - BDG - 760540 en route from one of the nation’s oil rigs has crashed at Oworonshoki in Lagos (yesterday).

“The Helicopter scheduled to arrive Lagos 15.35pm had Continued on page 58

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NEWS •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola receiving an Award of Excellence and Recognition from the President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Kashim Ali, during the 24th Engineering Assembly of the Council at the International Conference Centre Abuja... on Tuesday.

•From left: Director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Mr. Ronald Kayanja, President, Strategy for Mentoring Initiative Leadership Empowerment (SMILE), Mrs. Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins and National Information Officer, UNIC, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun at the United NationsYouth Day "Civic Empowerment" by SMILE in collaboration with the PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE UNIC in Lagos...yesterday.

• From left: Senior Pastor, Grace Assembly, Femi Paul, his wife Evelyn and Gospel Artist Nathaniel Bassey at the Inauguration of Grace Assembly- The Island Church in Lagos... at the weekend.

•General Manager, External Affairs, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Mohammed Tahir (right) receiving the award for Most impactful contribution to economy through backward integration on behalf of the company from the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello. With from left are former President, Nigeria Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Chief John Odeyemi and former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande.

Low funding, a policy: Cancer With the country’s estimated cancer rate standing at about 100,000 new cases yearly, all hands should be on deck. But this has not been the case.

Now, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) policy on foreign exchange has worsened the situation.

The Centre for Nuclear Medicine, University College Hospital (UCH), in Ibadan and its sister in Abuja are hard-hit by the CBN’s decision mandating forex users to deposit fund 48 hours ahead.

OLUKOREDE YISHAU examines how this policy has worsened an already bad situation.

•Gamma camera

O

N normal days, the nuclear medicine centres at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and the National Hospital, Abuja are overwhelmed. The bulk of their patients have one form of cancer or the other. Some are there for one diagnosis or the other. With the country recording about 100,000 new cases of cancer annually and some 2 million existing cases, it is not surprising that these centres are like mad houses. It actually used to be crazier at the UCH centre when it was the only one in the country and patients have to travel from all over the country to see the experts.

The Ibadan, Oyo State centre was established in 2006 by the International Atomic Energy Agency based in Vienna, Austria. Its medical equipment are financed and supplied by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Its premises are paid for by the agency.

Its main purpose: offer radio-active treatment at next-to-nothing rates to patients suffering from various forms of cancer. In 2008, an Abuja centre was opened to ease the pressure on the Ibadan centre.

When working at optimal levels, the two centres are unable to meet the medical needs of the people. Now, their activities are hampered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). And for the patients, it is to your tent o Israel!

The CBN last week directed commercial banks to pay for their dollar purchases at the official forex window 48 hours ahead of the bid date. The policy requires banks and other forex dealers to deposit the naira equivalent of the forex bids to the apex bank 48 hours in advance.

This policy is bad news to importers of radiopharmaceuticals used in treatment of cancer patients and others with serious ailments. The two centres in Ibadan and Abuja, which are funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are now in dilemma.

The Ibadan, which banks with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, has been unable to meet the new demand because its access to cash is limited since it is a charity. The policy shift means more pains for its cancer patients.

•Buhari

Since it is unable to meet this demand, less patients have access to the cancer drugs. An already difficult situation has thus been aggravated.

The centres have had to put importation of drugs for the patients on hold.

Yet, CBN Director of Corporate Communications Ibrahim Mu’azu said the apex bank could not give exemptions because it would not know where to draw the line. He added that the centres should plan ahead.

For centres, which do not have loads of cash, planning ahead can be difficult, said a source. “Both the CBN and the banks do not understand the harm they are doing to the health of cancer patients who need these drugs to stay alive. Why can’t they give a waiver to providers of medical services. For us, the drugs used in UCH are not produced in Nigeria or even West Africa.

They are imported from France and Hungary,” the source said.

GTBank CEO Segun Agbaje said: “I think the policy will help the CBN a lot to determine what the real demand for forex is or what spurious demand is. It is going to ensure that what we operate is effective demand backed by

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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NEWS

, ageing tools ... and now CBN’s r patients’ fate hangs in the balance tres and Ogharandukun was relieved of his job by the Presidency.

At other times, Customs have also seized the centres’ drugs over duties.

These are drugs that are time-bound and should not be kept at the ports for long.

Other woes

• Emefiele

cash. So, that way, it is easy for the Central Bank to actually determine what the demand is and ensure it is a proper demand.”

The centres are looking up to President Muhammadu Buhari to save them. When this is done, it will be the umpteenth time, the Presidency and other stakeholders have had to come to its rescue.

The NNRA debacle In December of 2013, the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), an agency under the Ministry of Petroleum saddled with the responsibility of managing radioactivity in the country, decided to hike the licence fees for the importation of radioactive materials. From N250,000, the renewal cash was jerked up to N2 million, representing a 700 per cent increment. Without the licence, the centres would not be given clearance by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to import radioactive nuclear materials used for diagnoses and treatment of cancer patients .

The National Coordinator of National Nuclear Medicine Project, Prof

Bola Osifo, who oversees the two centres, was alarmed. The centres could not afford the money and between December 2013 and March of last year or thereabout, they could not practise.

The National Coordinator of Nuclear Medicine project in a letter dated December 13, 2013 to the NNRA, expressed bewilderment over the arbitrary increase of license fees , declaring that the centres been a non-profit making body could not afford to pay N2million every year for licence.

The letter reads:” It is difficult for me to understand your review of fees after I had applied for licence for 2014 since November 8, 2013. The fact is that no department of Nuclear Medicine in this country can afford to pay your fees. Your Commission is already ruining our 2014 practice as our suppliers have written to us to submit our licences latest December 23, 2013.

Please remember that we are practicing in a hospital which is not a profitable business venture , rather it is to help millions of Nigerians who are very sick and cannot afford to go anywhere else for their medical care unlike the elites of this country . We would like to remind you that we are running an IAEA project where all the equipment are given free of charge by the agency.”

The then Deputy Leader of the Senate, Abdul Ningi, last year, raised a Point of Order on a matter of urgent public importance, calling on the Senate to investigate the licence fee increase.

He said: “Bureaucratic bottleneck has stopped the treatment of cancer patients in the country, resulting in the death of many people, which is avoidable. Since last December, no single cancer patient has been treated by the Nuclear Department of UCH and the National Hospital, Abuja, because they were not licensed.

“With this ugly development, most cancer patients in Nigeria will die because of lack of treatment, except those who can afford to travel abroad. It’s very wrong for them to review upward the licence fee because it is critical to the treatment of cancer patients.”

The Senate invited the then NNRA chief Dr Martin Ogharandukun, who was not convincing about the reason for the hike. The matter was eventually resolved in the interest of the cen-

The centres also face other avoidable challenges. Unlike other types of medicine, nuclear medicine depends on radioactive materials. The radiopharmaceutical materials it uses in the treatment of cancer patients are not available in Nigeria and have to be imported. This means bureaucratic hitches with the Customs have to be surmounted each time importation is done.

For every consignment imported every month, it pays anti-bomb personnel to escort them because the contents have radioactive agents. Importation, clearance and local transportation costs are passed to the patients thereby increasing their woes.

In a paper titled ‘Avoidable challenges of a nuclear medicine facility in a developing nation’ in the Indian journal of Nuclear Medicine by Kayode Solomon Adedapo,Yetunde Ajoke Onimode, John Enyi Ejeh, and Adewale Oluwaseun Adepoju, these nuclear experts identified other challenges to include poor electricity supply, short life span of radioactivity materials and so on. They also identified the shortage of a vital tool known as the 99Mo/99mTc generators.

They said: “It is desirable that imported radioisotopes should have relatively long half-lives. Thus, cyclotron products such as fluorine-18 (18F), carbon-11 (11C) and iodine-123 (123I) (with half-lives of 110 min, 20 min and 13 h, respectively) will not be available in these countries except at enormous cost to patients by ordering additional quantities of radioactivity (higher activity) to compensate for the short half-lives. This precludes the option of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, as PET radiotracers are notoriously short-lived. A shortage of 99Mo/99mTc generators has been experienced in recent times.

Understandably, countries which produce these generators would then reduce their exports in order to satisfy local demands. This shortfall in exports in turn adversely affects their foreign clients.

“These challenges might be overcome if radiopharmaceutical production facilities were made available in these developing countries as obtains in the advanced world. This will also lead to saving of the foreign exchange for the importation of radiopharmaceuticals. Amendments of unnecessary aspects of government bureaucracy would also help.

“In Nigeria, the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has begun plans for a new nuclear reactor.

Although it is meant to help boost electric power generation, it is hoped that radioisotopes will also be produced from the reactor for use in nuclear medicine. Provision of small cyclotrons to provide nuclear medicine centers with desired radioisotopes is another way that this challenge might be overcome.”

On electricity supply, they said: “The national power supply is not dependable, erratic and prone to surges. There are frequent interruptions in power supply, necessitating the need for uninterruptible power supplies and fuel generator back-up. As such, establishments rely on alternate sources of power. These activities once again increase the cost of service delivery.

Power cuts also have an adverse ef-

fect on equipment, leading to a shortened lifespan of these machines. Their maintenance and replacement subsequently become more frequent than obtains in environments with constant, reliable and adequate power supplies. Power cuts also interrupt airconditioning, which is essential in order to maintain the optimal temperature of equipment and components of the gamma camera such as the sodium iodide crystal; this affects the performance of these equipments. In a ripple effect, camera down-time also delays and suspends availability of services to patients and the necessary changes in patient management that these procedures might have provoked. Such delays, especially in cancer patients, have grave consequences. Improvement in public power supply in countries such as ours would go a long way in overcoming these challenges.”

The researchers also identified aged equipment as a major challenge contributing to patients woes.

“A recent survey published in 2011 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that most gamma cameras in developing countries were over 6-year-old, with some even over 30-year-old. In the authors’ own country, the two available gamma cameras have been in use since 2006, with these centres performing between 600 and 700 studies per annum. Aged equipment functions suboptimally and spare part production for these machines have often been discontinued. Coupled with the issues addressed in the section under electricity, this factor is another cause of poor service in nuclear medicine units in some developing countries. Regular replacement of equipment and their parts in these developing countries through government support or a revolving fund system is recommended,” the researchers said.

They also emphasized the need for local customer service for the equipment. Adedapo, Onimode, Ejeh, and Adepoju said the manufacturers of gamma cameras and other nuclear medicine equipment do not provide adequate local services.

This, they said, creates difficulty in maintenance of equipment and results in substantial dependence on external technical support which takes more time and money. They suggested that locally trained personnel must be available for preventive and first-line maintenance. That way, they argued that equipment downtime would be curtailed and patients’ suffering addressed. “We have experienced situations whereby the service engineer for the gamma camera in use had to be contacted to come in from overseas several times to repair the gamma camera when it breaks down. The fees for such consultations by the engineer are usually huge. The cost is borne by the host department and ultimately increases the cost of service delivery to patients,” they said.

What is nuclear medicine?

Adedapo, Onimode, Ejeh, and Adepoju said the benefits of nuclear medicine outweighs its perceived negative sides.

In their words: “Nuclear medicine is the branch of medicine that uses the tracer principle, most often with radiopharmaceuticals, to evaluate molecular, metabolic, physiologic and pathologic conditions of the body for the purposes of diagnosis, therapy and research. It involves the use of suitable pharmaceuticals labeled with radioisotopes to form radiopharmaceuticals. This enables imaging of the body using a special device known as

a gamma camera. Depending on the type of examination required, the radiotracer may be administered by injection, ingestion or inhalation. The resulting gamma emissions from the patient are captured by the gamma camera detector and the image is displayed on the acquisition computer.

This process enables the study of physiological processes and diagnosis of abnormal conditions. Radioisotopes are used because of the penetrating and ionizing characteristics of the radiations emitted from their decaying atoms. In comparison to conventional radiology, diagnostic nuclear medicine is essentially a functional imaging process reflecting physiological processes, whereas conventional radiology aims predominantly at obtaining anatomical images reflecting form and structure.

“Apprehensions about radiation exposure are common among the general public, but nuclear medicine procedures are relatively safe. Effective doses from 99mTc based procedures are said to be within range of the values for plain film X-ray procedures.

They are generally less than the range for computed tomography and do not exceed twice the average dose to the general population from natural background radiation. Moreover, these procedures are relatively painless and free of side effects. Benefits derived definitely outweigh the risks.

“Penetrating radiation can produce physiological images of internal structures for the purpose of diagnosis. For therapeutic purposes on the other hand, radiation delivered to diseased cells disrupts normal cells moderately as the radiation delivered is mostly from â-particles which have quite a short range in tissue.

“The practice of nuclear medicine has clinical applications in virtually all systems of the body, for example, the skeletal, cardiac, endocrine, oncologic, gastrointestinal and renal systems.

The commoner nuclear medicine procedures in developing countries are the bone scan, thyroid scan and the renal scan respectively. Some nuclear medicine techniques are also performed in vitro. Examples of these are glomerular filtration rate estimation, the C-14 urea breath test, detection of occult blood loss and the Schilling’s test.”

They continued: “Another clinical application of nuclear medicine is in the field of oncology. Cancer is a major public health concern in our country. From observations at our nuclear medicine center, breast cancer is the most common malignancy observed in oncology referrals among Nigerian women. It is often associated with a poor prognosis for a variety of reasons especially late presentation. Prostate cancer remains the most common malignancy among oncology referrals for men in the country. These observations are in agreement with those of other authors. The authors’ country has an estimated cancer incidence rate of about 100,000 new cases yearly, but presently has only two functional public nuclear medicine facilities. These centres are inadequate to match the rising demand for nuclear medicine services especially in the management of cancer, cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases in the country. To this end, factors which impede the smooth running of nuclear medicine services at these centres are discussed.”

What next?

All eyes are on the Presidency to get the CBN to exclude these centres from this policy, which is doing harm to cancer patients across the country.

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NEWS

NDDC can’t account for N183b, says auditor-general

T

HE special audit conducted on the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has revealed that N183.7 billion could not be accounted for between 2008 and 2012.

The Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura, spoke with reporters yesterday after submitting three report to the National Assembly.

Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

Ukura added that his office submitted the environmental audit on the drying up of Lake Chad and special periodic checks on the activities and programmes of the NDDC. He said a lot of discrepancies were noticed in the NDDC accounts with about N183.7 billion expected to be refunded to the federation

account.

A breakdown of what the NDDC will return to the Federation Account, Ukura said, includes the N70.4 billion unaccounted for from the mobilisation of various contractors that never reported to site; the N5.8 billion paid to contractors for projects not executed or abandoned; N90.5 billion spent on extra budgetary expenditure without approval by le-

gal authorities; N1.2 billion undeducted taxes from contractors; N10.07 billion to be refunded as tax deductions made without evidence of remittance to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); N3.1 billion transferred to unauthorised accounts and unaccountable staff advances of N1.7 billion.

Ukura said: “It is our belief that all the money spent by government, if it was properly

spent in the region, Niger Delta would be a better place.”

He added that N785 million of N1.1 billion allegedly paid to contracts for the supply of furniture to various schools in Delta State was also unaccounted for.

The Auditor-General noted that additional details of their findings are contained in the report he submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa.

Scam: EFCC arrests man for ‘defrauding’ American of $4m

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has arrested a suspected fraudster, Idowu Olarenwaju (alias Capt Anthony Abel Saramoh) has been defrauding an American Citizen of $4million through his company, Total Intership Nigeria Limited.

The suspect blew the fraud cash on exotic cars, acquisition of several properties in Port Harcourt, and a 44-room hotel in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The posh cars recovered from the suspect included a 2014 Range Rover, 2013 Honda Crosstour, 2013 Range Evogue and Honda CRV. According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

The statement said: “The heist was earned through a phony crude oil contracts with the victim, wiring the said amount into the account of Total Intership Nigeria Limited ostensibly for the supply of crude oil.

“The bubble burst after the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

victim was left clutching the air, in an exasperating wait that ended with a petition to the EFCC. “One Joe Onwudimowei, an accomplice who operates the account of Total Intership Nigeria Limited with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) where the proceeds of the said fake contract was deposited, was arrested on 18th June, 2015 and upon interrogation, fingered Idowu Olanrewaju and one Otunba Yemi Osho as the people he handed over all monies that passed through the account. ”On the 19th of June, 2015, the duo of Idowu Olanrewaju and Yemi Osho were arrested following a dawn raid on their homes by operatives of the EFCC.” The statement said the suspect, who has no reasonable source of income, was speechless when confronted with facts.

The statement added: “According to Onwudimowei, Olanrewaju sometime in 2010, instructed him to withdraw the

•A Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) seized from Olanrewaju

sum of Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N3, 500, 000.00) for Chief Yemi Osho. Osho, he claimed, in turn handed over the money to two people sent to him

by Olarenwaju.

“This singular involvement of Osho was what made Olanrewaju confess to the fraud as he had initially de-

nied knowing Onwudimowei.

When Olanrewaju was confronted with the testimony of Osho, sources at the EFCC disclosed that he was speechless and began to plead for mercy.

“Olanrewaju who does not have any reasonable source of income was discovered to have several properties in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and a

44 rooms hotel in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. Also recovered from were a number of exotic cars including, a 2014 Range Rover, 2013 Honda Crosstour, 2013 Range Evogue and Honda CRV. Uwujaren said the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Reps to investigate Fed Govt for N4 trillion debt

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HE House of Representatives has stepped into the N4 trillion debt owed contractors by the Federa government and its agencies.

While the Federal government was urged to pay the debt owed its contractors, House Committees on Works, Aids,

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Loans and Debt Management, Finance and Appropriation are to investigate the debt and report back in four weeks.

The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Chike Okafor (APC, Imo) yesterday.

Okafor, in his presentation noted with dismay cases of failure by the Federal government and its agencies to pay for contracts duly executed with Certificates of completion issued to the contractors.

He said: “It is a fact that contacts were duly awarded after passing through budget-

ary process and monies for their execution appropriated for the fiscal year in question “We are also aware that the debt profile of the Federal government and its agencies to contractors is over N4 trillion “The untold hardship these unpaid contractors were sub-

jected due to the failure of the government and it’s agencies is of great concern because these contractors had borrowed money from banks to execute these projects”.

The motion was unanimously passed when it was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

Jumbo salary: Senators disagree on pay cut

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HE consideration of the report of the Senate adhoc committee on the review of the finances of the Senate was yesterday aborted over sharp disagreement by Senators.

Though the consideration of the controversial report was listed in the Order Paper, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, announced after over two hour closed session that the Senate resolved to step down the report for further consultation.

The Senate President specifically said that the upper chamber in closed session deliberated on the issue of the finances of the Senate and resolved to step it down for additional input.

He added that “the report is hereby stepped down for further consultations.

Saraki constituted the adhoc committee headed by Senator James Manager (Delta South) following sustained out cry over alleged outrageous pay package being received by

From: Onyedi Ojaibor, Assistant Editor

Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

What the Senators and House members earn, especially their allowances and the secrecy surrounding the pay package of the lawmakers, have been serious issue of debate and some time outright condemnation by some Nigerians.

The constituency allowance of National Assembly members is domicile in Presidency, the basic salary of a Senator is about N168,000 while the major area of concern to some Nigerians is other allowances including wardrobe, car, housing, furniture, electricity and travelling allowances.

These other allowances are lumped together and referred to as quarterly allowance which insiders say is over N40 million per quarter.

Insiders said that the source of the disagreement at the closed session was that some Senators were not totally con-

•Consideration of report suspended vinced of the need for pay cut even though the ad-hoc committee recommended pay reduction.

Findings showed that the adhoc committee recommended further reduction in the budget of the National Assembly.

The budget was reduced from N150 billion annual budget to N120 billion during Senator David Mark Senate Presidency.

The report was also said to have recommended that the finances of the upper chamber should be made more transparent in such a way that interested parties could have access to it.

Chairman, Senate ad-hoc committee on Information and Publicity, Senator Dino Melaye at a media briefing reiterated what Saraki said.

Melaye however emphasized that the Senate is prepared to make sacrifices in line with the economic realities of the country.

Melaye said, “The Senate today (yesterday) in closed session discussed the report of the ad-hoc committee on the finances of the Senate. After due deliberation, we came to the conclusion that since the budget of the Senate is not independent of the budget of the entire National Assembly, we resolved that we should consult with the House of Representatives and interface with the House so that we can be on the same page with the House.”

Melaye listed National Institute for Legislative Studies, National Assembly Service Commission as other bodies that share in the budget of the National Assembly.

Insisting that the Senate is ready to make sacrifice, Melaye said that the reduction of the annual budget of the National Assembly from N150 billion to N120 billion was part of the sacrifice.

Melaye also said that he is not aware of the reported cash

crunch in the National Assembly.

Also speaking on the issue, the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ighoyota Amori, also said that there was need for further consultation on the issue of the finances of the National Assembly since Senate cannot do it alone.

Amori said, “Whatever decision the Senate takes will affect the entire National Assembly. The National Assembly is not just the Senate and the House of Representatives, there are other departments including the bureaucracy.

“Whatever decision will be the decision of the entire National Assembly. It is better that we do it and get it right once and for all.

“The basic salary of a Senator is about N168, 000. The allowances are allowances and all of them are tied to one thing or the other. It was good that the matter was stood down for further consultations with all stakeholders involved.”

Buhari: Steady power inevitable From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said steady power supply would boost the economy.

He spoke after being briefed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said his administration had already identified the critical problems in Nigeria’s power sector and was taking appropriate actions to address them.

He said that his administration had also prioritised certain measures in its action plan to boost electricity supply in Nigeria .He said: “The problems besetting our power sector are not difficult to identify. Therefore, priorities can be easily set in order to tackle them.

“The problems are more with transmission than generation, and we equally need to secure the power infrastructure round the country.

“We will address all these issues,” the President assured.

Ambassador Igali told the President that power generation in Nigeria which was 1,750 MW in 1999, had now peaked at 4,600 MW. He added that gas was available to take generation to 5,500 MW in a short time, but that the country needed to expand its electricity infrastructure to accommodate additional power generation.

Ekweremadu seeks anti-terror courts From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekwerem a d u yesterday made a case for the establishment of special anti-terrorism courts to strengthen the war against terrorism and insurgency in Africa.

A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said Ekweremadu spoke at the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, (CPA) African Region Conference holding in Nairobi, Kenya.

He called on African nations to pay attention to judicial reforms as they embark of reform of legal frameworks and institutions to fight terrorism.

Ekweremadu said: “Our courts and judges are overwhelmed by lawsuits and the wheels of justice grind very slowly in most African countries. There is also the issue of the suitability of our conventional courts in terms of security for the trial of such high profile crimes.

“We should, therefore, consider amending our laws to set up special courts to try terrorism suspects. If punishments were to be swiftly meted out to offenders, it would deter prospective terrorists and their sponsors.”

The Deputy Senate President commended the various anti-terrorism laws so-far made by African nations.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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NEWS Firm donates patrol vans to Cross River security outfit

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•From left: Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Commander Bizi Kazeem; Senior Assistant General Secretary/Head of Training, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Comrade Afolabi Olawale; Head, Training Standards and Certification Deputy Corps Marshal Ademola Lawal and Corps Public Education Officer Corps Commander Imoh Etuk at the 2015 Petroleum Tanker Drivers training and Certification Program in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

How Boko Haram gets explosives, weapons, by ex-Naval Chief

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MMEDIATE past Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin yesterday said Boko Haram got explosives and other weapon through theft and purchases from local shops.

He spoke with reporters after his pulling out ceremony at the Naval Base, Apapa in Lagos.

While urging Nigerians to provide security agencies with information to find out where the terrorists manufacture their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Vice Admiral Jibrin urged those whose wares were stolen to report to security agencies.

He said: “Terrorists are among us; they are very difficult for security agencies to identify without intelligence.

Since they are among us, the source of materials used for their devices are sold by Nigerians and some from shops belonging to Nigerians.

“To that end, one expects that owners of stolen equipment or those who suspicious equipment are bought from should report to the security agencies, their confidentiality is guaranteed because no one will disclose the source of the information.

“I am appealing to Nigerians to support President Buhari and the security agencies so that they can do their jobs well.

“Believing in the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, Nigerians must provide the

•Gives tips on how to end oil theft, others

By Precious Igbonwelundu

intelligence for security forces to be able to identify would-be bombers and suicide bombers; as well as monitoring to the extent that security forces can unravel where terrorists make their IEDs.” Giving an account of his stewardship as CNS, Vice Admiral Jibrin said many vessels were seized for oil theft and illegal bunkering, adding that naval personnel found culpable were tried and dealt with.

He said: “My career as a naval officer spanned through the murky streams, rivulets, rivers and seas for more than three decades and anchored at the Naval Headquarters.

“It would be recalled that on my appointment as the CNS, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan directed that the Navy should take steps to stop oil theft and illegal bunkering in our maritime environment.

“The ex-President noted with dismay, the alleged involvement of security agencies, including the Navy in oil theft and illegal bunkering.

“This was taken as a presidential directive with no option but to decisively deal with the surge. This ultimately led to my decision to declare war on oil thieves and illegal bunkerers including pirates, which was fought

through actions by the Navy.

“High premium was placed on training, motivation of personnel and operational availability of assets in order to evaluate the ability of the NN to perform its roles.

“Under my 18-month watch, the number of Regional Maritime Awareness Capabilities (RMAC) sites were increased from seven to 10, through the establishment of new sites at BRASS, FORMOSO and Central Naval Command (CNC) headquarters at Yenegoa for enhanced anti-crude theft operations.

“I am glad to note the increased success recorded by the Navy in its policing operations. In collaboration with the Joint Task Force Operation PULO SHIELD, the Navy seized many vessels and arrested their crew from January 16, last year to July 14, this year.”he said.

Vice Admiral Jibrin said the strategy of not releasing any seized vessel until decided otherwise by the courts assisted in checking crude oil theft and illegal bunkering.

To completely eradicate the vices, the former CNS said government agencies empowered to prosecute offenders must expeditiously bring offenders to justice.

Jibrin said: “There is also the need for a legal review that will enable the NN prosecute maritime criminals or offenders.

“In addition, crude oil from seized vessels should be immediately evacuated by the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to the refineries for local use after due documentation among appropriate agencies.

“Navy personnel should be involved at the point of loading for proper supervision and accountability.”

At the event organised by the Navy were the CNS, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who will be decorated as Vice Admiral today; former CDS, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieut-Gen. Kenneth Minimah; former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu; past CNS’ Vice Admirals Samuel Afolayan, Jubril Ayinla, I.I. Ibrahim and Dele Ezeoba.

Others include the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Umaru Umaiza; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major-Gen. Isibor Edet; the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal U.E. Ebong; the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos, J.B. Kukoma; Director, Navy, Ministry of Defence, Alkali Abduraman, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Ibirunke Shogbingbe.

Reps to Fed Govt: fill INEC vacancies

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GAINST the background of impending elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, the House of Representatives has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to fill the top vacancies in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The positions are Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion by a member, Hon. Edward Gyang Pwajok and the subsequent adoption of the prayers by members on the floor Pwajok noted that there were reports in the media that

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

the tenures of the National Commissioners of INEC have expired as at 10 August, 2015, save for tow of the Commissioners, and that the tenures of the Resident Electoral Commissioners have expired.

He said: “The INEC has critical constitutional functions conferred on it by the constitution which, amongst other things mandates INEC to organise elections for the offices of President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor, National Assembly and State Assemblies membership, register Political Parties, monitor the organisation and operation of political parties, and the reg-

istration of voters, schedule the time frame within which elections and political party congresses/ primaries are to be held etc.

“The elections to the governorship of Kogi and Bayelsa States have been fixed for the 21 November, 2015 and 5th September, 2015 respectively and that the major political parties have slated their primaries to elect gubernatorial candidates for the last week of August 2015.”

The lawmaker expressed concern that INEC as presently is not properly constituted to carry out its constitutional functions of preparing for these elections, monitoring party congresses and

updating register of voters.

According to him, section 159 (1) of the constitution 1999 as amended, one third of the members of the Commission forms a quorum, and thatINEC as constituted now has only two members which is less than a quorum.

He said the sensitive nature of the duties of the Commission requires the Chairman and the Commissioners to be appointed in good time so as to acquaint themselves with the operations of the commission to make for effectiveness.

According to Pwajok, “there may be legal issues in the activities of the Commission on account of the vacancies existing in the said offices.

HE Cross River State government yesterday got a boost in its drive to rid the state of criminals, with the donation of four Mitsubishi patrol vans to the state security outfit, Operation Skolombo.

While handing over the keys of the vans to Governor Ben Ayade, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Martins Orim, in Calabar, the spokesperson of the company who preferred anonymity, said his firm was encouraged to make the donation having observed the determination of the administration to battle criminals.

He said though Cross River remains one of the safest

states, it has in recent times faced some security challenges.

Stressing the importance of the donation, he said his company was impressed with the administration’s approach to security.

Orim expressed gratitude to the company for contributing to the effort to secure lives and properties in the state.

He reiterated the determination of the administration to keep the state safe and secured, vowing that the state would soon become too hot for criminals.

He called on other organisations in the state to emulate the company.

Briton urges court to quash fraud charges

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British chartered accountant, Deepak Khilnani, has urged a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja to quash the $8.8 million fraud charge against him for want of jurisdiction.

He is charged to court by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Khilnani made the request yesterday in a preliminary notice of objection filed by his counsel, Mr Kayode Ajekigbe, before the court presided Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.

Khilnani and an alleged accomplice, Dr Sushil Chandra, are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, cheating, stealing and false representation.

The DPP accused the defendants of duping their Nigerian partner, Green Fuels Limited, of $8.8 million in 2008.

The trial judge, Justice Ipaye had fixed yesterday for their arraignment following the failure of their counsel to produce them in court on July 31.

By Adebisi Onanuga and Vivian Anaba

However, at the resumption of proceedings yesterday, the DPP, Mrs Idowu Alakija, told the court of the prosecution’s intention to amend the proof of evidence by substitution.

Alakija said the prosecution had received information from the Police that they had carried out further investigation on the matter which might be useful to the case.

The DPP urged the court to grant him more time to respond to the application and also amend the proof of evidence.

The counsel to the defendants, Ajekigbe, said the defence had filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge.

He said the information provided by the prosecution did not contain the charges against the defendants.

Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter till November 10 for hearing of the application.

Amnesty coordinator tasks banks on stipends payment

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PECIAL Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh, has vowed to get to the roots of complaints arising from the resumption of payment of stipends to former Niger Delta agitators and beneficiaries of the programme.

The PAP Coordinator, in a statement by the Head of Media and Communication, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, expressed displeasure over reports of complicity of some banks in the alleged shortchanging of some of the beneficiaries by their leaders.

The Amnesty Office, last Friday, commenced payment of the outstanding stipends of the former agitators. But the exercise has been trailed by allegations bordering on shortchanging of some of the former agitators, who claimed they did not receive the full amount of N65,000.

Some of them were said to have besieged the banks they accused of complicity in the alleged racket to underpay them.

“The banks involved in payment of the stipends should credit accounts of beneficiaries with their due entitlements and strictly in con-

formity with the mandates of the account. No bank should be involved in any form of cash payments or conduct any irregular payment activities outside their premises,” the coordinator said.

Following this development, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta has opened channels of communication with the Central Bank of Nigeria and its banking supervision department and the security agencies to review the payment process.

“It is not going to be business as usual. We are guided by the strict regime of transparency, accountability and prudence being enthroned by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We will accordingly address every complaint about the programme on their merit and make the necessary adjustments. A verification committee is already in place to examine all immediate and pressing issues inhibiting the smooth operation of the programme.

“Mr. President is committed to sustainable development of the Niger Delta and we have a duty to ensure the sustenance of peace and security of the region in order to achieve the government’s objective.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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NEWS OBA OKUNADE SIJUWADE (1930 - 2015)

Buhari, Aregbesola, others mourn as Ife chiefs announce Ooni’s death

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RADITION had its way yesterday, with the Ife Traditional Council breaking the news of the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II. He was 85.

The announcement ended three weeks of denial by the chiefs, who had insisted that the frontline royal father was hale and hearty - contrary to the news of his death in the media.

The development attracted condolences and tributes from prominent Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, among others.

Buhari, who expressed sadness over the news of the transition of Oba Sijuwade, said the late monarch’s place in history was assured.

Aregbesola, who was the first to be briefed by the Ife chiefs, said the era of the late Ooni brought prestige, honour and dignity to the traditional institution, describing him “as a study and model in royalty.”

Commiserating with the members of the Oba’s immediate family, the Yoruba race and the country, the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation said it was taking solace in the fact that the Ooni lived well and left a precious heritage worthy of emulation.

In line with tradition, the chiefs, led by t he Obalufe, Solomon Omisakin, were at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo to break the news of Ooni’s death to Aregbesola.

Obalufe told the governor that Oba Sijuwade has joined his ancestors.

The Obalufe explained that the delay in announcing Ooni’s death was due to strict adherence to Yoruba tradition.

But he said it was imperative for the council to lay to rest the rumours on the death of Oba Sijuwade, adding that the announcement of the monarch’s death could not be made in the market place or in a social gathering.

The Obalufe solicited for the cooperation of the governor and the state government for peace and progress of Ife Kingdom and Yorubaland.

He said: “We, the chiefs in Ife Traditional Council have come here to brief you the governor and the government of Osun about the passing on of our Royal Majesty, Oba Okunade

•Aregbesola (second right); Sijuwade (right), Chief of Staff to the Governor Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (second left) and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, at the official declaration of Ooni’s death ...yesterday.

•’Body arrives from London today’ •Burial tomorrow From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife. “The breaking of the news of the death of the king must follow traditional ways and rites.

That is why it is coming at this time. The news of the transition to glory of any Yoruba monarch is not pedestrian news that one can just announce at a market place or a social gathering.

“The announcement of the death of a great man like our royal monarch is great news that must be announced in a grand style. On behalf of the entire Sijuwade family, the Ife Traditional Council and the entire Ife indigenes, we hereby announce the passing on to glory of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse the II.” The late monarch’s first, son Prince Adetokunbo, also announced the demise of his father, stating that his remains would be buried tomorrow by 10am.

Adetokunbo, who was in the entourage of the chiefs, told the governor that the body of the late monarch will be flown in from London, where he died, today ahead of tomorrow’s interment.

Responding, Aregbesola recounted the last message he received from the late monarch on his medical trip abroad on July 23.

The governor described Oba Sijuwade as a monarch, who during his lifetime, did everything humanly possible to promote the Yoruba tradition across the globe.

According to the governor, it should be on record that during his time, he showcased and left the traces of Yoruba tradition everywhere he visited.

Aregbesola, who had prom-

ised to wait for the news on the demise of the Ooni before making public the last telephone conversation between him and the late Ooni made good his promise.

Quoting from the text message verbatim, the governor said: “I am still not feeling good. So, I am travelling abroad for further medical treatment this week. I place you and your government in the hand of God and under His continuous guidance.”

The governor further said: “This was the last conversation I had with the late monarch.

We dearly miss his charisma, demonstration of loyalty and his position as a rallying-point for all Yoruba people and a bridge-builder across all ethnic groups in Nigeria. “ Indeed, he was a great man and he left an indelible mark on the sand of history, not only in Yorubaland, Nigeria but across the world.”

In a statement after the chiefs broke the news to him, the governor said in a statement: “I, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, join other sons daughters of Osun to mourn the translation of this highly celebrated monarch, whose era brought prestige, honour and dignity to traditional institution in our clime, his reign brought tremendous development and increased global attention to his domain.

