The Nation August 18, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Boko Haram has links with al-Qaeda NEWS

Page 4

•US General warns of danger ahead

Mikel’s dad: Abductors demand N20m NEWS – Page 6

•Police investigation still continues http://www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 1856 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Why Okonjo-Iweala is back, by Jonathan NJC in dilemma over Salami

Minister to lead 24-member Economic Team

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INANCE Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala yesterday pledged to make job creation her priority.

But she admitted that there is no magic wand or quick fix to turn around the economy.

The former World Bank President took the oath of office shortly before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. She is to coordinate the 24-man Economic Team announced yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan said OkonjoIweala would not be paid in dollars, contrary to speculations.

“Let me announce to Nigerians that she accepted to serve, just like any other minister, and indeed others who came from the diaspora have not asked us for dollar salary.

“They are going to receive salary and allowances like

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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others in the cabinet. They are coming to serve the country and are not coming because of their personal aggrandisement,” the President said.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala arrived for the ceremony at about 09.55am. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she stepped into the council chambers.

Ministers scrambled to take photographs with her.

President Jonathan said: “Let me thank you for accepting to come and serve because considering the position you were holding at the World Bank, it is difficult for you to come back to serve as minister in a country.

“And I am saying this with all pride because when your name was made known and it entered the media, everywhere I went, Heads of State and Government were wondering why you would even agree to come and they were appreciative of me, especially the African Presidents, that I did well to pull you back home to help to solve the African problems because they know your worth in the Continued on page 2

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala taking the oath of office ... yesterday

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Ex-Vice President Aikhomu dies at 71 P2

•The late Admiral Aikhomu

Jonathan, IBB pay tributes to ex-Naval chief

HE National Judicial Council (NJC) is facing a dilemma over who should preside over its session on the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, today. The Deputy National Chairman of the council, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has travelled out for the lesser Hajj.

But the main opposition coalition, the Congress of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), yesterday described the refusal of the NJC to accept service of a court process filed by Justice Salami as crude and unethical.

The President of the Court of Appeal has filed a suit at the Federal High Court, asking for a perpetual injunction to restrain the NJC from acting on the report of the Auta Panel it raised to review the report of a Fact-Finding Committee headed by Justice Umaru Abdullahi.

Although the notice of Justice Salami’s suit was served under a difficult circumstance, the NJC is adamant in going ahead to take action on the President of the Court of Appeal.

It was learnt that the NJC members are in a dilemma over who will preside at the meeting.

It was learnt that while the CJN, who is an interested party, cannot preside over a matter in which he is involved, the Deputy National Chairman of the Council, Justice Musdapher has traveled to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

Continued on page 60

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •NATURAL HEALTH P47

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

NEWS

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•From left: Mrs Adejoke Babatunde; President, Law Students Society, University of Ibadan, Mariam Olafuyi, and guest of honour, Mr Layi Babatunde, at quiz and PUBLIC LECTURE organised by the society in Ibadan ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

S Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala settles down in office as Minister of Finance, stakeholders have stressed the need to look beyond diversifying the economy and curbing spending - the thrust of her agenda.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives, Mr Bismark Rewane, said the minister needs to grow the economy, reduce fiscal dominance and build institutional capacities.

“She needs to reduce government activity by limiting its fiscal dominance, eliminating all obstacles to growth and making the country more competitive by building institutional capacities because institutions of the government are weak.

“Although all these may be

What stakeholders expect from Okonjo-Iweala embedded in her agenda, they should be made more explicit,” he said.

Former chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mazi Samuel Ohuabunwa, who is also the past president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja , said the minister should focus on policies geared towards job creation.

“She has to ensure higher level of fiscal discipline and fiscal responsibility by drastically reducing the government’s expenditure.

They should not use the minimum wage to incur high level of deficit. We must maintain

Why Okonjo-Iweala is back, by Jonathan Continued from page 1

World Bank.”

The President added: “The expectation, not just for Nigeria, but the whole world is high. People expect so much from you. Some people feel you have the magic wand to wave and change everything.”

But, he quickly added: “I believe with your level of experience and with the support we will give you and, of course, with the co-operation of your colleagues, all of you collectively will help to change our own country.

“You will help to work to make sure that our transformation agenda move smoothly and get to the destination expected.

“People wonder why we want her back; we want her back not just to manage the Ministry of Finance but we are opportuned to have her as somebody who is vast in economic issues and we want her back to play a key role in economic issues in the country.

“Of course, you also know that in the immediate past, she also introduced the idea of Economic Management Team during Obasanjo’s time and we followed up, the late President Yar’Adua and myself.

“This time around we are expanding the Economic Team because we believe the country is one. Yes the states

Job creation my priority, says minister

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INANCE Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala spoke yesterday on her priority.

“Let me say that the thrust of what the President wants for now is the creation of jobs. So, everything that we do in terms of pushing forward has to be geared around how we can have a true job growth in the economy.

“So, we are going to be working on that. Those micro economic structures, reforms and investments in key sectors that need to be done in order that we create jobs for our youths, will be the critical thrust, but we can expand on that later,” she said.

On the debt profile, Mrs OkonjoIweala said government would be taking a critical look at the “fiscal issues in the country studying possibilities of fiscal consolidation and that includes looking at our debt level”.

She added: “As you know, I am somebody who believes that we should have have their own economies, but if there is no proper coordination in the management of the economy - between the Federal Government and the states we cannot go anywhere as a nation. And that is why in the economic team this around there will be some governors as members but she is brought in to coordinate all economic activities of the Federal Government and, of course by extension help the states,” the President said.

The 24-member National Economic Management

By Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

a prudent approach to our debt. But, we will be able to tell you more later when we have started the process of looking at the budget.”

On the banking reforms, she said: “there is no reform package by the CBN and no reform package by the Ministry of Finance. There is a reform package for Nigeria, which is being led by President Goodluck Jonathan. We are here to make sure that his priorities are met.

“CBN is dealing with monetary, currencies and exchange rates policies and the finance sector is fiscal policy. The two have to come together in order to make a whole. So, there is no division,” she said.

Taking over at the ministry, OkonjoIweala said the government’s expectations from the ministry is “efficiency, effectiveness and delivery”.

She said the Ministry of Finance “is critical to the implementation of the job

Team (NEMT) will be inaugurated today.

The President said ministers would be briefing the cabinet on their programmes for the next four years.

He said: “From next week, probably after the Sallah celebrations, various ministries will give us comprehensive briefings, where we are and where we want to go.”

He also assured the minister that capable hands have been recruited to help revive the economy.

“I am aware that the core economic ministers have

creation agenda of government”.

She warned the staff that she is a very demanding person who is not afraid to do what is expected of her.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala dismissed any claims to a magic wand in solving the country’s economic problems. She told the permanent secretary, directors and heads of parastatals that the execution of the government’s policies would be based on hard work and attention to the three laid down criteria of efficiency, effectiveness and delivery. The ministry, she said, should set the example.

“Nobody is too big to serve his or her country,” she said, adding that her decision to serve is because she loves the country with a passion.

Nigeria, the minister said, can do better than it is doing now, if all those saddled with implementing the policies play together as a team.

She was received by the Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Yerima Lawan Ngama.

been meeting in the Minister of Petroleum Resources office to see how the ministers can work together,” he said.

The President thanked other ministers, including those from the diaspora, saying: “We know it is quite challenging to move from developed countries to Nigeria.”

The NEMT comprises of the President as chairman, Vice President as vice chairman, and the Minister of Finance as co-ordinator. Other members include the ministers of National Planning, Trade and Investment, Power, Pe-

troleum Resources, Agriculture, Works, Education, Health, State for Finance and Health.

Also on the list are CBN Governor, Chief Economic Adviser, Special Adviser on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, and the Directors-General of Budget, Debt Management Office, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC); as well as the Honourary Advisers on Agriculture, Finance, Economy and Mr Atedo Peterside.

Ex-Vice President Aikhomu dies at 71

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ORMER military VicePresident Admiral Augustus Aikhomu died in Lagos yesterday. He was 71.

He died on the day his former principal - ex-military President Ibrahim Babangida - celebrated his 70th birthday and six days to the 18th anniversary of their departure from power.

The late Admiral Aikhomu, who hailed from Irrua, Edo State, reportedly died after a brief illness. There was no statement from the family, as at last night.

But President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his condolences to the family.

A statement by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati last night said Jonathan received “with shock and sadness” the news of the death of Aikhomu.

Jonathan described

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Aikhomu as a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria in the Navy and contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria as second-in-command to Gen. Babangida.

“Admiral Aikhomu’s life was defined by the values of hard work and commitment; he was a conscientious and dutiful officer who was in all respects admirably equipped for his roles in the military and in the larger society.”

The President said his death marked the sad loss of an experienced, committed and dedicated Nigerian when the country still needs his wisdom, knowledge and contributions as a statesman.

Babangida, in a statement last night by his spokesman Kassim Afegbua, said: “I have lost a trusted, loyal and extremely reliable friend and

brother in Augustus Aikhomu.

“I enjoyed all my years of very warm and close relationship with him. He came across as a professional colleague who understood where we were headed as government and went out of his way to ensure we achieved our set goals and objectives.

“I am utterly dumbfounded especially coming on a day when I was celebrating my 70th birthday. I will miss him, Nigeria will miss him. Africa will miss him, this gentleman officer who worked through thick and thin during our trying period as a country to create a roadmap for the nation.

“A patriot of unflinching loyal and confidante of immeasurable depth. May Allah in His grace grant him eternal rest and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear with this painful and irreplace-

able loss.”

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole also expressed deep “shock and sadness” at Aikhomu’s death.

He said Nigeria has lost an important player in its political development in the last two decades.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oshiomhole described Aikhomu as “one of those leading politicians in Edo politics who offered goodwill and support, despite political differences with my government.”

He urged his widow, Rebecca, whom he described as a staunchly supportive spouse to take heart, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this trying moment.”

Foremost journalist Nduka Irabor, who was Chief Press Secretary to the late Admiral Aikhomu, described his death

as “sad”. He added: “Aikhomu was a true patriot.”

Admiral Aikhomu served first under Babangida as Chief of General Staff and Vice President between 1986 and 1993.

He was enlisted shortly after graduation into the Nigeria Navy, where he rose to Chief of Naval Staff in 1984. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management.

He was born on October 20, 1939 and was educated at Irrua Government School, Yaba College of Technology (1954 – 1958), Royal Britannia Naval College, Long Gunnery Specialist Course, India and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, 1982 He was a Commanding Officer in Shore Patrol Crafts, Commanding Officer, NNS Dorina, Chief of Personnel, Naval Headquarters, Chief of Naval Operations, 1983-84 and Chief of Naval Staff, 1984-1986.

that level of deficit that is three per cent of our GDP. “The minister should also get the CBN to align monetary policies, fiscal policies and economic policies. She should also support the creation of attractive environment for investment and job creation,” he said.

The Chief Executive, Lonadek Oil and Gas Consultants, Dr. Lola Amao, described Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s coming as the best thing that has happened to the country in recent times.

She said: “Her appointment is a round peg in a round hole. She is an expert in finance and financial management. She has promised to diversify the economy, changing Nigeria from a mono-economy that is dependent on oil and gas to one that is not dependent on oil and gas. She will bring stability to all the value-chain of the oil and gas industry – upstream, midstream and downstream.

“She will bring transparency and integrity to the economy, professional ethics and world class standard to how the economy is run. I believe she will change the psychology of those Nigerians who don’t want a change, those who want to maintain the status quo and don’t want to move the country to the next level.

“I have the belief she will bring her international contacts and know-how to positively impact the economy and Nigerians and, most of all, achieve the long expected stable electricity supply to Nigerians because we all need light.”

The Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said Dr Okonjo-Iweala should immediately focus on developing a comprehensive national economic blueprint that will ensure consistent economic policy regime across all segments of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, one of the major challenges that the capital market has faced over the past three years is inconsistency in government policy pronouncements, which have heightened the level of business risks.

The woman Okonjo-Iweala

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ATE of Birth: 13/06/ 1954 Place of Birth: Ogwashi Uku, Delta State Married to Dr Ikemba Iweala, 4 children Education: Harvard University, 1977; PhD, Regional Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States.

Career: Special Assistant to the Senior Vice-President, Operations, World Bank, 1989-91; Director of Institutional Change and Strategy, World Bank, 1995-97; Country Director, Malaysia, Mongolia, Laos and Cambodia, World Bank, 1997-2000; Deputy Vice-President, Middle East Region, World Bank, 2000-03; Minister of Finance and Economy, 200306; Minister of Foreign Affairs, June-August 2006; Managing Director, World Bank, 2007 to date.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

NEWS

•Students of the Army School Public Relations and some Editors of The Nation...yesterday

PHOTO:ABIODUN WILLIAM

‘Army PR School exists only in Nigeria’

My relationship with Kudirat Abiola, by Sofolahan A

ABDULLATEEF Sofolahan, the man described as an exaide to the wife of the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola, Kudirat, said yesterday that he did not know that she was shot dead on June 4, 1996.

He only learnt she died in her car.

He also denied ever working with any member of the Abiola family.

His relation ship with the Abiola family, he said, went beyond serving as a Protocol Officer in the late Abiola’s campaign organisation in 1993.

Sofolahan spoke at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere at the resumption of his trial, with former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late General Sani Abacha, Hamza alMustapha, for alleged complicity in Kudirat’s murder Sofolahan told the court how he worked for the transmutation agenda of the late Gen. Abacha while Abiola was in custody. He also said he later worked in 1998 with the campaign organisation set up by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo.

He admitted working as a Protocol Officer in Hope 93, the campaign office of the late Abiola, who won the 1993 presidential election as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Sofolahan said he only knew the late Kudirat from a distance when he was at Hope 93. He also denied any personal relationship with Abiola and he challenged anyone with contrary information to come forward with same .He testified before Justice Mojisola Dada as his only witness in the case. Sofolahan was led in evidence by his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo and cross-examined by Lawal Pedro (SAN) for the prosecution.

Then, the defence closed its case.

The court adjourned till November 10 for parties to adopt their written addresses.

On whether he attended Kudirat’s funeral, Sofolahan said “no”, claiming that he could not attend because Ikeja, Lagos (where the deceased was buried) was taken over by “area boys” (street urchins).

He denied any involvement in the conspiracy and murder of Kudirat.

Sofolahan said he was born in 1950. He claimed to have possessed a Teachers’ Training Certificate and taught briefly in Sokoto State before relocating to Lagos. But he could hardly utter a sentence in good English.

The court room laughed intermittently as he spoke, misusing words, mispronunciating others and displaying inability to understand simple questions. He sometime deliberately sounded funny.

Sofolahan described himself as a beer dealer, who had been in the business since 1986, and was a ma-

By Eric Ikhilae

jor distributor of Nigerian Brewery Plc, Guinness and Coca-Cola products. He gave his residential address as 116 Ojuelegba Road, Lagos.

Sofolahan told the court that after the Hope 93 Organisation was wound down in July 1993, he returned to his business. He said he traded under the name of September 10 Enterprises, with office at 12, Abeokuta Bus Stop, Itire Road, Lagos.

He told the court that he later joined the Obasanjo Campaign Organisation in 2008, following which he went with the former President to Aso Rock, Abuja, where he was arrested in 1999. He identified Bodunde and Otunba Fasawe as those with whom he worked in Aso Rock.

On how he knew the late Kudirat.

Sofolahan:”I know her during the campaign in 1993 at the Hope 93 office. It was not only her. The three of them always come there for campaign materials. That is, herself, Dr. Doyin Abiola and Alhaja Bisi (all wives of Abiola). They normally come for campaign materials and I will be called to give them out.

On his relationship with Kudirat.

“Honestly speaking my lord, after the closing of Hope 93, I never worked with the late Kudirat Abiola. And nobody in this world, not only in Nigeria, can confront me with the claim that I worked there.

“It is propaganda. Some people will call me the driver to Alhaja Kudirat Abiola; some will call me her Personal Assistant in the newspapers.

Members of my family have come to the prison to confront me with this information. I have never been her PA or her driver. And nobody from Abiola house can come and testify that I worked there.

“When I was arrested and taken before a panel headed by one AIG Ojomo in Abuja, I begged them to kindly invite somebody from Chief Abiola’s house to come and identify me or they should take me to the house and confirm if I ever worked there. But they never did.

Sofolahan said he was arrested on October 8, 1999. He recounted how he was allegedly tortured and compelled to adopt a statement written by members of the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) that investigated the case. He said all the proceedings at the panel were recorded on video.

He requested that the video recordings should be brought before the court.

He said he was arrested at the Presidential Villa in the afternoon and was initially accused of using the name of President Obasanjo to collect money from the Central Bank.

On the claim in his October 8, 1999 statement that he worked as Protocol Officer to the late Kudirat, he said: “My lord, when I was in Abuja before the SIP, I told them that I had never worked with Alhaja Kudirat Abiola as a Protocol Officer, PA, gardner or as a security officer. I challenged them to take me to his house in Lagos for his people to identify me. I have never worked there before. It is newspaper propaganda.

On allegation that he received some strangers on behalf of the late Kudirat, Sofolahan said: “It is a lie.

If they said I received a stranger and I am denying, let the stranger come forward to say I received him or her.”

On another claim that he received some strangers from Aso Rock while working for Kudirat, he replied: “I never received any stranger from Abuja on her behalf. That is a lie. I only worked with Hope 93 and that organisation was dissolved in July 1993. I did not work for her later.