“Ooni Sijuade was a study and model in royalty. He embodied the best in traditional pomp and pageantry. He exalted the place of the royalty among our people. His contributions towards maintaining a place of pride for the Yoruba race on the world is huge.

“A sad loss though, we are, as a people, consoled by the fact that our Imperial Majesty lived a fulfilled life; one happily hallmarked by the great impact on his subjects, the entire state, region and nation.

“On behalf of my family, the great people of the Land of the Virtuous, I extend our heart-felt condolences to the immediate royal family of Oba Sijuade, the ruling houses of Ile-Ife, all the princes and princesses of Ile Ife, royalties far and near, and Yoruba people of the world. Ajanaku sun bi Oke, Erin Wo.” Earlier at Ile-Ife, traditional rites leading to the formal announcement of the final passage of the Ooni were performed by some traditional chiefs in the ancient town.

Very few people and vehicles were seen on major streets of Ile-Ife, from Sabo to Moore, Ilode, Enuwa, Iremo, Lagere to Ibadan Road.

Markets, shops, banks were under lock and key. Only few filling stations opened for business.

Along the Old Ede Road at the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus area, students of the institution remained on campus in compliance with an order from one of the Ife High Chiefs that there would be restriction on movement between 9am and 4pm yesterday.

Few minutes after ten in the morning, about eight traditional chiefs, known as the “Isoros’ in white garments were seen with one of them carrying a clay pot at Enuwa Square, few metres away from the palace.

They marched in a procession to and fro outside the palace gate.

The tradition cutting of the leaves of some trees within the palace was later done by the chiefs, it was learnt.

The leaves’ cutting preceded the trip by the Ife chiefs to Osogbo.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari expressed sadness over the Ooni’s transition.

He extended condolences to the late Ooni’s family, his friends, associates and subjects, as well as the government and people of Osun State.

The statement reads: He (Buhari) joined them in mourning the revered traditional ruler, who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service, over more than three decades, as the chief custodian of the traditions of the Yoruba and his invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.

“President Buhari believed that Oba Sijuwade’s place in posterity has already been assured by his long and worthy service to his people and country as well as his notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country as a leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler.

“As they mourn his passing, President Buhari urges the Ooni’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a very fulfilled life, and has left worthy legacies for his successors to build upon.”

He prayed that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Oba Sijuwade and bring forth a worthy successor

to take his place on the ancient throne of Ile-Ife. In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation said the passage of the monarch came as a shock.

“The statement reads: “We received with shock and utter dismay, news of the sudden departure from this earthly realm of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife, after 35 glorious years on the throne of his ancestors.

“Kabiyesi ascended the throne better prepared than most for the uniquely critical leadership role of the Ooni in Yoruba land. He had a formidable geo-political and social network, nationally and internationally. He possessed considerable material wealth. And he possessed ample personal attributes of kindness, generosity and tolerance, amongst many others, to make his reign the outstanding success that it turned out to be.

“We commiserate with the members of Kabiyesi’s immediate family, the entire Yoruba race at home and in the Diaspora, and indeed, our nation Nigeria. We take solace in the fact that he lived well and has left a precious heritage of which we can be forever proud. May his great and kind soul rest in perfect peace.”

The senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, Senator Felix Ogunwale, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam and Chief Abiola Ogundokun, also mourned and commiserated with the family.

Sijuwade was a voice of honesty, says ex-President Obasanjo From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

•Chief Obasanjo

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FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said yesterday that the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, stood out as a voice of honesty and forthrightness in national affairs.

He described the late Ooni as a unifying force in Ife, the South Western zone and beyond.

He said he met the deceased about 10 days ago to compare notes on national issues.

Obasanjo, who paid the tribute in a statement, said Oba Sijuwade inspired many over the years.

He said: “I do appreciate the immense pain that the unfortunate death of the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade has caused his Oloris, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the entire people of the Kingdom of Ife in particular and Osun State in general, who must be

grieving at the demise of the Oba. “Oba Sijuwade was, undoubtedly, a very eminent citizen and his death will be felt not only by his people but indeed, the entire nation. We can, nevertheless, be consoled from knowing that Oba Sijuwade has gone to rest in the bosom of his Maker and left behind him a good name and worthy legacy. Indeed, ‘Erin wo’.

“We have been inspired, over the years, by Oba Sijuwade’s most impressive career as a tested manager of men and resources, a proprietor of repute, and an industrialist of distinction.

From the Tribune Group, where he had his early experi-

ence in the private sector through the Leventis family and therefrom into private entrepreneurship, he truly distinguished himself as a businessman of note.

“His attainments, over the years, surely culminated in his unanimous nomination and coronation as the Ooni Olubuse II of Ile-Ife since November 1980.

“In this capacity, he functioned as Chancellor of the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State in 1988. It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of the Commander of the Federal Repub-

lic, CFR, by former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1983.”

Obasanjo highlighted the outstanding qualities of the late Ooni.

He added: “The late Oba Sijuwade was a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria. I remember his firmness in support of Government at all levels when I was President of Nigeria. His staunch support was appreciated and would always be remembered for it.

“He, accordingly, stood out as a voice of honesty and forthrightness in national affairs. He was at the same time a fervent

promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who lived in his domain but also across the country.

“The toga of acrimony, thuggery and violence which stigmatized the politics and the people of Ife and Modakeke for many years was permanently brought to an end by him with the support of his royal colleagues. Today, there can be no gainsaying that his nearly fourdecade reign was marked by unprecedented peace-making and lasting peace and prosperity in Ife and Modadeke.

“The late Oba followed the tradition of his great predecessors.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

NEWS

Police teargas Peterside, Abe, others at INEC office

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ECURITY operatives yesterday tear-gassed Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11 election, Dakuku Peterside, and Senator Magnus Abe at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Peterside and Abe led a team of 48 candidates who contested in various elections in the state and reporters to submit a protest letter to INEC’s Acting Chairman, Hajia Amina Zakari, against the state Resident Electoral Commission (REC) for allegedly refusing to give them certified true copies (CTC) of the materials used in the elections.

The APC candidates, who arrived at the INEC headquarters at 11:15am, were prevented from getting close to the gate by a combined team of mobile police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The security agencies insisted that the team would not be allowed to go beyond the barricaded areas since it had no prior information of the visit.

INEC’s Deputy Director in charge of security, Victor Egbun, told the party stalwarts that they could only send a representative to meet the

From Tony Akowe and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

commission’s acting chairman and submit their protest letter to her.

The team comprised former House of Representatives members, like Andrew Uchendu, Otelemaba Amachree, Dawari George, Igochukwu Aguma, former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rivers State APC Chairman Denis Ebiamo Ikanya.

The security officials threatened to shoot the party chieftains, if they crossed the barricaded areas.

This forced them to raise their voices and move towards the INEC gate, which the security operatives had locked.

As the APC chieftains approached the gate, chanting solidarity songs, the security officials released some canisters of tear gas in front of them and reporters to disperse the crowd.

Peterside said: “We are candidates of the APC at various categories in the last elections. We are here to register our protest to INEC. “Immediately after the elections, in accordance with the law, we applied for the certified true copies of documents used in the conduct of the elections.

“It is unfortunate that till date, we

have not got the certified copies of the election materials, even when it is clear in the law that it must be released within seven days of receiving the application. As if that was not enough, we have approached various tribunals, which have also ordered the release of the materials. But unfortunately, those orders have not been complied with till date.

“We do not have the documents to prosecute our cases. INEC in Rivers State has done everything humanly possible to frustrate our cases at the various tribunals. Dame Ghesilla Khan, who is Rivers State REC, has insisted that she was under instruction from the national office not to release the documents to us. That is why we are here to deliver our protest to INEC’s Acting Chairman.

“We have written between 26 and 27 petitions on this issue and we have not got any serious response. We are aware that the acting chairman has made several memos to the Rivers REC, asking her to comply with the law by releasing the required materials. But she has wilfully refused to comply with the law by releasing and properly certifying those documents for us to use to prosecute our cases at the various tribunals.

“All we need is for INEC to abide by

the law, by releasing to us all the certified materials we have requested for.

We are not asking anybody to do us any order favour. The Electoral Act is very clear: if you apply within a period of seven days, those documents must be released to you.

“I am shocked that our peaceful request and visit today was greeted with canisters of tear gas which INEC officials have ordered their security operatives to suffocate us with.”

Senator Abe expressed surprise at the way security officials treated the APC team.

The lawmaker urged the government to investigate the incident.

He noted that INEC security officials violated the delegates’ human rights by using tear gas, since they were peaceful.

Abe said: “This singular act of the Rivers REC, if not checked, could lead to a breach of the peace in the state.

Our simple request is now being frustrated by the same INEC that caused the crisis in the state. The only way to ensure peace in Rivers State is to ensure that INEC obeys the law and releases those documents to allow our cases to be determined by law. We, as law-abiding citizens, will obey the outcome of our cases at the various tribu-

nals.

“But a situation where the same person, who created this same situation, is allowed to frustrate the case, I do not know how our people would take that. Nigerians need to be aware that Rivers State is still a flashpoint, if these issues are not dealt with expeditiously...”

INEC’s Director of Security, Shettima Ngilade, after two hours, urged the APC team to obey the directives of INEC Acting Chairman and send only their representatives.

He said: “...This is a public place.

We cannot refuse you entry into the premises; we have procedures of doing things.

“With the way you arrived, we had every reason to fear because even the Rivers State Electoral Commissioner is inside, meeting with the Acting Chairman. There was no prior information about your coming to the commission for us to arrange so that you can see the Acting Chairman.

“What we can only do here is to allow a few of your representatives to go inside and meet with the ACTING Chairman or you hand over your protest letter to us to give her. We cannot allow you to move in this your numbers.”

You’re in safe hands, Oshiomhole assures IDPs

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) at a camp in Uhogua, Benin, that the state is home to all.

The governor said his administration would take care of them in the camp.

Oshiomhole spoke yesterday during his on-the-spot assessment of facilities and condition of the IDPs at the camp.

The governor was in company of his wife, Iara, senior government officials, Police Commissioner Damilola Adegbuyi and the State Director of State Security Service (SSS), Mr Alexander Okeiyi.

He said: “Nigeria is one; it doesn’t matter whether you are from Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Jigawa, Edo, Lagos or Jigawa. We are one

Nigeria. I lived in the North all my adult life; that is why I understand the Hausa language.

“We will ensure you get all that you need. These are our children now. I can see that they come from different parts of the country and they are young children.

“We will immediately bring 500 bags of rice and five cows and ensure that doctors and nurses are deployed to take care of them. We will help them to develop the school and give them qualified teachers. We have to do everything to ensure that they are comfortable.

“We have discussed with security agencies. They will ensure that tight security is provided to protect these children and those with identifies parents. We will arrange,

Couples advised on family planning From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) has urged couples on family planning as a way to proffer solution to maternal death.

The organisation, through its team leader in Oyo State, Mrs. Stella Akinso, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting to start the second phase of the sensitisation activity of the family planning.

She said 262 maternal deaths per 100,000 births were recorded in the state annually, adding that although it was lower than the national average, it was unacceptable, considering the level of literacy and socio-economic development in the state.

Mrs. Akinso said the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) for Ibadan was 22 per cent, noting that its CPR was comparable to other cosmopolitan cities, such as Benin at 26.6 per cent, Ilorin at 24.6 per cent and Lagos at 49.6 per cent.

The Director of Women’s Programme and Services from the Ministry of Women’s Affair, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Christy Popoola, said the government had been supportive in promoting women’s welfare.

•Oshiomhole addressing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Uhogua ...yesterday.

at the expense of Edo State Government, for the parents to come here ...so that they can reunite with their chil-

dren. They can still leave them in the camp, if they so wish.

But at least, they will be assured that their children are

in good hands.

“If you have any challenges, let us know. I have assigned seven very senior of-

ficers - two Commissioners and five Directors - who will be around to ensure that the kids are safe...”

UN Secretary challenges youths on sustainable growth

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HE United Nations Secretary-General, Ban kiMoon has appealed to young people all over the world to join forces with the United Nations in the formation and implementation of the new sustainable development goals.

Moon made this call at the United Nation’s International Youth Day Celebration organised by Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (SMILE) and the United Nation Information Centre, (UNIC), held yesterday

By Adeola Ogunlade

at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos.

The programe tagged: “Youth Civil Engagement brought together thousands of youths drawn from across Nigeria, professionals, experts, civil society groups, officials from the United Nations agencies, government officials and the private sector. It also featured a roundtable discussion by experts and other stakeholders, insightful teachings, documentaries, panel discussion, comedy and question and an-

swer session.

According to the UN Secretary young people are the major drivers of change in any society and policies and programmes targeted at their wellbeing and their survival must include them.

Moon, who was represented by the Country Director, UNIC, Mr. Ronald Kayanfe said that in this landmark year, as leaders prepare to adopt a bold new vision for sustainable development, the engagement of youth is more valuable than ever.

He said: “I stand with the world‘s young people in calling for measures to secure human rights, economic progress, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.”

He noted that emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformations are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world’s young people.

He went on: “No one knows better than the young people at stake or the best way

to response. That is why I am calling on young people to speak out- and l am urging leaders to listen.

“As the world changes with unprecedented speed, young people are proving to be invaluable partners who can advance meaningful solutions”, he said. In her goodwill message, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. OLURANTI ADEBULE reinstated the commitment of the state government towards constant engagement of young people as development partners.

Nda-Isaiah denies N80m debt in petition to CBN governor

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FORMER presidential aspirant in the All ProgressivesCongress (APC), Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah has petitioned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, over alleged N80million strange debt credited to him

by Enterprise Bank.

He accused the bank of impugning his character and the integrity of his family by putting his name and that of his wife, Zainab in the list of over

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

500 bank debtors.

In the 13-paragraph petition of August 11, 2015 NdaIsaiah said he won’t just sit down and watch a public image and a brand which he built over the years “rubbished because of the incompetence and unfathomable motives of some people”.

He said in 2013, Banana Republic had approached Enterprise Bank Ltd for a facility for

the expansion of the business into Maitama District of Abuja and the construction of a 5star hotel in Guzape, Abuja, on a 1.4 hectare hilltop prime location.

He said while the loan was approved by the bank, the procedure was unprofessional Nda-Isaiah said: “Even though owing a bank is not a crime, the fact that the term

“name and shame” was what the bank said they were doing, I have been defamed and they have given an opening to a newspaper house (which cannot allow this kind of opportunity to pass) to further smear me and even add innuendoes that were not in the bank’s publication. ”Sometimes they even showed signs of incompetence.

The breakdown of the ap-

proved facility was N67.5million for the purchase of equipment and N12.5million for working capital to operate the restaurant.

“Upon approval, our account manager opened an escrow account in our name without our knowledge and deposited N67.5million and started charging interests right away from July 25, 2013, on the entire N80million sum, without any form of notification to us.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘When modular refineries are operated, they would be refining smaller quantities of crude oil, create jobs, and help grow the economy’ •Commander, JTF, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe

Anger as telcos bar customers from using mobile phones

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ANY telephone subscribers were thrown into confusion yesterday as their telephone lines were barred from either making or receiving calls by their mobile network operators (MNOs).

This is sequel to the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum handed down to the telcos by the regulator of the telecoms industry, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to deactivate subscriber identity modules (SIMs) registered irregularly by the operators.

Its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, in a statement had explained that the directive was the fallout of a meeting between Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Service (DSS), MNOs and the NCC. The meeting which took place at the NCC boardroom in Abuja, took into cog-

By Lucas Ajanaku

nisance crimes committed against members of the public either by kidnappers, terrorists, robbers and threats to lives, through the use of unregistered SIM cards across all the networks A young lady who simply identified herself as Bola said she was shocked when someone called her on her alternate line and said her operator told her that her number had been barred from receiving calls. She complained bitterly because, according to her, she was not given earlier notification about the development and had been using the line for more than one year.

“I was shocked to discover that I could neither make nor receive calls on my phone number. I feel my MNO was not polite enough on this matter because I am sup-

posed to have been advised accordingly if they had discovered anything irregular in the biometric data I supplied during the process of registering my SIM card.

Now I am confused because I don’t know what to do because when I visited the office of my service provider this morning, it was filled to capacity,” she said, adding that she was advised to do another registration with the agents along the road for which she paid N100 and have since not been reactivated.

A young man who gave his name simply as Chukwudi who sells motor spare parts in Ladipo Market, Lagos said his wife travelled to the Aba yesterday and was monitoring her movement on phone till she got to Asaba, adding that her number was snapped out of the network.

“In a country where there are

SEC trims staff, offices in major restructuring

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ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) has undertaken a major restructuring exercise that cuts its operations, workers and technology with a view to improving service delivery to all stakeholders.

The restructuring entails both a review of the organisational structure as well as a voluntary retirement scheme to trim down the wage bill of the regulator.

Under the restructuring exercise, SEC is closing four of its existing seven zonal offices. Under the previous organisational structure, SEC operated with a head office in Abuja and seven zonal offices in Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan, Lagos, Maiduguri, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.

Under the new arrangement, SEC has decided to close down four of its zonal offices in Kaduna, Ibadan, Maiduguri and Onitsha in order to allocate both human and material resources to strengthen the remaining three in Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

In a statement yesterday, SEC said the decision to close the zonal offices was arrived at because it could leverage on technology and shift resources to the use of both print and electronic media for public enlightenment to achieve the primary objec-

By Taofik Salako

tive of investors’ education.

The Commission stated that its new complaints management framework will delegate first stages of complaints management to the operators and trade groups, which implies that less and less complaints will be handled by the SEC, further reducing the need for multiple zonal offices.

“In essence, by closing the four zonal offices and strengthening the remaining three, SEC can do more at a lower cost, this will free up resources to be allocated to critical areas of the Commission’s mandate like investor protection and investor education,” SEC noted.

It also noted that it intends to strengthen functions such as monitoring, investigation and registration at the Lagos zonal office which will enable operators to reduce their overhead cost.

According to the Commission, the move to shift more roles and functions to the Lagos office will boost institutional capacity and increase efficiency while improving service delivery by reducing turnaround time for processing applications. In addition, SEC can reduce its overhead cost as well while taking full ad-

vantage of proximity to operators to discharge its responsibilities in a timelier manner.

Another aspect of the structural reform at SEC as an institution is the composition of workers by ranking. The Commission had been operating at an unsustainably top-heavy structure with a lot more senior level staff and junior level ones. For example, as at January this year, there were over 30 Deputy Directors, more than 40 Assistant Directors and upward of 80 Senior Managers. This issue had direct effect on workers’ morale as well as motivation because it inhibited career progression.

To address this situation, the SEC Board approved a voluntary retirement scheme proposed by the Executive Management to incentivise top-level staff above the age of 45 who had served the Commission for more than 10 years and a nearing their retirement to voluntarily retire. Through this exercise, at the end of July 2015, 43 very senior staff exited the Commission, some of whom had served for more than 20 years and had stagnated for up to 11 years on the same position due to the non-availability of vacancies.

Fed Govt: Power generation hits 4,600 Mw

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HE Federal Government yesterday said its power generation has improved to 4,600 megawatts (Mw) from about 3,000Mw. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali briefed State House correspondents after presenting activities of the ministry to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

He said: “We are doing over 4600Mw of power on the grid and we can do better. But then this is a big improvement from about 3,000 Mw. “Other times when we attain 4,000Mw, because of pipeline disruptions we go down to about 2000Mw. We’ve consistently in the past two months been over

4,500Mw, now reaching close to 4,700Mw.” But he noted that distribution of power has remained a great challenge in the country.

He said: “Distribution remains a challenge because that’s where customers feel it most. We are working with a lot of the Discos very closely, tracking them, to make sure that what is needed at the distribution level is done.

no good roads and insecurity is all time high, especially armed robbery on the highway and kidnapping, the mobile phone has become the only tool through which one could get monitor one’s family members on transit. So, it is very disheartening that my wife was removed from the network abruptly without any notification. It is bad and demonstrated lack of respect for the customer,” he said.

He was particularly bitter that if the MNOs wanted to sell their services, they will call their customers or send unsolicited text messages to harass them, adding that when it came to the issue of irregular SIM registration, they just went ahead to rudely cut them off the network.

Bola and Chukwudi are but few examples of many customers that may have been cut off the network unnotified contrary to the directive of the

NCC. Director, Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah said the telco is complying with the directive of the NCC, insisting that it issued a press statement to that effect in the newspapers on Monday. He added that SIM registration has been on wondering why customers should wait this long.

CeBIH confirms $50,000 annual ATM withdrawal limit

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HE Committee of eBanking Industry Heads (CeBIH) yesterday confirmed Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) $50,000 annual limit on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) overseas.

In a statement, CeBIH Chair, Tunde Kuponiyi, said the limit on international spend does not apply to local transactions or cash withdrawals from ATM terminals across the country.

“This is to confirm that the newly introduced limit by the Central Bank of Nigeria is applicable only to holders of Naira denominated

By Collins Nweze

cards who use their cards for cash withdrawals abroad.

For such customers, the CBN has imposed a limit of $300 per day and an annual limit of $50,000 on such customers.”

He said the limit for withdrawal of naira is set by the individual banks in line with such lender’s corporate operative procedure, pointing out that the limits are not applicable to Point of Sale (PoS) and online purchases. He urged bank customers to confirm what the limits are in their

various banks.

The apex bank slashed the naira debit cardholders’ spending overseas from $150,000 to $50,000 per annum.

It also announced plans to reduce naira debit cardholders’ spending abroad due to inadequate foreign exchange to pay for rising amount of cardholders’ overseas spending.

In a circular dated April 13 and entitled: ‘Usage of naira denominated cards overseas,’ the apex bank asked dealers and the general public to take note of the development.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

TCN shortlists investors for 8,000Mw T transmission capacity

HE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has shortlisted over 30 local and foreign investors for investment in the transmission infrastructure to enable it attain its target of 8,000 megawatts (Mw) capacity by end of next year.

The firm has set a target to achieve the capacity to transmit 8,000Mw of power by the end of next year considering the continued improvement in power supply.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Rasheed Tambuwal, an engineer, said the management was being proactive in order not to be caught unprepared.

He said that the step being taken by the management was important because the Federal Government would not be part of the funding.

The investors will bring in their money and TCN will pay them back within an agreed period.

Abubakar said the TCN wheels out 4662Mw and has capacity for 5300Mw.Although the company can transmit 4662Mw and has capacity to wheel out more, it has to prepare for more power generation and shouldn’t wait for the government before taking steps to achieve that. This is why management seeks private sector investment.

To achieve 8,000Mw transmission capacity, TCN needs an investment of about N15 billion yearly over the next three years, he added.

He said: “We are looking at a minimum of about N15 billion

government. We have investors • N15b needed yearly for three years of who are ready to come in and parBy Emeka Ugwuanyi

yearly over the next three years if we should be able to achieve the 8,000Mw. Therefore, with regard to the investor financing scheme (IFS), we have just shortlisted investors from within and abroad that are interested in the project.

“We have over 30 of them that we feel will be able to deliver on some projects that they have chosen. I cannot tell you the names of the shortlisted investors for now until the deal is sealed and delivered. We are trying to see that they are capable technically and financially because once they come in; they are expected to execute the project themselves with the funding they are able to galvanise from either externally or within the country.

“We have shortlisted them and we are in the process of coming up with a framework from which they can recover their investment with time. Since the Federal Government will not give them sovereign guarantee, we are coming up with modalities of repayment from the wheeling charges from our internally generated revenue over a period of time. It has not been finalised. We are still working to get all the support that is

needed from the government for us to be able to achieve this.”

He said internally generated revenue is part of the moneyTCN collected from the customers by the distribution companies, noting that considering the quantum of power generated, TCN’s portion of the collection will be substantial enough to sustain its operation and pay back to the investors in the project.

On the level of funding from the government, Abubakar said funding has not improved considering the fact that a lot of projects are in the pipeline, which need to be funded and because of the present situation, there is need for additional funding even from what the firm used to have. ‘’We are making all efforts to ensure that we bring funds outside appropriation

ticipate in our investor financing scheme. The scheme is still at preliminary stage but as soon as we finalise it, we will have investors who are willing to put in their funds to develop our transmission infrastructure. We also expect more funding from the Federal Government to be able to achieve the mandate we have set for ourselves to improve on the transmission capacity,” he said.

Abubakar also explained reason for the improved power supply being experienced. He said generation has improved because gas supply has improved tremendously to generating stations and have been able to generate the highest ever peak in July of 4662Mw. “Our transmission capacity is a bit above that. We are capable of transmitting 5300Mw at the mo-

ment. But as generation is improving, we are expected to expand our transmission capacity to be able to evacuate the extra capacity being generated at the station for distribution companies to use. I can assure you that we have our plan, our project that are very critical has been mapped out so that within the shortest possible time, we will be able to reach 8000Mw transmission capacity, by end of 2016.

“We have never transmitted more than 5000Mw to the customers due to many factors. When you generate, you transmit and utilise in the distribution, the distribution arm has to be ready to receive the quantum of power that has been generated. But I must tell you that transmission is capable of wheeling out 5,300Mw from generation down to distribution. It is only what the distribution companies can collectively take that is what is wheeled as the maximum energy at any given time.”

Fed Govt begins gas network code implementation

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HE Federal Government has begun the implementation of the Nigeria Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC), it was learnt.

The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Dr Mordecai Ladan, stated this on the sideline of the just concluded 2015 conference and exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) held in Lagos.

The code NGTNC is a contractual framework between transporter (or network operator) and network users (known as shippers) that provides open competitive access to existing and future gas transportation infrastructure.

The code stipulates that every gas meant for domestic use be it power, petrochemical or industrial, will have a single entry and exit point to eliminate sharp practices that exist in the current supply and distribution system.

Ladan said stakeholders in the sector had earlier met in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to discuss the way forward to ensure smooth implementation of the code. He said part of the implementation exercise of the NGTNC is the training of 20 personnel outside the country under the guidance of foreign partners.

The steps taken by the government, according to him, is to help eradicate the bottlenecks and problems in the system, adding that the approach may help in ending gas flaring in the country from the end of 2020, but noted that adequate funding is required to achieve it.

To further reduce or eliminate

gas flaring, the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) said gas supply to power plants will increase by additional 800 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) by the end of next year. The increase in supply will be created by market forces where there will be a willing-buyer, willing-seller situation.

According to NGC, although the willing-buyer, willing-seller situation is currently in place, the government needs to implement the $2.50 per 1000 standard cubic feet pricing regime for gas in order to help gas suppliers boost supplies to the market. The successes of increase in gas supply to power plants, also depends on adequate regulatory framework on the commercial side of the sector.

Its immediate past Managing Director, Dafe Sejebor, said: “Regulation has a major role to play for effective gas supply.

Regulation should be looked at more on a commercial basis and we don’t want to forget that time is of essence. Government should implement regulations on time.’’

Sejebor noted that the reluctance of upstream oil and gas companies to invest in domestic gas production is as a result of low pricing while uneconomical gas-topower price framework is stalling growth of the gas industry.

He said the inadequate funds for infrastructure development and limited appetite of Nigerian banks to invest in long to midterm projects as well as host community issues, work against gas industry’s growth.

•From left: Principal Manager, Material Control, TCN Central Stores, Ojo, Lagos, Mr. Pius Nwachie; General Manager, Transmission, TCN Lagos Region, Ijora, Lagos, Leke Adeoye; Managing Director, TCN, Dr. Atiku Tambuwal Abubakar; Manager, Material Control, TCN Central Stores, Ojo, Lagos, Dalloyop Fom; and Senior Manager, Material Control, TCN Central Stores, Ojo, Lagos, Ahmed Amina Kura during the inspection of TCN facilities in Lagos.

OPEC crude price drops 10% in July HE Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said the price of crude oil supplied by its members known as (OPEC Reference Basket) averaged $54.19 per barrel in July, representing a decline of more than 10 per cent from the previous month.

The group in its August Monthly Oil Market Report said crude oil futures were also driven lower by various bearish factors, noting that global oil demand is expected to grow by 1.38 million barrels per day (mb/d) this year, which is about 90,000 barrels per day higher than last month’s projections with total oil demand anticipated to reach 92.70 mb/d. In 2016, world oil demand growth is expected at 1.34 mb/d with total world consumption hitting a record level of 94.04 mb/d.

The report said after falling to multi-year lows earlier in the year, crude oil prices stabilised in April, remaining at around the

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By Emeka Ugwuanyi

$60 per barrel range until June.

However, in July, a set of bearish factors pushed crude oil prices to their lowest levels in months, with Nymex WTI nearing $45 per barrel and Brent around $50 per barrel.

This decline in oil prices came amid a sell-off in crude futures, triggered largely by continued oversupply at a time when incremental global demand has not followed suit. Financial concerns in Greece and China, as well as the outcome of the world powers’ talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, have all contributed to the current bearish market conditions, OPEC said.

On the physical side, crude oil values for light sweet West African grades including Nigeria’s sweet crude have been pressured by several months of overhang cargoes. This is despite the recent easing of the oversupply as refin-

ers increase utilisation to capitalise on lower crude oil prices amid a rebound in gasoline demand and better arbitrage economics to Asia. In the Middle East, spot crude cargoes are being squeezed by an inflow of Atlantic Basin crudes into the AsiaPacific market on the back of relatively low light sweet crude prices compared with sour Middle East grades, the report added.

On refining, the organisation said refining margins have been healthy in most regions. While margins have seen a slight weakening in Asia, they remain on the rise in the Atlantic Basin due to lower crude prices along with the excellent performance of the top of the barrel.

During the driving season, US gasoline demand has reached as high as 9.5 mb/d over the last two months, a level not seen in years, supported primarily by lower gasoline prices.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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ENERGY Ogoni people are excited over the government’s plan to clean up their environment as that will make them go back to their traditional jobs of farming and fishing, as well as enjoy unpolluted air, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE.

AVIATIONExcited Ogoni indigenes eager Clean-up: O to go back to farming GONI sons and daughters ap pear set to return to their tra ditional occupation of farming, and fishing as the Federal Government embarks on the long overdue clean-up of their environment that has been destroyed by oil spills.

The clean up exercise, which the government promised to be in line with the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) recommendations, was not only greeted with applause among the people of Ogoniland, it has also marked the dawn of a new era for the people who have for long not been engaging in fishing and farming because oil spills that polluted their lands and waters.

With the Federal Government planning to stick to UNEP’s report which stated that stakeholders in the Niger Delta region must work together to restore polluted environments and put an end to all forms of contaminations in the oil producing region, better days are ahead for people of Ogoniland, who are seriously looking for opportunties to go back to their traditional jobs.

The Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Bodo Communities in Kogana Local Government of Rivers State, Mene Slyvester Kogbara, said the over 16,000 residents of the communities cannot wait to go back to fishing, farming, palm oil production, palmwine tapping and other activities as government plans to clean up their land and rivers in order restore their natural habitats.

He said Ogoniland people are originally fishermen and farmers, adding that they have been practising the occupations for decades.

He said: ‘’Historically, the Ogoniland have been cut off from their roots since they are unable to use their lands and rivers for fishing, due to oil spills. While some engage in subsistence farming, others are into mechanised farming.

The same applies to fishing. With oil exploration activities destroying their aquatic lives, farmlands, forests and other natural habitats, the people of Ogoniland have no choice than to do jobs that are not satisfactory to them. Now that Federal Government is planning to clean up our land, we would definitely go back to farming and others. ‘’ He said farmlands covering 12,000

acres was destroyed by oil spills, stressing that his people would be able to practise farming well, once the government cleans up the land. ‘’This aside, land used for cash crops, farming and fishing by my people was destroyed. They are used to those jobs and they cannot do any other jobs. That is why we told Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) that payment of compensation was not enough. They (the Company) should clean up our land and waters. No matter the amount Shell paid us, we would squander the money once we do not have areas to invest the money in. My people know the importance of farming and fishing, and would not hesitate to invest the money Shell paid them in the two activities,” he added.

Also, the Director of Environment, Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CHERD), Obodoekwe Styvn, said the people of Ogoniland are eager to go back to farming and fishing once the government cleans up their land.

He said the Ogoni people are praying that the government should do correct clean up/remediation so that they can go back to their traditional occupations. He said Ogoniland is made up of local people who would always like to cling on to their traditional ways of life despite all odds, stressing that such people would want to go back to fishing or farming which they were forced to abandon by oil pollutions. ‘’Ogonis are of farmers and fishers folks. Even with polluted environment, many still do farming and fishing, although they have to toil much more than before to get little or no yields. Some go to far distances in order to do the jobs upon which they depend for survival. Farming and fishing among other local economic activities will certainly be boosted if ogoni environment is properly restored. Yes, people will go back to their original occupation. Moreover, whether they want to go back to their traditional occupation or not, ogonis, like others, are entitled to clean environment.’’ Obodoekwe said.

According to him, the Ogoni people are tired of living like endangered species, and are ready to go back to local activities like farming and fishing, if their environment is properly restored by the government.

Obodoekwe said the people are anxious to go back to farming and fishing, despite the UNEP report which stated that it would take about 30 years to clean the mess caused by oil pollution and return the environment to a useful and productive area.

Sharing Obodoekwe views was, the Business Development Manager, Cerase Environmental Services, Gloria Igboji, who said it is high time Shell, the communities and the Federal Government worked together to end clean-up Ogoniland, and return the people to their traditional occupation.

She said failure to clean up the Ogoniland in time, means inhabitants of the area would not be able to do farming and fishing, which are their major occupations.

She advised the government to compel institutions that would clean the oil polluted areas to use quality chemicals to avoid a re-occurrence of the problems, adding such efforts would make the Ogoni people to back to their traditional jobs.

In a related development, Shell has

welcome leadership shown by President Buhari in setting up governance structure for implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme’s report on the cleaning of oil polluted communities the NigerDelta region.

Shell, according to its Spokesman, Precious Okolobo, said its ready to identify with the government’s aspirations to clean up Ogoniland in order to restore normalcy in the area.

The firm said the oil-polluted communities and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were helping its resolve to ensure a cleaner and friendly atmosphere in areas where it is producing oil in the Niger-Delta region.

Shell said its not only committed to deliver the UNEP recommendations directed to it as operator of the SPDC Joint Venture, but would continue to work with the Federal Government and its joint venture partners in order to take the implementation of the UNEP report forward, and contribute to the growth of the communities where it operates.

Shell added: ‘’ We’re greatly encouraged by the positive and constructive response from representatives of the communities, non-governmental organisations, and the civil society in the Niger-Delta. This is an important step forward and

SPDC is determined to play its part in maintaining the momentum.’’

The firm said it has taken some measures to remove the spills, caused by its oil exploration activities in the Niger-Delta, arguing that its wholly in support of any move to rid the area of pollutants.

The company said it has cleaned up 47 out of the 50 pipelines that were vandalised, and employed contractors to protect the pipelines, as part of efforts to reduce oil spills in Ogoniland.

The firm said it has promised to contribute to $1billion Ogoniland Restoration Fund, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Environment in 2014.

Shell and the Bodo Communities have been at logger heads over the embroiled cleaning of the oil polluted areas. The two parties have been trading blames on the issue of cleaning the oil polluted areas.

While Shell, on one hand, accused the communities of not cooperating with it to clean up the spills which, occurred as a result of its oil exploration activities, the communities, on the other hand, alleged that Shell was not applying the right chemicals to clean the land. This informed the decision of Shell to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Environment in 2004 to explain the reason for the delay in cleaning up the Ogoniland, years after the land was destroyed by oil spills.