On the allegation that he was introduced to al-Mustapaha in Abuja as an informant by one Alhaji Sarkin Sasa, Sofolahan said: “My lord, I never knew anybody called Alhaji Sarkin Sasa. I told the other court (before which he stood trial over the shooting of the late Abraham Adesanaya) that the only Shasa that I know is the one along the toll gate on the Lagos-Ibadan road. That is the only Shasa that I know. I have never met any Sarkin Sasa.”

Sofolahan denied any relationship between him and al-Mustapha before their detention in Abuja. He told the court that he first saw alMustapha “openly” in 1998 during the two million man match in Abuja, where al-Mustapha, who wore native dress (agbada) sat among the dignitaries on the high table. He said he was among the delegates who attended from Lagos. He only saw al-Mustapha at a close range when they appeared before the SIP, Sofolahan said.

He said he attended the match as a youth leader from Ojuelegba, Lagos. He gave the names of other leaders of the delegation to include Alhaji Muniru Banire (from Lawanson) and Tajudeen Akanbi, whose home address he gave as 115, Ojuelegba Road. He said the members of the delegation from Ojuelegba-Surelere were about 116, adding that over 3000 attended from Lagos.

Sofolahan denied any relationship with Sergeant Barnabas Jabila (Rogers), saying he first met him at the SIP in Abuja. He also denied Rogers’ alleged claim that he (Sofolahan) acted as their informant.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

HE Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Colonel Rabe Abubakar said yesterday that the Army School of Public Relations and Information is the only one in Africa.

Col Abubakar spoke when he led the students and other top officials of the school on a visit to The Nation headquarters in Lagos.

Those with Col Abubakar were Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Idamah and Officer in-Charge of Training, Lieutenant Ojo Adenegan.

Editor, Sunday Lekan Otufodunrin and Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina received the team on behalf of The Nation management.

He said the school was established by the Nigerian Army last year.

According to him, the Airforce, Navy and the Paramilitary organisations are showing interest in its activities.

Col Abubakar praised The Nation for its spread and acceptance by Nigerians within five years of its establishment.

“We would like to invite seasoned journalists to enlighten our students. Though, we are military but we need to tap experience from other professional organisations involved,” he said.

Students of the school on the visit were taken round the facilities at The Nation head office.

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•Sofolahan

He denied knowing Major Ardo, who allegedly claimed to have given him money in Abuja when he (Sofolahan) was introduced to him.

Under cross-examination, Sofolahan insisted he saw the late Kudirat only when she visited the Hope 93 office to collect campaign materials.

Confronted by Pedro that he did not tell the court all he knew in the case, Sofolahan held up the Kuran placed on the edge of the witness box and said: “My lord, I swear to Almighty God, I am telling the truth about all I knew about this case. And God alone knows that I am saying the truth. I don’t know anything. I have never worked in Abiola’s house.

Pedro: You also became aware in 1996 that Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the wife of Chief M. K. O. Abiola, was murdered?

Sofolahan: I was aware. It was a national issue.

Pedro: And you know she was shot in her car?

Sofolahan: I don’t know.

Pedro: What do you know?

Sofolahan: I heard that Alhaja died.

I did not know whether she was shot.

Pedro: Did you attend her burial ceremony?

Sofolahan: I did not.

Pedro: But did you see the video tape of the burial ceremony?

Sofolahan: I did not see the video, but it was shown on the television.

Pedro: Why did you not attend?

Sofolahan: My lord, it was because area boys took over Ikeja that day.

Pedro: What about the rally in Abuja, the rally in support of Abacha?

Sofolahan: I was there. Those who attended were from all the 36 states.

Pedro: And that time, Chief Abiola was still in detention?

Sofolahan: I don’t know.

Pedro: You don’t know?

Sofolahan. Yes sir. I can’t recollect because it happened in 1998. It was long ago.

Pedro: I want you to be honest enough to admit that while the two million-man-match in March was on, Chief Abiola was still in detention.

Sofolahan: Yes sir.

Govt to establish road management agency From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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S an alternative way of sourcing money to fund road projects in the coutry, the Federal Government yesterday spoke of plans to establish a road fund and management agency.The fund, is to bridge the gaps in financing major road projects, especially the highways.

Already, the Federal Government has approved the request of the Anambra State Government to fund the Enugu-Onitsha road by financing the project from the Ontisha Bridge end to Upper Iweka.

Both projects areto be handled by CCC, a construction company.

Addressing reporters after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, Works Minister Mike Onolememen, said the fund will be managed by thw Road Management Agency (RMA).

He spoke in the company of his collegue in the Information Ministry, Labaran Maku and Sarah Ochekpe, (Water Resources).

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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NEWS Armed robbers attack Vanguard publisher Amuka

By Jude Isiguzo

THE Publisher of Vanguard, Mr Sam Amuka, was attacked by a three-man gang at his Adebayo Mokuolu Street, Anthony Village, Lagos home yesterday morning.

It was gathered that the armed men trailed him home at about 7am.

The hoodlums were said to have ordered him out of his grey Honda Accord car with registration number CF411FST at gunpoint as he made to enter the house, and then led him into his bedroom.

The armed men ransacked the bedroom from where they took N500,000, his laptop and a mobile phone.

The Honda Accord car was also taken away by the armed men.

Police spokesman Sam Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said Amuka was not injured.

He said the police were on the trail of the robbers.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Yakubu Alkali, communicated with Amuka immediately after the incident to ascertain that he was in a good condition.

Jinadu said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr Tunde Shobulo, and other senior officers visited the scene.

Police to screen out unqualified applicants From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

THE Police Service Commission (PSC) said it has adopted scientific methods to fish out unqualified applicants.

The Chairman of the PSC, Parry Osayande spoke when the National Working Group on Human Rights Treaty Reporting (NWGHRTR) visited the Commission in Abuja.

Osayande said the candidates being screened for the post of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) are being subjected to biometric and polygraph tests to determine their suitability and fitness.

According to him, with the polygraph test, the officers would be able to detect chronic alcoholics and those with psychiatric cases who may later constitute nuisance.

He said this was the only way the PSC can ensure those enlisted have the capacity to subject themselves to the civil populace.

Boko Haram has links with al-Qaeda, says US General C OMMANDER of the United States military operations in Africa, Gen Carter Ham, yesterday said the Boko Haram group has links with al Quaeda and al Shabab –two established terror groups.

Gen. Ham told The Associated Press that “multiple sources” indicate that Boko Haram made contacts with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which operates in northwest Africa, and with al-Shabab in Somalia “I think it would be the most dangerous thing to happen not only to the Africans, but to us as well,” Carter said.

Ham said there is no specific intelligence suggesting the groups plan attacks against U.S. or Western interests in Nigeria, but the nation is a major supplier of crude oil to the U.S. and is an economic hub drawing foreigners from across the world.

Ham said it appears Boko Haram may be splitting with one section focused on domestic issues and another on violent international extremism.

“What is most worrying

at present is, at least in my view, a clearly stated intent

by Boko Haram and by alQaida in the Islamic Maghreb to coordinate and synchronize their efforts,” the general said. “I’m not so sure they’re able to do that just yet, but it’s clear to me they have the desire and intent to do that.”

Ham said “loose” partnership also would include alShabab. A suspected al-Shabab bombmaker now facing terrorism charges in New York was at one point de-

tained by secret police in Nigeria. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, also known as AQIM, has issued statements in support of Boko Haram, and both use similar logos in communiques.

A recent video indicates that two men, a Briton and an Italian who were kidnapped in northwestern Nigeria, are being held by AQIM. Ham met this week with Nigerian military and security officials during his

first visit to the country as the head of the U.S. Africa Command, known as Africom and which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Ham said the U.S. would be willing to share intelligence and offer training to Nigerian security forces.

“We have a lot of folks who are pretty good about taking multiple pieces of apparently disparate information and putting that in a way that can be useful to operational commanders in a very short period of time,” the general said.

That assistance also could be used if the country requests it, Ham said.

Afenifere decries resurgence of violence in Jos

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

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•From left: Prof. Gbenga Ogunlewe, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Pastor Oladeji, Mrs Oladeji and the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Akin Osibogun... yesterday

LUTH discharges first kidney transplant patient

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HE first kidney transplant patient of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba has been discharged. The 38 year old teacher, Mrs Olufunke Mary Oladeji was discharged at about 4.00pm yesterday.

Family members were there to give her a rousing reception. Mrs Oladeji looked stable and confident. She had been on admission at the hospital preparatory to the trans-

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

plant, which was successfully done. She had been under observation since then.

Two teams were involved in the major operation. The first team harvested the kidney from the donor while the second team handled the transplant on Mrs Oladeji. It was in collaboration with Egyptian doctors.

The husband, who donated one of his kidneys, Pastor Wunmi Oladeji, was full of gratitude to God. He said he could not express his joy at the success of the kidney transplant. “The joy in my heart is much. I thank God that my wife did not die. The success case has proven a point that it’s not all pastors that are evil. If she had not pulled through, people would have said all sorts of things, like I have used my life for

ritual,” said Pastor Oladeji.

Pastor Oladeji said he is satisfied with the treatment his wife received at LUTH and was grateful to the hospital for bearing part of the cost of the treatment.

“It is an indication that more Nigerians can benefit from this service,” he said.

Mrs Oladeji is expected to report at the hospital tomorrow.

FENIFERE Renewal Group (ARG) yesterday condemned the resurgence of violence in Jos, capital of Plateau State, saying the mayhem has drawn the country backward along ethnic and religious cleavages.

The group lamented that the Jos carnage has led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property worth billions of Naira.

ARG, in a statement by its spokesman, Kunle Famoriyo, said the bloodshed has reinforced its call for a national debate.

Famoriyo said: “There is an urgent need for the country’s component units to review where they are coming from as ethnic nationalities and decide how they want to live together as a nation.

Without doubt, now is the time!

“We have hidden under this deceit of ‘One Nigeria’ for too long and it is time we addressed salient and burning issues that are fast tearing us apart”.

The group urged President Goodluck Jonathan to avert similar crisis in the future .

ARG added: “Our leaders will be saving this populous nation from an impendingyet-avoidable catastrophe by learning from the mistakes of others. It is therefore our candid belief that this bottled-up anger in various parts of the country would be swiftly addressed before the country is thrown into a total state of chaos and helplessness.”

UBEC disburses over N26b in eight months

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HE Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has given over N26 billion (N26, 696, 816, 879.

47) to states as grant since January, Executive Director UBEC, Dr. Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed said yesterday.

UBEC will also, next week, according to Mohammed, commence the monitoring of projects worth N7, 258, 752, 895.31 billion in Kwara, Ondo, Kastina, Edo, Plateau, Adamawa, Delta and Cross-River States.

Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of a brochure on “minimum standards for basic education in Nigeria,” the UBEC boss said

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

the development is in accordance with government policy to monitor activities three months after release of funds to states to ensure judicious utilization of the intervention fund.

The release of the over N26 billion, Mohammed explained was made possible after President Goodluck Jonathan, in August 2010, approved the transfer of matching grant funds from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Commercial Banks to address the challenges of low-draw of the Matching

Grant Fund by states.

He said: “This has made it possible for states to leverage on the domiciliation of funds in such banks to raise counterpart contribution; thereby enabling them access N26, 696, 816, 879. 47 from January to date showing marked increase in the rate at which states have accessed the fund. The resultant effect is a marked improvement in school infrastructure.”

UBEC, Mohammed said, is about to start the 2011 Teacher Professional Development with the release of funds to states on a pro-rata basis.

He expressed worry over how states had different stan-

dards in the implementation of the UBE programme adding that it has been a challenge which made the implementation of the progamme a bit cumbersome.

Mohammed said the development called for the prescription of a booklet on the Minimum Standards for Basic Education in Nigeria in line with the National Policy on Education and the directive of the National Council on Education and ensure the effective monitoring of the standards.