Upgrade of Ijaiye substation nears completion

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HE management of Ikeja Electric has said it will soon complete upgrade of the Ijaiye 11kv injection substation located at Ijaiye/Ojokoro in Lagos as part of its commitment to enhance service excellence within its network.

Its Head, Communication Strategy, Pekun Adeyanju said due to the upgrade, service disruptions are expected within the area during the exercise. He said the upgrade was planned to last for 10 days (August 6 and 15), adding that on completion, it will enhance the output of the existing 1x15MVA to 2x15MVA substations, and ex-

pected to boost power supply to customers in that axis.

“All the existing panels at the substation will be removed during this period while new ones will be installed to accommodate the additional 15MVA transformer that will be installed,” he said.

Areas to be affected by service disruptions during the upgrade period include Jankara, Fadehan, Ojokoro and Millennium Housing Estates, parts of Olaniyi, Agbado Railway crossing, Akera, Owonikoko, Meiran and environs, he noted, adding the company apologises for the inconveniences customers would go through.

•From left: PTDF Professor of Petroleum Geology, Prof. Mosto Onuoha; O'Callaghan; and Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum, Mr. Austin Avuru at the 39th SPE Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

Eunisell displays technical competence

A

FRICA oil and gas firm, Eunisell has restated its commitment to support local content in the oil and gas industry, particularly among marginal field operators in the country, with a view to early production from oil and gas marginal fields.

In an interaction during a technical session at the Society for Pe-

U.S. sanctions put Gazprom, Shell plans in jeopardy

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HELL and Gazprom signed an agreement in June to develop a strategic alliance in the gas sector, ranging from upstream–exploration and production, to sales, including possible asset swaps.

Development of the YuzhnoKirinskoye field on the island of Sakhalin in the Pacific, a project known as Sakhalin-3, has been seen as central to that alliance as it would allow the two companies expand their sole ex-

isting LNG venture, Sakhalin-2, located nearby.

State-owned Gazprom was believed to be considering selling a stake in Sakhalin-3 to Shell, which confirmed only last week that it was interested in buying a share, possibly through an asset swap, according to Bloomberg. It may now have to rethink those plans.

The U.S. government said it was restricting exports, re-exports and transfers of technology and equipment to

the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye field.

Shell, with considerable assets in the United States, would face consequences if it went against the sanction, as would other potential foreign investors.

U.S. officials have repeatedly said that sanctions on Russia’s energy sector – part of broader penalties imposed since 2014 over Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine – would target new projects, not existing supplies as that could cause a spike in global energy prices.

troleum Engineers (SPE) Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, the General Manager of the company, Engr. Patrick O’Callaghan stated that the changing times in the oil and gas industry now requires companies to embrace partnership, and innovation, if they must stay profitable.

“The dwindling oil price is a major topic here today, companies are cutting cost and so the modus operandi has to change in many ways as finance, cash flow, releasing value from stranded assets, have become some of major concerns of operators today. This is one of the reasons we are at the conference and exhibition to show stakeholders our central production facility which was built for Network exploration and production in record time of 90 days from which significant quantities of oil from the field have been produced within the last five months,” he

said.

He stated that a combination of modular construction processes and lease, operate, and own agreement has been a good choice for the field owner who is reaping the benefits of a producing asset while spreading the capital costs required.

“During the option period, the operator enjoys a reliable operation, gains valuable insight into his production profile, and can effectively manage his cost of managing, operating, and running the facility. This provides the opportunity to build equity that can be invested in adding additional assets,” he said. O’Callaghan added that about a month ago, the company recorded 100,000 man hours at one of its facilities without any loss time incident which he attributed to the professionalism, quality of staff and a sound health and safety policy of the company.

16

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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Ogun deploys CORS to enhance land administration

•Plot 49, Martins Street... the land in dispute

Lagos agencies kick as family alleges violation of Court’s order

F

OR failing to adhere to an initial pronouncement of a court, a Lagos family has dragged the Lagos State Urban and Renewal Authority (LASURRA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to court, filling Form 48- for notice of consequence of disobedience to Order of Court. The family is accusing LASURA and LASBCA of violating an earlier order granted on November 26, 2014, when Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court, granted an ex-parte order retraining the Defendants (LASURA and LABSCA) from further demolishing the property in dispute. Other defendants include the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and the state government.

The Notice dated August 6, 2015, against the General Manager, LASURA stated: “Take notice that unless you obey the directive contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison unless you purge yourself of the contempt.” This latest action is precipitated on the complete demolition and subsequent erection of structures on the disputed property on Plot 49 Martins, Street, Lagos, allegedly by the Lagos State agencies, notwithstanding an existing court order restraining both parties from doing anything that will jeopardise the case in court.

Obviously embittered about the current development, the family (Claimants) represented by Alhaja Medinat Onimole, Mr. Dotun Alokolaro and Alhaja Mutiat Hassan on behalf of the family of

•Row over plot(s) of land deepens Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

late Alhaja Taibat Shitta and Alhaja Hadikat Talabi, expressed disappointment over what they termed “illegality” on the part of the government, pointing out that they were surprised that government could be involved in such an illegality by flagrantly disobeying court pronouncements.

But in a swift reaction to the alleged violation of the order, Mr. Benedict Kehinde, General Manager, LASURA, wondered why the family made the matter a media affair. “There is a court injunction binding on the state government, and the government has violated the injunction, instead of going back to the court, they decided to go to the press. Doesn’t that strike you? They ought to have challenged the violation order in court instead of complaining to you journalists. That should strike you,” the LASURA boss said.

He, however, explained why his agency is carrying out the

construction at the site despite the order. Kehinde explained that the disputed property is not one, but Plots 49 and 51, Martins Street, pointing out that before the state acquired properties on Martins Street in 1959, there were two properties on plots 49 and 51, but looked like one because there was no clear demarcation between the two.

According to him, having acquired the plots, the government duly paid compensation to the property owners and the payments were duly signed for, brandishing a document in support of his claims. He added that the claimants had willingly withdrawn from pursuing the matter when they were told by the court that they had no case, as they were told that the site was acquired by the government and compensations paid to the owners. He, however, regretted that the family members went back to the court in pursuance of the matter.

Kehinde’s claims are, however, at variance with the deposition of the claimants, who said they have been

in possession of the property for over 30 years, up until October 24, 2014, when it was alleged the agents of the state government, aided by security operatives, “invaded the property in dispute, removing the burglaries, doors and windows affixed to the property forcibly evicting the tenants from their shops”.

While granting the prayers to the motion in the suit, number LD/ 7688/2014, Justice Oshodi ordered the parties to maintain the status quo while adjourning the matter for the hearing of the Motion on Notice and Forms 17 & 18 in line with the provision of Order 38 Rule 2. “Due to the peculiar nature of the facts of this case, it will be prudent for the court to maintain status quo of the Respondents. In this respect, the Court hereby order that parties, especially the 2nd and 3rd Defendants, do maintain status quo as at today,” Justice Oshodi ordered.

The family appealed to the governor to use his good offices to intervene in the matter, especially by calling its agencies to order, because such impunity does not give hope to the poor man.

AS part of its efforts to ensure that land administration meets global standard and enhance the economic value of the state, the Ogun State Government has set up three Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and Agbara areas of the state. The CORS is a multipurpose, automated, global positioning system (GPS) based equipment, which forms an essential tool for the Geographical Information System (GIS) used by governments, scientists, surveyors, construction companies and other professionals.

The Director-General for Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Adewale Oshinowo, who made this known earlier in the week, explained that the facilities are the reason for the enormous contribution to the development of various land reforms in the state.

According to Oshinowo, CORS is capable of receiving information continuously without any interference, adding that the three stations out of seven proposed for effective coverage, had internet connection making them visible globally. CORS, he further explained, beam across over 70 kilometers radius, each with an overlap to produce corrections and give accurate location of boundaries.

“The CORS in Ogun State is the backbone of GIS, which has made survey easy and is being used to capture, store, analyse, share, manage and display all types of spatial and attributes data in the bureau. It has helped to centrally manage land, supported the digitalisation of Certificate of Occupancy production as against the manual process, and helped in the quick determination of water level and its position in effective management of flood,” he explained.

Extolling the capabilities of the CORS, Oshinowo emphasised that the system addresses issues such as the distribution, archiving, quality control of the data that it collects and records GPS observation data all the time.

Through the use of CORS, the agricultural sector and land use, the DG explained, could be analysed for proper management.

Cleaner City: LAGOS goes tough on street trading

T

HE Lagos State Goverment has vowed to combat the menace of illegal street trading and hawking in the state metropolis. This is part of its effort to attain a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, said traders who that fail to abide by

State Environmental Sanitation Law would henceforth face the full wrath of the law.

“It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways like Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu road, Agege motor road, Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ojuelegba - Stadium, Surulere, Oyingbo, Carter bridge, Idumota, Oshodi, Ketu, Mile 12,Third Main-

land bridge, Cele, Iyana-Ipaja, Agbado Oke-Odo, Airport Road, Ikeja, amongst others have been converted to illegal markets,” he said.

Onisarotu, therefore, warned traders engaging in this illegal act to desist as the state government would not compromise any act that may derail the effort of the government in achieving a cleaner en-

vironment in the state, warning that state environmental sanitation law forbids anybody from converting the road median, setbacks and walkways to any trading activities.

He said the state governor, Mr.Akinwuni Ambode, has mandated Law Enforcement Officers and Regulatory Agencies to ensure compliance with the provision of the state Sanitation Laws forthwith.

THE

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

17

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Memo to northern Nigerian youths

Boko Haram

• Strong intelligence and a robust civic culture are imperative in the final anti-terror push

T

HAT latest Boko Haram attack, the one on Sabon Gari Market in Domboa, Domboa Local Government of Borno State, was gory enough: between 20 and 50 dead, according to media reports; and no less than 50 injured in an explosion that went off in a crowded market at about 1:30 pm.

While eye witness talked of Boko Haram cells, disguised as Fulani women milk sellers, planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs), passing as cow milk containers, the local police authorities gave a slightly different account. Aderemi Opadokun, the Borno State Police commissioner, said a male suicide bomber detonated an IED strapped to his body.

Whichever of the two accounts was correct, one thing was clear: the high level of casualties, dead and injured. That is a grim reminder that Boko Haram, with all its attendant anguish and trauma, is still very much with us; and might not be history very soon. On that score, the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency should further work on its strategies to bring to an end this horror.

Still, from the pattern and trend of the latest attacks, it would appear that Boko Haram, as a frontal fighting force, seizing territory and hoisting its black flag over captive communities, has all but been checkmated. That is no mean feat, given the rampage of the crazed Islamists, and the horror and terror they visited on their captive communities, while its territoryseizure tactics lasted.

The Federal Government, the old under President Goodluck Jonathan and the new under President Buhari, have earned due commendation: the one for starting the curtailment, when everything seemed

near-lost; the other for consolidating on the anti-terror gains.

By changing strategy, and taking the war to the Islamists’ notorious and hitherto dreaded bases in Sambisa Forest, instead of waiting to repel attacks, President Buhari has done very well indeed.

The security forces appear to have seriously degraded Boko Haram as a combat force, thus seeming to pin it to a restricted area, en route to launching a final push to bury it.

But the government successes have only succeeded to push the war right to where it began: hit-and-run terror tactics, with ferocious attacks mainly on soft targets.

Boko Haram started on Islamist militants, on motor bikes, attacking police personnel and facilities, and banks: killing surprised police troopers; looting weapons after razing police facilities and looting money from attacked banks. At its most brazen, it introduced suicide bombing, with indoctrinated cells used as suicide bombers. Its climax was territorial seizure, over which it proclaimed its Islamic sovereignty.

With reverses however, it is now back to hit-and-run attacks with which it started. Even its “suicide bombing” would appear degraded somewhat to surrogate bombing, in which naive souls are conned into blowing up themselves — with their innocent victims — without knowing why. There were reported cases of minors bearing bombs, but which other cells, at a distance, detonate.

To combat this phase, strong intelligence is key. So, is a renewed culture of civic responsibility, that sense of citizens’ total commitment to the cause of a com-

munity — in this case, every local’s total commitment to the collective safety and security of the affected area.

For instance, the latest Damboa attack could perhaps have been averted with a more bonded community, ready to yield terror intelligence before even attacks are carried out. Even if no one had a foreknowledge of the attack, a generally higher vigilance level could have triggered an alarm when women posing as Fulani milk sellers vanished, leaving behind their wares.

The security forces therefore must ramp up their intelligence-gathering capabilities. Also, they should build on the goodwill on the Buhari government, particularly judging from the massive votes from the areas of conflict where the president won hands down in the last election, to draw the people closer, and build a strong and robust civic culture.

With the locals accepting the anti-terror war as theirs, and seeing Boko Haram as a threat to individual and collective their survival, gathering the intelligence to conquer the menace won’t be such laboured work.

‘The security forces therefore must ramp up their intelligence-gathering capabilities. Also, they should build on the goodwill of the Buhari government to build a strong and robust civic culture’

Questionable diversions •Diversion of a loan for rail to other unknown projects is a pointer to the financial recklessness of the Jonathan years. Buhari should get to the root of the matter

I

N the run up to the last general elections, the erstwhile Goodluck Jonathan administration touted the revitalisation of the country’s railway transportation network as one of the successes of its transformation agenda. To some extent, there was indeed some achievement recorded in this sector as revealed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar, while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of the Ministry at the Presidential Villa, Abuja this week.

According to Alhaji Bashar, the rehabilitation of the Lagos- Kano rail route has been completed and is now operational twice weekly. In the same vein, rail operations have reportedly commenced from Kano to Port Harcourt through on to Gombe. Yet, the over celebration of these modest attainments by the Jonathan administration indicates the pedestrian level of its vision and its overestimation of its performance — a key reason why it was voted out of office by the vast

‘We urge President Buhari to see the radical modernization of the country’s rail system as an urgent and indispensable imperative for accelerated economic growth and development’

majority of the Nigerian electorate.

The disclosure by Alhaji Bashar to President Buhari that a substantial part of a financial facility obtained from the Chinese Exim Bank in 2012 for the construction of a standard gauge rail line linking Lagos to Kano, is another evidence of the gross mismanagement of resources and utter impunity that characterised the immediate past dispensation. According to the Permanent Secretary, only $400 million of the $1.005 billion loan remains with the Ministry, the rest having been diverted to other undisclosed purposes by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

We agree with President Buhari’s query as regards the legality and propriety of diverting foreign loans obtained in line with signed agreements to other projects. In his words “I hope that due process was followed before such diversions were carried out. Taking money from one project to another has to be done properly”. This practice is surely one of the reasons for the scores of abandoned and uncompleted projects that abound in the country.

If the loans obtained for the transformation of our railway network had been fully, transparently and efficiently utilised, critical parts of the country would today be linked by a modern rail system with beneficial impact on the economy.

It is a sad disgrace that the rail lines and locomotives in a country of our

stature and resource endowment remain only marginally better than what was inherited from the colonial era. This is why it is important that the Buhari administration gets to the root of the diverted funds in the transportation sector with a view to finding out what use they were put to and if due process was followed.

It is unlikely that the diversion of funds to purposes other than that for which they were earmarked is limited to the Ministry of Transportation. There is thus the need for the Buhari administration to get a holistic view of such funds diversion across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in order to put things right and aid the process of economic recovery.

It is noteworthy in this respect that the President has set up a seven-man Presidential Advisory Committee against corruption led by the respected jurist, Professor Itse Sagay and comprising other men and women of high integrity.

This committee should assist the government in combatting the menace of corruption including arbitrary diversion of funds from legally specified purposes in a coordinated, coherent and comprehensive manner.

We urge President Buhari to see the radical modernization of the country’s rail system as an urgent and indispensable imperative for accelerated economic growth and development.

S

IR: It is your responsibility to make our office-bearers and spiritual leaders to be responsible and accountable. The angels didn’t do it for Nelson Mandela and wouldn’t for you. Stand up to be counted for the right reasons and there is no better time than now especially as Nigeria is presently encircled with the mantra of ‘change.’

I am in a wonderland and find it hard to understand why you have chosen to take the back seat when burning national issues present themselves.

How else can I explain the quietude displayed by you even in the face of dire consequences starring you eye-ballto-eye-ball?

These issues are legion. Politics and religious tenets do not mix but you have aided the political classes today to work with religious schisms to pull the youths apart.

Why fall for these ruses? A man who chooses to use religion as a path to seeking elective office is a demagogue with nothing to offer. How many countries in the world succeed today by interpreting religious precepts over and above democratic principles or even the constitution of the country?

It is inappropriate for you to be comfortable with leaders whose aim is to enslave you in perpetuity. Such leaders care more about the welfare of cronies than yours and send these yes men out of the country for religious pursuits at the expense of the development of state.

What you need are leaders that can secure your future and that of your progenies and not mortgage it.

Unlike your forebears, who appreciated the impact of ‘people power,’ today’s elected executives fritter your commonwealth on issues not related to development and they are not denounced.

They ask you to work with an austere regimen but dole out monies frivolously to associates, buy up most of the properties in Abuja and I am left to wonder if there would be any property left for you to buy in Abuja at an appropriate time.

Why celebrate administrators that cannot be credited with completing meaningful projects? They leave the states massively in debt and run to Abuja when their tours of duty are over.

Like most youths elsewhere, why do you enjoy working with typecasts shoved down your throats for decades by people who say, “hate the other side”. You have worked with the charge surprisingly well. But how long are you going to work with such prejudices and stereotypes that pit one region of the country against another?

Education is useless if it does not impact positively on the lives of millions of uneducated, ignorant youths who are teetering on hopelessness and poverty.

Seek education enthusiastically; ensure your children attend schools and give the girl child an equal an opportunity for learning and development as the male child. Do not discriminate against children due to accidents of birth. Only small-minded people do so.

When will you finally ask the elected, why are we so poor? Why are our youths known for begging? Why are these young boys in every major Nigerian city homeless?

You wield a lot of power and can effect a positive change for the development of this country.

Think about it again; at ages compared to your northern forebears ( some of you are even older now) they seized the moment to become nationalists but why have you kowtowed to intolerant politicians and some religious leaders whose mission is to pull this nation apart?

Life has always been grim for the rural dwellers and today it is also greyer for the city dwellers with no supply of portable clean drinking water by government.

Where then is the dole of democracy and why make the work of elected officials easy by not demanding accountability on issues impacting on your welfare?

We need not recount the dangers of VVF caused by early marriages (child bride). How many of the rich give away their daughters at that age? They do not, because they secure the future of the girl child before marriage. Why should you - when they do not?

Why don’t you raise awareness against the unwholesome practices where our girl-children are now abandoned due to being burdens and have become a menace to society?

• Simon Abah, Port Harcourt

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

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

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The 2015 general elections peace committee headed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar must be commended for the roles they played towards the successful or peaceful conduct of the hotly contested 2015 presidential elections.

They worked both on and behind the scenes to trigger and influence events that later culminated in the historic handing over from the ruling PDP to the opposition APC. We give kudos to them for that!

With the achievement of their primary objective therefore, one had thought the committee would naturally disband and give the newly elected government space to do for Nigerians what it has promised them at the campaign trail. Alas, that appeared not be the case; as the committee on Tuesday August 11 suddenly resurrected and abruptly paid President Muhammadu Buhari a visit many Nigerians found unusual and unexpected.

Speaking after ‘the closed door’ meeting, Mathew Hassan Kukah while responding to a question about their mission which appeared to be on Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, said: ’I think what we are

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As Nigeria’s Peace Committee resurrects concerned about is process. It is no longer a military regime, and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proven guilty.’ Connecting the dots of events occurring prior to the peace committee’s meeting with Buhari such as the visit to Villa by two former heads of state, it won’t require any political expert to decipher the code and conclude that the peace committee met with the President purposely to intercede on behalf of certain interests or individuals likely to come under the loop of President Buhari’s anti-corruption or loot recovery crusade.

Unless we, ordinary Nigerians, were kept in the dark about the entire terms of what was called Abuja Accord signed on January 14, which the peace committee midwifed, I do not think that allowing

officials who stole from public treasury to escape justice was part of the agreement signed in the event of Buhari defeating the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

But I stand to be corrected though!

Thus, for the peace committee’s spokesperson to make the scathing innuendo and remark that Nigeria was ‘no longer a military regime’ is un-called for as it all sounded like someone was wailing on behalf of the bereaved. For goodness’ sake, since when has it become the peace committee’s responsibility to hold forte for those suspected of looting our commonwealth in billions?

Which is the import of the entire message of Kukah and his committee!

The last time I checked Nigeria was not operating a caste system; we are all said to be equal before

the law irrespective of class and status. And, as an enthusiastic follower of events and happenings in Nigeria, I have heard and read of how some ordinary folks involved in or suspected of theft of items not worth a million Naira were set on fire by angry mobs. And that is still the unofficial penalty for theft in many places in Nigeria! While I am not a subscriber to or a believer in jungle justice, the import of this is that majority of Nigerians are seriously averse to anything to do with theft or corruption. And, so far, I have never heard of a committee set up either by Kukah or any of his peace committee members purposely to fight such jungle justice meted out on ordinary oles or barawos! So what PMB’s anti-corruption fight style or ‘process’ typical of ‘military regime’ is Kukah and his committee ‘con-

cerned about’ that is worse than setting suspects ablaze?! , President Muhammadu Buhari was voted into power by Nigerians to specifically fight the cancer of corruption. In fact it has been said by someone that should Buhari fail in all areas but succeed in killing official corruption, Nigerians will ultimately be happy for it and with him.

I agree with this. In essence, the whole pedestal upon which the charismatic stature of PMB rests is his anti-corruption credential; hence any individual or group who armtwists, cajoles, intimidates or blackmails PMB into soft-pedalling or jettisoning entirely his anti-corruption campaign does PMB and Nigerians a great disservice and disfavour.

And, history and posterity will not forgive that individual or group for setting corruption free from the hands of Nigerians after it was chased, caught, wrestled to the ground, tamed and handed over to the only alpha/Malam Nigerians believe knows how to slaughter it – That is President Muhammadu Buhari!

• Hamisu Salihu, Department of Economics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

Olisa Metuh’s achievement narrative Dino Melaye: What manner of Senator?

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IR: The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh was upbeat in ascribing the modest progress made so far by President Muhammadu Buhari to PDP and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

While it would be unfair to deny that some activities took place under the six years of Jonathan’s presidency, the vacuum of leadership to galvanize those activities and turn them into visible deliverables of governance is the greatest albatross of the PDP and its stewardship.

Take security for instance. The arms and ammunition narrative of

Metuh was controverted by the out gone Chief of Defence Staff Alex Badeh and his Chief of Army Staff counterpart Kenneth Minimah. The duo admitted to heading an army that is ill-equipped.

EX-President Olusegun Obasanjo in a recent interview declared that its an impossible task to get our refineries to function in spite of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM).

He recommended outright sale.

This further invalidates the nexus between TAM and the resuscitation of the refineries.

The PDP publicity secretary failed to mention the improvement in power supply under President

Buhari. He must also be reminded that the EFCC was ‘brain dead’ in the period under review.

It is gratifying to note that Buhari has not performed any magic other than provide leadership, an exemplary leadership that the citizens can resonate with.

Metuh’s propaganda of denial is sure to do more damage to the already battered image of the PDP. However any constructive criticism from the PDP that could incentivise actualization of deliverables would be apposite.

• Bukola Ajisola.

Lagos

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IR: I voted for change to rescue my dear nation from the hands of PDP and its 15 years of misrule and bad governance. We saw Muhammadu Buhari as the messiah that will lead this blessed country and its people to the promised land. As a result, some disgruntled, corrupt evil-minded politicians also hid under the name of ‘change’ and Buhari to win elections.

My My senator, Dino Melaye was among the politicians who used the name of Buhari to win election. We know how he emerged victorious

through the efforts of the people of Lokoja/Koton-karfe, chanting the APC change slogan even as his Okun people rejected him.

Dino Melaye has disappointed our people with his infamous new role as a bodyguard to Bukola Saraki’s wife. We didn’t vote for Dino to serve the interest of a woman under investigation on corruption. He should apologize to our people or we are going to use the same votes to remove him any time!

• Abdullateef Tanko, nayashit @yahoo.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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COMMENTS

70 years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan

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ARLIER this week, the world marked the 70th year of the first and hopefully the last time of tactical use of the atomic bomb in warfare. This incident changed the course of history. Ironically, the use of such destructive arsenal has helped to prevent global war since the end of the Second World War in 1945. It has not brought universal peace because there have been several proxy wars such as the Korean, Vietnamese wars, several military confrontations between the forces of global capitalism and socialism in Latin America and the various liberation wars in Africa and the current wars in Ukraine following other wars in Georgia and in the Caucasus areas of Russia where national groups are justly struggling to be free of Resurgent Russia.

Following the successful development of nuclear weapons towards the tail end of the Second World War, it was left to President Harry Truman and his advisers to take the decision of if or when nuclear weapons will be deployed in the titanic struggle between the Axis and the Allied powers. It was not an easy decision. The forces of the Nazis were on their knees in Europe and American forces were closing in on the Japanese after rolling them over in the Philippines and were on their way to take Okinawa in the Japanese homelands. The Japanese were still fighting ferociously in the name of their God-emperor Hirohito. Each soldier rather than surrender was prepared to commit hara-kiri. And to knock out Japan, America decided to use the ultimate weapon in their arsenal, the nuclear bomb. The argument then was that this act would save the lives of American service men and put an end to the suffering of everybody including the Japanese! Once the decision to use the bomb was taken, the Pentagon awaited the go-ahead to drop the fat boy from President Harry Truman.

It is now known that when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima about 125,000 people mostly civilians were incinerated while more were to die later from radioactive fallout.

A few days later another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki which also wiped out about 70,000 souls not counting those who died later from their injuries. If the import of the first bomb was unclear, the second quickly led to Japan’s surrender. Their war leader Hideki Tojo and others were tried and hanged and there were demands for trial and execution of the emperor himself but good sense prevailed and the frail old man was spared while all his powers were taken away from him and a constitution imposed on Japan forbidding it to rearm.

The effect of the atomic weapon was dramatic globally.

Movement for nuclear disarmament sprang up especially following the ability to split the atom by Russia on the heels of the American success. Even many top nuclear physicists

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F things had gone well, the process should not have generated acrimony. But long before the June 9 inauguration of the Senate, its members were already divided.

The division was and still is over the filling of its top positions, especially the Senate presidency. As the majority party, which is expected, to produce the presiding officers, the All Progressives Congress (APC) settled for Senators Ahmed Lawan and George Akume as Senate president and deputy Senate president (DSP).

The party’s choice did not go down well with a group of senators rooting for Senator Bukola Saraki. The battle line was thus drawn between the Like Minds comprising Saraki’s loyalists and the Unity Forum, to which Lawan and Akume belong. It became a game of wheeler dealing and the sort ahead of the June 9 inauguration. On the inauguration day, the Unity Forum members were not in the Senate chamber, making it easy for Saraki to emerge Senate president unopposed with the support of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whose senators were there in full force. PDP through Senator Ike Ekweremadu got the DSP to the bargain.

Since then, the Senate has not known peace. The Lawan group has refused to recognise Saraki’s leadership, insisting that he came to office through a ‘’forged Senate Rules’’, which stipulate how the Senate president should be elected. The Saraki group counters that the Rules were not forged. Ac-

486 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

like the famous Albert Einstein began to fear for the survival of the human race. Einstein once said if nuclear weapons were ever used in the Third World War, the 4th world war will be fought with sticks and stones, meaning human civilization would have been wiped as a result of nuclear holocaust.

The immediate result of the use of nuclear weapons was that it stopped the war as was predicted. It is also clear that if the Japanese had developed it first, they would have had no qualms or scruples in using it against their American enemies.

Adolph Hitler would probably would have used it if he won the nuclear race before the Allies. This is however not to downplay the doubts raised by the use of this war changer of a weapon. Nowadays with new morality people are asking if the use of the atomic weapons on civilians was not a war crime. Some people have even read racial motives into its use on Japanese – a non-white race while the Germans were spared of this horrific consequence of the use of this revolutionary weapon. There is evidence that tens and tens of Germans were deliberately targeted by aerial bombing by the British carpet bombing of the city of Dresden towards the end of the war in Europe with apparent no strategic significance than to punish German civilians and to carry the war to them so that there will be no question that they lost the war unlike in the First World War when Germans saw no enemy troops on their soil but rather thousands of German troops had to withdraw from enemy territories after the armistice of 1918. This led the Germans to feel that it lost the First World War because it was stabbed in the back by internal enemies. Anti German feelings in Britain was so high that if it had the bomb it would have used it against the Germans while with a preponderance of German descendants in the USA using nuclear bombs against them was out of the question. The use of atomic weapons in tightly packed Europe may also have had unintended consequence on other people other than the Germans. Whatever the case may have been, 1945 was a watershed in military history.

It meant that wars would have to be fought with either conventional weapons or nuclear weapons with a range of strategies including use of tactical neutron bombs in war theatres, strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, consideration of second strike capability and even possibility of deployment of anti-missile systems in space to prevent being hit by enemy nuclear weapons. The futility of this has however made the use of nuclear weapons unthinkable by rational human beings. The fear of these weapons in the hands of rogue or unstable states led to the signing nuclear non proliferation treaty which unfortunately has not prevented determined states such as Israel, North Korea, India and Pakistan acquiring the weapons. The fear of Iran following suit

has led to the recent signing of an international treaty with Iran with the hope that the Islamic republic can only use its nuclear know-how for peaceful purposes and not for making atomic weapons. What is clear is that some countries now see nuclear weapons possession as Jide the ultimate deterrent against possible attack Osuntokun by enemies. It is now seen as the ultimate symbol of equality in the international system. They are probably right. It is inconceivable that a nuclear power will ever be attacked but this is not the same as putative nuclear power taking on a global power.

The saddest part of the possibility of the use of nuclear bombs is that if it is ever used, it is likely to be in South Asia where India and Pakistan face each other with both countries possessing nuclear weapons and hating each other so much that they would use these weapons in the face of a conventional military defeat. Furthermore religion which is sometimes irrational has been brought into the cauldron with Pakistan claiming it has the Islamic atomic bomb and evidence that it shared its knowledge with North Korea and Iran in the past. One can only imagine the dangerous consequences of introduction of nuclear weapons into the tinderbox of Middle East politics. The prognosis is not too good.

Even now the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dancing to the tune of Japanese nationalism wants to remove the peace clauses in the Japanese constitution preventing the country from rearming. One cannot blame him in the face of growing militarism in China and provocation by North Korea which regularly tests missiles across Japan. This is why the world needs to listen to the plea of the Japanese government for universal nuclear disarmament. Nigeria and the rest of Africa should support and embrace the Japanese position. We in Africa should not be smug about our continent being a nuclear weapons free zone because in the event of a global nuclear holocaust, we would not be spared. We may not be hit directly but mankind would wither away as a result of radioactive fallout. This is the scenario President John Fitzgerald Kennedy meant when he said in 1962 that in the event of a nuclear war the living will envy the dead!

The artful forgers cording to the Like Minds, the Rules were amended by the last Senate before it wound up last June 4. The question that arises from the group’s submission is : can outgoing senators set rules for incoming senators, many of who will be coming to the Senate for the first time?

Assuming that all the old senators will be returning to the Senate does it make sense for them to set rules for a Senate, which life had not yet begun? The matter eventually landed in court. Rather than address the matter, the court resolved to play the ostrich by burying its head in the sand. The court said it could not look into the matter because it is an internal affair of the Senate, which could be addressed by its Ethic and Privileges Committee.

It is not debatable that the Senate is an arm of government which has its own regulations. But under the doctrine of Separation of Power, the judiciary can look into whatever the executive and legislature do to ensure that it is within the purview of the law. The judiciary cannot shirk this responsibility under the guise that it would amount to ‘’undue interference” in either the executive’s or legislature’s ‘’internal affairs’’.

What the court cannot do, in my lay man understanding, is to undo what has been properly done by these institutions. But where they appear to have done wrong, it is the judiciary’s duty to whip them back into line.

Not to do so will amount to condoning illegality and enthroning lawlessness. If the court cannot look into an allegation of forgery because it happened on the floor of the Senate isn’t that saying any offence can be committed there and the suspect will go scot free because he is a lawmaker? As powerful as the Senate is, it cannot try criminal cases; only the courts can. The question then arises, is forgery a crime?

According to the ninth edition of Black’s Law Dictionary, forgery is a crime. It states : In essence, the crime of forgery involves the making, altering, or completing of an instrument by someone other than the ostensible maker or drawer or an agent of the ostensible maker or drawer. It added: Though forgery was a misdemeanour at common law, modern statutes typically make it a felony.

Thus, the courts cannot and should not close their eyes to certain developments in the legislature under the pretence of non-interference. If they do, they will be paving the way for our lawmakers to get away with anything, including murder. What did the court make of the police report that the Senate Rules were forged? Nothing, it dismissed offhand the report, which should have aided it in reaching a considered decision on the matter.

The court missed the opportunity to pronounce on the matter judiciously and judicially when it threw away the baby with the bath water.

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But the police are not keeping quiet; they are fighting back. In a preliminary objection to a case filed by Senator Gilbert Nnaji, they are insisting on their right to investigate the forgery allegation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The police, in a counter affidavit, notes that the forgery allegation borders on ‘’issue of criminality, and not simply an issue on the floor of the Senate”. Investigating the allegation, the police claim, cannot be undue interference in the Senate’s affair. To the police, every Nigerian can be investigated for crime. How true and one only hopes that the police will live up to this averment always.

The police made valid claims in their deposition. This case is of public interest because it involves the second arm of government, which is charged with making laws for the country. But when lawmakers become lawbreakers, the law should be applied against them like any other person caught in a compro-

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

mised position.

Since senators occupy an exalted position, they should not do anything unbecoming of their office, which could bring them to public ridicule. But if they do, they should be ready to pay the price. The law, they say, is no respecter of persons.

So. these artful forgers should be brought to book.

Their leaders’ sins

N Monday, the West Afri can Examinations Council (WAEC) released the May/June 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Those who passed have been rejoicing, but not so those with poor results. But what do you say of those whose fate is hanging in the balance? They do not know whether they passed or failed because their results were not released. Their results were withheld for no fault of theirs. They were not involved in examination malpractice; no they were not. Their results were withheld because their states are owing WAEC. To avoid this kind of embarrassment, WAEC warned before it re-

leased the results that it would withhold those of candidates from the 13 debtor-states if the debts were not defrayed. The states probably thought that WAEC was joking as they pretended not to hear the warning, even after they had been written to pay up. Must these pupils be made to suffer for the sins of their leaders whose children may not be schooling in the country. How much

is the WAEC fee compared to the millions of dollars they pay on their own children abroad? It will be unfortunate if these pupils miss entering the university this year because of this problem. If these pupils were their children, will they abandon them like this? May God touch the hearts of the chief executives of these debtor-states to do what is necessary and needful before it is too late.

‘The courts should not close their eyes to developments in the legislature under the guise of non-interference. If they do, they will be paving the way for our lawmakers to get away with anything, including murder’

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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COMMENTS When they took power, the soldiers, matched out on a straight path towards their vision of a good society, but the mission became more elusive, the closer they came towards it – Robin Luckman.