“Prior to the enactment of the UBE Act and subsequent establishment of

UBEC, it was observed that states had different standards in the implementation of the UBE programme. Even within states, standards vary across local governments. This was a challenge which made the implementation of the programme a bit cumbersome.

“With this publication, it is our expectation that strict adherence to this document in basic education provisions and delivery would add greater value to programme implementation.”

Mohammed promised that the commission will effectively monitor the standards for compliance as provided for in the Act.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

5

NEWS ‘Problem with Nigerian roads’

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

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HE Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria, Alhaji Aminu Yusuf has given an insight into why Nigerian roads collapse earlier than planned.

He spoke with reporters yesterday at the headquarters of the institution.

Yusuf said: “It is a pity that our roads don’t last their lifespan and I want to tell you here today that the roads are constructed to last for 20 years in Nigeria while in United Kingdom, they are constructed to last for 50 years. But why do ours not last their life span?

“It is because of lack of adequate control over the loading usage in Nigeria. In some countries, there is a law on the tonnage of goods that can go by road, but we don’t have that in place in Nigeria. Ordinarily, some goods like cement and fuel, are supposed to be carried by the rail, but you see them today moving on our roads without any challenge. Until this is done, I want to insist that we will continue to have some challenges.”

He added that in order to improve the rail system, the Federal Government some few years ago approved a 25-yearmaster plan for the corporation, which he said if judiciously followed, would improve the transport system.

Lagos tribunal dismisses ACN’s objection

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HE National Assembly/ legislative House Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lagos has dismissed two separate preliminary objections filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) challenging the competence of a petition by Segun Adewale of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Thepetitioner is challenging the declaration of Mr Adeola Solomon of the ACN as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) In a ruling read yesterday by the tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Maurice Eneji held that the two preliminary objections lacked merit and dismissed them.

The respondents, including Solomon, who contested the Alimosho Federal Constituency seat with Adewale, his party, ACN and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had contended in their sepa-

By Eric Ikhilae

rate preliminary objections that the petitioner failed to state the total scores of the candidates in the election as required by the Electoral Act. The tribunal agreed that Section 47 of the Electoral Act requires that candidate’s scores in election should be listed in the petition. It added that the current pronouncement of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court was that the fact that the scores of candidate were not stated was not enough to strike out an election petition.

It awarded N10, 000 costs against the defendants in favour of the petitioner.

The tribunal also dismissed a preliminary objection filed

by Adewale to the objections of the defendants. It held that the preliminary objection was devoid of merit. It awarded N10, 000 costs against the petitioner in favour of the defendants.

The case has been adjourned to September 5.

NDLEA nabs 142 for drug offences From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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HE Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 142 persons for hard drugs.

Its Commandant, Ms. Omolade Faboyede-Omole, said the arrests were made in the last seven months.

She spoke in Abuja yesterday and cautioned pharmacists against the sale of cough syrup without doctors’ prescription.

She said between January and July, 741kg of cannabis sativa,28.7gms of cocaine and 123.5gms of psychotropic substances were confiscated.

Omole added that the mini-rehabilitation centre of the command has treated, rehabilitated and re-integrated 28 drug addicts.

“More worrisome to the commander is the rate at which mixture containing codeine is being .abused by youths as most of the people admitted to the mini-rehabilitation is as a result of abusing crack, raphenol, trarnadol, benelyn with codeine and tramal,” she said.

Catholic bishops seek information on Islamic banking

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ATHOLIC bishops in the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province yesterday urged the Federal Government to educate the people on Islamic banking.

The bishops spoke after a meeting in Ede, Osun State.

They said the confusion over the implementation of the banking system arose because people were not informed about the system.

In a communiqué signed by the President of the body, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job and the Secretary, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, the bishops blamed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi for

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

the controversy surrounding its planned introduction.

They said: “In a democracy, Nigerians should have been allowed to discuss such an important and sensitive issue before the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, would make a pronouncement on it which sounded much like law.

“Reactions to the proposed introduction of Islamic Banking have shown how divisive such an issue, important and useful though it may be, can be when it is not carefully presented.”

•African Union (AU) High level representative for Somalia, and former Ghanaian President, Mr. Jerry Rawlings (left), and AU Commission chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, at a joint news conference on the Horn of Africa Drought Fund in Addis Ababa… yesterday.

ACN accuses Suswam of hiding certificate •Tribunal to determine motion tomorrow

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam of hiding his educational certificate.

It said he did not submit it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as required by law before contesting the last governorship election.

Counsel to ACN governorship candidate Prof. Steve Ugbah, Mr. Femi Falana, made this allegation during his arguments on Wednesday at the resumed sitting of the tribunal. He insisted that the issue of non presentation of certificate to INEC must be heard so that the governor would not be seen as someone of questionable character.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

He said efforts to get INEC to release materials failed and accused the electoral body of frustrating the case. Falana said they are not questioning the forged certificate which is deemed as criminal and expected for another court but rather they are challenging the declaration of the Governor as winner of the election on grounds of non-presentation of certificate which qualifies any candidate to contest an election He said while the public has the right to challenge the qualification of a candidate before an election, it behooves a party in an election to contest the qualification of his oppo-

nents.

“We are not quarreling with the election but challenging whether the governor who was declared winner by INEC was qualified to contest the election. Also if the tribunal comes to the conclusion that a criminal offence is enclosed in an election petition, then it shall recommend to INEC to prosecute.” Falana said.

But counsel to Governor Suswam, Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN), said the issue of certificate had already been settled by the tribunal in the case of Prof.

Daniel Saror Vs Governor Suswam and urged the tribunal to abide by the ruling that was delivered on August 11, adding “this is

•Suswam

not the place to ventilate such pleadings.”

On the allegation that INEC did not capture the particulars of his client, Dodo argued that it is a pre-election matter that does not concern the tribunal.

He said it is not the responsibility of the respondents to compel INEC to publish particulars of a candidate and urged the tribunal to grant their application in the interest of justice.

After hearing the submissions Tribunal chairman Justice Munir Ladan adjourned the matter till tomorrow.

US envoy: Oil not Nigeria’s most important resource

By Olukorede Yishau, Assistant Editor (News)

•McCulley

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MERICAN Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley yesterday said oil was not Nigeria’s most important resource.

McCulley spoke at the matriculation ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

He identified the country’s “diverse and decent people” as its most important resources.

Terence said: “U.S. higher education therefore is about developing young people into active citizens who contribute to their societies, domestically and globally. And what I see here in Yola is the marriage of U.S. – style higher education with an institu-

tion firmly implanted in the most important country in Africa. And that speaks volumes about the collaboration between our two countries.

And it also highlights this country’s most important resource. No, it’s not oil, rather it’s Nigeria’s diverse and decent people, particularly its youth. Every day, whether meeting with entrepreneurs, government officials, members of civil society, farmers, shopkeepers, and students, I am impressed and inspired by the optimism, by the intelligence, by the drive, and ability of the Nigerian people.

And you, the youth of Nigeria, have an absolutely critical role to play in Nigeria’s present and Nigeria’s future.”

He urged outsiders to stop focusing on the country’s negative sides. “We all know that Nigeria has a certain reputation internationally. The honorable former Foreign Minister even gave a speech last

year to the diplomatic corps in which he lamented that outsiders too often focused on the negative. I agree with him, because what we all know as well is that Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and material resources. We know that Nigeria has the potential to attract billions of dollars of Foreign Direct Investment, as long as there is a solid commitment to the rule of law and the sanctity of commercial contracts. We know that Nigeria has the premier military force in the region that contributes to regional stability, and we know it has the greatest potential for agricultural development in all of West Africa. We know that the women of Nigeria are as capable of economic and political success as men in this country,” he said.

Terence added: “But we also know that Nigeria faces many challenges in the areas of good governance, economic growth, sustain-

able development, electric power generation, public health, and education, from primary school through university. And we know that corruption destroys the nation’s confidence and undermines the very notion of public service. But you have the power to change this.

“Only you and your fellow Nigerians can define what a democratic, prosperous, and healthy Nigeria will look like, and I am convinced that the decisions of today’s youth, your decisions, will determine whether or not Nigeria will address these challenges and set this nation on a new course.

You represent the political majority in this country. And while each of you has individual decisions to make about your educational pursuits and about who and where you want to be individually in the next five to ten years, you have equally important collective decisions to make about where you want Nigeria to be over the next 10 to 20 years. I challenge you to lead.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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NEWS Lagos intensifies work on drains

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HE Lagos State Government has intensified the dredging of canals in the metropolis to tackle flooding.

Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello urged the residents to stop dumping of refuse into canals.

Bello, who spoke during an inspection of work on the canals in Somolu, blamed the July 10 flooding, which wreaked havoc in the state, on blocked drains.

He said the government had started pulling down illegal structures on the drains.

Bello said: “Our behavioural pattern also affects the way nature reacts to us. People have learnt since that incident that when we dump

By Miriam Ndikanwu

refuse in drainage channels, we create problems for ourselves, not for the government alone. This is because people live around these areas, and when they are flooded, they are the first to be affected.”

He said the government had begun the dredging of Bajulaye canal in Shomolu to de-silt the 10-kilometre stretch.

The commissioner said the execution of the project, which would last about a year, would help to checkmate flooding in many local governments, such as Somolu, Bariga, Kosofe Mushin, among others.

Kidnappers ask Mikel’s family for N20m, say police

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IDNAPPERS, who abducted the father of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, contacted his family yesterday requesting a N20 million ($130,000) ransom for his release, the police have said.

Police were contacted last Friday after Mikel’s father, Michael, who runs a transport company, did not return to his home in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Apev Jacob, a spokesman for the police command, said the police had found Mikel’s father’s car abandoned but did not disclose the location.

Jacob gave no further details on how ransom negotiations were progressing and Mikel’s family declined to comment.

Mikel is understood to earn more than $100,000-a-week.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international played in Sunday’s English Premier League sea-

son-opening 0-0 draw at Stoke City with the knowledge his father was abducted on Friday.

He has pleaded for his father’s safe return.

“Whoever has got my dad or knows where my dad is please contact me and hopefully he will be released.

Please let him go — my dad is an old man and he hasn’t done any harm to anyone as far as I know and I don’t know why he has been taken,” Mikel told Sky Sports in an interview on Monday.

It is not the first time a relative of a Premier League player has been abducted in Nigeria, after former Everton defender Joseph Yobo’s brother was kidnapped in 2008.

Kidnapping of oil workers in the Niger Delta has been relatively common in the past but abductions have begun spreading further North.

Council chief petitions Jonathan, Jang, others over Jos crises From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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HE Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State, Mr Emmanuel Dacholom Loman, has petitioned the Presidency, the National Assembly, Inspector-General of Police, Governor Jonah Jang, the police command and the Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises over last Monday’s killings in the local government.

Heipang and Foron villages in the local government were attacked early Monday, resulting in the death of about 15 people.

Addressing reporters in his office yesterday, Emmanuel said: “The petition became necessary in view of the discovery that some members of the Nigerian military took part in the killings of innocent citizens.

“Members of the vigilance group of the community, who had an encounter with the attackers, confirmed that they were in military uniform, particularly the STF uniform.

“Besides, some identity cards of the soldiers were found at the scene of the attack. The soldiers claimed they were not there when the attack was carried out. How then did their identity cards get there? I’m not convinced of the excuse of the soldiers.

“They claimed the youths chased them out of their base and burnt the house and that the youths ransacked their accommodation and picked the identity cards. This is ridiculous because if the youths asked soldiers to go and they left, are they supposed to leave their identity cards behind?

“I’m not convinced. So, I want the state and Federal Government to set up panel to investigate the complicity or otherwise of the men of the STF so that they can prove to the world that they had no hand in the killings in my local government.