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HE Action Group at its Executive and Parliamentary Council of July 1953 attended by Bode Thomas, SLA Akintola, Rotimi Williams, Obafemi Awolowo, Anthony Enahoro and others agreed that the ‘extreme confederalist eight-point demand of the north be accepted in order to guarantee the independence of the regions and allow the north to discover secession doesn’t pay’. Enahoro and Okodudu had argued against confederal arrangement. Awo, a federalist who however toed his party line reasoned that the problem of the country was not regionalism but the interference of the centre in the affairs of the regions. That became a self-fulfilling prophesy in 1962 when Ahmadu Bello, who according to Trevor Richard, at the height of his power presented a gift of a horse to Zik and the Holy Koran to Tafawa Balewa declaring, he has like his great grandfather, divided the country among his trusted children, coerced the duo to remove one leg of the tripod that had held our nation together. This was done through an illegal declaration of state of emergency in the West and imposition of SLA Akintola who had been disciplined by his leaders as Premier without election. He also had the backing of the centre when he went on to declare himself premier against the wishes of the majority of his people in 1965. Rioting and violence quickly followed.

That was the excuse an ill-equipped albeit patriotic Nigerian military politicians who saw themselves as custodians of our constitution that was under attack needed to intervene ostensibly to save Nigeria from self-serving politicians who had betrayed the spirit of our constitution. Without requisite educational training, the needed compass in the management of society, the soldiers tried to navigate

‘Nigerians that voted for Buhari have faith in his ability to ensure those who stole the country blind through fraudulent fuel subsidy deals, crude oil theft, and fraudulent privatization and monetisation policies return their loot’

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Self-serving vs. selfless service an unfamiliar terrain. As Luckman observed above, their disastrous outing in January and July 1966 were missions in selfdestruction. From 1967 to 1970, they plunged the nation into a civil war. The achievements credited to the military under Gowon like the Lagos second bridge, the Onitsha Bridge, expansion of net work of roads were all conceived before independence in 1960.

The bungling soldiers, burning with patriotic fervour once again descended upon themselves in 1975. This time around, ill-informed and ill equipped Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo destroyed our universities and the bureaucracy, the two institutions that sustain society. And tragically, instead of looking at 1962 when the rain started beating us, we simply replaced the parliamentary system inherited from the British with American Presidential system ignoring the fact that our problem was not the constitution but the men who would operate it. Obasanjo, playing god has since publicly admitted supporting the presidential bid of Shehu Shagari whose ambition was to be a senator in 1979. By 1983, Shagari smoked away while Akinloye and NPN wheelers and dealers once again brought the nation to it’s knees through profligate consumption.

Babangida, Gusau and Abacha, as ex-President Shagari has since revealed, carried out the coup against his government and only brought in Buhari because of his integrity. But Buhari took responsibility for the crudity of his ill-informed military junta’s retroactive laws that resulted in the murder of some Nigerian drug pushers and the obnoxious Decree Four that led to the imprisonment of Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor of Guardian newspapers for reporting and publishing the truth that they claimed embarrassed government. And without understanding the forces at play in our society, the junta went all out for politicians without making a distinction between governors who used state funds to build

THE North American city doesn’t get more multicultural than Toronto, Canada’s largest urban agglomeration of over six million people. Despite the socio-cultural challenges of metropolitan development, the city projected its reputation as a melting pot on a recent visit.

About half of the population is foreign-born, spawning immigrant communities that colour the city’s interwoven fabric. Through a series of summer-time festivals highlighted by free Panamania concerts and shows attending the 2015 PanAmerican Games, there emerged a deliberate attempt to keep the ethnically diverse people happy.

The service seemed to work, as a wave of excitement caused by the official first day of summer on June 21 and trending social events motivated locals and converted the cynical tourist in record time.

For the Nigerian visitor, however, the standout event would be the Underground Freedom Train Ride. In its third year, the subway ride commemorating Harriet Tubman’s clandestine cum heroic 19th century venture of leading African slaves from an oppressive American south to a free north has steadily gathered participants. Five hundred participants turned up for the inaugural event in 2013 while 800 graced the occasion last year.

One thousand three hundred people (thirteen hundred to North Americans) undertook the symbolic ride on the Toronto Transport Company (TTC)-run subway from Union Station in the south of Toronto before midnight on July 31 to arrive in the northern terminus of Downsview Station on August 1 (Emancipation Day in Toronto and parts of the Caribbean).

Touted as one of the three most significant events of the summer, the freedom ride confirmed top billing for exceptional ambience as much as diversity. Led by Osaze Dolabaille, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, drummers of mostly African extraction transformed a cold underground platform in the recesses of North America to a pulsating, rhythmic African heartland before a black, white and mixed-race congregation.

Afterwards, poems, hymns and songs including Reggae legend Bob Marley’s Redemption Song succeeded a moment of silence and ringing of bells on the subway train provided

by TTC in the spirit of the season.

The organiser, Itah Sadu, hoped the ride would spur black consciousness. Impressed by the turnout, City Councillor Josh Cole anticipated a subsequent event bigger than one train could handle. “Toronto is an experiment,” he said. “And I’m proud to be part of that experiment.”

Councillor Cole echoed popular sentiment. The cultural

universities for their youths, governors who expended state resources to build new houses and marry new wives, and those governors who took foreign loan which never got to Nigeria but kept in banks in Europe. As it was in 1966 and 1975, they waged war against their superiors.

But once again in the night of many knives, Buhari was deposed by those who put him in power. He was clamped into prison for three and half years. From prison, he had an opportunity to watch, obviously in disbelief as members of his junta now at the helm of affairs released jailed journalists, appointed others senior advisers and ministers. He watched as those who only yesterday supported his rejection of Nigeria membership of OIC, the IMF loan and its conditionalities declared ‘there was no alternative to SAP’ (Structural Adjustment Programme) which later resulted in ill-advised privatization and the sharing of the nation’s wealth among soldiers and their fronts. He watched in pain as Babangida and Abacha took the nation through a fraudulent 13 years of ‘transition without end’. And he has since 1999 observed from close quarters how PDP pillaged our land like a conquered territory.

Motivated more by a desire to serve, he contested the presidential election as the candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) in 2003. He was defeated by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He didn’t have money to buy justice. Before the end of 2007, nearly all politicians who rode on his back to power had deserted him for PDP. Again in 2007, he was outfoxed. Frustrated, he abandoned ANPP and in 2010 formed CPC, according to him “as a solution to the debilitating ethical and ideological conflicts in the former party.” In 2011, the over 12million votes he garnered without money and a national platform but just on account of his integrity was not enough to match Jonathan’s over 22million votes. And realiz-

ing elections are never won on the basis of righteousness, he joined forces with ACN, ANPP, a faction of APGA and a faction of PDP, groups he would have ordinarily dined with using a long spoon. He secured an historic victory by defeating incumbent ex-President Jonathan in four of the country’s six geopolitical zones on March 29.

To paraphrase Joanna Baillie, a 19th century British poet, ‘there is always a survivor in the destruction of a noble line’. Buhari seems to have been specially prepared for the task ahead. By an irony of fate, Buhari once confessed that but for Ahmadu Bello who in the cause of his selfless service to his people picked him up from the village without any connection, he would never have had the advantage of joining the military. Fate beckons on him today to see where our nation derailed in 1962.

He is adequately equipped for the onerous task. Joking during his recent visit to Prime Minister Cameron of Britain about those the junta he headed jailed unjustly 30 years ago, he had made reference to his own unjust incarceration. He has been betrayed by his military colleagues. He has equally been betrayed by politicians. He has been a military governor, a minister of petroleum and a Head of State. Unlike 1984, he today has a deeper knowledge of Nigeria and her diverse cultures.

He is conscious of the baleful legacies of the Hausa Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba parasitic elites who were only out to serve selves rather than provide services to the people. He can attach weight to the advice coming from Obasanjo, Danjuma, Babangida and others who have been beneficiaries of an aberration we call a federation. Nigeria is the only federation in the world where the centre gets involved in education, health, agriculture, and decides how local councils manage the affairs of their remote communities.

Of course Nigerians that voted for Buhari have faith in his ability to ensure those who stole the country blind through fraudulent fuel subsidy deals, crude oil theft, and fraudulent privatization and monetisation policies return their loot. But the major challenge lies in the political will to tamper with the structure that supports and sustains self service as against selfless service as we once had it. As Edmund Burke, in a manner of speaking says, we cannot climb the palm tree from the top. Unfortunately that exactly is what Nigerian politicians and their young multi-billionaires’ fronts have been doing. If the current system where politicians without character in Abuja decide who from Daura secures admission into the military school in Zaria was in place during the first Republic, President Buhari by his own admission would have remained a herdsman in Daura and the cause of history would have been different.

Toronto’s futuristic experiment

By Olubanwo Fagbemi collage produced by immigrant communities across Toronto hint at a futuristic society of racial harmony. Established ethnic neighbourhoods include Chinatown, Greektown, Koreatown, Little Portugal, Little India, Little Italy and Little Jamaica. African communities exist mostly north of the city.

Beyond language and mannerism, members of the communities tend to display objects of original loyalty as miniature flags and totems even if they and their offspring are second or third generation Canadians. Seeing the various neighbourhoods dovetail into one another on the hunt for food and entertainment only enhanced the city’s allure.

For evidence of cultural interplay, by the way, look towards interracial relationships. You would see, on any given day, romantic pairings sure to tug at your heartstrings. In twos they move unmolested: the Black man on an evening stroll with his Indian woman, the White guy on a restaurant date with his Chinese girl, the Brazilian male at a show with his Japanese partner and, conversely, the White with the Japanese, Black with Chinese and Brazilian with Indian.

The match-up is by no means restricted to both sexes. Canada recognises and protects the right to sexual orientation including those of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. Speaking or acting against the group’s sexual orientation borders on infringement of rights, therefore.

As a conduit for the freedom of expression, the annual Gay Pride Parade in Toronto is well organised and received.

Crowds lined Yonge Street to watch this year’s parade – the 35th – which ended with speeches and music in defiance of the cold, rainy conditions of early summer.

While houses of religious devotion are less pronounced in Toronto compared to Nigerian society, the multiplicity of religious adherence is not discouraged. And if African-Canadians do not adopt and worship the traditional gods of African religion as Afro-Brazilians do, they are no less taken with their roots.

Lacking the latter-day connection of Brazilians to the continent, they stay true to the African beat, honing their drumming skills on the djembe, conga, bata and other drums constantly imported from Africa. From the pioneering efforts of ace drummers Muhtadi and Saikou Saho – both originally from Trinidad and Gambia – drumming classes are held across

the city with students and teachers criss-crossing the racial divide.

African dance classes are frequently advertised and it is only a matter of time before language classes and traditional religions gain momentum, after the Brazilian fashion.

Whether African faith in a ‘western God’ is misplaced as suggested by some African-Canadians is another matter.

What matters, to many, is striking a balance in an atmosphere of safety and freedom secured by community policing. Usually on the receiving end of the culture of selective police interrogation and recording referred to as ‘carding’, the black community railed against the policy until the backlash forced the authorities to soft-pedal.

A similar easing on marijuana use is open to debate. While not entirely legalised, sale and consumption of the drug are allowed for medicinal purposes. But citizens and denizens light up for recreational reasons as well, with the offensive odour produced sometimes assailing the system in parks and public places.

Mental health is also an issue. Some ascribe the incidence of disturbed individuals to the negative effect of a clockwork society, one that demands everyone puts in a hard, honest and, sometimes, long shift. Despite the criticism, many acknowledge a society where politeness and political correctness in part constitute an unwritten code of public conduct.

Canada may just have stolen a march on the rest of the world in the pursuit of happiness. Hardly foolproof, the Toronto experiment remains an advanced model compared to the biggest cities of the world. The summer of 2015 attests to that.

‘Canada may just have stolen a march on the rest of the world in the pursuit of happiness. Hardly foolproof, the Toronto experiment remains an advanced model compared to the biggest cities of the world. The summer of 2015 attests to that’

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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COMMENTS

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NUMBER of times in this column, I have urged caution and common sense in the way we handle our many nationalities in the course of our efforts at building Nigeria. I have urged that we can build a harmonious, stable and prosperous country only if we build everything upon a culture of respect for all our nationalities, large and small, and if we structure and manage our country according to that culture. Repeatedly, I get compatriots who ask me whether I am right in comparing our nationalities – Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Kanuri, Ijaw, etc – with European nationalities like the English, French, Germans, etc. I am asked whether our nationalities are not too primitive to be compared with these European nationalities.

The answer is NO. Our nationalities are like any other nationalities in the world. Every nationality has its own uniqueness. On every continent, different nationalities have survived for many centuries as members of large countries (for example, the English, Scots, Irish and Welsh in Britain, or the Spaniards, Basques and Catalans in Spain). Therefore, we must assume that our nationalities will most likely be alive for many centuries to come in Nigeria (if Nigeria lives that long). It is extremely foolish to behave as if we are sure that our nationalities will meld together and disappear as distinct entities. To bequeath a stable and peaceful country to our descendants, our only sensible option is to handle our nationalities carefully and make each confident that its interests are protected in Nigeria.

In answer to those who believe that our nationalities are primitive entities that we can deal with anyhow and treat anyhow, my answer is to describe a few of our nationalities – especially our three largest nationalities – Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. In population and land area, each of these three is larger than most nationalities of Europe. I need to give some space here to each of the ones I choose to describe, and therefore I may have to extend this answer into next week. I start with the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo today.

The Hausa nation is the single largest nationality in the broad West African grassland north of the Niger valley and south of the Sahara Desert. The Hausa had lived in their homeland for thousands of years, and had developed into a number of kingdoms (each with a main town) many centuries before the 19th century. Though separated by vast grasslands, the kingdoms had the same national culture and language, and were interconnected by powerful traditions. The Hausa country was copiously interconnected by trade, and had culturally and commercially rich contacts

W

OLE Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate in Literature is the wine connoisseur.

Olusegun Obasanjo (Obj), a military ruler during the dark ages of Nigeria’s contemporary history, is the ex-president. Obj prefers not to see Soyinka as a severally garlanded man with a host of literally prizes from all over the world. He snatches Soyinka from the company of the printed world and places him in the midst of forest hunters on an expedition to trap guinea fowls for dinner washed down with fine wine.

Let us go to the carping old general to capture the picture. “For Wole,” Obj says “no one can be good nor can anything be spot-on politically except that which emanates from him or is ordained by him. His friend and loved ones will always be right and correct no matter what they do or fail to do. He is surely a better wine connoisseur and a more successful aparo (guinea fowl) hunter than a political critic…If I want somebody to give me the best wine, one of the people I will go to is Wole Soyinka and I know he has a taste for good wine…”

Now why would a man, himself aiming to be an eminent author, accost an acclaimed

‘between the so-indexed ‘misfit’ of a ‘wine connoisseur’ and an ex-president now downgraded as a ‘career liar’, there lie tomes of the chronicles of their stately deeds to guide Buhari choose men and women of steely stuff who would not be struck and dwarfed by paroxysmic outbursts’

Yes, ours are respectable nationalities – 1 with non-Hausa neighbours in all directions.

Located immediately south of the Sahara Desert, the Hausa country benefited greatly from the trans-Saharan trade with the Mediterranean world, and some of its towns ranked among the leading trading centres in the West African Sudan and Sahel. With this trade also had come Islam, with the result that the Hausa kingdoms and rulers were mostly Muslims, with the important cultural asset of literacy in Arabic.

Another ethnic group, the Fulani, a mostly nomadic people, who had for centuries migrated slowly from the grasslands far to the west, had become part of the Hausa towns and countryside by the 18th century. In the first years of the 19th century, some of the townsettled Fulani started an Islamic reform movement, and launched a jihad against the Hausa kingdoms. The Fulani immigrant people were very few in comparison with the Hausa, but their call for reforms in Islam won the support of the masses of Hausa Muslim folks.

The jihad quickly subdued the rulers of the old Hausa kingdoms and replaced them with Fulani rulers with the title of Emirs. Loosely federated, Hausaland became one large Fulani-ruled empire or sultanate.

This homeland of the Hausa (more correctly Hausa-Fulani from the early 19th century) then grew more rapidly in commerce and wealth, as well as in Islamic literacy and scholarship.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this sultanate, as it stood by the late 19th century, before the coming of the British, commanded the capacity to evolve into a dynamic and prosperous modern country of its own in the heart of West Africa in our times. This was one large nation-state with clear attributes of a nation-state – a commonly accepted government, reasonably clear boundaries, common language (the Hausa language), a culture of writing, and a well-developed economy in agriculture, animal husbandry, very ancient and far-flung commerce, and a rich multiplicity of crafts and manufactures in iron and other metals, in leather, wood, otton, dyes, etc.

Then, let us look at our Igbo nation. In the country east of the Lower Niger, the Igbo nation had evolved probably 6000 years before the coming of the British. They had early

evolved a rich and artistic culture, mostly in small village polities that were parts of larger entities such as clans. All were however united by one cultural heritage, language, religion and customs. By the 19th century, the Igbo were a great trading people, and the available evidence indicates that they had been a trading people long before then. They were a major contributor to the very substantial trade that evolved with the outside world along the Lower Niger in the course of the century.

Probably more than that of any other major Black African people, the image of the Igbo nation has, since the beginning of the 20th century, suffered much distortion and downgrading at the hands of European colonial agents, colonial scholars, and colonial propagandists. It has also suffered the same in the hands of even some Nigerians who believe that building Nigeria requires that the various nationalities in Nigeria be pushed down and suppressed. In general, the tendency among such writers has been to take the absence of large political structures (kingdoms, empires, etc.) among most of the Igbo as proof that the Igbo were a primitive people – or that they were not even a definite people or nationality at all.

Happily, however, in more recent times, though that tone has not been completely silenced, stronger and more scholarly voices have arisen to restore to the Igbo nation a more balanced picture for its image. It would be difficult to doubt today that the Igbo nation had the cultural attributes that might have transformed their nation, on its own, into a virile and dynamic nation state in the modern world. But then, in the last decades of the 19th century, the Igbo were forcibly incorporated into the evolving British Empire in West Africa, ultimately becoming part of Nigeria.

In the course of the 20th century, the Igbo have proved to be a very dynamic and modernizing people. They command a kind of national uniqueness that would have built a restlessly exploring, experimenting, and pushful country in the eastern part of West Africa. The Igbo nation is an indisputable example of an African nation denied the chance,

by European imperialism, of growing into a prosperous country on its own in the modern

Nigerian thoughts world.

Once, in Obafemi Awolowo University in the m i d 1970s, in one of the introductory Nigerian Hist o r y classes that I Banji Akintoye loved to teach, one of my young Igbo students asked me a touching question. “I strongly believe, sir”, he started, “that if we Igbo people had been allowed to have our own country from the beginning of the 20thcentury, even if we had been a British colony, we would be easily competing with a country like Japan today in technology, industries and world trade. What do you think, sir?” I answered that I agreed absolutely with him, and I could see that he was surprised that I would agree so promptly and so definitely. The truth is that nobody who has spent a whole adult life learning the history of our Black African peoples, as I have had the privilege of doing, can deny that any of our peoples (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Edo, etc), is a proudly achieving nation that commands the native and intrinsic capability to make a success of its life in the modern world.

I believe that we should, and can, stop the crudely integrationist policies, and the destructive centralization of power and resources, that we have been pursuing since independence. I repeat – we need to make everyone of our nationalities feel belonging.

Such steps are crucial to making Nigeria live long in stability and prosperity.

‘We need to make everyone of our nationalities feel belonging. Such steps are crucial to making Nigeria live long in stability and prosperity’

Between a wine connoisseur and

By Banji Ojewale an Ex-President

writer and rather than seek to sip mastery of language from the master, all he begs for is inebriating wine? Why? But the so-called wine man is in no mood to brew the stuff for his host. He isn’t inclined either to part with his favourite guinea fowl delicacy. Soyinka has offered a concoction to prove he is a true son of the literary soil.

Instead of a feast of wine and bird meat, there is a language war.

Hear Soyinka: “I had fully attuned myself to the fact that our Owu retiree soldier… is an infliction that those of us who share the same era and nation space must learn to endure. However, it does appear that there is no end to this individual’s capacity for infantile mischief, and for needless, mindboggling provocations, such as his recent ‘literary’ intrusion on my peace… I despise that species of humanity whose stock-in-trade is to concoct lies simply to score a point, win an argument, puff up his or her own ego, denigrate or attempt to destroy a fellow being… A special pit of universal opprobrium is surely reserved for (them).”

Now this amounts to “spoonfuls of boiling oil, ladled out” by a lion over a prey he does not wish to devour. But it remains to be seen whether the victim would not have preferred the predator’s traditional assault of instant sentence of death to this slow living death.

Are Nigerians learning anything new from this battle of two of their gods? We are getting as much as we got from a previous war between another military ruler Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) and this same Obj in August 2011. On the eve of his 70th birthday, the general from Minna, Niger State said Obj had

wasted the petrodollars that came his way when he was elected President for eight years.

IBB claimed the “history of Chief Obasanjo is an open sore that is irredeemably contrived in several incongruities and contradictions.”

He said Obj is a plunderer.

But Obasanjo is above board. He does not brook rebuke and so he fired back and described IBB as a ‘fool’ at 70. He said: “Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation because of the old saying that a fool at 40 is a fool forever and I would say a regret at 70 is a regret too late…If Babangida had decided on becoming a septuagenarian, that he would be a fool, I think one should probably do what the Bible says in Proverbs chapter 26 verse 4. It says don’t answer a fool because you may also become like a fool. When you go to the same Proverbs chapter 26 verse 5, it says answer a fool so that he will not think he is a wise man.” This is a caustic banter unbecoming of ‘gods’, those we have dignified with mentorship and leadership positions, those we place in the hallowed grounds of near-worship. They can’t help behaving like those personalities on Mount Olympus in Greek mythology. These characters hoisted on exalted hills in the skies were supposed to be pontifical, infallible, and perfect. But they exhibited the foibles of lesser creatures, mortals over whom they lorded.

These gods were vindictive, deceptive, lustful, overly ambitious, rebellious, jealous, rapacious, alcoholic, tyrannical and unforgiving. They were classed as powerful and all-conquering. But it was power bereft of control and morality. A Zeus who was the chief would slug it out with mortals for the

love of a woman. Atlas would be condemned to the punishment of carrying the world on his shoulders for being on the side of other gods. Hercules was assigned back-breaking labours as the penalty for challenging Zeus.

When therefore President Muhammadu Buhari insists he will pick untainted Nigerian men and women to form his long-awaited cabinet, I am tempted to ask if he will do so from among those who have called each other ‘wine connoisseur’ , ‘guinea fowl hunter’, ‘misfit’, ‘career liar’, ‘open sore’, and ‘a fool’ among other aliases. Or is he going to look for ‘angels’ mentored and recommended by ‘a fool’ who has a person with an ‘open sore’ as his friend who in turn has behind him a career of lies sustained by a culture of hunting guinea fowl capped with long nights in warm company with wine.

Our age has one way or the other fallen at the feet of these illustrious men, ‘a wine connoisseur’, ‘a fool’, ‘a career liar’, ‘a misfit’, etc. They may have unwittingly renounced their majestic gait and abdicated their throne as a result of the indiscretion of these unguarded remarks in the ardour of fitful seizures.

Still, between the so-indexed ‘misfit’ of a ‘wine connoisseur’ and an ex-president now downgraded as a ‘career liar’, there lie tomes of the chronicles of their stately deeds to guide Buhari choose men and women of steely stuff who would not be struck and dwarfed by p a r o x y s m i c outbursts.

• Ojewale is a writer and journalist.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

22

NATURAL HEALTH

Understanding and treating bad breath (Halitosis)…5

F

OR now, the curtain falls today on this series begun five weeks ago. Today’s column arose from the request of a reader of this column to have his doubt about Eclipta alba clarified. This herb is one of many subjected in this series to heal digestive system insufficiency, one of many possible causes of bad breath or month odour as already explained. This gentle man is a regular business visitor to India. When he arrived there two weeks ago, he went to a health food store to buy eclipta alba. But he became confused when many of the brands he sighted were promoted on their labels as hair growers. Who wouldn’t be? He called me immediately, and I explained to him why the producer of those brands may be marketing them as hair tonics.

The explanation is as followed…

Eclipta alba is used in the traditional medicine of many countries for the different needs of particular societies, and each society brands it accordingly. That is why in India, where women cultivate long hair which falls up to their hips, Eclipta alba is well known for hair beauty and growth. In China, this plant enjoys wide spread user as a liver and kidney supplement.

It is used, also, for strengthening the gum and teeth in old people and for improving vision. In China and Brazil, it is used as anti-venom for scorpion and snake bite. Skin challenges, including athlete’s foot, are said to yield to Elipta alba. In some blinded experiments which did not set out to evaluate the impact of this herb on vision, conclusions have been reached about improvements in eye health and function. Some of the researchers allude that this may be due to the high content of beta carotene in Eclpta alba. I hold nothing against this view as a consumer of beta carotene- rich foods and food supplements to improve night vision the trouble is that some people, including hypothyrodics (people suffering from low thyroid function) do not easily or efficiently convert Beta carotene to Vitamin A, which improves vision, among other health benefits. If, indeed, Eclipta alba improves vision this come as a by product of its improvement of liver and kidney functions. In Eastern medicine philosophy which western hemisphere countries have begun to appreciate, beginning with the reality of acupuncture and acupressure as effective forms of medicine, the eyes are believed to be governed by meridians (channels of energy flow) which also govern the liver and the kidneys. Thus, if the liver or the kidney are sick, their illnesses would impact negatively on the eyes as well. One of the pointer s to this in western medicine is pregnancy–related to eye problems. Where pregnancy piles pressure on the kidney(s) or bladder, blurry vision may occur which may clear when the baby is born.

Nevertheless, the importance of beta carotene to good vision. And general health cannot be underestimated.

Beta carotene is the most studied and perhaps the most important to human health of the 600-member or so carotenoid family.

ETA carotene is a fat-soluble precursor of vitamin A which plays crucial function in eye health.To understand the support of beta carotene for radiant health, one must appreciate the roles vitamin A plays in it as well. There are two types of vitamin A...

Retinol , from animal sources (preform vitamin A) and pro- vitamin A, beta carotene, which convert into vitamin A in the intestine and is store in the liver as retinol, which is converted to active vitamin A when this vitamin runs short in the body. About 250,000 to 500,000 children are reported to go blind in developing countries every year because of vitamin A deficiency.

In the eye, as vitamin A, beta carotene protect the cornea against dryness, thereby preventing “dry eye” syndrome, which may caused cloudiness and may be corrected with vitamin A eye drops. It participates in the body’s conversion of light energy into nerve impulses in the retina, the light sensitive area of the eye. The retina’s cells comprise rhodopsin pigment molecules which absorb light to cause retina changes and nerve impulses which take the light impressions to the brain.

Thus, it is obvious that beta carotene, as vitamin A, is crucial for eye health and function. But vitamin A cannot be well absorbed in the absence of zinc, another antioxidant and antiaging substance, and zinc needs copper to function well. Beyond these, vitamin A has been found to work better still in the eye in the presence of such wonderful allies as vitamin C, lutein and zezanthin, selenium and Alpha Lipoice Acid (ALA) thus, about 33 nutrients are reported to be important for eye health. It is possible many of these are present in Eclipta alba to make researchers believe it has hands in vision improvement. They stumbled upon this finding in their investigation of other factors.

According to Dr. Shashidhara, of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Government College of Pharmacy, Bengalore, in a review of the phytochemical constituents and, pharmacological activities of Eclipa

B

carotene), vitamin C vitamin E, Zinc and copper had a 25 per cent reduced risk of advanced AMD during a six-year period.

T also appears that a combination of vitamin A and Lutein may prolong resistance in people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A recent four-year-study conducted by researchers from Harvard medical school and other prominent universities found that individuals with retinitis pigmentosa who took daily supplements of vitamin A (15,000 i.u) and Lutein (12mg) had a slower loss of peripheral vision than those who did not take the combined supplements. Because beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, it is likely beta carotene (pro vitamin A) offers similar eye benefits as the preformed retinol type of vitamin A, though more researchers are needed to confirm this “In early 2011, researchers at Columbia university medical centre (New York) found that the synthetic form of vitamin A might be able to slow the progression of stargardt’s disease, an inherited eye disease that causes severe vision loss in young people.

When given to mice with the same genetic defect as humans with stargardt’s disease, (also called juvenile macular degeneration), the modified vitamin A inhibited the growth of clump-like deposits in the retina called “ vitamin A dimmers” that are associated with degenerative changes and vision loss. The national eye institute has awarded the researchers a $1.25 million grant to further investigate the link between vitamin A dimmers and various retinal generations, which could lead to new approaches to treat these to treat these diseases?.

Whenever he may be, thanks to Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder who, in 1831, discovered a chemical substance in the root of carrot and named it beta carotene. Thanks, also, to Paul Karrer, an analytical chemist who in 1930s discovered the structure of beta carotene and won a Nobel prize for that. Today, we know that the juice of two medium carrots provides 28 mg of beta carotene, almost enough for a whole day, whereas eating both carrots provides only one gram. The difference is because must of the beta carotene is in the fiber of the carrot and is released into the juice but trapped in the fiber. This column often suggests spirulina, one of the richest plant sources of beta carotene. It seems to me that, because of the power behind the eye- friendly action of Eclipta alba, it may be combined with spirulina in eye care efforts.

As a final statement on Eclipta alba today, I wish to introduce the views of HAN LIAN CAO. On the many health benefits of Eclpta alba…

Modern pharmacological actions pf Eclipta herb 1. “it improves the human body’s non-specific immune function” 2. “it eliminate oxygen free radicals to inhibit 5-lipoxy genase” 3. “it protects the chromosomes” 4. “it shows remarkable hepatoprotective activity” 5. “it promotes the regeneration of liver cells” 6. “it increases coronary flow” 7. “it prolong the survival time of mice under the normal pressure and hypoxia” 8. “it improves the survival rate of mice under the reduced pressure and hypoxia” 9. “it is good antioxidant” 10. “sit promotes hair growth and make hair darker” 11. “it has antimicrobial, sedative, analgesic, styptic, anti-amoeba, and anti-cancer effects.”

Also WELLNESS AND HOME REMEDIES BLOG reviews on Eclipta alba as the following : “Health benefit for cough and lung infection It is good for throat and lung infection. This formular works well for coughs. Take equal quantities of the juice of the yellow eclpta alba and sesame oil. Boil over a low flame till the water evaporates strain and drink about half to one spoonful of the liquid morning and night. Gargling using the juice of the leaves strengthens teeth and gums and clears coating of the tongue.” ‘’Effective natural remedies for the eyes The herb is said to protect against blindness and other eye disease probably because of its high carotene content.

This may be one of the reasons why traditionally kohl (kajal) was made by using the juice of these leaves. When the leaves are fried in ghee (clarified butter) and consumed regularly, the vision improves.”

“Home remedies with Eclipta alba prostrate “Gargling, using the juice of the leaves strengthens teeth and gums and clears coating opf the tongue.”

“Eating five fresh leaves in the morning cures constipation” “Our ancestors believed that this plant prevent aging.” ·“It reduces appetite and aids digestion. It helps expel fecal matter from the large intestines.”

“It heals ulcers, cleanse the liver and encourages excretion of bile.”

“One ounce of the juice (15 ml) of Eclipta alba and cows milk 20 ml boiled and then cooled, when mixed and taken first thing in the” morning is said to regulate the blood pressure.”

I

alba: “...Eclipta alba has been used in the regions like south American, Asia, Africa... it is an active ingredient of many herbal formulations prescribed for liver ailments and shows effects on liver cell regeneration. It is used as a tonic and diuretic in hepatic (liver) and spleen enlargement. It is also used in catarrhal and jaundice and for skin diseases.

HE alcohol extract of the plant has shown antiviral activity against ranuchet disease virus. The plant is commonly used in hair oil all over India for healthy long and black hair. The fresh juice of leaves is used for increasing appetite, improving digestion and as a mild bowel regulator. It is commonly used in viral hepatitis to promote bile flow and protect the parenchyma and properly used to enhance memory and learning. The plant has a reputation as an anti-aging agent in ayurveda. It is used as a general tonic for debility. Externally, it is used for inflammation, minor cuts and burns and the fresh leaf juice is considered very effective in stopping bleeding. Leaf juice mixed with honey is also used for children with upper respiratory infections and also used in eye and ear infections. It is a source of coumestans type compounds used in phytopharmaceutical formulations of medicines prescribed for treatment of cirrhosis of the liver and infectious hepatitis.

It is widely used in India as a chologuage and deobstruent in hepatic enlargement, for jaundice and other ailments of the liver and gall bladder. The water extract of Eclipta prostratra (whole plant) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 integrase (HIV-1 IN). Vedic guard, a poly herbal formation, is a synagetic combination of 16 medicinal plant extracts which contains Eclipta alba as a major ingredient.

Charaka advises taking the juice of Eclipta alba with honey to prevent the onset of senility, and its oil as the best medicated massage oil for rejuvenation therapies.

I have detoured, somewhat, to attempt to answer the enquiry of the gentleman who traveled to indai and encourage the use of Eclipta alba for eye health by another reader of this column in benin. This reader was like many people who discover only during a visit to their ophthalmologist that they had lost some peripheral (side) vision, gone almost blind in one eye, or had begun to suffer from macular degeneration which may consider to be age related. There are many other authorities who do not agree that these conditions are age related. And their arguments are persuasive. For why would some old people suffer from these ailments and some other old people would not? if these degenerative diseases are age related. The knowledge of free radicals and antioxidants advises us now that they occur when our bodies are ravaged by free radicals and we do not produce or consume enough antioxidants to “kill” these free radicals before they harm us.

According to Gary Heiting, OD in www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vi...: “Because vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye of the eye cornea, it is essential for good vision. Studies show vitamin A eye drops are effective for the treatment of dry eyes. In fact, one study found that over- the- counter lubricating eye drops containing vitamin A were as effective for the treatment of dry eye syndrome as more expensive eye drops formulated for dry eye relief. Vitamin A eye drops also have been shown effective for the treatment of a specific type of eye inflammation called superior Limbic Keratojunctivitis. Vitamin A, at least when in combination with other antioxidant vitamins, also appears to play a role in decreasing the risks of macular degeneration (MD). In the landmark age related eye disease study(AREDS) sponsored by the national eye institute, people at high risk for the disease who took a daily multiple vitamin that included vitamin A (beta

T

e-mail:johnolufemikusa@yahoo.com or johnolufemikusa@gmail.com

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 08116759749

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

23

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

educationdeskthenation@gmail.com

The protest that rocked the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Oto Ijanikin, Lagos, on Friday, has subsided.

However, there are concerns that except the government finds a lasting solution to what workers and students described as “poor financial state” of the oldest tertiary institution in Lagos, the college may continue in industrial crises. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports:

• The protest by NASU and students on Friday.

S

HOTO: ADEGUNLE DEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA LUGBAMILA PHOTO

AOCOED crisis gets worse

TUDENTS of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos are not happy that their second semester examinations, which were to begin on Monday, have been put on hold because of last Friday’s protest by the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU).

Many students, particularly finalists who are dreaming of signing off from the college after three years of strenuous academic exercise, are worried being victims of a development they are not responsible for.

After the protest, team of policemen from the Ijanikin Police Division was stationed at the college gate on Monday, to forestall further

uprising. But, by Tuesday, the police vacated as NASU reopened the gates for activities to resume.

The Friday protest disturbed human and vehicular movements as the protesters blocked both ends of the Mile2/Badagry Expressway with AOCOED Students Union buses, a scenario that dragged for about two hours.

On Monday morning, many of the

‘

shocked students gathered in front of AOCOED gate discussing their predicament in hushed tones. Some were desperate to know how the exams would be rescheduled. Others simply walked away when it became obvious the exams would not hold.

Worse still, NASU began an indefinite strike that was nipped in the bud on Monday after its meeting with the government in Alausa same day.

Since 2010, we have been agitating for the payment of 53.37 per cent salary increase in the four Lagos higher institutions as approved by the Federal Government. The former administration agreed to increase subventions of the institutions to 25 per cent INSIDE

Reopen LASU now …NANS tells govt -Page 27

The examinations will begin today (August 13) in the nearly 60-year-old institution. However, students insist until the problems that are causing incessant crisis in the institution are fully addressed, peace will remain an illusion in the school.

"We want the Lagos State government to address the problem of underfunding in our college. It has become alarming," said the President

Port Harcourt school pupil wins Mike Okonkwo essay contest -Page 39

CAMPUS LIFE

’

of AOCOED Students' Union, Waheed Ojoare.

"This and some other problems, such as inadequate infrastructure are generating industrial crisis and affecting our own future as students.

We identify with the management and workers who are calling on the government to increase our monthly subvention and give us a financial bailout..." Ojoare told The Nation.

The Genesis In October last year, the three unions in AOCOED - College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Senior Staff Union of •Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

Disquiet in UNILAG over noise policy -Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

26

EDUCATION

AOCOED crisis gets worse •Continued from page 25 Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN), and NASU - locked up the college in a protest against the management. The workers were protesting the poor financial status of the institution, non-promotion of their members, management's nonremittance of their pension fund to the administrators and owing the five cooperatives in the college hundreds of millions of naira.

The leadership of COEASU and SSUCOEN, especially, accused the management of not being open with the finances.

The strike dragged for about a month, after which it was suspended following a communiqué signed by both parties spelling out modalities on how the outstanding money owed cooperatives and pension fund administrators would be settled.

The government also raised an Audit Committee as demanded by workers to investigate the finances of the college before considering a financial bailout or a raise in its monthly subvention or both.

Following a crisis by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising all four institutions in Lagos-Lagos State University (LASU), Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Epe; Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and AOCOED in 2009, former governor Babtunde Raji fashola agreed an increase in subvention for all the institutions after the iuuses were resolved in 2010. The Nation checks revealed that since that time government has subsequently released a bailout and a raise in subvention to other sister institutions, while AOCOED is being left out.

The National President of the AOCOED Alumni Association Comrade Adeyemi Adesanya, recalled that as a former chairman of COEASU AOCOED, he alongside others in other tertiary institutions owned by Lagos State, began the agitation for increased subvention to the college.

"The financial state of the college is something we have been discussing over time," Adesanya lamented.

"Since 2010, we have been agitating for the payment of 53.37 per cent salary increase in the four Lagos higher institutions as approved by the Federal Government. The former administration agreed to increase subventions of the institutions. Though the government said they could only pay 25 per cent, but we all agreed just to let peace reign.

But afterwards there has been an increase in the monthly subvention in other sister institutions in Lagos, but AOCOED was left out. What is our offence?" Adesanya asked rhetorically.

According to the management, it recieves N120 million as monthly subvention but spends about N180 million on workers’ salaries and other expenditures.

Workers accuse COEASU/ SSUCOEN, of heating up the school Workers have accused the leadership of COEASU and SSUCOEN, led

by Comrades Micheal Avosetinyen and Wunmi Ombugadu, of complicating issues with their ‘strongly worded’ they wrote to the government demanding due process.

During the college’s 25th convocation, news filtered in that the Provost, Mr Wasiu Olalekan Bashorun, had been reappointed.

However, The Nation reliably gathered that the failure of the management to meet all obligations as contained in the communiqué, compelled the unions to write a series of petitions, which many believed scuttled Bashorun's reappointment.

Worse still, many wonderad at the rationale behind the letters since all had agreed on the poor financial state of the school.

COEASU/SSUCOEN...Our positions Although there is a division within the unions, Avosetinyen and Ombugadu stood their ground, awaiting the report of government's Audit Committee.

Sources said during the convocation, Ombugadu and Avosetinyen were said to have met the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, to book an appointment with her.

On Tuesday last week, the government invited the unions in AOCOED, MOCPED) and LASPOTECH (LASU not included) for a meeting.

Ombugadu who spoke on behalf of the unions, was said to have requested that the government should comply with the provisions of the college’s Condition of Service in respect to the appointment of a new provost. Ombugadu was reportedly credited with telling the government to place an embargo on recruitment and conversion of members, a claim she denied.

"As COEASU AOCOED, we have always insisted on due process in appointments,” said Avosentiyen.

"I will describe as unsubstantiated the rumour that our Provost has been given a second term without following due process. Bashorun is a beneficiary of due process.”

He continued: "An advertorial has to be placed and interested candidates would put in their application letters, while the Governing Council oversees interview of all candidates and eventually the shortlisting and appointment of a new provost.

But that is not yet done before the news was all over that our provost has been reappointed."

Ombugadu: I am being threatened Ombugadu is alleging a threat to life by NASU chairman Comrade Femi Adebayo. Speaking with our reporter on phone, Ombugadu said following a series of letter the union had written to the government, Adebayo has been harassing her and some of her members with touts.

Adebayo denied the allegation .

Ombugadu said: "In the communiqué, management promised to be remitting 26 months pension fund arrears twice every month, but later breached that agreement.

Management did not also remit our cooperative fund to the five cooperatives. Management had promised to pay 55 per cent within three weeks of suspension of the strike but that was also breached. All these money has been deducted from our salaries.

Cooperative had to secure loans from two banks as a form of bailout.

We had written several letters of reminder to management, to no avail.

Before, the Lagos State government once owed us arrears but has paid all, yet management is not living up to expectation.

"Second, the college has been in a state of impunity, In February 2015, the three unions in the college held a press briefing. That was disrupted by somebody we believe is close to the management. We reported the case to the management but they did not do anything about it.

"I met the deputy governor for the first time on convocation day. Government then called the leadership of the state tertiary institutionsAOCOED, MOCPED, and LASPOTECH for a meeting which was headed by Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule on Tuesday (August 4) last week. I spoke on behalf of AOCOED and pleaded that the college needed a financial bailout and a raise in its monthly subvention. I also

• Police team from Ijanikin Police statiom on guard...on Monday.

•Ombugadu

said the college has its Condition of Service which should be followed in the appointment of new provost.

NASU, and COEASU were there but they never opposed my views.”

She went on: "Shortly after the meeting, the vice chairman of my union called me and said I told the deputy governor to place embargo on employment and conversion of our members. I immediately denied that. But before we arrived the college, the rumour was already all over the place and was generating lots of controversy.

"On Friday, the college was closed

by NASU and I was blamed for protest. I was already on my way to work but I had to turn back immediately to avoid the escalation of the protest," Ombugadu said.

NASU Chairman denies allegations "It is just unfortunate that you don't know Ombugadu," Adebayo said.

“It is a fictitious story and she is insulting my personality. She should show the public 'some' of the my touts that she claimed have been harassing her. This is an academic setting and that is abnormal "I can tell you categorically that she made that reckless statement.

The director of education in the Ministry (of Education) and several top government officials were in that meeting. You can ask them for confirmation.

"To me, It was like that meeting was stage-managed. She was the one that was asked by the government

‘Despite the rumour flying around, we want to thank the deputy governor for her magnanimity and maturity by calling the staff unions to hear their views and wading into the crisis and restoring peace’

• Bashorun

representative to speak on our behalf. I was not allowed to utter a word, despite my protest. We raised our hands but were prevented.

"In truth it was NASU that protested to again draw government's attention to the financial state of AOCOED. Our grouse is that the pitiable financial state of the college is crippling us. We urgently need a bailout and an increase in subvention. That was what our union told government in a meeting on Monday. No one would shy away from the fact that the college is grossly underfunded and management within its power has been struggling to meet its responsibilities to workers. All we are interested is that government should pay our money because all unions are highly indebted. Since government gave a bailout to LASU, MOCPED and LASPOTECH, then AOCOED should not be an exception."

Reactions from the floor A teacher in the college who pleaded not to be named, described Bashorun as a good but gullible person.

"He (Bashorun) is a good person who means well for the institution.

I remember his manifestoes when he assumed office and I can see he fulfilled many of them. The problem I have is that the man is surrounded by sycophants who are not telling him the truth. Unfortunately, he is too gullible to read in between the lines before things got out of

‘I spoke on behalf of AOCOED and pleaded that the college needed a financial bailout and a raise in its monthly subvention. I also said the college has its Condition of Service which should be followed in the appointment of new provost’

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

•Adebayo

hand."

Another SSUCOEN member who pleaded anonymity said: "We all heard Bashorun's second term appointment had been finalised; but SSUCOEN leadership appears to be his greatest enemy. Even here, (SSUCOEN), some of us are favourably disposed to his ambition.

Nonetheless, I expected him to have immediately summoned the leadership of SSUCOEN and COEASU, after hearing the news of his appointment and appealed to them, either through entering a pact or pleading for more time to attend to their requests."

Mgt praises Dep.Governor's maturity The Registrar, Olumuyiwa Coker, said the management promptly complied with government' directive since the letter arrived on Friday.

Coker said: "Despite the rumour flying around, we want to thank the deputy governor for her magnanimity and maturity by calling the staff unions to hear their views and wading into the crisis and restoring peace. We are also absolving any top official in government of having a hand in our crisis. Government has the final say on all matters."

The college PRO, Adebowale Odunayo, said: "The management regrets that the second semester examinations scheduled to begin Monday would now start today (Thursday). Calm has returned to AOCOED. Meanwhile, the management is currently reviewing and appraising situations and looking at issues and would make an official statement in due course.”

We shall not compromise due process...Govt.

A top government official, who also pleaded not to be mentioned, said the government would not bend rules for anybody.

"Our governor (Ambode) does not favour anybody. He is not the one that would circumv ent rules. He follows procedure. He follows everything to the letter.

"All the talk about second term is a mere rumour. That is why I'm advising journalists to always crosscheck their facts before going to the press," the source concluded.

Peace has since returned to the institution as students finally begin their second semester examination today.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

27

EDUCATION

Reopen LASU now, NANS urges govt •NANS’ ‘move suspicious’ •I don’t give bribes - VC

B

Y tomorrow, the seven-day ultimatum given by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), to the Lagos State government to reopen the Lagos State University (LASU) will lapse. However, workers are describing the threat as 'empty' and insisting that students have no jurisdiction to dabble into management workers affairs.

The academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of LASU, said it suspected that the manner the students action was orchestrated may not rule out an exchange of cash between LASU Vice-Chancellor Prof Johh Oladapo Obafunwa and NANS members.

But Obafunwa has denied the allegation. He told The Nation that his records of not giving or collecting a bribe are there for anyone to verify.

On Friday last week, NANS Zone D in conjunction with LASUSU, held a briefing where the former said it is about time they curtailed worker's excesses.

"National Association of Nigeria Students Zone D Southwest therefore submits that this ineptitude in LASU was as a result of the inability to curtail the excesses of staff unions by the students' union in LASU as the largest shareholder on campus," said General Secretary of the zone, Comrade Bidemi Obanobi.

Interestingly, some workers eventually got wind of the seemingly discreet briefing held at the university's Faculty of Education and intercepted NANS, a development that later culminated into war of words between the two parties.

Obanobi said NANS Zone D comprising 54 tertiary institutions in the Southwest, cannot be underestimated considering the fact that students are also stakeholders in the system.

NANS described as 'dehumanising and embarrassing' the pelting of the

•Idris

By Adegunle Olugbamila and Jane Chijioke

Vice-Chancellor Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa with sachet water and forcing him out of the university premises on Monday March 16.

The student’s body lamented that since that day, Senate and Administrative Block 1 which houses Obafunwa's office, have remained under lock, making it impossible for the Senate and Obafunwa to operate.

In a phone interview on Monday, LASUSU PRO Fatai Lasisi said the union had to pitch its tent with NANS because their students who have just concluded their second semester examination, desperately need the Senate back to operate and vet their results so that convocation can hold and their certificates handed over to them.

"It is very important for the university Senate to call for an emergency meeting to consider the results of the just - concluded examination of all LASUITES so as to fast track the process of release of the results. A delay

•Prof Obafunwa

•Oseni

in the consideration of the students result might delay the release of the result and prolong the academic pursuit of most students on campus. Importantly, the Senate chamber is the heart of every institution" Obanobi added.

Obanobi, an alumnus of Osun State Polytechnic, recalled that on Friday March 20, LASUSU held a congress and resolved that Obafunwa should return to campus to complete his term which expires on October 31.

Obanobi said if the state government does not comply with their demand, NANS would mobilise its members for a protest to the seat of government in Alausa.

He said: "We want to reiterate the fact that the Vice Chancellor is not only the Vice Chancellor of the staff alone but also over 15,001 LASU students, thereby making the students the largest stake holders in the institution Obanobi said it is laughable that workers should lock down the institution over their demands, adding that

‘By the way, it is known to even my detractors that I do not bribe people, which is one of their main quarrels with me. I have not allowed the usual looting in LASU to continue since I took over. I owe nobody apologies for that’

whether Obafunwa returns or not, the situation will still continue.

As at Sunday, news filtered that Obafunwa might be forcefully smuggled into LASU on Monday. But Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities SSANU) LASU chapter Comrade Saheed Oseni, said it would never happen.

Speaking with our reporter, Oseni said NANS is laying a 'bad precedence', noting that the students are acting beyond their jurisdiction.

"We challenge them (NANS) to tell us what rights have they to dabble into management and union affairs?"

Oseni queried.

"That means students are now teleguiding workers as to what to do.

Whenever students are fighting with management we usually keep a safe distance so what's their business with ours? They can only dabble into issues that directly affect them" "Is it in their power to issue a directive to government? We also learned they are threatening to force open the

‘We challenge them (NANS) to tell us what rights have they to dabble into management and union affairs? That means students are now teleguiding workers as to what to do’

offices that workers locked up.

"We are using this opportunity to call on parents to monitor their wards.

ASUU Chairman Adekule Idris alleged that Obafunwa is using NANS against workesr because of his inordinate ambition.

Idris said despite repeated appeals by the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for all parties to sheathe swords, Obafunwa has continued to use fronts to publish disparaging stories about workers in the media.

"Maybe NANS needs to explain to us what they meant by ‘reopening LASU’. Over the last two weeks our students had been writing exam. They have just finished and we are currently marking scripts. Let me also say the tradition of writing exam and promptly marking scripts and uploading same started under Prof (Lateef Akanni, Obafunwa's predecessor) Hussein, so Obafunwa should not claim credit for that.

"If you come to LASU now, you will see the institution is at peace. The governor has been magnanimous enough and ASUU wishes to respect him by not taking up issues in the media. We have made available our submission to government and we are awaiting their response.”

Nonetheless, Obafunwa in a reply to an SMS earlier sent to thim by our reporter stated: "I am sorry I have no idea of what you are referring to (NANS brefing).

As for giving money to NANS, it is very laughable and I believe the students concerned will find the claim very offensive.

"By the way, it is known to even my detractors that I do not bribe people, which is one of their (workers) main quarrels with me. I have not allowed the usual looting in LASU to continue since I took over. I owe nobody apologies for that.

"I wish the few elements causing all the problems luck."

The students also called to mind the just - concluded examinations which need urgent attention to fast track the process of release of result and delay in it could prolong the academic stay in campus.

He also noted that during NANS visit to the school, last Wednesday “the ambiance of the school was in disarray, where we heard gunshots in the campus. This is not the institution of our dream and it occurred because of the absence of the Vice Chancellor.”

FUTA post UTME high - candidates

C

• Cross section of the graduands.

Covenant University school graduates 50

C

OVENANT University Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State, has graduated the first set of final year students of the institution with a charge to continue to strive for excellence in their future endeavours.

Principal of the school, Mrs Florence Johnson, gave the advice at the school's fifth speech/prize giving and maiden graduation.

Fifty students passed out at the ceremony witnessed by members of the governing council, parents, teachers and other guests.

Mrs Johnson who noted that the students will face challenges, urged them to always hold their "head high and your heart wide open."

"Every battle you win matters most not only to your family, it

matters to your society, your country and the world at large," she said.

"Remember that we would be physically there to advise you; that is why you must set your direction into a positive attitude and strong spirit," Mrs Johnson stated.

She praised the founder of the school, Bishop David Oyedepo, and wife Pastor Faith who is the

Vice President (Education), the Education Commission of the ministry, governing council members, parents and teachers for the support that has ensured the success of the institution.

She highlighted various achievements of the school which includes awards won by students in various academic and sporting competitions.

ANDIDATES writing the post UTME examination of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), have adjudged the exercise fair, orderly and highly functional.

A candidate, Bright Adefoyegun who spoke on the facilities deployed for the examination, which ran between Tuesday and Thursday last week,, expressed deep appreciation to the management for the state-of-theart facilities which he said, provided candidates a huge opportunity to be tested on merit.

Another candidate Gbademosi Oluwatobi, said the questions were simple for candidates who had prepared properly for the examination.

Sharing Gbademosi's sentiments, a female candidate, Abiodun Elizabeth, described the questions as straight forward and easy to tackle.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and chair, University Admissions Committee, Prof Tunde Arayela, explained that candidates were screened based on standard regulations provided by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and on merit, such that only candidates who scored or passed UTME 180 cut-off mark were eligible.

The Registrar, Dr Modupe Ajayi, noted that the examination and its arena were characterised by calmness and orderliness. The Dean, Student Affairs Division and coordinator of the exercise, Dr. Kayode Alese, who spoke on the fragmentation of candidates into batches, explained that the hitch-free examination made it difficult for candidates to cut corners.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

EDUCATION EKSU VC warns against plagiarism

T

•From Left: LASPOTECH Bursar Mr Benjamin Asade, Prof. Adagunodo, and Mr Sogunro, at the event.

HE Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, EKSU, AdoEkiti, Prof. Oladipo Aina, has charged lecturers and students of the university to abstain from plagiarism.

Aina made the remarks while declaring open a workshop on Research Methodology and Scholarship Grants organised by the Institute of Peace, Security and Governance of the university.

Prof Aina said students and the lecturers must be original in all researches in order to prove themselves.

He further noted that the mission and vision of the institute is to bring a positive change and solution to the current security and peace challenges facing the nation, through research methodologies of modern standards.

In his address, the director of the institute, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said the workshop is meant to expose to sources of scholarship and grants, and

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

how they can access them to gain knowledge on academic honesty, ethics in research and on issues of plagiarism. Ajayi added that the students will be exposed to a unified research methodology in peace and security research, public administration and corporate management.

In the first plenary session, the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, EKSU, Prof. Dipo Ogunleye, who spoke on Research Methodologies in Peace, Security and Governance, added that the idea is to teach how to write thesis in social science, looking at the importance of research, the structure, topic and how to identify a problem for solution.

Ogunleye said if there is no good methodology, nothing good will be achieved in any research, adding that in literature review, a researcher has to integrate everything in his or her research.

Expert condemns wrong deployment of ICT

A

PROFESSOR of Computer Science, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife Rotimi Adagunodo, has expressed displeasure at the wrong deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), especially for plagiarism. This practice, Adagunduro alleged, is common among students in tertiary institutions nationwide.

Adagunodo delivered the inaugural lecture of the School of Technology Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu with the theme: Information Communications Technology (ICT) for Changing the Quality of Research and Development.

“It is not supposed to be like that” Adagunodo protested. ‘You are supposed to access the materials, read through them, digest them, and then

By Adegunle Olugbamila

induce from them instead of turning out document replete with incompatible and irrelevant data,” he said.

“It is your responsibility as a researcher to decipher if the data you have before you is relevant, answers your research question or whether it can be contextualised,” he added.

Adagunodo urged researchers to

take advantage of professional software and packages in the conduct of their research and data processing, for accuracy and uniformity.

He also urged governments to up their investment in research development and innovation, to ensure Nigeria’s full economic potential and development.

He said policymakers should also

‘Up till now, we cannot say we have entered into the group of developed nations because we still depend so much on oil’

de-emphasise reliance on resourcebased economy and focus on knowledge-based economy through ICT, for greater prosperity.

“Up till now, we cannot say we have entered into the group of developed nations because we still depend so much on oil.

“We need to go back to research development and innovation, which can only be done in a knowledge-based or knowledge-driven environment.

The deployment of ICT in Research, Development and Innovation (RDI); eventually, produces knowledgebased production system, and that is going to be the nucleus, the core of the knowledge-based economy.

Earlier, the Rector, Mr Oluyinka

Sogunro, said the lecture was timely, given the country’s current socio-economic challenges.

“From Physics to Mathematics, to Medicine, scientific research is now impossible without the support of ICT facilities; and it provides the infrastructure for economic development,’’ Sogunro said.

Dean, School of Technology Mr Olumide Metilelu also said:“The role of ICT in social and economic transformation cannot be overemphasised, as it enables users to create access, manipulate and disseminate information particularly for changing the quality of research and development.’’

Council chair backs four education varsities

T

HE Chairman of Governing Council of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri John Olawole Fasogbon, has said the establishment of six specialised universities by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan is in line with the current international trend of developing specialised universities for enhancement of professionalism for quality human capital development.

Speaking against the misconception about specialised universities, which include Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State; Medical Sciences University, Otukpo, Benue State; and four federal fniversities of Education (Kano, Ondo, Owerri, and Zaria), Fasogbon said specialty universities have now become the norms in the world to foster quality education.

Fasogbon contested the submission by some that degrees in education and teaching did not require specialised universities, saying first degree has since become the minimum qualification for teaching even at the basic level in advanced countries.

Fashogbon noted that converting

‘Out of 1.5 million Nigeria students that sat for universities' post UTME now, only 200, 000 would be offered admission’

By Sina Fadare

colleges of education awarding the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) into universities of education and losing their NCE programmes would not affect teachers' education. He said Nigeria has reached a stage where a degree in education should be the benchmark for teaching.

He said the conversion of four colleges of education would not only give admission seekers opportunity for university education, but profit host communities of the aforementioned institutions.

Fasogbon called on governors of the states where the specialised institutions are cited to wade in towards their financial sustenance.

Fasogbon, who urged Federal Government not to reverse the status of the institutions, said if given a chance, they (universities) will play a role in positioning the nation's education to meet international standard.

He said: "The new Federal universities of education are already on the federal budget line. The same funding can be maximised to run the universities during the transition period in terms of recurrent expenditure, while the expected increase in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocations continue to be utilised for the capital project requirements. Indeed, in terms of salaries, the earnings of staff of FCEs is already almost favourably comparable to the university staff salaries.”

Fashogbon added: "Out of 1.5 million Nigeria students that sat for universities' post UTME now, only 200, 000 would be offered admission, so the only antidote for the remaining students is the newly created universities of education to complement the 46 federal universities.

•Cross section of participants at the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) 10th White Cane Day event tagged “fitness walk for sight” in Lagos.

A

N appeal has been made to Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, to do everything possible not only to sustain the free and compulsory education started by his predecessors, but extend the gesture to private schools in the state.

The Bishop and General Overseer of Rapture Trust Gospel Ministries International Incorporated, His Lordship Dr. Moswill Umoh, said the call became imperative because private school owners are providing qualitative education to the citizens, one responsibility Umoh believes government should shoulder.

He said maintenance of acceptable standard, payment of salaries to teachers and non teaching staff, maintenance of school infrastructure and the provision of a conducive teaching and learning environment remain a daunting task for private school owners.

Cleric seeks free education for Akwa Ibom private schools From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

"It is a good thing that the free and compulsory education was started in Akwa Ibom State public schools, but the teachers and proprietors of the private schools are training the children for the state and the nation and not for themselves.

Therefore, to take the free and compulsory education a step further, government should among other things, pay fees for Akwa Ibom children in private schools and assist in the smooth running of the schools," Umoh said.

The cleric, who was a teacher, recalled that he was trained free by Federal Government during his Teacher Training College (TTC) day.

He said he has been able to transfer same knowledge to countless children in his career.

Umoh, who runs a school and an Orphanage all located within the expansive church premises, noted that if government help train children in both public and private schools, they will ever remain grateful to the state and in return will be willing to reciprocate such gesture.

The cleric also frowned at parents who abandon their children in boarding houses and would not pay their fees on time, as well as those who keep changing their children's school over insignificant issues. He warned that they are doing the children harm and causing them embarrassment.

UNICAL students hold election amid protest

Worried by results’ delay Page 31

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

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Page 29

Disquiet in UNILAG over noise policy There has been an outburst of anger by students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) over the introduction of a policy to reduce noise pollution on the campus. Students believe the policy attacks freedom of religion, but the management says there is no cause for alarm. KAWTHAR BABATUNDE (300-Level Petroleum and Gas Engineering) and CHIMA AZUBUIKE (400-Level Philosophy) report.

I

TS location in the commercial nerve-centre of the country makes the University of Lagos (UNILAG) prone to noise. Apart from the constant noise from the engines of countless vehicles that ply the campus, extracurricular activities have also become a source of disturbance in the school. But, the management does not want noise on its campus.

This led to the introduction of a policy by the authorities to reduce noise. On July 8, the school issued a directive banning noisy activities on the campus. The order was contained in a memo, a copy of which was sent to the Students Union Government (SUG). It restricts social activities to specific areas on the campus, but the decision seems to be generating concerns among students’ groups.

According to the memo, all religious activities are, henceforth, prohibited in academic areas, and such activities must be confined to the premises of the mosque and church.

The content of the memo has generated reactions, especially from religious bodies. Some Muslim and Christian students believe the ‘nonoise policy’ is a direct clampdown on their activities. Some students, however, see it as a way of restructuring and maintaining orderliness on the campus.

A 500-Level Computer Engineering student, who simply gave his name as Mujidah, said: “I doubt if the directive would be effective, but I honestly think it would restore order in the school. It is improper to hold noisy activities just anywhere on campus.”

Before the management’s memo, religious activities were held at every available place in the academic area. Places, such as Amphi-theatre,

SUG block and the main auditorium extension used to be busy with fellowships. Open places at faculties of Science, Social Sciences and Business Administration. The directive bars these activities.

Registering its opposition to the policy, Michael Liyansan, a 500Level Engineering student and University Joint Christian Fellowship (UJCF) leader, enjoined members to embark on a seven-day fasting and prayer, saying “the Kingdom of God must reign in UNILAG”.

The body, which has about 50 fellowship groups within its fold, said it would be impossible for all fellowships with members from various denominations to worship at the same place.

Christian students wondered why the school registered many fellowships if it would not allow them to worship. They said the directive was an attack on religious freedom. They alleged that the policy was a desperate attempt to islamise the school, accusing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, and the SUG president, Abiodun Martins, as masterminds.

“This is Nigeria where nobody cares about noise. So, I think there must be an underlying motive to the policy,” says Mayowa, a 300Level student.

Reacting, Martins said there was no truth in the allegation that the policy was to islamise the school, stressing that the SUG was not consulted before the management took the decision.

According to him, the no-noise policy predated the inauguration of the union leaders last year, the SUG only helped to create awareness about it among students.

A student, who identified himself as John, said he had embarked on seven days fasting and payers to

•The university chapel

•The university Central Mosque

make the management change the decision. He said: “It is wrong for anyone to think that the SUG knew about the management’s decision.

Some of the provisions have been

found shocking, because all fellowships cannot hold their programmes in the chapels. It is not spacious enough.”

A 300-Level Petroleum and Gas Engineering student, who gave her

name as Mary, said the management should reconsider its decision since the policy was introduced in the interest of students, who are now opposed to it.

•Continued on page 30

•Police arrest student for alleged theft•-P32 •NANS hails former leader on appointment -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Lessons of life

W

HILE delivering a short talk to a group of students on the lessons of life recently, I mentioned my molue experiences when I was a full time reporter years ago with the now rested The Comet newspaper – the progenitor of The Nation. I got an almost blank response from about 90 per cent of them who said they’ve only partially heard of it and none has boarded one. Expectedly, my lecture focus took a different direction as I lectured them on the good, bad and ugly sides of my molue experiences and the lessons it teaches about life.

I recollect with relish how my colleagues and I use to board those rickety huge buses that almost defined Lagos in the past from different parts of Lagos to Ijora where the newspaper house was then located. Molues are now relics for the museum thanks to the introduction of BRT buses by the Fashola administration in Lagos State.

Inside the molue, you have superb ‘salesmen’ who can convince commuters to buy drugs based on their colours!

Strange as this sound, it’s true. They mix red, yellow, brown and white drugs together and the ‘resident pharmacist’ on-board then gives them the ‘prescription!” You also find on-board drugs that cure all diseases – yes, ALL diseases - inside the molue. There are still other drugs, when taken, ‘boost energy’ and with it you can ‘run from Ijora to Ikorodu’ without getting tired! I can go on and on.

Beyond the molue experiences, life teaches tremendous lessons that always come into sharp focus as we age.

Life has taught me not to confuse money with happiness because money can’t make me happy, but self-sufficiency gives me the freedom to share myself creatively, without worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills.

One key lesson is being grateful for this moment because it is all there is.

The source of most of our frustrations and anxiety are the result of living in the future, or the past. We sometimes glorify the past because things were

Pushing Out

The elder Nwankwo said he had “a lot of apprehension as they were getting ready to go, a lot of anxiety.” He however sumwith moned the courAgbo Agbo age and allowed his sons to leave.

08116759750 On his experi(SMS only) ence, Noble was •aagboa@gmail.com quoted in the report as saying: “It was kind of eye‘quite easy’ way back then or we simply opening to see how much you actually envision a utopia future.

Talking about gratitude, what a United have to work to get a simple bucket of States based Nigerian father, Evans water, and how you actually have to use Nwankwo did is quite instructive. He your own strength to carry it back and sent his 14-year-olds twin teen sons to forth. And it’s actually pretty tough to spend the seventh grade (junior second- hand-wash your clothes with that ary school) in Nigeria to learn some amount of water. You have to really manage it.” gratitude.

He added: “You have to be trekking all According to reports, the boys, Noble and Evan attended Mea Mater Elizabeth over the school just to get water to bathe High School in Enugu. There, they with… Here you can just turn on the tap passed through the daily routine of wak- and there’ll be water flowing like it’s ing up by 5 am for exercise and prayer, nothing. There, you’ll be struggling for something they never experienced in the it. Sometimes we would go without waUS. There’s also no help from mum on ter for a couple of days.”

Since returning back to the US, their homework or washing clothes, either. dad said he’s already seen a change in The elder Nwankwo explained why he took this route: “Adversity is important his boys. “I feel that the experience is in somebody’s development in life, as far one that will live with them forever, and as I’m concerned, because there comes a they will be forever changed – maybe not time when the storm is going to hit you, on the immediate, but long term.”

The report said the twins agreed to and if you never had that to fall back on what their dad said. “I appreciate the you’re just going to fall apart. I strongly believe that because it’s been important washing machine. I appreciate the running water. I appreciate the shower, so I in my own development.”

Raised in Nigeria during the civil war, don’t have to use a bucket of water in a he was one of 13 children and the family bowl…I appreciate my parents a lot more was well off until the war changed ev- because I realise how much – especially erything when his father was killed. He my dad – I really realise how much he eventually made it to the US and built a had to do to get here.” Evan was quoted business. The report further said that as saying.

Besides the actual experience, they said people around the city of Cincinnati probably know Nwankwo’s work – his their dad taught them a lot as well. construction company is the go-to con- “He’s taught me a lot, and he’s made me tractor that has worked on several sites go through a lot to make me a better perincluding Fountain Square, the Freedom son, to make me a person that can just endure,” Evan said.

Center and Washington Park.

I’m glad the elder Nwankwo was able Prior to the twins leaving the US, the Ebola outbreak was making headlines, to successfully teach his sons some as were attacks by the Boko Haram on harsh realities about life, it is also gratischools - especially in northern Nigeria. fying that it ended on a positive note; some have tried to do what he did but it

Disquiet in UNILAG over noise policy

Mujib Imran is a 500-Level Law student and President of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter of Law Students’ Society (LSS). He shares his challenges and achievements with TOYIN ALI (300-Level Law).

•Continued from page 29

She said: “They should put the interest of the student at heart and encourage them to go about their religious activities without disturbing others. This no-noise policy won’t work.”

Although leaders of the institution’s chapter of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) are yet to issue a statement on the development, it appears their silence is not an indication that they agree with the policy.

When contacted, the MSSN Amir, Abdulrashid Adeoye, a 400-Level Integrated Science Education student, said the body had received no official letter from the management on the policy, but said the Muslim students would meet with the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Tunde Babawale, over the matter.

Abdulrashid said: “Several activities of MSSN will be affected by the policy, but as a students’ body, we will always support the management’s good decision. It is not good to have noise in academic environment. The school management should have officially informed all religious bodies on campus, because we are mostly affected.”

He doubted if there would be full compliance with the policy.

Meanwhile, the SUG parliament

clerk, Adeyanju Adeonipekun, said there would be an emergency sitting of students’ representatives and those of religious groups to discuss the practicability of the policy.

At the time of this report, the meeting had not taken place.

However, some members of the union met with the DSA to state students’ position on the matter.

Mustapha Tijani, the Deputy Speaker of the union, said students’ opinions should have been sought before the decision was reached.

The Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Karo Ogbinaka, dismissed insinuations that the policy was targeted at religious bodies. Instead, the school was following the directive of teh National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Government Visitation Panel, which advised the management to reduce the level of noise in academic areas in line with best practice.

Ogbinaka also said there was no truth in the rumour that the policy would islamise the school. He said: “Granted, the Vice-Chancellor is a Muslim, but there are more Christian members in the top management team. How possible is it for anyone to place one religion above the other?”

ended in fiasco and the children come to hate their father for causing them to ‘suffer’ unnecessarily without understanding the underlying reasons.

Life teaches that some people want things to always go their way, but the plain truth is we cannot have things our own way always. Which is why pursuing happiness is not at all the same as being happy, which is a fleeting feeling dependent on momentary circumstances. Happy times pass, because time passes. This is something we rarely grasp at first.

The lifelong pursuit of happiness - on the other hand - is more elusive; it’s not based on a particular outcome. What you are really pursuing is meaning – living a meaningful life. It starts with your “why.” (Why are you doing what you’re doing with your life?) When your “why” is meaningful, you are pursuing happiness.

There will be times when things go so wrong that you barely feel alive. And there will also be times when you realise that being barely alive, on your own terms, is better than living a lifeless existence for fifty years on someone else terms. In other words, happiness comes most easily when you know what you’re doing, believe in what you’re doing, and love what you’re doing (and who you’re doing it with), regardless of how things turn out.

Finally, life is too unpredictable for rigid expectations. When you stop predicting and expecting things to be a certain way, you can appreciate them for what they are. Ultimately you will realise that life’s greatest gifts are rarely wrapped the way you expected.

With a positive attitude and an open mind, you will find that life isn’t necessarily any easier or harder than you thought it was going to be; it’s just that “the easy” and “the hard” aren’t exactly the way you had anticipated, and don’t always occur when you expect them to.

Most of the time, life delivers the experiences that are most helpful for our personal growth. How do you know it’s the experience you need? Because it’s the experience you’re having. The only question is: Will you embrace it and grow, or fight it and fade? The key, of course, is to accept that not everything is meant to be.

‘Our academic goals must come before anything’

•Mujib

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HAT are the major challenges confronting the Law Students’ Society

(LSS)?

We have been facing challenges ranging inadequate funding and lack of support from the institution. We don’t have sponsors for our projects, especially those that are capital intensive. Although the faculty leadership is trying its best to attend to the welfare

of students, I believe we can do more.

What are your achievements since you became the president?

I am proud to say that I run a people-oriented administration.

We have brought LSS closer to the members. We have equally executed several projects, which have affected academic and social lives of law students. With the support of the faculty management, our administration has organised many programmes, such as Ankara Nite, freshers’ orientation, debate and oratory contests, among others. I believe the programmes would help in grooming great lawyers.

How do you combine your studies with politics?

God has been helping me to maintain the two areas. I have a schedule for each activity I’m involved in. Although my priority on campus is to study, but there is still time to do some extracurricular activities. While I engage in political activities, I create time for my studies.

How would you rate the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali?

He has performed impressively.

There is hardly a session that the management doesn’t have new projects to unveil. The Vice-Chancellor has really made his mark in providing infrastructure and welfare for staff and students. He has used the power of innovation and technology to change the story of the school. No wonder University of Ilorin has become popular among its contemporaries. With the kind of technological platforms provided on campus, all students and staff of the university are now information technologycompliant. We need to commend Prof Ambali-led management.

What is your advice to the students?

I will urge them should set their priorities right. Academic pursuits must come before any other thing.

It is when we have achieved success that we can say we have had fulfilling and fruitful moments on the campus.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

UNICAL: students hold election amid protest Students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have elected their union leaders at a poll that almost ended in controversy. FRANK EJEAGBASI (400Level Physiology) and JOSEPH OCHANG (Library and Information Science) report.

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S soon as the ban on political campaign was lifted, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) began to bubble with electioneering. This was followed by the composition of the Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO), a body charged to midwife the election of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).

Immediately members of the commission was sworn in, its chairman, Dr Anozeng Igiri announced the day for manifestoes, where candidates presented their programmes.

The event witnessed a large turnout of students at the International Conference Centre, who came to listen to the agenda of the contestants.

The process was not without controversies. Supporters of some candidates were opposed to CUESO’s decision to conduct the election via electronic voting. They saw it as a ploy by the management to enthrone its stooges. This led to a protest, with some saying the e-voting could lead to the emergence of unpopular candidates.

According to the electoral commission, the e-voting method would

•From left: Tete, Sandra and Bisong at the swearing-in event

enable students, who had paid their school fees, to log on to the school website and cast their votes from their hostels. But, the protesters rejected the method, calling for paper-ballot method.

Following the impasse, the management met with the aggrieved students, during which they listed their misgivings about the e-voting method. The Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Eyong Eyong, told them the management had no plans to foist leaders on students, adding that the e-voting portal was designed by experts to prevent irregularities in the process.

Prof Eyong said: “The management has no special interest in any candidate; it is students’ union and we will let students decide who leads them.”

On the election day, voting was scheduled to hold between 10am and 2pm, during which the e-voting portal would be open. Supporters of candidates were seen moving round the hostels and classrooms with laptops to access the e-

‘The management has no special interest in any candidate; it is students’ union and we will let students decide who leads them’ voting portal.

A resident of Hall 5, who identified himself as Bassey, said: “I seriously don’t understand the magic the electoral committee is doing.

They told us the portal would be open from 10am for voting and it has been over an hour now, nobody has been able to access the portal.”

At the College of Medical Sciences, students were agitating, because of their inability to log on to the portal. A Medical Laboratory Science student, Emeka Augustine, said: “We have been going about with three different laptops, which are all connected to the Internet.

We have mobilised students to vote but none of them has able to suc-

cessfully vote. We are yet to vote access the portal at noon, two hours after the election started.”

Students, who could not bear the frustration, embarked on a peaceful demonstration round the campus, marching on the management building. The outgoing SUG president, Emmanuel Ajang, and Director of Welfare, John Alawa, appealed to the protesters to be calm, observing that the portal was being fixed.

Dissatisfied with the explanation, the angry students demanded to have audience with the school management on possible cancellation of the exercise.

One of the protesters, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “We saw this coming; we told them (management) we did not trust the e-voting method, yet they went ahead with it. We cannot sit back and watch them do things wrongly. This is students’ election.”

When CAMUSLIFE demanded to speak to Dr Igiri on the hitches, the electoral committee chairman declined comment.

The DSA, Prof Eyong, apologised for the hitch, saying the control centre of the e-voting portal was facing some challenges. He assured the protesters the problem would be fixed as officials of the school Information Technology centre were making efforts to fix the problem.

The protesters were not convinced by the Dean’s explanation. The demanded cancellation of the process as the shout of “no e-voting” rented the air. The DSA urged for calm, saying: “If by 2pm we cannot solve the challenges, we shall cancel the election and reschedule for a later date.”

However, at 1:30pm, the e-voting portal came up and students started to cast their votes. The process was extended to 4:15 pm.

At the end of the exercise, Tete Ekpo Okon was declared presidentelect with 1,373 votes, while Sandra Chukwurah emerged Vice President with 1,196 votes. Victor Bisong was elected as General Secretary with 1,047 votes and Ifiok Assamudo emerged Assistant General Secretary.

Others are Blessing Igri, Financial Secretary, John Madu, Director of Welfare, Kingsley Nwokolo, Director of Sports, Richard Unwana, Director of Socials and Fabian Nwohia, Director of Information.

Some observers described the exercise as free and fair, but they bemoaned the delay.

During their swearing in, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof James Epoke, advised the union leaders to set good standards, saying unionism was not for violent confrontation but to partner with the management to improve welfare of students.

The president, Tete, said: “We will try our best to live up to expectation with the aim to sustain the existing peace on campus for effective learning.”

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE) students have celebrated their week. SULEIMAN DUTSE and RAHILA AMINU (ND 1 Television Journalism) report.

A college’s college’s A memorable memorable week week •The winner, Buge, eating during the competition

•Contestants during the eating contest

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ESIDENTS of Rayfield in Jos, Plateau State capital, were caught unawares. They woke up to see a group of men, who dressed like traditional hunters, moving in a procession round the city. The ‘hunters’ were clad in animal skin with lamps on their heads, and locally-woven pouches strapped to their backs.

They were ‘armed’ with bows and arrows as they walked round the city.

They were not heading to the

bush to hunt; they were students of the Nigerian Television Authorities (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE), Jos, who were marking their yearly Students’ Week.

They thrilled the Rayfield residents with their display of culture before they returned to their campus for other activities to mark the event.

The three-day event was jointly organised by the Television Production Students Association

(TEPSA) and Television Journalism Students’ Association (TEJOSA). The event started last week Wednesday with an eating competition, where contestants were given little time to eat food meant for more than one person.

Students at the event were shocked when Buge Zamfara, a fresher, won the contest after he consumed two loaves of big bread, two boiled eggs, two 50cl soft drink and two sachets of water in 10 minutes.

Stephanie Pam, a 300-Level Television Journalism student, described the contest as entertaining, saying the contestants ate like gluttons.

This was followed by a talent hunt show, where students displayed their creativity in dance and comedy.

On Thursday, classrooms were almost empty as students trooped to the college auditorium to see a drama by students of Film Productions and a movie.

•A student dressed like an ancient hunter.

The movie was at the instance of a 400-Level student, identified as Da’anon Gyang, who is known on the campus for his passion for showing educative visual material.

Hamza Muazu, a 300-Level Television Production student, said cinema is a medium through which Television Production students gain practical understanding of their discipline.

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

32

CAMPUS LIFE Why people must undergo regular blood screening, by don

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•Deputy Provost, Prof Etedafo Gharoro (standing), making a remark at the session. Sitting on the right is Prof Iyawe

Medical college prays for peace

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CADEMIC activities were put on hold for over two hours last Wednesday at the College of Medical Sciences of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) when members of the staff and students converged on Lecture Theatre 1 to pray for the school.

The Provost, Prof Vincent Iyawe, said the event was an opportunity for staff and students to thank God for achievements in the college.

He said: “We are gathered here today to return all praises to God for successes and improvement of infrastructure in the college. We also glorify God for preserving the lives of staff and students. At the end of this event, everyone should leave as a changed person. While we engage in a prayer, I will enjoin you to use the opportunity to

From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN ask God for directions in your personal lives and pour your heart desire before Him.” In his exhortation titled: Bearers of His Name, Mrs V.A. Joseph, a professor of Medicine, called on members of the congregation to be mindful of their lifestyles within the college and elsewhere.

According to her, bearers of God’s name must live their lives according to the dictates of the scripture.

She said: “If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, I want you to know that you now bear the name of Christ. Do not soil that name. Remember that your life might be the only Bible

some persons will read all through their life.”

The sermon was followed by a prayer session, where staff and students prayed for peace and smooth administration of the college and the entire university.

They also prayed for peace in the Northeast, calling on God to rid the country of corruption.

Other highlights of the event included hymn rendition, worship and music sessions. Dignitaries at the event include: Prof W.E Sadoh of Child Health Department, Dr Andrew Edo of Internal Medicine Department, Dr C.S. Sakpa of Anatomy Department, Dr Stanly Okugbo, a Consultant Cardiothoric Surgeon, and Dr O.M. Uhumwangho, a Consultant Opthalmologist, among others.

NYONE who wishes to live long must undergo regular blood screening. This was the advice of Halim Daye, a professor of Hematology and Consultant Hematologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

He was last Thursday delivering the 159th inaugural lecture at the Akin Deko Auditorium of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

In the lecture titled: We should pay more attention to our blood or else, Daye bemoaned the lackadaisical attitude of some people towards their health.

He said: “Many people are so concerned about their outward appearance. They don’t care about what flows in their veins. Many persons do not even know their blood group. Sadly, some go ahead to marry without conducting blood tests, thereby endangering the lives of their children. There is a need for regular blood screening, because it will save people from many diseases.”

The lecturer was shocked by the response when he asked how many members of the audience had undergone blood screening in the last six months. He condemned people’s negligence on the status of their blood. He said many blood diseases could be managed if detected early, advising that full blood screening should be carried out every six months.

The professor of Hematology said there was the need for government to immediately declare a state of emergency on Hepatitis B

Police arrest student for alleged theft •Prof Orumwense (second right) with Eddy (right), Ezekiel (second left) and the school Information Officer, Michael Osasuyi

VC praises The Nation on CAMPUSLIFE

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof Faraday Orumwense, has praised The Nation for creating a platform for campus journalism to flourish. He said CAMPUSLIFE has enabled many students to contribute positively to education development in no small measure.

He made the remarks while receiving the institution’s CAMPUSLIFE reporters - Eddy Uwoghiren, a 300Level Medicine and Surgery student, and Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, a 400-Level Pharmacy student - in his office.

Eddy said the visit was to congratulate the VC on his appointment and intimate him with campus journalists’ activities in the school.

From Emmanuel Edigberhi UNIBEN Commending the VC for sustaining the tempo of development of the former VC, Prof Osayuki Oshodin, the students pledged their commitment to the present administration’s programmes through their reporting.

Responding, the VC applauded the students for their activities, noting that he was thrilled reading the students’ reports about the school in The Nation.

His words: “I am marvelled at how far both of you have done. I am also marveled at how you both combine professional courses like Medicine and Pharmacy with the strenuous task of journalism. You might not see the re-

ward of your engagement in campus journalism today, but with time you will be surprised at how far this practice has taken you. I strongly encourage you to keep it up.”

He added: “With CAMPUSLIFE platform created by The Nation, students have been able to channel their energy for productive ventures, which will definitely benefit them in the future. The Nation deserves commendation for this opportunity. I want the media firm to keep the platform going.”

Highlight of the visit included presentation of past publication of the school events in The Nation to the VC and a photo session.

Poly rector hailed on appointment

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EMBERS of the staff of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) in Imo State have praised the Rector, Dr Celestina Njoku, on the appointment of Mr. C. Chukwuma, a lecturer in the faculty, as the Deputy Rector for Academics.

They spoke at a reception organised in honour of Chukwuma at the 5,000capacity auditorium of the institution.

From Ndidiamaka Ndukwe NEKEDE POLY The Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance Unit (APQU), Dr Obasi Oko, described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole, praising the rector for considering a staff of the faculty for the position.

Congratulating Chukwuma, Dr. Obasi advised him to remain focused and dedicated to administrative work.

Responding, the Deputy Rector for Administration, Mr Desmond Oparaku, who spoke on behalf of Dr Njoku, said the management would always reward exceptional members of staff, stressing that the appointment was as a result of Chukwuma’s hard work and dedication to service.

Chukwuma thanked the rector for finding him worthy of the position, urging for cooperation of staff with the management.

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STUDENT of the National College of Education in Nsukka, Enugu State has been arrested by the police for theft.

Sunday Nwaeze, who specialises in stealing motorcycles and using forged invoice, met his waterloo when he attempted to sell a stolen motorcycle, using a forged invoice.

The invoice was said to belong to one Stantly Ogwo, a motorcycle

•Prof Daye

From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN Virus, which he said is 40 times more infectious and deadly than HIV/AIDS. The inaugural lecturer detailed his achievements in the area of research into blood diseases. In his recommendation, Prof Daye urged the government to provide facilities needed to run blood test in health centers nationwide.

He advised Ministry of Health to invest in the training of hematologists and make grant available for people carrying out research in hematology.

He called for legislation that would make pre-employment blood screening compulsory in both private and public sector. He also cautioned health workers to take precautions against HIV/ AIDS and Hepatitis B when handling patients’ blood.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Faraday Orumwense, who chaired the event, hailed the inaugural lecturer for his research work. He said the recommendations would be submitted to relevant authorities, urging members of the audience to spread the message far and wide.

From Oladele Oge NSUKKA dealer at Obollo-Afor in Udenu Local Government Area.

Sunday, 27, and a 300-Level student of the college, admitted that he forged the invoice during police interrogation. He said he always used fake documents to get number plates and sell stolen motorcycles.

The suspect said he has been in the business for a long time.

The police have charged the suspect to court on a two-count charge of stealing and forgery. Sunday pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding magistrate, F.E Chukwu, granted him bail with a surety and the sum of N80,000.

NGO tackles harassment

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UNITED States-based advocacy group, Dreams Project for Africa (DPA), has declared its readiness to fight sexual assaults on Nigerian campuses.

The organisation said it would increase advocacy in the country on eradication of all forms of harassment that have derailed academic pursuits of many youths. It said it would embark on awareness campaigns and create platforms to educate students on their rights.

One of such programme, the group said, will hold on August 29 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where hundreds of youths and students would converge to discuss on matters affecting their academic careers.

The the theme of the event, which is being held in partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI), is “End of sexual harassment and brib-

From Adenike Fagbemi LAGOS ery in Nigerian colleges.”

It will feature three Nigerian speakers. One of them is Dr Princess Olufemi-Kayode, a criminal justice psychologist and a child protection consultant.

Others are Lade Adeyemi, a professor of International Business and Negotiation and Fisayo Soyombo, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Ibadan (UI) and Editor of The Cable, an online news medium.

Soyombo has vast media experience, which began with The Guardian in 2005. He is also a 2013 recipient of Deutsche Welle/Orange Magazine Global Fellowship for Young Journalists.

The event seeks to host 50 young mentors, who will be advocates in their various fields. They will train and mentor participants at the event.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE NANS hails former leader on appointment

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•Prof Adewale (right) receiving the medical report from the leader of the students.

Medical students advocate proper counselling

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HERE is a need for proper guidance and counseling in higher institutions.

The advice was given by medical students of the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the presentation of a research report conducted on students of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH) in Igboora.

The research was part of the community and primary healthcare programme organised by the medical students in Ibarapa.

Presenting the report on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Sexual Risk Behavior (SRB) among students, Michael Dike, a 600-

From Helen Olawore OYSCATECH Level student, said ACE could lead to risky sexual behaviour.

He said the condition could come with traumatic moments that could have negative effects on health and wellbeing. The condition, he said, could be experienced before the age 18.

According to him, the ACE effects include physical and emotional abuse, feeling of neglect and household dysfunction.

Proffering solutions to the condition, the medical students recommended proper guidance and counseling in schools. They said there was need for teacher-student rela-

tionship to engender mentorship and solve students’ curiosities.

They also advocated for a forum, where students could be enlightened on sex education and peer pressure. They said efforts should be made by school managements to ensure recreational activities as part of the curriculum.

Receiving the report on behalf of the management, the Provost, Prof Gbemiga Adewale, praised the medical students and their coordinators for choosing the college for the study. He pledged the management’s commitment to the implementation of the report. The provost said a committee would be set up to look into the report to fast-track its implementation.

Benue varsity lecturers suspend strike

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FTER four months of industrial action, the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi, on Monday, called off its strike and asked members to return to work. The lecturers downed tools because former Governor Gabriel Suswam did not pay their salaries.

The strike was called off after a peace meeting held by the ASUU leadership and representatives of the management and the state government. The parties, CAMPUSLIFE learnt, reached a “realistic” agreement after hours of meeting.

The ASUU Chairman, Dr David Ikoni, said lecturers were satisfied with the commitment of Governor Samuel Ortom to the agreement.

From Joshua Obelle BSU “We told our members that we agreed to the terms of the governor and suspended the strike on the governor’s appeal. He gave us his commitment and we felt that we should give him a benefit of the doubt,” Dr Ikoni said.

He said the lecturers would not hesitate to embark on strike again if the governor failed to keep his promise.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charity Angya, said the governor would do his best to ensure the school is not shut down again. She said: “Gov. Ortom has entered an agreement that is realistic. He had a good discussion with ASUU members and he agreed to the demands of the lecturers.”

The development excited students,

some of who expressed happiness.

Mary Anyogo, a 300-Level Mass Communication student, said she could not afford to stay at home any longer. “I am so happy when I heard the news.

I can’t wait to go back to school,” she said.

Nana Ugoor, a 300-Level Psychology student, said he was no prepared to return to school, because of his financial challenge. He said: “Calling off the strike is good news, because it is what has been expected by students.

But, I am not ready financially. I sponsor myself and it is not easy, getting money to return. I will resume in due time.”

The management has advised both staff and students not to waste time in resuming back to work to make up for the lost time.

•From left: The Nation’s Online Editor, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, presenting flight ticket to one of the winners of The Nation/Africanliberty.org Essay Competition, Miss Oseluese Akhimien, to travel for African Liberty and Language of Liberty Entrepreneurship Camp holding in Kenya. With them is Oseluese’s mother, Mrs Victoria Akhimien.

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B has congratulated one of its own, Comrade Jerry Ehiwario, on his appointment as Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Students’ Affairs.

NANS felicitated with Ehiwario in a statement issued at the Delta State University (DELSU) in Abraka by its Public Relations Officer, Comrade Pedro Obi. Obi described Ehiwario’s appointment as a reward for hard work and loyalty to a worthy cause.

The statement reads: “To students in Delta State, Jerry Ehiwario is synonymous with hard work. He is a grassroots students’ leader and we in Zone B believe he will definitely bring his wealth of experience to bear as he coordinates the activities of the students’ community in the state to ensure education policies of

•Ehiwario

From Temitope Yakubu ADO POLY Governor Ifeanyi Okowa are achieved.”

Obi said NANS had unshaken belief in Ehiwario’s capacity and ability to deliver on his mandate, pointing out that his appointment was a round peg in a hole.

Corps members visit Ondo Prison

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LOKUTA Prison Yard in Ondo State hosted Corps members in Akure South Local Government on their community development service. The visiting youths, under the aegis of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and National Anti-Corruption Volunteers Corps, were led by Alex Ojekunle, their president.

The purpose of the visit was to identify with inmates of the prison and sensitise them on corruption, its implications on the nation’s wellbeing and how to stop it.

Alex told the inmates that corruption was the cause of the bad state of the nation, saying it was also responsible for subversion of justice system. He said respect for human rights and equality before the law remained hallmarks corruption-free society.

The Corps members were received and conducted round the facility by a Deputy Controller of Prison, who said the society had abandoned the

From Oluwafemi Ogunjobi NYSC MAKURDI inmates.

The Corps members divided themselves into groups and interacted with the inmates on social, economic, and political issues. Some of them were moved to tears as the inmates lamented how corruption was affecting their wellbeing in the prison.

“We are at the receiving end of corruption in the society. Life is hard for us here, because about 180 of us occupy a cell room originally built for 30 inmates,” one of them said.

“Help us pass this message to our government officials, judiciary and legislature that we want a viable ad independent judicial system because some of us are suffering the slowness of our judicial process,” an inmate awaiting trial said.

Blessing Oko, a Batch “A” Corps member, told the inmates to be prayerful and assured them that they are useful to the society.

Faculty celebrates retiring lecturer

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T was all songs of praise and celebration at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) in Imo State, when staff of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) held a thanksgiving in honour of their colleague, who retired from teaching.

After 28 years of teaching, Sir Augustine Ohia, chief lecturer at the faculty, retired from the institution.

The chairman of the occasion and Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance Unit (APQU), Dr Obasi Oko, in his remarks, described the honoree as hardworking staff, saying he used his innovative ideas to bring about progressive changes in SHSS. His words: “With Sir Augustine Ohia, work moves perfectly. Give him an assignment and consider it done within a short time.”

Dr. Oko hailed the SHSS staff for organising the session, stressing that the faculty always set the pace for others to follow. He urged Ohia’s colleagues to keep the legacy of hard work and quality service being left behind by the honoree.

The Dean of the faculty, Mr Malachy Madu, urged lecturers to always look forward to retirement, noting that departing from teaching is not the end of life, but a time to rest and enjoy the reward of hard work.

The Dean said Ohia was the first staff to be done such honour after retirement, describing the honoree as lucky man.

Mr Victor Alozie, a chief lecturer and a former Dean of SHSS, praised

From Ndidiamaka Ndukwe NEKEDE POLY the retiree for his selfless service, saying Ohia deserved the honour, having served meritoriously.

The chairman, Valedictory Planning Committee and a lecturer, Dr Uhiara Anayo, recalled how challenging it was when the committee started its assignment, but praised God for the success of the event.

Reacting, Ohia said he was surprised by the honour bestowed on him by staff of SHSS, thanking the school management for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities.

He recalled how his academic journey started 28years ago after his employment as administrative officer. He noted that patience and hard work saw him through the service year.

He urged all staff to be always be patient, focus, hardworking and dedicated to work of the school, reminding them that there is always a reward for everything they do.

The event featured drama presentation by Mass Communication students, goodwill messages by lectures and guests and presentation of SHSS souvenirs.

Guest at the occasion included the Rector, Dr Celestina Njoku, represented by her deputy for Administration, Mr Desmond Oparaku, Registrar, Mr I. M. Aligbe, Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr B. Igbokwe and the school orator, Dr Nnamdi Anumihe, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

34

CAMPUS LIFE

T

HEY wrote their final examination at the same time but their results are being released in batches by the management. With this development, many Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates of the Federal Polytechnic in Offa (OFFA POLY), Kwara State will not be mobilised for National Youth Service.

While some departments released their graduating students’ results in batches, many students are yet to know their fate in many departments of the school. The school held its first semester examination last November, while the second semester’s was held in June. But, none of the results have been fully released.

Many of the affected students have bemoaned the development, wondering why it took school almost seven months to release the first semester results in batches. If graduating students’ results could not be released fully in nine months, they wondered how long it would take to release entrance test results of fresh applicants.

Some of the HND students, who are waiting for their mobilisation for the National Youth Service, are criticising the school management on what they called the “poor handling” of their results.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, some of them said the delay was becoming a tradition in the school.

They are worried that non-release of their results could delay their future engagements, because many of them are yet to know their academic performance.

Babatunde Adeniyi, a student of Food Technology Management, said it was important for the school management to intervene in the matter, so that many departments can release results. He said: “It has been over five months after the final year examination was completed, but so far, only a few departments have deemed it fit to release results to enable students know their fate. Most graduating

Almost nine months after graduating students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State wrote their examinations, they are yet to receive their results. The students are not happy with the management over the continued delay of their results. JENNIFER UMEH and EKETE OGHENETEJIRI (ND II Mass Communication) report.

Worried by results’ delay

•Some students checking their results

students are worried because they don’t know whether they will be going for National Youth Service or not. They don’t even know their final Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) to know which classes of degree they will be graduating with. As it is now, everybody is scared.”

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that sev-

eral complaints had been sent to the top management through the Students’ Union Government (SUG), but mum has been the response from the school.

National Diploma II students of the institution are also not happy with the school over the delay of their results and industrial training letters that will enable them go for compulsory Stu-

dents’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

A ND II student of Business Administration, who pleaded anonymity, said: “We are crying out to let the management know our challenge, so that they can consider us and release our result and give us our SIWES letter. Some of our colleagues have been given their let-

ters in some department, while some are yet to get theirs.”

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that, only 20 students could get their SIWES letter in a class of 70 students. Some ND students said they are worried about the situation.

Yetunde Balogun, a ND II Mathematics and Statistics student, lamented silence of the SUG leaders on the issues, wondering if the union members were part of the “plot” to delay their programmes.

Another student, who did not give his name, said: “I finished my project on first week of June and I have been in school since then, waiting for my SIWES letter. We have not got response from the management to know what is delaying our letters.

“Delaying students’ results unnecessarily is becoming a threat to our academic pursuit. If they could not release the final year students’ results on time, we should ask them if they are also marking SIWES letter. The school can put our results on hold but they should give us our SIWES letters to go out and do something with our lives.”

A student of Electrical Engineering, who simply gave his name as Taofeek, said: “I am not surprise by the delay, because it has been the tradition of the school. But, I will plead with the SUG leaders to look into the matter and meet members of the management on students’ behalf.

The SIWES delay has made some students to forge their letters, because they could no longer remain at home.

It is high time the management considered our plight. There should be improvement in service delivery.”

A member of the SUG, who did not want his name in print, said the union had started to engage the management on the matter, pleading for calmness. “We have met with management many times to bring the situation back to normal, but we urge students to remain calm,” he said.

The school Information Officer could not be reached at press time for comment.

Ex-students of the Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have returned to the school to donate some cash and vehicles to aid research and teaching at the department. OLADELE OGE (NYSC, Enugu) reports.

Lending their hand of support

C

ALL it a homecoming, you would not be wrong. Years after their graduation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the alumni of the Department of Geography have returned with gifts to boost research and learning.

Last Friday, the old students donated some cash and two vehicles a saloon car and an 18-seater bus – to the department to aid academic excursion. The items were given to the leadership of the department at a homecoming and award held at the Princess Alexandra Hall.

The event, tagged: Technological advancement in surveying and mapping: The Nigerian adaptation, had Prof Peter Nwilo, a former Surveyor-General of the Federation and Geoinformatist, delivering the keynote lecture.

Declaring the event open, Prof Polycarp Chigbu, Deputy ViceChancellor for Academics, who represented the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, described geography as necessary for human growth and development.

Geography, he said, has aided understanding and prevention of

natural disaster, such as flooding and climate change, noting that establishment of Geographical Information System (GIS) would put the school on the world map.

In his lecture, Prof Nwilo urged the government to focus on rural development, while charging surveyors to stick to the guideline of their profession. He lauded the review of the department’s curriculum, saying introduction of Quantitative Geography and other subjects crucial to spatial analysis.

The Head of the Department (HOD), Prof P.C. Onokala, condemned the notion that graduates of geography are to be employed only as teachers, saying the discipline had produced world-class professionals. She advised students to brace up for the challenges ahead, observing that the department’s certificates were meant for students trained in good characters and learning.

Prof Onokala said: “We have several challenges as a department and one of the ways to tackle them is to partner with the alumni body in moving the department forward.

The fruit of our partnership is the

•Hon. Nkole writing a cheque for the students

donation of a cash gift and two vehicles to convey our staff and students for field work.”

Speaking on other challenges facing the department, the HOD urged the alumni to help in equipping the department’s library and laboratory with modern books and materials that would promote quality learning.

She added: “We cannot continue to teach our students in old style and with antiquated materials.

Therefore, there is need to equip our library, cartographic and physical geography laboratory for the benefit of our students.”

The Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Prof I.A. Madu, highlighted essence of the ceremony, noting that it became necessary for the depart-

ment to partner with its ex-students for support in developing its facilities and establishing linkages with international communities.

He hailed the ex-students for supporting their alma mater, describing the donation as a good gesture. He advised students emulated the alumni members by supporting the institution.

Five of the alumni were honoured for their contributions to social and economic growth of the country. They are Dr Oluyemi Akande, Surveyor Ugochukwu Obiora, Dr Anthony Obiora, Chief Emeka Okonkwo and Mr Emeka Ezeh.

Dr Akande said the event was not held to display wealth, but to intervene in solving problems fac-

ing students and the school. He said the alumni’s efforts would enable the department achieve growth in its academic research, appealing to staff and students to use the items judiciously.

For Chief Okonkwo, he was happy to see his former department producing students who are making waves in various places, including government offices and private sector. He urged other graduates of the department to contribute their quota to its development.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of vehicles to the department. Hon. Uko Nkole, a member House of Representatives presented a cheque to students to encourage research and learning.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

35

CAMPUS LIFE

Students’ unionism for sale

By Habeeb Whyte

I

T is noteworthy to say that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice. When they fail in this regard, they become dangerously-structured dams that block the flow of social progress. No doubt, the intrinsic blessing of political participation in democracy has been extended to all spheres. The system has also created an opportunity for her youths to grow politically, resulting in substantial political participation of the youth constituency. Hence, the youth have continued to grow politically through the establishment of various bodies like National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria Youth Parliament, National Youth Council, etc. These bodies were established for the development of the youth constituency and increased participation in political activities. That was the basis of their

establishment but the reverse is now the case. There is urgent need for reforms to be made so that the glory of the youth constituency can be regained.

Personally, I subscribe to this idea of reforms in our students’ youth movement as a prerequisite to sustaining the improvements birthed by the change that we all strove for in March 2015. It is pertinent because student unionism have been compromised since the inception of democracy 16 years ago. Across all higher institutions in Nigeria, the primary driving force of unionism is squarely financial self-enrichment. The situation is so alarming that Students’ Union Governments reek of the worst of corruption just as it is in our mainstream politics. Students’ leaders scramble for avenues to enrich themselves as soon as they take hold of power. The scampering for which political bigwigs to associate with begins immediately they assume office and any politician who dole out money to them becomes the “good” government to be supported with machinery of the students.

Students are therefore being used to perpetrate various political evils at a time they should be home to exercise their legitimate franchise on merit as their contribution to the democratic process. They, rather than become the enlightened soul of their communities, actually help to nurture the political rots that will further the

bastardisation of our future. This is often heightened by direct financial inducements by politicians and political aspirants. Student union leaders today engage in all kinds of diabolic things to manipulate, rig, and perpetuate election fraud and therefore have no will power to confront managements and governments when the rights of students are trampled upon.

The magnitude of rot in student’s unionism is further exacerbated by their unfettered access to union dues.

The dues soon become victim of selfish inflation just so it will be enough to go round. Cases abound as to how various union leaders drained the treasury at the end every regime without any project to explain away the looting. The number of houses, exotic cars and fat bank accounts become the relevant questions, rather than how a regime has affected student’s lives and academic performance positively. Or how it has creatively engaged all stakeholders to better the lots of students on campus and project a meaningful future for students after graduation. The driving force of unionism today and the high level of corruption have made it appealing in most institutions only to the tough, rugged, crooked and misfits who lack a saner grasp of activism.

Hence, the student and youth movement assume a strong tool for selfaggrandisement.

Those who have used unionism to amass wealth do not understand that

Nigeria has a youth population of over 100 million making over 62 per cent of our population. These statistics are essential in assessing the development potential of this critical mass. What that translates to is that our youth population dwarfs the entire population of other West African states put together such as Ghana and even more than the population of South Africa. Nigerian youths are arguably one of the most energetic in the world. We see that sense of industry and determination to succeed in their constant struggle for a better life, amidst the challenges that bedevilled the nation. All these tremendous potentials make it glaring that the contributions of youths alone to economic and national development is enough to put Nigeria in the class of great nations, and that the denial of the nation of this potential is enough to keep it in perpetual poverty and annihilation.

However it is not good enough to suggest that students’ bodies should be scrapped. NANS is not the problem the same way Nigeria nation’s amalgamation is never our problem.

Our problem is the human souls that have failed to respond to the voice of reason and truth. If we have to scrap NANS, NYC, NYP, then we have to scrap most mosques, most churches, most institutions of learning, etc. the challenge is not the existence of youth groups. It is clearly the evaporation of values which form the foundation

of every human society.

But I would rather propose that all youth groups must be denied access to fund. Student leadership should be seen as a training ground for future leaders and not an avenue for money mongering. Students’ dues are actually meant for purposes that are essentially responsibilities of government. Union dues should be abrogated so that unionism is maintained as a student interest group. This will make it attractive only to youths who have the spirit to serve, not to rule and are intelligent enough to give the students effective representation. Same should apply to NYC and NYP. All their activities should be funded through subventions and must be accounted for. This should be done in such a way that it does not deny the unions their autonomy in protecting students’ rights This should be followed with a national reorientation programme to correct the current materialistic undertone that colours unionism across the nation. The reorientation programme should alsohelp to redirect youth energy and potentials to productive ventures and act as a strategy for maximising the potentials the youths of African’s most populated nation.

The basis of the proposal is the awareness that, it is the responsibility of the society or government to mould her youths as a great force for change. Leaving youths to develop without mentoring or orientation turns them into destructive players.

•Habeeb is a Corps member, NYSC, Abuja

We must stop glorifying corruption

By Emmanuel Balogun

F

OR the sake of precision, I adopt a simple definition of corruption as the act of offering or receiving payment in cash or kind for the purpose of gaining undue financial or other advantage.

To better capture the magnitude of this social ill, prolific writer Chinua Achebe said: “Corruption in Nigeria has passed the alarming degree and entered the fatal stage and Nigeria will die if we keep pretending that it is slightly indisposed.”

The covert infiltration of warped values into the society leads the public to celebrate corruption and to publicly cheer those known to have corruptly enriched themselves with

no questions asked as to the source of their wealth. The peg question, most time, has been the size of your car, the larger your house, or the larger your donations at public events, determining how loud or cold the ovation will be. This encourages the corrupt to steal more and forces others to toe the same path. Religious organisations are not spared in the ongoing corrosion of societal values. Some churches, mosques, herbalists and other practitioners of traditional religion receive donations that are clearly the proceeds of crime with open arms with no questions and then pray fervently for the donors.

However, the degree of corruption in a country’s judiciary could determine the level of corruption in the larger society. With a corrupt judiciary, the probability of convicting and appropriately sentencing those arraigned before the courts for corrupt practices is very low. Corrupt judges receive bribes to pervert the course of justice, they grant ridiculously long adjournments, decide cases on narrow technical basis and choose mild sentence options as if to warn the criminal to go and sin no more. The weaker the laws on corruption and the loopholes in sentencing provisions, the greater are

the tolerance for corruption in the society. Sometimes loopholes are left in the sentencing provisions by those who draft the laws as deliberate values for the discretionary use of judges.

In an infamous case that shocked the Nigerian society and the international community, a convicted pension thief who stole over N23 billion of pension funds was given the option of paying N750,000 fine, an infinitesimal fraction of his loot.

Weak or non-existent laws on the forfeiture or seizure of assets fraudulently acquired with the proceeds of corruption encourage corruption in the society. When laws send the petty thief who has stolen a goat to prison for six months but the same judicial system frees a thief that has stolen N23billion after the payment of a mere 750 000 damages the very fabric of the justice system.

Corruption persists in Nigeria because the probability of being caught and indicted for corruption cases is very low, the probability of being convicted once caught is even lower and, therefore, the expected cost of engaging in corrupt activity is abysmally low. Little wonder, Australian negotiator Stephen Davis dares former Borno State Gov-

ernor Ali Modu Sheriff to go ahead and sue him in a recent allegation with his connection with Boko Haram. He said: “Goodluck to him if he decides to sue me in Australia, He can’t buy the judges here. Truth is not for sale.”

Many people engage in corrupt acts because the expected benefits from corruption activities far exceed the expected cost. Government and the populace have a duty, a responsibility to raise the probability of corruption criminals being penalised by raising the two underlying probabilities.

Government should learn a modified war against indiscipline that inspires Nigerians to a new beginning in the full knowledge and preparedness that those benefiting from the current value vacuum will fight back in the media the same way they orchestrated opposition to War Against Indiscipline under the then Buhari-Idiagbon regime. Is it not upsetting when a public servant steals N23 billion of pension funds while pensioners perish or when a former minister reportedly authorised the purchase of two bullet proof cars for N255million for her use? Public servants have become not only insensitive to the plight of the common man but also clueless

as to what constitutes acceptable behaviour in present day Nigeria.

I wish to conclude and recommend that drastic action should be taken to raise the probability of those engaged in corrupt practices being penalised for their misdeeds. To achieve this, steps must be taken to raise the probability of those engaged in corrupt practices being convicted and sentenced once caught. This requires rewards and incentives for law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate and charge those engaged in corrupt practices to court as well as resources to raise the prosecutorial capacities of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to successfully convict those engaged in corrupt practices. The National Judicial Council should double its effort to cleanse the judiciary of its corrupt elements for the fight against corruption to succeed. The NJC should accept that there are corrupt judges and other officials in the judiciary and stop pretending otherwise.

Those found guilty should not only be sacked but should be prosecuted and made to forfeit ill-gotten wealth.

•Emmanuel has just finished from Zoology, UNILORIN

Still on the UNILAG post-UTME conundrum

P

ROFESSOR Dibu Ojerinde is, no doubt, one of the most popular men in Nigeria at the moment. He is the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He holds the fate of over 1.4 million candidates who sat for the 2015/ 2016 JAMB examination in his hands, and that is a big deal.

For many students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), going to school the past two days has been very hectic. Parents, wellwishers and candidates have been flooding the school gate and amphitheatre premises to protest the new policy of being sent to other schools for the post-Unified

By Olakunle Adeagbo Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Needless to say, this has helped in intensifying the traffic at the school gate.

I read somewhere that the University of Lagos is the 5th most sought-after university this year with over 62,472 candidates that sat for this year’s UTME examination. Going by unofficial statistics, about 70 per cent of the candidates got 180 and 200 as their score and that is roughly about 43,730 candidates clamouring to write the post-UTME exams. This is still a far cry compared to the

about 6,500 candidates UNILAG will eventually get to admit later this year. I cannot even begin to imagine the situation at the University of Ilorin, which has over 107,488 applicants.

I really do not know why JAMB didn’t communicate all these changes to the applicants before now. Many had already gone ahead to buy change of course forms and now they have to deal with this too. It makes one wonder if all these decisions are being made and implemented spontaneously. The importance of communication cannot be overemphasized. These changes ought to have been communicated to these candidates as soon as they were made,

along with other vital information.

There was so much confusion among the candidates who weren’t shortlisted for the post-UTME exercise in UNILAG and there is no way for them to know the new school their details have been sent to.

Some conspiracy theories have also been making the rounds of Ojerinde having had secret meetings with the owners of some private schools in Nigeria who have solicited for more students which led him to think up the new policy of sending these ‘unfortunate’ candidates to private schools for their post-UTME exams.

There’s no evidence to confirm this suggestion but this wouldn’t nec-

essarily be a bad idea if only the tuition fees of these schools were actually affordable. But that’s obviously not the case. The average Nigerian parent would be expected to sell their body parts and still take bank loans to afford it.

I lost faith in JAMB after my third or fourth attempt at gaining admission and failing yet again. I had to resort to taking direct entry classes and exams to finally gain my admission. It is apparently not an easy route, but it’s a much healthier method of getting admitted into the university of first choice without partaking in all the stress and confusion that come from writing UTME examinations.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

36

CAMPUS LIFE CAMPUSLIFE reporters are global ambassadors

T

WO CAMPUSLIFE reporters have been chosen as ambassadors of Youth for Enlightenment and Welfare (YEW), a global youth movement.

Eddy Uwoghiren, 300-Level Medicine and Surgery student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State, and Tolulope Ajobiewe, a fresh graduate of Urban and Regional Planning of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) in Niger State, were nominated for the positions along four other youths penultimate Monday.

In his congratulatory email sent to the students, YEW President, Shahzor Memon, wrote: “I congratulate you on becoming our ambassadors. Your applications thrilled us. We marveled at how far you have contributed to the development of your immediate environment through launching campaigns on health matters, ranging from blood donation drive, health awareness campaign, volunteering for free medical outreaches for rural dwellers in Nigeria, freelance journalism and other platform. We strongly encourage you to keep the good work and help spread the message of YEW in your country.

Accept the assurances of our warmest regards as we look forward to working with you.”

Tolulope has been an advocate of

Ex-students’ group inducts members

T •Eddy

From Emmanuel Edigberhi UNIBEN environmental sustainability. He has held several campaigns on climate change and environmental degradation.

Tolulope said: “I am happy to be selected as YEW ambassador. But, far from the being excited and ecstatic, I believe the role comes with responsibility, which is a call to service and represent Nigeria on the global platform.”

He said he would mobilise volunteers and resources for actions that would make the nation develop interest in making the envi-

•Tolulope

ronment sustainable.

Eddy also described the feat as a call to service, promising to engage in more community-based activities that would alleviate suffering of rural dwellers.

Other Nigerian youths selected by the body include Boris Nwanchukwu, a 500-Level Medicine and Surgery of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Joseph Odewale, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, and Michael Oluwaloseyifunmi of Lagos State University (LASU).

YEW is an internationally-acclaimed youth-led movement engaging in advocacy and campaign on for sustainable social change.

HE Federation of Colleges Ex-Students Christian Association (FECA) in Benin, Edo State, has welcomed new members at an event held last Friday at the main auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Uselu, Benin City.

President of the association Kehinde Gbolagun, in her address, said the yearly event was to educate new members on the values of the association.

While observing that FECA is an umbrella body of Christian youths, who believe in God and channel their youthful energy towards causing a change in their immediate environment. Kehinde said the association had been carrying out spiritual redemption in the past 25 years.

She said: “FECA has been engaging the youth on the need to believe in the country and giving

From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN them tips to correct anomalies they observe in their immediate environment. We believe the change the country needs will not come directly from Aso Rock but will begin from the way we live our individual lives,” she said.

In his exhortation titled: Kings and Priest, General Secretary of the association, Uyi Oronsaye, said God had made the inductees kings and priests, urging them to exhibit the traits of leaders among their peers.

Uyi counselled them to live the way God patterned their lives, saying there was need for them to change their bad attitude. He also advised them to strive for excellence in their endeavour.

He said: “A king will not drink sachet water and throw the sachet on the floor. Neither will a King cut corners. So, there is need for you to change the way you behave in the society.”

Highpoint of the event was the induction of the freshers. The event featured the cutting of cake, song ministration, drama and spoken word poetry, among others.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•The inductees cutting a cake during the event

AUCHI POLY to maintain its position, says rector

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HE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in Auchi (AUCHI POLY), Edo State, Dr Philipa Idogho, has said the institution would maintain its first position in the Webometrics ranking for polytechnics. She spoke at the opening ceremony of the Students’ Week at the school auditorium.

She said: “By latest Webometrics rating, AUCHI POLY maintains the first position in Nigeria, West Africa and the second best in Africa. We will continue to maintain this position by improving quality and research.”

She said the ongoing projects in the school were being recognised by the international community. The feat, she said, made her to be given two awards by an Accra-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO),

From Sampson Unamka AUCHI POLY the African Youth Network.

Dr Idogho advised students to improve their performance and take entrepreneurial course seriously, saying it was the best way to create wealth and boost the economy.

She said: “The employment situation in the country requires that you take seriously your entrepreneurial studies. This would enable to develop your ability to be employers of labour, create wealth and drive the economy.”

The Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Ese Onyewenu, urged students to make the campus violent-free and carry themselves in a dignified manner that would represent the school positively.

A college’s memorable week •Continued on page 36

The TEPSA president, Samuel Bature, said the Students’ Week was an important event on the campus, noting that it was a way to relieve students of academic stress and allow them to interact with colleagues. He praised his colleagues for the participation and the support they showed in the course of the event.

Samuel also thanked the school management and his members of TEPSA executive for contributing to the success of the Week, which marked the end to his tenure.

The event ended on Friday with

a beauty pageant, where female students contested for Miss TV College. The contest saw Mercy Onoja, a Television Journalism student, to be crowned as beauty queen.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Adebayo Oyedokun, a senior staff of the college, said the sustenance of the pageant was a proof that the beauty contest had come to stay in the college. It was gathered that there were more contestants in the contest than the previous years.

The event featured musical performance by a Bauchi-based artiste, known as B.O. It also gave the beauty queen of Plateau State University an opportunity to have a special appearance at the show.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

37

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

‘Nursery graduation necessary’

G

RADUATION period is a time parents have to invest in new outfits for their wards in terminal classes in primary and secondary schools.

However, they moan about the cost, especially when it involves graduation from pre-school to nursery, and nursery to primary. But Mrs Morenike Adepoju, Director of Learning Gate Schools, Ilupeju, Lagos said the transition from nursery to primary is a big deal.

In an interview with The Nation at the school’s graduation for 18 Primary Five and 16 Nursery Two pupils, Adepoju said: “I think when a child has spent almost three to four years playing and moves to primary section, it is a significant milestone. It is quite necessary that parents encourage and support them.

“Before, they played a lot. They read by picture reading. Now they will read letters, words and construct sentences.

It is a different ball game. It shows they

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

have grown and matured.”

Adepoju counselled parents to make worthwhile investments in their children’s education.

“I want to encourage all of us that there is no amount of money that is too much to spend on our children’s education. If God has given it to us, then we should do it,” she said.

The school’s PTA Chairman, Mr Olukayode Fasoyiro, said he was confident that the children would have a smooth transition to their new classes at the beginning of the new session.

“Yes, they are really prepared for the next level. They have given them a lot of qualitative education, moral education and extra-curricular activities. You can see the way they are building them up all round,” he said.

As a way of supporting the school, Fasoyiro said parents were completing the library and improving the play area.

Principal advises outgoing pupils

T

HE Principal Ansarudeen Grammar School, Randle Avenue, Surulere Lagos, Mr Habeeb Badru left the 2015 graduating pupils with three pieces of advice: "never forget your roots; find inspiration in everything you encounter in life; and live your life to the fullest."

He said this while giving a farewell speech to the outgoing Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 pupils.

He said: "Some will look back with great fondness and will celebrate with great pride and joy, others will have mixed feelings about what has taken place over this time. In case, remembering where you come from, building on the positives; learning from mistakes made or misfortunes had is the key for future success and happiness.”

Badru said the graduands should not play a second fiddle.

The Chairman, Board of Governors of the school, Mr Nosiru Kekere Ekun, told the pupils that they were transiting from one point in their lives to another.

"It is a point of transition of decision, action and movement, you cannot afford to tarry too long as you might constitute a nuisance to yourself or others and even expose yourself to some inconveniences or worse”, he said.

Mr Kekere Ekun, whose speech is titled: ‘On the threshold of manhood', said they are now about to cross that entry point to manhood to signal a new beginning, and a new life full of dreams and possibilities.

The lecturer of the day Dr Saheed Olurotimi Timehin's talk was titled: "No leader for all time - The change we truly need."

Timehin said the graduands' par-

By Medinat Kanabe

ents want them to become winners, noting that they are the only ones who can work for it.

"They (parents) can pay your fees, buy you good books, send you to a good school like this, but they cannot read your books for you and neither can they write your exams in your stead. Therefore the main task of becoming a winner is yours and yours alone," he counselled.

• From left: Principal, Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondry School, Yaba, Mrs Titilayo Amune; Graduand, Olufunmilayo Hassan and officiating minister, Pastor Amos Kunat, at the 2014/2015 Valedictory Service of the school at Yaba Baptist Church Auditorium, Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

School sends off ‘superstars’

D

IAMONDS Mine Schools, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos has graduated her sixth set of 'super stars' at valedictory and prize-giving ceremony.

Proprietress of the school, Mrs Grace Aderibigbe, said this year's set were highly intelligent and promising, hence, she was confident of their success.

"These children are wonderful, brilliant and intelligent. They passed all the exams they sat for.

They went for Lagos State Model examinations, state school examinations, federal and even Command School examinations and they did brilliantly well in all of them. I am not panicky for them

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

about any secondary school they go to. They have morals and they are super stars," she said.

Mrs Aderibigbe expressed her gratitude to parents and workers for constant support and the love they showed their children by sending them to school, despite biting economic challenges.

A parent, Mrs Remi Samuel, said: "I like the school and the proprietress also. She is very nice and welcoming. I wish the pupils success and more progress in all their endeavours. They must remain true to their morals and standards."

The class teacher of the graduat-

•From left: Japhlet Imoni (second overall best), Odugu Obiora (overall best) and Oluwatosin Madehin (third overall best) at the event.

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R Kola Christwealth and his wife Oyinola can look back and thank God that they are beginning to reap the fruits of the seed they planted 15 years ago.

Penultimate Thursday, Living Stone College, a school established by the couple with Mrs Christwealth as the Proprietress, graduated 536

College graduates 536

By Abimbola Ojo and Aderenike Gbadebo

across the school's 17 annexes.

The couple therefore, invited well wishers, friends and particularly parents to join them at the Ikorodu Town

• Cross section of female graduands of Vanguard Academy, at the school premises in Odosengolu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Hall to celebrate the success of the school and their pupil’s graduation.

A prominent motivational speaker, Mrs Ibironke Akinlaja, rejoiced with graduands and parents, warning the latter to continue to monitor the former. especially with regards to

ing class, Mrs Olabisi Akinbosede, who described her experience with the pupils as 'tedious, yet exciting', charged them to be morally upright and godly.

"It has been exciting and full of activities teaching the graduating pupils due to preparations for Secondary School.

But I thank God for these children; they are all hardworking and brilliant. God saw us through despite how tedious it was. We took them through practical and theoretical education. I wish them prosperous years ahead and more exciting experience in their educational life," she said. what they watch on television and social media.

“A child's mind is empty and whatever you put inside will germinate either good or bad; so you have to monitor them. Let them get information from you first. Just don't give up on them and also know that every child has his or her own potential,” she said.

Akinlaja who was the guest speaker, said children often see addiction to technology as a normal thing, which is at variance with their parents' and resulting in friction between the two parties. Application of ICT, she explained, can both be 'good and bad', but admonished parents to direct their wards towards the former.

She said: “Being a teacher comes with a lot of responsibilities and clearly the teachers of Livingstone School have not failed in doing their job. So we as parents need to play our part to ensure we produce a total child.”

Speaking with The Nation, Dr Christweath, said it was about time the government re-interpreted the role of private schools as social service providers, rather than entities merely out to make profit.

Odugu Obiora from Ogba annexe emerged the overall best pupil in the entire 17 annexes.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

FUNAAB FILE Funaab fixes admission Academy Scholars screening exercise THE Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is now set for the 2015/2016 screening exercise for interested applicants seeking admission into 100, 200 and 300 levels at the university. The Registrar, Mr. Mathew Ayoola, said the exercise would hold on next Monday, through to the next day.

According to Ayoola, interested applicants are advised to register online, for the Computer-Based Test and a mandatory requirement for both UTME as well as direct entry admissions.

Applicants are advised to visit the university admission portal for details on registration procedure, as application deadline is 14th August, this year.

AAU harps on funding, standard THE President, Association of African Universities (AAU) Prof Olusola Oyewole, has restated the call for better funding and academic standards for universities in Africa.

Oyewole noted that the quality of teaching and research in such institutions remain a challenge leading to students and staff unrest, poor infrastructure and migration of talented academics to developed countries.

Oyewole, who is also the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, was represented by the immediate past Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof Goke Bodunde, at the first Soils of Forest Islands in Africa (SOFIIA) workshop.

The event, held in the university was themed: "Scientific methods and communication, scientific proposals and ecosystems of Africa."

Program

THIS program is open to all recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates.

The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their careers whose work combines disciplinary excellence in the social sciences (including history and law) with a command of the language, history, or culture of non-Western countries or

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APPROACHING DEADLINE regions. Their scholarship may elucidate domestic, comparative, or transnational issues, past or present.

The competition for these awards is open only to recent PhD (or comparable professional school degree) recipients and doctoral candidates from all countries across the world. Those still pursuing a PhD should have completed their routine training and be well along in the writing of their theses before applying to become Academy Scholars; those

in possession of a PhD longer than three years are ineligible.

Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $67,000, and predoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $31,000. This stipend is supplemented by funding for conference and research travel, research assistants, and health insurance coverage. Some teaching is permitted but not required.

Deadline: October 1.

The completed application will include: Cover letter, Curriculum

vitae or resumé, Research proposal (2500 word maximum), Official PhD program transcript and Three letters of recommendation.

The online application is accessed through the homepage of the Academy's website. All parts of the application are submitted online except for the official PhD program transcript which must be mailed to the Academy.

Letters of recommendation need to arrive by the deadline of October 1.

‘JAMB is right to redistribute candidates’

HE president of the Association of Proprietors of Innovation and Vocational Institutions (APIVI), Dr. Andrews Jegede, has faulted opponents of the new policy by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), which seeks to redistribute successful candidates in the Unified tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) whose scores are below the requirements of their universities of first choice, to other universities that meet such requirement.

Jegede, who spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, explained that tertiary institutions in the country have turned post-UTME process into a money-making venture, which now constitute a part of their

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive. Over the past two weeks, criticisms have continued to trail the new admission policy of the examination body, as students and parents protested at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) about three weeks ago.

He explained that post-UTME has made the cost of tertiary admission highly exploitative and expensive at the expense of the poor masses.

He said: “Nigeria is not the only country that has university admission regulatory body; it is all over

‘JAMB has the statutory right to send his particulars to another institution where he or she could be considered, It could be polytechnic, college of education or private institution’

the world. Then, why should Nigerians interfere in the affairs of the country’s tertiary admission regulatory body saddled with the responsibility to conduct entrance examination for eligible candidates and place them into the university of their choices if such candidate meets the university’s cut off mark?

Jegede praised JAMB for introducing the computer-based test (CBT), which according to him, had reduced examination malpractices in the system, and rendered PostUTME unnecessary.

“Since the establishment of JAMB, there was never a time a decision was taken in isolation of other stakeholders in the system; the vice chancellors, registrars, rectors of polytechnics, provosts of colleges of education and heads of innovation institutions in the country are always carried along. Before this became public, we all met at a roundtable in Abuja to take a decision on this year’s admission process,” Jegede said.

He continued: “When JAMB released this year’s cut-off point for admission, every university has its

• Prof Ojerinde

in-house admission standard, and that any student whose score does not fall within a particular university pass mark, JAMB has the statutory right to send his particulars to another institution where he or she could be considered, It could be polytechnic, college of education or private institution. So, also the candidate has the right to accept it, or re-apply to another.”

Praises for UN forum

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• From left: Acting Dean Student Affairs, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Akoko (AAUAA), Dr Bolanle Ogungbamila, Chief Assistant Executive Officer, Faculty of Arts, Mrs Mojisola Lawal and Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof Benson Akinnawonu during Mrs Lawal’s send forth reception held at the university premises.

Insecurity due to weak accountability

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CRIMINOLOGIST and university teacher, Prof Eddiefloyd Maduabuchi Igbo, has hinged the prevalence of crime and insecurity in the country on the weak accountability system by the executive, judiciary, legislature and the police in their statutory roles.

He said the war against crime and insecurity can only be won when effective accountability system is instituted for police and the three arms of government.

Igbo stated this last weekend while delivering the fourth inaugural lecture of the Niger State owned Ibrahim Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL) with the title: Addressing crime and insecurity in Nigeria.

He maintained that the non ac-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

countability of policing in the country to the people has created a strain between the force as an institution and the public.

He said: "Crime and insecurity bourgeons fester, flourishe and persist in Nigerian society majorly because the executive, the judiciary, the legislature and the police have been non-accountable in playing their respective constitutional roles as major public sector stakeholders in the fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria".

Though he advanced other reasons why crime and insecurity persist in the country, the don called for the full implementation of recommendations on police reforms

to check insecurity in the country.

"Government should fully implement the recommendations of the various presidential committees on police reform in order to enhance the working capacity and functional efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)," Igbo advocated.

On the insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country, Igbo advised government to dialogue with genuine leadership of the insurgents with a view to addressing their grievances and end the senseless killing of innocent souls in the region.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, said the aim was to promote development of Nigeria through researches and teachings.

VER 400 participants from tertiary institutions, business, government, and civil society, who gathered at the 2015 Global Forum (a UN initiative) for Responsible Management Education - 6th PRME Assembly, in New York, have commended the ongoing work of the PRME community. The forum, which was designed to carve a niche for management education and business, also charged participants to take a leading role in shaping and achieving the global sustainable development agenda.

The major theme that resonated among participants during the Global Forum was the prospect of business and business education, and their roles in achieving the UN's forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Susana Malcorra, Chef de Cabinet, said: "I am encouraged to see the progress you have made-individually, at your academic institutions, and as a community." As educators, researchers, and thought leaders, the role of participants in achieving the SDGs is essential, she added.

Jonas Haertle, Head of the PRME Secretariat, noted that the eight years of PRME have grown the initiative into "a thriving network and a truly global platform for learning and action with over 600 institutions in over 80 countries, all of which have heeded our call to 'place sustainability at the heart of management education." According to him, over the last one and a half years, 18 PRME chapters and regional meetings have been heldwith the chapters now reaching 12 around the world.

Resources and deliverables presented at the forum included a re-

‘I am encouraged to see the progress you have madeindividually, at your academic institutions, and as a community’ port on PRME chapter activities, a toolkit on public reporting (a mandatory requirement for PRME signatory schools), a transformational model to support broader and deeper implementation of the Principles of PRME, and reports on Faculty Development and Learning in a Social Context. PRME Working Groups on Anti-Corruption, Gender Equality, and Poverty met, and new work streams were launched on Business for Peace, Business and Human Rights, and Climate Change.

The mission of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative is to inspire and champion responsible management education, research and thought leadership globally. The six principles of PRME are inspired by internationally accepted values, such as the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. They seek to establish a process of continuous improvement among institutions of management education in order to develop a new generation of business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by business and society in the 21st Century..

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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EDUCATION NGO repositions teenagers for better performance

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• From left: Asuquo, 2nd position; Ihejirika, 3rd position and Chisom, 1st position.

Port Harcourt school pupil wins Mike Okonkwo essay contest

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ITH a score of 73 per cent, Chisom Emeto of Port Harcourt International School, Rivers State, has won this year’s Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary School pupils.

Chisom submitted the best of 2,997 entries on the topic: “The Nigerian political class and the citizens quest for good governance” received from secondary school pupils across the country.

He also scored highest (66 per cent) in the second stage examination for the top 10 entries organised to authenticate their authors.

Chief Examiner for the competition, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo of the English Department, University of Lagos (UNILAG) described Chisom’s essay as detailed and of good quality “for his ability to engage the subject by showing how citizens have been the culprit in entrenching bad governance. He then proposed what must be done to in-

By Aderenike Gbadebo

stitute a political class that will deliver good governance.”

Chisom and seven others would be honoured on September 3, during the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, which is being organised to celebrate the 70th birthday of Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).

The runners up are Asuquo Mirabel of Redeemers International Secondary School, Eastwest Road, Nkpolu, also in Port Harcourt, who came second with 72 per cent in the first stage and 65 in the second stage; Ihejirika Jonathan Ikechukwu of King’s College Lagos, who came third (71 per cent, and 60); and Awe Iyanuoluwa Modupe of Chapel Secondary Schooln Ilorin, who scored 65 and 56 to place fourth.

Others are: Fifth placed

Aladegbami Oluwadamilola of Hallmark Secondary School Ondo State; sixth placed Muhammed Babayo of Premier Academy, Lugbe, Abuja and seventh placed Iro Akanma of Kuramo Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island, Lagos (60 and 50).

Chisom will get a cheque of N100,000, a laptop, plaque, and three computers and a printer for his school.

Mirabel will get N75,000, a plaque and two computers and a printer for her school, while Ihejirika will go home with N50,000, a plaque and a computer for his scools.

The others will get a consolation price of N20,000 each.

The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, initiated in 2004, as part of activities to celebrate Dr Okonkwo’s birthday, is part of his efforts to contribute to the development of the country’s education sector.

O fewer than 500 teenagers were brought together in Asaba, the Delta State capital by Ideals and Realities Youth Empowerment Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) to address teenagers’ vulnerability to social media in the 21st Century.

The event tagged: 'I need to know teenagers Summit' with the theme: 'Dare to dream,' was convened to address the myriad of challenges facing teenagers, said the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Austine Okorodudu, "Adolescents voices are missing from decision making and policy development because many of them lack the skills. It, therefore, behoves us to be the turning point generation; and that is why this programme is important to us because we need to prepare these young folks for a deserving and rewarding future amidst the devastation often occasioned by their age bracket,” Okorodudu said.

The Delta State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Isaac Ezechi, challenged the participants to imbibe morals.

The NOA boss, who decried the high rate of immorality, particularly among teenagers, warned them to be careful as they are at a critical stage, otherwise their dreams of becoming great and responsible citizens may hit the rocks.

Ezechi said NOA is saddled with reorienting Nigerians to do the right things at the right times. He charged the teenagers to be patriotic and shun negative media exposure and bribery and corruption for a better tomorrow.

The General Manager of NTA Channel 11, Asaba, Lady Martina Onoh, who spoke on ‘Harnessing talents’ by teenagers admonished the young minds to harness their natural talents. She said God created every individual distinc-

By Hannah Ojo

tively, and that those gifts must not be allowed to waste. While she shared her story of rising to the top of her profession, Onoh warned them to do away with carelessness and be committed to their dreams.

A young entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zobo Cola Brand, Mr. Stanley Obinwungo, drew the minds of participants from being job seekers to becoming employers of Labour. He said teenagers must start to design their own business ventures and writing of proposals instead of CVs. Speaking on the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Obinwungo promised that their ventures would be supported through professional assistance byhis organisation.

Other sessions of the event were on living a life of purpose and sexuality education handled by Pastor Julius Ejedenawe of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Ambassadors Youth Church, Asaba and Mrs Favour Uche Okonkwo, who is the Principal Partner of Save the Youth Empowerment Foundation.

Describing her experience after the events, Cherish Okeke, a JSS3 student of St. Brigids Girls Grammar School, Asaba, said she is leaving the event re-fired with her dreams coming alive.

"Now, I know all I have upstairs is possible, thanks to the organisers,” she said.

For Ifeoma Ayaunor a SS2 student of Holywood Int'l School, Asaba, said the event was an eye opener and a life time experience.

The event was also laced at intervals with short video clips, documentaries, drama and quiz. The plenary sessions also helped clarify grey areas among participants on talks delivered.

The event was attended by 17 schools.

Kwara SUBEB distributes chairs, textbooks to schools

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HE Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB) has distributed 1,250 plastic chairs and tables to education authorities in the 16 local government areas of the state.

Other materials included Information Communication Technology (ICT) textbooks.

At the distribution of the items in Ilorin, the state capital, KWSUBEB Permanent Secretary, Dr. Musa Dasuki, described the exercise as the manifestation of the cordial relationship between the Board and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Dasuki said:"The items being distributed were parts of the chief materials donated by UBEC to all the state basic education boards in the country to enhance qualitative teaching and learning in our junior secondary school level.

"The plastic chairs and tables being distributed will complement the furniture KWSUBEB has already distributed to schools in the state through its 2012/2013 intervention project.

"In view of the fact that the chairs and table are just 1,250, local government education secretaries are expected to station the items one school in their councils. This will enable easy monitoring of their use and make it glaringly seen by the management team of KWSUBEB during inspection visit and verification of items.

He continued: "It is noteworthy to stress that the items are strictly meant for junior secondary school students and not for office infra-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

structure for teachers or head teachers. Sanctions await any teacher or head teacher who converts them to use other than the designated purposes."

Dasuki said ICT textbooks, also meant for junior secondary schools in the state, would aid usage of computers and enhance students' ICT knowledge.

He urged head teachers to ensure that students have unfettered access to the material.

"I wish to reiterate that the ICT textbooks should not in whatever guise be sold to the students, as the books are free of charge; students should be allowed to improve themselves with them. However, any teacher or head teacher found selling such books will be sanctioned," the permanent secretary warned.

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•From left: Chairman, Editorial Board of ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, Vice- Chancellor Wellspring University, Prof. Thomas I. Ofuya, Founder/CEO Centre for Values in Leadership Prof. Pat Utomi, and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, at the inauguration of the panel of judges for Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund at the star academy of the company in its Iganmu, Lagos headquarters.

School to offer scholarship to 12 pupils

ANI School Egan-Igando Lagos, is giving scholarships to 12 pupils to cover their study period in the school.

Speaking during preparation for the programme at the school premises the Proprietress and Head of Administration, Ms Gbemi Aminu, said the procedure for qualifying for the scholarships will be in form of basic test, on Saturday, August 22.

She noted that the test which comes up at 10am is prepared for children who fall into entry age group, to Basic One and Basic Four.

"CANI School is providing free education as a panacea to minimising negative effect of illiteracy that emanates in the future of poorly-educated children, "she said.

"The scholarship scheme is done yearly as part of CANI School’s corporate social responsibility, especially in effort to ensure that a sizeable number of children in CANI School community gain access to qualitative education," Ms Aminu added.

She said the results of the test would be announced on the same day, while winners would be ad-

mitted into the school immediately.

Ms Aminu continued: "The scholarships to each winner means that CANI will give them free tuition; books, uniform and all other materials needed to ensure the pupils attain excellent education throughout their study duration.

"As educators, we appreciate professional tutoring as the best legacy to give a child. Provided a child attains qualitative education, he or she is then equipped to achieve all other things that add value to life," Ms Aminu enumerated.

The school Head teacher Mr

Ademola Bello, said CANI has deployed a 'montessori approach' in its teaching. With its 'train the trainers' system, the school has systematically trained all its teachers to attain skill, and is giving the school a comparative advantage.

"In our quest to ensure that more Nigerian children are encouraged to acquire qualitative education is the more reason we give 50 per cent discount on tuition fee of the third child among children who come from the same parents. This incentive is in fact a complement to the annual scholarship scheme," Bello added.

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EDUCATION

Nigeria: Nationhood still a daunting task at 55

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PROFESSOR of History from University of Texas, Austin, Toyin Falola, has said Nigerians representative of the emotional attachment to their ethnic origin rather than national interest has continued to constitute a setback to attainment of nationhood 55 years after independence.

He was the guest speaker at the Golden Jubilee of the Department of History University of Lagos.

He spoke on the theme: “Ethnicity: Its organ and intestine,’ at the Afe Babalola Hall of the university.

At the event were the university’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Rahman Bello, Prof Chukwu Obinnaya.

Others were Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof Yomi Akinyeye and the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota Prof Ayodeji Olukoju.

According to Falola, ethnicity has been too embedded in the collective psyche of Nigerians, which has made an average Nigerian to see himself more as first belonging to his ethnic cleavage before being a Nigerian.”

As a result, Falola said the task of attaining nationhood had remained a challenge since Nigeria’s independence for nearly 60 years.

The fallout out of this, among other factors Falola explained, is

•From left: Prof Adeboye, Prof Obinnaya, Prof Falola and Prof Akinyeye.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

the merit based progression in the social and political circuits which is now being supplanted by the quota system. According to him, the need to avoid dominance of one group against the other has forced decision makers to compromise standards in the quest to ensure that all segments of the country have access to power and social amenities.

“In Nigeria, contestation for power by political gladiators in the

‘Apart from these people that readily come to mind, I can confidently tell you that our products are doing well and holding their own in the different areas of society that they find themselves’

Lagos Council donates 100 GCE forms to indigent pupils

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HE Executive Secretary of Apapa Iganmu, Local Council Development Area, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo AkandeMuhammed, has given out 100 forms for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) examinations to indigent students in the area.

Presenting the forms at the council secretariat, Muhammed said her administration is aware of the fact that education remains a veritable tool for the social, economic and political development of the nation.

She implored youths to ‘focus on future gains in education,’ noting that “an educated person has the key to the future.”

She said: "At a point in the history of educational in this community, more students began to show disinterest in education just because they could not concentrate due to the bad orientation which was inculcated into their minds by some youth that had no future ambition.”

"On the other hand, some youths decided to work in order to support their struggling parents but this should not be as education is the most powerful weapon which

nation’s political space has further accentuated the problem associated with ethnicity. The choice made by voters is mainly driven by the concern for how a given political party will serve the interest of a given ethnic nationality rather than the collective good of Nigeria. This trend presupposes that electorate will most likely form, organise and identify with any political platform that tends to accentuate and perpetuate their quest to dominate others,” he said.

Falola lamented that some politi-

By Ajose Sehindemi

you can use to change the world", she added.

She said education is not preparation for life but life itself, saying her administration is offering the youths one of the life tickets through provision of the forms.

The executive secretary urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by embracing hard work and passing their examination in flying colours.

She said since her administration came into existence, "we have been able to make some impact in the educational sector like procurement of new desks and benches to some public schools under the lcda jurisdiction, rehabilitation of the roofing at Sari Iganmu primary school and construction of the school fence at Orile primary school to mention a few.”

She said to show the seriousness of the council officials to lift the educational standards of the youths in the area and see the beneficiaries pass the G.C.E, free coaching classes is being held for the youths.

She said the youth should desist from any examination related vices that could tarnish their image in the society and that of the council.

• Minister for Education, Ghana, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang with Director Technical and Vocational Services,Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Mr Laolu Oguntuyi, at the African Leaders in Education Forum organised by Worldview in collaboration with British Educational Suppliers Association at Movenpick Hotel, Accra, Ghana.

‘Varsities ‘ll be beautiful brides soon’

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HE founder of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State, Chief Ramon Adedoyin, has declared that Nigerian universities will soon become

MOUAU VC gives cars to deans

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HE Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Prof Hillary Odo Edeoga has inaugurated 11 new Toyota Corolla cars for the deans of various colleges.

He said though there are 14 colleges in the university, the three outstanding deans would have their cars delivered to them soon.

Edeoga said since he assumed duties, his administration has

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-eke, Umuahia

priortised students' welfare; hence the introduction of campus shuttles for the students.

Handing over the car keys, Edeoga told the deans that the cars are not for their personal use but for the various official duties.

Edeoga said the cars are part of the infrastructural and human capital development that are on going in the university despite limited resources available.

cal space had been dominated by a particular group to the exclusion of others, thus bringing with it resentment and security issues that further threaten the nation’s collective fibre as a coercive and progressive unit.

To Falola, ethnicity, which is now a commonplace syndrome in Nigeria, is also prominent in the creative sector as it has really helped in defining the persona of the Nigerian traditional being. He listed such areas to include music, film and literature.

“The world has come to identify more with numerous works of creative arts from Nigeria majorly because the creators themselves rooted their creativity in the numerous cultures within the Nigerian landspace,” Falola explained.

“The whole world celebrates the works of great literary icons like Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Chinua Achebe because their

works were rooted and steeped in the environments that produced and nurtured them. If you remove the cultural contents from the works of these icons, I don’t think there is anything the world will hold on to as being unique in their works,” Falola said.

The Head of Department of History Prof Olufunke Adeboye said despite the challenges, the department has achieved a lot over the last 50 years.

In order to remain more creative and relevant, the department designed new programmes aimed at to meeting up with trends.

She said: “You don’t expect that we have to be where we were 50 years ago. Today, we have adapted to the reality of global trends in the way we carry out our mandate.

“For instance, we had to change the name of the department from being Department of History to Department of History and Strategic Studies to cope with global trends, which emphasis the need to bring diverse focus to the study of history.”

The nomenclature, Adeboye stressed, has paid off as enrolment surged at both undergraduate and postgraduate cadres.

“Owing to the improvement in the course module for the areas of studies that we have had to focus on, the calibre of students that come to study here range from security agents, policy maker, who have found the courses very attractive thus enriching the pool of our alumni base.

“Apart from these people that readily come to mind, I can confidently tell you that our products are doing well and holding their own in the different areas of society that they find themselves,” she added.

He said his administration has provided five new Hyundai buses and 45 Kia and Hyundai cars to serve as campus shuttles to ease transportation within and outside the institution.”

He gave the cost of each Toyota Corolla cars as N3.6 million and after insurance and registration, tracking system installation, it came to N4.2 million each, which came to a total of N46.2 million.

Edeoga urged said the cars will not be assigned to any particular

By Aderenike Gbadebo

the pride of other countries.

In a statement, Adedoyin said with public and private universities, there is bound to be a healthy competition which would in turn engender quality university education.

He said contrary to views being expressed in certain quarters, the "aim of setting up private university is beyond profit making,".

"For example, Adedoyin continued, "Oduduwa University has one of the best facilities and faculty members. If I am driven by profit, the university will not be where it is today. We spend a lot of money everyday and some students are on scholarship on my account, so where is the profit? I enjoyed good education in my days, but the reality now is that many students have been denied

of quality education in public universities."

Adedoyin noted that proprietors of private university without genuine intention would soon be frustrated out of business because they lack the vision to contribute to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria.

"The Federal Government says that private universities are being established to give students more access to university education, yet it does not sponsor students to study in some of the private universities in the country in spite of the fact that many students cannot afford fees charged by private universities.

The older public universities in Nigeria receive about 2000 applicants, while private universities are scouting for 20 students because of the huge fees they charge.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

NEWS

•Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin and his wife, Lami, during the PHOTO: NAN pulling-out parade at Western Naval Command in Lagos…yesterday

Imo Deputy Governor greets Oyegun at 75

By Nneka Nwaneri

IMO State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on his 75th birthday.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Uche Onwuchekwa said Chief Oyegun’s quality leadership to the APC has given Nigeria the kind of leadership it deserves.

Madumere urged Oyegun to continue to give the right leadership.

Deaconess Ahoiza for burial THE remains of Deaconess Ahoiza Dupe Abodunrin, 54, wife of Pastor Samson Abodunrin of the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Ilorin, Kwara State, will be interred on Friday, August 14.

According to the deceased’s husband, a Praise Hour will hold on tomorrow 13 by 2p and a wake by 4pm at the church premises in GaaImam, Ilorin.

Funeral service will hold on Friday at in the church by 10am and interment will follow at the deceased’s residence - No 3, Belawu Yahaya Madawaki Street, off pipeline road, near Gloryland Schools, Ilorin.

From left: Former Service Chiefs: Vice Admiral Samuel Afolayan; Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba and Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah at the pulling|sailing out of Vice Admiral Jibrin...yesterday.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

WAEC releases withheld results of 13 states

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HE West African Examination Council (WAEC) has released the withheld results of its candidates who sat for this year’s May/June West African Secondary Certificate Examination, (WASSCE) in 13 states.

The results were withheld by the examination body because of debts.

Briefing reporters in Abuja on the development, Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Mr. Charles Eguridu said as of press time that the result will be uploaded on WAEC’s website in the

•Governors’ Forum begs Exams body From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

next 24 hours.

Eguridu explained that the decision to release the results was due to appeals from stakeholders, including parents, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and notable Nigerians.

At the meeting was the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, who according to Eguridu, has

indicated that the forum will positively resolve the matter as soon as possible.

According to him, our decision to open this window of opportunity, that is the resort to advance payment guarantees for affected states, was as a result of our appreciation of the prevailing economic challenges facing the nation and in order not to jeopardise the progress of the candidates of the affected states.

“However, following appeals from our stakeholders, including parents, the

All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, notable Nigerians, other well -meaning citizens and most importantly, the intervention of secretariat of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, through the directive of its Chairman and Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, who has indicated that the forum will positively resolve the matter as soon as possible. We have decided to hearken to appeals and review our earlier position’’.

Court stops EFCC from prosecuting Ibru

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USTICE Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja has stopped the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from prosecuting Chairman of Ikeja Hotels Plc., Goodie Ibru.

The EFCC had charged Ibru and some others before the Igbosere High Court for N1 billion fraud.

Ibru and three companies – Associated Ventures International Limited, IHL Services Limited and Clearview Investment Limited – were named in the charge as defendants.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

While the EFCC were preparing to arraign the defendants, they went before the Federal High Court, Abuja to lodge a fundamental rights enforcement suit.

On July 15, Justice Gariel Kolawole, who sat as the vacation judge granted an exparte motion by the applicants and restrained the EFCC from taking further steps on the charge pending the determination of the suit.

The judge directed the applicants to serve the enrolled order on the EFCC

and others listed as respondents in the suit.

He said the EFCC could, within five days from the day of being served with the enrolled order, apply for the discharge of the restraining order if it desires.

He has adjourned to September 14.

A copy of the enrolled order reads: “It is hereby ordered that the 1st respondent (EFCC) to stay all actions against the 1st applicant (Goodie Ibru) in respect of the petitions written by the second and third respondents or any other person on account of the operations and management of Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc and Ikeja Hotels Plc pending the hearing and final determination of the originating motion in this suit.

“That in relation to prayer two, the respondents, the 1st respondent (EFCC) in particular against whom the order is pointedly directed, shall be at liberty within five days of its being served with the applicants’ originating motion as well as the Certified True Copy of the enrolment of these orders, to apply that these orders be discharged prior to the hearing and determination of the applicants’ originating motion.”

The judge adjourned the hearing of the main suit till September 14 “without prejudice to the right of the respondents to apply for the discharge of these orders”.

Ibru, Associated Ventures International Limited and IHL Services Limited are

the plaintiffs in the fundamental human rights enforcement suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/616/2015, which is before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The respondents are the EFCC, publisher of The Guardian newspapers and also an in-law to Goodie Ibru, Mrs. Maiden Ibru; representative of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, whose petition the EFCC acted upon to investigate (Goodie) Ibru, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju; Alurum Investment Limited, Dadifol Limited and RFC Limited.

The EFCC, in the charge now befor Justice Raliatu Adebiyi of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, alleged that Ibru and his coaccused conspired amongst themselves to steal a sum of N867,700,990.00 being the profit due to Ikeja Hotels Plc, alleging that the suspects received the stolen sum through Starwood Limited, the managers of Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja.

The alleged offence was said to have been committed between January and December 2010.

The EFCC also, in another count, alleged that the defendants had, between June and October 2010, with intent to defraud, fraudulently converted to personal use, a sum of N55,102,485.50 received through Starwood Limited as profit due to the hotel.

It could not be confirmed yesterday whether or not the EFCC has applied for the restrain order to be vacated.

Ogun community cries out over land grabbers

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HE Olowo community via Coker Town in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State has appealed to the government and other concerned authorities to save it from the activities of land grabbers, who, it alleged, had been terrorising the community.

A statement by the community’s development association said despite police intervention, following a petition written to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Police Command, the hoodlums had continued to terrorise the residents, adding that their economic trees and cash crops were destroyed.

In a petition dated April 23, it was stated that the hoodlums allegedly invaded the community in August last year, armed with guns, cutlasses and other weapons, claiming the ownership of their land.

Residents of the community comprising Olori, Olowo and Omitoro villages, according to the petition, now live in fear, following the activities of the land grabbers.

The community warned that nobody should transact any business concerning the land with anybody or group without the consent and approval of Chief Olukayode Opaleye, the traditional ruler of Olori Village, who is also the chairman, Committee of Traditional Rulers (Baale) in the area as well as Dipo Soetan, the monarch of Olowo Village and Timothy Onifade, a community leader in Omitoro Village.

Girls’ Auxiliary celebrates at 90

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HE Girls’ Auxiliary (GA) of the Lagos East Baptist Conference (LEBC) will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Saturday at First Baptist Church, 2, Agunbiade Street, Shomolu, Lagos State.

The event, which will begin at 10am, will be attended by the Conference President, Dr. E.A. Awotunde, Executive Committee members of the LEBC, clerics, the Women Missionary Union (WMU) Director, Deaconess Mary Okpomo, the GA Director, Rev. Ruth Wright, the WMU President, Mrs. C.A. Oguntokun, other GA leaders, GAs and personalities within and outside the Baptist family.

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NEWS Boko Haram kills six in Borno •Four women kidnapped

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USPECTED Boko Haram insurgents have killed six people at Bala Mamman on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

They were reported to have kidnapped four women.

Bale Mammman is a small village, about five kilometres from Maiduguri, in Jere Local Government.

The fleeing residents said the insurgents came to the village at dusk and shot into the air, torching houses and killing six people.

They said the militia abducted four women.

•Dr. Olusola (right), Oba Adeyemi and Princess Ojo at the scene of protest...yesterday. Inset: The protesters.

PHOTO: ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA

Ekiti monarchs, subjects block highway over six-month power outage

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HERE was a gridlock on Ado-Aramoko-Ilesa Highway yesterday as residents of Aramoko and Erio in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State trooped out to protest power outage in their communities in the last six months.

Motorists and commuters plying the road were stranded for over three hours as the highway was blocked on the outskirts and major junctions of the two communities.

Also caught up in the crisis were newspaper distribution vans, which were forced to stop at Aramoko by angry youths who barricaded the road with logs of woods, iron and other missiles.

At Aramoko, the protest was led by the Alara, Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi.

That of Erio was led by its Regent, Princess Adejoke Aladetoyinbo Ojo. Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola visited the two communities in the heat of the protest and appealed to the demonstrators to give peace a chance by allowing government to mediate in the crisis.

Olusola, the Alara and the regent later went to the spots, where roads were barricaded and urged the protesters to allow free flow

Power company: they ’re owing N132m

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HE Chief State Head of Benin Distribution Company (BEDC), Ondo and Ekiti, Ernest Edgar, said yesterday that Aramoko and Erio in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State owed N132 million in electricity bills.

He added that the communities incurred N74 million since BEDC took over.

A statement by Edgar reads: “As a company at the end of the value chain of the power business, BEDC is expected to pay fully for the energy it receives from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and to remain in business, every community or community is expected to pay fully for every kilowatts of energy that is consumed.

“We are constraint by the fact that what is given to BEDC as allocation from the From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

of traffic.

A meeting was then scheduled for the Deputy Governor’s Office, where the monarchs, community leaders and officials of Benin Distribution Company (BEDC) met on the issue.

The protesters accused the BEDC of “illegal disconnection from the national grid” without their knowledge.

They added that the electricity company was also distributing bills after the “disconnection”.

National Grid for the four states of coverage is just nine per cent of total generation in the country, which is grossly inadequate.

“In spite of all these facts, we still have customers or communities that have refused to pay their electricity bills.

“A r a m o k o - E k i t i i n E k i t i S t a t e f o r instance, is a good example of communities that have refused to pay electricity bills.

“The community, before privatisation, was owing the sum of N58,109,657.54 and since privatisation, on November 1, 2013, it has further accumulated the sum of N74,080,944.47k bringing the total indebtedness to N132,190,602.01, which they have refused to pay despite series of meetings between them and BEDC officials.

“With the present situation, the only option for BEDC was to withdraw services, if we must remain in business.”

They wondered why BEDC kept on distributing bills on electricity they did not use.

The resident accused the distribution company’s officials of complicity in the vandalism of transformers in their communities.

But the deputy governor reiterated that electricity has been privatised, saying the government’s duty was to mediate between the company and the consumers.

He said: “But when the electricity companies and the consumers refuse to

shift ground, there would be problems. The two parties must shift grounds to be able to reach an amicable solution to the problem.

“When the community insists that without electricity, they would not pay and the electricity company says if they don’t pay, we won’t give them electricity; then the problem will persist.”

The deputy governor said the state government and the affected communities would set up a committee to look into the problem.

Scores protest ‘outrageous electricity bills’

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CORES of electricity consumers yesterday marched on OmuAran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

They protested alleged exorbitant billings, extortion and poor customer relations by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company of Nigeria (IBEDC).

The demonstrators, who were youths and women, carried leaves and chanted war songs.

The protest, which started from the IBEDC building at Oluseyi about 9am, ended at the area commander’s office.

The protesters’ leader, Chief Bisi Owolabi, decried the services and the attitude

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

of the workers.

He said the bone of contention was the alleged exorbitant and outrageous bills for August.

Owolabi said the community assisted IBEDC by servicing and renovating its facilities, adding that it failed to reciprocate the gesture.

He said: “The least charge on the present bill is between N7,200 and N10,000, representing an increase of more than 100 per cent. We compiled the bills and took them to their office for adjustment last Saturday.

“But to our surprise, they removed our fuse and plunged our area into dark-

ness.

“We regard this action as a slap on our face and we have resolved that henceforth, no consumer will pay above N2,000 monthly.”

The President, Omu-Aran Youth Forum, Pastor Doyin Lawal, said youths would resist any attempt to compound their economic situation.

At the council secretariat, the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Comfort Ajiboye, received the protesters and urged them to be law-abiding.

She enjoined the demonstrators to send a letter to the local government.

The Area Commander, Mr. Ayodele Olatunji, appealed to the protesters to be cautious.

He said the command would intervene.

The Business Manager, Mr. Mikail Bello, said the gradual increase in the unit of the energy consumption for the community necessitated the increase in the present charges.

He said the community’s energy usage increased from 70 units to 350 units, following the recent improvement in electricity transmission.

Bello added: “The only way out of this problem, which I continue to emphasise, is for them to have prepaid meters. This will give every individual control on his or her electricity usage, to avoid occasional quarrel.”

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From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

Bukar Modu, one of the fleeing residents, told reporters in Maiduguri that some of them narrowly escaped by the grace of God. Another villager, Ibrahim Bello, said: “We fled into the bush because we knew that we were the target.”

A member of a vigilance group, Amadu Kolomi, confirmed that six people, including two children, were killed.

He said the insurgents kidnapped four women and stole animals.

U.S. decries market attack

HE United States has condemned terrorist attack in Borno State.

The attack, which occurred at a market in Sabon Gari, claimed the lives of more than 40 people. Scores were injured.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility.

The attack occurred in an area where hundreds of people have been killed in recent weeks by suspected Boko Haram members.

US said: “We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of the victims. We will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to bring those responsible for the attack, as well as previous attacks, to justice.

“As we have said before, the people of northern Nigeria deserve to live free from violence and from terror. The United States will continue to provide a range of counter-terrorism assistance to help Nigeria and its regional partners. “We hail the efforts of the military, as well as the security and defence forces of Chad, Niger and Cameroon, for the gains they have made in the fight against Boko Haram.

Omatseye’s investiture by NAL holds today

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HE investiture of Chairman of The Nation’s Editorial Board, Mr. Sam Omatseye, as honorary fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) holds today at the main auditorium of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, by 11 am.

The academy is Nigeria’s apex body for scholars and academics.

Omatseye is the only honorary fellow chosen this year for distinguishing himself in his field of endeavour.

Two regular fellows will also be inducted at the event, which is the academy’s 17th Convocation, Scientific Session and Investiture.

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NEWS NJC moves to bar petitions against judges Continued from page 2

tions, whether or not the time limit has expired, where there is good reason to do so.”

In 5(2), it states that “A person, who is refused an extension of time limit under Paragraph 1, may make a representation to the Chief Justice/ Chairman of Council, asking the Chairman, within 14 working days of being notified of the refusal, asking him/her to refer the request for an extension of time to the Council.”

Rule 7(5)(A) states that: “A complaint must be signed by the complainant and accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the complainant before a Court of Record.”

The new provisions mark a clear departure from what existed before now where there were no major restrictions on

how complaints/petitions against judges could and should be made.

Although a senior member of the NJC has said the intention was to discourage frivolous petitions, many are however worried that the NJC would seek to discourage petitions against judges by introducing such stringent procedure when the Judiciary is generally believed to be hampered by widespread corruption.

Many have also seen the new regulations as a departure from the pledge by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed to sustain efforts to rid the Judiciary of bad eggs.

The CJN had, in the past, expressed discomfort about the level of corruption in the

Judiciary.

Justice Mohammed, on June 24 in Abuja, at a conference on “The fight against corruption: The way forward” organised by the Anti-corruption Commission of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), regretted the level of corrupt practices in the legal profession and disclosed that about 64 judges were disciplined.

Although, Justice Mohammed had, on assuming office on November 20, 2014, pledged to sustain his predecessor’s initiated reforms, there is no report yet that any erring judge has been sanctioned since he took office.

The over 64 sanctioned judges the CJN referred to in his June 24 speech were those penalised under previous CJNs.

Chadian president sets Dec. date to end insurgency Continued from page 2

by the fearsome Abubakar Shekau and that his successor was open to talks.

He said: “There is someone apparently called Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government.

“For my part, I would advise not to negotiate with a terror-

ist,” Deby, whose country has been spearheading the regional anti-Boko Haram fight, said.

While claiming progress in the fight against the terrorists, who have repeatedly hit border areas of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, and wrought havoc in northeast Nigeria, Deby admitted that suicide bombers still posed a threat.

In the past few weeks, suicide

bombers, many of them women, have staged several attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

The challenge, Deby said, was to “avoid terrorist acts and that’s why we must organise at the regional level to prevent bomb-making materials and other explosives entering our countries.”

Four die as chopper plunges into Lagos lagoon Continued from page 2

12 (twelve) souls on board, including the crew.However,the number of casualties is yet to be determined.

“At present, officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Police are at the site providing rescue operation for the victims.

“While this is ongoing, further details will be communicated as appropriate.”

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, commiserated with the victims of

the crash last night.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said the government dispatched its emergency team to the site upon hearing of the accident, adding that top officials of the government were at the site on the directive of the governor for first-hand information.

The deputy governor was also at the Gbagada General Hospital, where four of the survivors were being treated. She sympathised with the the injured passengers and assured them that they would have the best of medical care.

She told reporters after the visit that two survivors were taken to a private hospital around the site of the crash for first aid attention, noting that they would be moved to the government hospital once their condition stabilises.

“We have four of the survivors at the Gbagada General Hospital while two others are at a private hospital, Afolabi Medical Centre, where they are being attended to as a sort of first aid, pending when their condition improves and they will be transferred to the General Hospital also,” the deputy governor said.

NDDC can’t account for N183b, says auditor-general Continued from page 4

NDDC accounts with about N183.7 billion expected to be refunded to the federation account.

A breakdown of what the NDDC will return to the Federation Account, Ukura said, includes the N70.4 billion unaccounted for from the mobilisation of various contractors that never reported to site; the N5.8 billion paid to contractors for projects not

NNPC to be sole petrol importer, says Emefiele Continued from page 4

”Those who are importing petroleum products will only just need to go to the NNPC and pick up petroleum products.

“So, in that area, I would say that we are already moving in the direction of reducing the import of pe-troleum products.

And we will achieve it.”

On the efforts being made by the President to recoup stolen oil revenues believed to have been deposited in foreign banks, Emefiele said the issue was still being looked at, assuring that “as the Central Bank, we will also assist in drilling them once we get to that stage, and we will be happy to have that money back because it will improve our reserves”.

executed or abandoned; N90.5 billion spent on extra budgetary expenditure without approval by legal authorities; N1.2 billion undeducted taxes from contractors; N10.07 billion to be refunded as tax deductions made without evidence of remittance to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); N3.1 billion transferred to unauthorised accounts and unaccountable staff advances of N1.7 billion.

Ukura said: “It is our belief that all the money spent

by government, if it was properly spent in the region, Niger Delta would be a better place.”

He added that N785 million of N1.1 billion allegedly paid to contracts for the supply of furniture to various schools in Delta State was also unaccounted for.

The Auditor-General noted that additional details of their findings are contained in the report he submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa.

Troops’ll soon neutralise terrorists, DHQ assures Nigerians Continued from page 4

“Those perpetrating these heinous crimes are callous, barbaric and monsters whose activities will soon become a thing of the past.

“The military is intensifying efforts to continue to break the bones of the terrorists and wish to re-state and re-assure Nigerians that it is not relenting in its efforts to rid the country of terrorism and any act of criminalities.

“Every step is being taken to neutralise the capability of terrorists whose activities still continue to constitute danger to civil populace as they are in disarray while

running away from their former safe haven and no longer capable of confronting the troops.

“Defence Headquarters is therefore appealing to the general public to be extra vigilant and be wary of strange faces and objects in their localities.

“Asymmetric warfare calls for collective effort of both the general public and the security agencies in information gathering and sharing.

“The public is advised to always give timely information to the security agencies in order to avert the reoccurrence of the ugly incidence.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS

Congo measles outbreak kills 315, infects 20,000: U.N.

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measles outbreak in the copper-mining Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 315 people and infected at least 20,000, the United Nations said yesterday.

Hundreds more deaths have likely not been documented due to difficulties accessing

remote areas, The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a draft report on the province’s worst outbreak of the disease since 2010-11.

“The measles epidemic in the province of Katanga is only worsening and gaining ground,” said the report seen

by Reuters.

More than $2.4 million will be needed to organize vaccination drives and treat those already infected in the southeastern province, it said.

Some 1,085 people died and about 77,000 were infected in the 2010-11 epidemic, according to a study in the scientific journal BMC Infectious Diseases.

The industrial copper and cobalt mining zones in the province - Africa’s leading producer of both metals - have been largely untouched by the current outbreak as they lie hundreds of kilometres south of the worst affected areas.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to deadly complications like di-

arrhea, dehydration, respiratory infection and encephalitis.

Mortality rates are low in developed countries but can rise to as high as 20 percent in poorer countries, according to medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

It costs about $1 in developing countries to vaccinate a

child against measles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last November that progress toward wiping out measles has stalled worldwide due to poor vaccine coverage.

Access to healthcare is low in Congo, which ranks 186 out 187 on the U.N. Human Development Index.

Dozens missing after landslide in Shaanxi, China

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T least 26 people remain missing after a landslide in China's northwest Shaanxi province, say local authorities.

About one million cubic metres of mud buried dormitories and homes owned by the Shaanxi Wuzhou Mining Company in Shanyang county early yesterday.

Officials said 14 people had been rescued. The operations had been greatly hampered by heavy rain.

China has seen severe weather during the current monsoon season.

The powerful Typhoon Soudelor hit southern China over the weekend bringing

strong winds and rain.

Shanyang officials said the authorities were alerted to the landslide at 01:47 local time (17:47 GMT on Tuesday).

Fifteen dormitories and three residential buildings were buried, trapping at least 40 people initially.

The local government said on its website that people in the area surrounding the landslide had been evacuated, and that large machinery and rescue personnel had been brought in.

State broadcaster CCTV said dozens of soldiers, some with sniffer dogs, were at the scene looking for signs of life.

U.S. military 'copter crashes in Japan

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IX people were injured when a U.S. Army helicopter came in for a hard landing yesterday on the deck of a Navy ship off the coast of Japan, according to the U.S. military.

The injured were taken to a Navy hospital, U.S. Forces Japan said.

The ship, the USNS Red Cloud, which has a helicopter landing pad on board, was more than 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) east of

Okinawa when the H-60 helicopter came down. The incident's cause is er investigation, U.S. Forces Japan said.

Earlier, the Japanese coast guard had reported the number of injured at seven.

It said it had received a rescue request from Camp Foster, a U.S. Marine Corps facility on Okinawa, and had carried out a rescue of all 17 of the helicopter's crew members.

• A Syrian refugee from Kobane jumps off a dinghy holding two children as they arrive at a beach on the Greek island of Kos, after crossing a part of the Aegean sea from Turkey, Monday. United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) called on Greece to take control of the "total chaos" on Mediterranean islands, where about 124,000 migrants have landed this year.

PHOTO: Reuters

UN inquiry into CAR child rape claim

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HE UN mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has launched an investigation into allegations its soldiers raped a 12-year-old girl.

It will also focus on accusations by Amnesty International that UN peacekeepers shot dead a 16-year-old boy

and his father earlier this month.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he was "personally dismayed and disappointed" by the allegations.

The UK-based rights group said the two incidents happened as peacekeepers from Rwanda and Cameroon were

carrying out an operation in the capital, Bangui.

Amnesty International said it interviewed 15 witnesses in the immediate aftermath of both incidents, as well as the girl and members of her family.

The girl had been hiding in a bathroom during a house

search in the early hours of 2 August when a man allegedly wearing a blue helmet and vest of the UN peacekeeping forces took her outside and raped her behind a truck.

"When I cried, he slapped me hard and put his hand over my mouth," the girl told Amnesty International.

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TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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T is no longer news that former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa in Abuja. Reporters were eager to find out details of the meeting. They got little.

There was, however, a general agreement that it was a friendly visit because, according to an experienced reporter with a remarkable perspective in such matters, Obasanjo would have fired a letter instead of visiting, if he was up in arms against the President.

What did the two leaders discuss? One week after the meeting, there is still no statement about the details, giving room to speculations, some of them modest; others wild and clearly off the mark. Never one to leave its loyal readers in the lurch, Editorial Notebook went in search of its sources. One of them, “a usually reliable source” who swore by his new pair of trousers that he got his information from an uncle of his who is close to the aunt of a gardener who once served at the Villa, recounted the encounter. There was, however, no independent confirmation of his account, which, nevertheless, goes thus: A group of presidential aides welcomes Obasanjo, who walks in briskly, holding his agbada with one hand. The President comes out to receive him.

Buhari stops as soon as he gets close, standing erect, his two hands firmly clasped by his sides.

“Moin sir. You’re welcome. So good to see you.”

Obasanjo: Relax, my president. It’s so good to see you again. You’re looking so fit. The work load is not showing at all. I’m happy to see you.

They stroll leisurely into a living room. Buhari announces that the duo would like to be left alone as this is a private meeting. The room cleared, they begin to talk.

Obasanjo: Hmmm…hum (He clears his throat, his eyes gleaning with satisfaction). My President, once again, I thank you for giving me this audience. My God will honour you. I have come to – in fulfilment of my promise not to leave you alone – listen to your experience so far and offer some advice, some tips on how to get it right. But, let me confess to you, so far so good. That is my verdict. And that is the opinion of many Nigerians, reasonable Nigerians o; the ones that I have met here and overseas.

Thank you.

Buhari: Sir, I thank you for finding the time to come. It is my pleasure to welcome you. I had thought you would be here before I travelled to the U.S, but it’s okay. It was a very rewarding trip. The Americans are willing to help us recover all the money that was stolen, but they insist we must punish the thieves and stop impunity in all areas of our lives – the public sector, the military and all that.

Obasanjo: That’s good. Somebody, one reporter was telling me the other day that you were told to ensure that those indicted in the Halliburton scandal are punished. The stupid boy was saying it was during my time that that happened. I told him “yes; it happened during my time. Was I involved; what’s my own?” I don’t even know what Halliburton was doing here. He was saying the only gap was that I didn’t bring the officials involved to justice. Ah! See me see trouble o. Is it my duty to take people to court? I almost got angry.

You have spent a few days in office and they have started calling you Baba Go Slow.

Don’t mind them; take your time and get it right. Nobody can please us.

RIPPLES Election Petition Tribunal:

David Mark’s witnesses abscond.

Counsel says they’ve defected to APC

They’ve defected ...that means they have ‘PORTED’

VOL. 10, NO. 3205

‘The courts should not close their eyes to developments in the legislature under the guise of non-interference. If they do, they will be paving the way for our lawmakers to get away with anything, including murder’

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Editor of the Year (DAME)

Buhari hosts Obasanjo

•Buhari

•Obasanjo

Buhari: My predecessor, Dr Jonathan was also here the other day to talk about all these issues. I think people have seen the direction of our government, that we are ready to recover all the stolen money. They have seen the operation we are doing in the oil sector and they are worried that …

Obasanjo cuts in. Mr President, you are right o. I read that Jonathan came in here in the night.

What was he looking for in the night? I heard that he came to plead with you to spare some of his people, his former aides, ministers and the rest of them. Please, apply wisdom o. There is no need to have mercy when you’re fighting corruption. If you drop your guard, you will be ambushed. Corruption will surely fight back and when it does you’ll be powerless.

You know I started it all. I put that boy there…eemm …emmm …Nuhu. Ribadu. But then he got consumed by the politics of the job

and later the job of politics got the better part of him. See what we have today.

In fact, I read that Jona said he was hearing some of the cases for the first time. I laugh. Didn’t I tell him that people were misbehaving? What did he do? Instead of facing the reality, he was talking about elders who speak like motor park touts. You see, any young man who says an elder’s mouth is smelly, e go see wein.

Today you say people are not stealing; they are only corrupt. Tomorrow you lecture us on the difference between stealing and corruption.

Haba! Now, the chicken has come home to roost and people are running up and down.

Buhari: It is true he was here Sir. We had useful discussions. I think people are afraid that they will be persecuted. And I have said it several times that we will not witch-hunt anybody.

Again, Obasanjo cuts him, raising his right hand and shifting in his seat.

You’re right. Many of them have come to Abeokuta to see me. They would like me to intervene on their behalf. And I looked at them and smiled. I am no more a politician; I’m now a statesman. They just won’t understand. And as a statesman, Nigeria is my party. I can’t protect you if you have hurt Nigeria, I am ready – if you’re ready –to go konko bilo with you. If you must face justice, dat na your toro. Soon, I will start walking them out.

Buhari: Dr Jonathan himself is surprised at the magnitude of the corruption we are talking about. He said he didn’t know that so much was going on. He said he was always warning his people to stay away from corruption.

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

Obasanjo (shaking his head and smiling): They should stay away from corruption and embrace stealing? If you, as the head, are not aware that your people were having a bazaar, then you don’t know anything. Now alarm don blow and you’re running like a headless chicken. What nonsense is that? I have always said it, that girl …emm …emm… Ngozi; Okonjo-Iweala, who worked for me is different from the one who worked for Jonathan. I knew how to manage her.

People have accused me of not apologising to Nigerians for, as they say, giving them Yar’Adua and Jonathan. And I have always said, ‘me, apologise? Apology my foot. I am not an oracle. Besides, you can get a job for a man, appointed, elected, selected or any how, but you can’t do it for him’. There is a good saying that if you want to know how anybody will perform, put him in a position of power or put money into his hand. Then, siddon look, watch him.

(Buhari keeps nodding – obviously in agreement.

He frowns, his closed lips shrunk in a manner that shows disgust).

And the Boko Haram matter?

Buhari : We are doing fine sir. I think the group is losing it. Now they attack remote villages and use suicide bombers. We are finding a way round that and very soon our efforts will begin to yield fruits. We are on course. I am still trying to find out how an army that was well respected became a weakling that couldn’t handle this domestic issue. Allah willing, we will crush the insurgents.

Obasanjo: When I told the other man to be systematic about this matter, he was angry, saying all sorts of jagbajantics. I said, ‘listen to me, young man. You may have been small during the war, the civil war. So, take our experience and use it. You have to use carrot and stick’. He didn’t listen. His boys went after me; they ignored the message and started crying like foolish housewives: ‘What does Obasanjo want?’

They thought they could embarrass me; nobody can embarrass Obasanjo. Never.

Buhari: We have no intention of embarrassing any Nigerian. We have done a lot of work and very soon the trial of all those who stole money will begin. We must recover every kobo.

Obasanjo (he stands up, ready to go): Once again, I thank you for this audience and I pray that God will give you wisdom to run this show well well. Sai anjuma.

Buhari: Asoka lafia. Safe journey, sir.

Fanks WAEC

S

OME bad news from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) – 61.32% failed to pass English and mathematics in the last School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE). Of the 1,593,442 candidates who took the examinations, only 616,370 got credit passes in five subjects.

Without a credit in English and mathematics, going to the university will be a mere dream. Who carries the can? Not WAEC. Definitely. So, where lies the fault?

English is the only language in many homes, including where the parents never went to school. This, in my view, is the problem.

I am sure Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Nobel

laureate, would not have been such a fantastic writer if he had not been well grounded in Yoruba. Neither would the late Prof. Chinua Achebe have been great if he had no deep understanding of Igbo language and culture.

For today’s kids, the Azonto generation, knowledge begins and ends on Facebook, Wechat, Whatsapp, 2go and all that. They– many of them, I dare say – speak English effortlessly, but, given a pen to write, they start sweating. They watch movies as if their future depends on them. Their ears are permanently wired to pop music – Shakiti Bobo.

Many have sought solace in the wide cor-

HARDBALL

I

T is curious that a member of the House of Representatives, Segun Adekola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), unexpectedly and inexplicably withdrew a motion already listed for debate. The motion was entitled: “Urgent need to curb unwholesome practices of Chinese, Indian and Lebanese companies in Nigeria.”

A report said: “In his argument of the motion, as contained on the Order paper, the lawmaker said a media report on an incident at Wempo where it was alleged that a Nigerian worker’s head got smashed by a faulty machine called for concern.” It also said: “As stated on the Order paper, the lawmaker expressed concern that some of the foreign companies act with impunity by subjecting their workers to degrading working conditions and a near absence of safety measures in flagrant disobedience of Nigerian Labour laws.”

Adekola’s withdrawal of the motion was anti-climactic and disturbing enough. But

ruption of the English language to which the Smartphone offers a platform. Consider this from a friend’s younger brother: Hi. Gud am. Howz work? And fanks for the other day. May dis wk bring joy nd blessings 2ur home, family and luvd 1s.May Almighty grant your innermost @ desire.

Oluwa is highly involved. Plz don forget to roja ya kid bro o. Luv uuuuu!

To WAEC, I say fanks for giving us, once again, a wake-up call on the need to tackle some of the problems of our children’s education. Thanks.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

A legislator’s withdrawal method even more worrying is the information: “In accordance with House rules, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, granted the request.” This raises a question about rules that appear to encourage abdication of responsibility. Isn’t the matter grave enough to seize the attention of the other members of the House, beyond Adekola’s vacillation and inconsistency? Who is expected to pursue such a propeople cause, if those elected by the people to protect and promote their interests seem ignorant of what is expected of them?

It is unclear why Adekola withdrew the motion. It is disappointing that he did so, considering that the subject remains topical. Or is he suggesting that there is no longer an “urgent need to curb the unwholesome practices of Chinese, Indian and Lebanese companies in Nigeria”? It was reported: “In

his prayers, Adekola wanted the House to mandate the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, when constituted to investigate the incident at Wempo and other unwholesome practices of foreign companies operating in Nigeria with a view to bringing an end to the unhealthy trends.”

It is reasonable to think that the targets of the motion are aware of the development and must feel relieved. The alleged “unwholesome practices” have continued and will continue because of the on-and-off approach by those who are in a position to do something about them.

This case of indefensible discontinuity deserves attention because it may well be the result of a lobby, which would make it even more condemnable. The legislator’s aboutturn reflects unseriousness.

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