“As the council chairman, posterity will not forgive me if I sit down here and allow the unwarranted killings of my people without justification. I demand justice because I’m on oath to defend and protect lives and property within the local government.

“Apart from the attack, the police killed many youths who were protesting the attack on their people. I expected the police to use light weapons in dealing with a civilian protest. But they were shooting directly at the youths and they ended up killing some of them.”

Spokesman of the STF Capt. Charlse Ekeocha said: “We will be happy if the council chairman petitions. Many of our property were stolen by the youths. Apart from the identity cards stolen from our base in Heipang, there are plenty other things, including army uniforms, that were stolen. Let him petition and he has to prove his case.”

Peace has returned to Jos.

•Mr Bello (right) with the Chairman, Somolu Local Government, Mr Gbolahan Bago-Stowe (left) and Managing Director of Zapex Construction Limited Mr Bob Wakeling during the inspection...yesterday.

PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Suspected PDP thugs kept me in car boot, says witness A

FORMER Chairman of Oyun Local Government of Kwara State, Hameed Ajimati, yesterday told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Ilorin, that suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs kept him in the boot of a car during the April poll.

Ajimati, who was the 39th witness of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said the incident occurred in Ojoku Ward 7 of the local government after he challenged PDP agents for multiple thumb-printing and ballot box stuffing.

The former council chairman and other witnesses were testifying in a petition filed by the ACN governorship candidate, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), who is challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of PDP candidate, Abdulfattah Ahmed, as winner of the election.

Ajimati was the council chairman under the PDP but has defected to the ACN. The witness told the tribu-

•Party accused of offering bribes in Kwara

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

nal that accreditation did not take place in any of the polling units in the ward, adding that except in Ojoku township, no election took place in the ward.

The ward had seven polling units.

He said: “What happened in other polling units was that there was massive multiple voting by PDP agents and their supporters, with token allowance made for a few people to vote for anybody they chose.

“At a polling unit, in a place called Awoniyi, I met some PDP thugs stuffing the ballot box with ballot papers that they had thumb-printed.

When I challenged them, they harassed me and forcibly carried me and put me in the boot of their vehicle. Fortunately, while this was going on, some

soldiers, who were on patrol, witnessed it and rescued me.

This was about 1p.m.

“The votes credited to the first and third respondents were products of misuse and misapplication of ballot papers.”

Another ACN witness and a supervisor for Ekiti Local Government Area, Ogheneruro Thomas Omoefe, said voters were induced on the queue to vote for the PDP. He said accreditation did not take place in some places in the council, adding that he was offered money but rejected it.

Omoefe said suspected PDP thugs attacked ACN agents.

He said: “I visited polling units 004 and 006, both located at Primary School in Opin Ward, around 10.30am.

I noticed that accreditation was yet to begin. When I

probed why the accreditation was yet to begin, I was told that it would not be taking place.

“When voting began at about 1pm, PDP agents approached several people to vote for the party and snatched away the ballot papers of people who had voted for other parties. At the close of voting, the votes were counted secretly and the results were also not announced.

“In Polling Unit 1, the number of voters exceeded the number of people who were accredited, when the votes were counted at the close of voting. At polling units 5 and 6, the voters were offered money by PDP agents to vote for its governorship candidate. In all the polling units, our agents were attacked and chased away from the polling area.”

Babangida celebrates low key 70th birthday •Tambuwal, Aliyu eulogise ex-military leader

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HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, were among dignitaries who celebrated with former military President Ibrahim Babangida at his 70th birthday yesterday.

The celebration, which held at the Uphill home of the former military leader in Minna, Niger State, climaxed with a 35-minute prayer session, led by four Muslim clerics from Katsina, Zamfara and Niger states.

Devoid of pomp and circumstance, due to the on-going Ramandan fasting among Muslims, the ceremony gave many leaders the opportunity to eulogise Babangida.

Well wishers started trooping to the Uphill home of the former presidential aspirant as early as 8am to take vantage position for the birthday prayer slated for 11am.

Tambuwal described Babangida as a great leader who is the nation’s contemporary political pivot.

He noted that Babangida remains one of Nigeria’s po-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

litical leaders who are still relevant in the nation’s political history.

The Speaker, who was accompanied by the House Chief Whip, said the nation has a lot to learn from the wealth of experience of the retired General.

Describing Babangida as a living legend, an icon and a father, Aliyu, who is Niger State Governor, noted that the life of the celebrator is a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

The governor said the former military leader excelled in his profession and showed rare vision, courage and exemplary leadership as military President.

Aliyu said: “It is no longer news that Babangida is an embodiment of the ‘can-dospirit’ of Nigerians who rose through the ranks to reach the highest echelon of the military by sheer dint of hard work, dedication to duty and perseverance.”

The governor, who led the state executive council, permanent secretaries and other top government functionar-

ies to the ceremony, said Babangida has left lasting legacies for the coming generations.

He said Niger is proud to be associated with the vision of the former president.

A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, said Babangida remains the nation’s greatest political institution since Independence.

He said: “Babangida is a man who has input in all successive governments since 1966 and someone who brought the nation from the brink of a civil war.”

Salami: Lawyer faults NJC over court service

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KURE lawyer and human rights activist Morakinyo Ogele yesterday condemned the National Judicial Council (NJC) for evading court service.

He noted that the NJC acted in bad faith by disregarding the court service.

Ogele said: “The evasion of service by the NJC, in respect of the litigation by Court of Appeal President, is not only a bad signal but another fantastic mistake by NJC. It is a licence to Nigerians to evade service of court process.

“If the eminent group in NJC could be involved in evasion of court service, then it is a signal to the entire world that the

Nigerian judicial service is sick.

“It is equally worrisome that our judicial system is going this way and Nigerians are watching the dream of our eminent group.

It is unhealthy the way and manner the NJC is exposing our judicial system to the entire world.

“I commend the effort of Justice Ayo Salami for pushing ahead to establish his own right.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu should fight the unpalatable situation within the NJC. Unless this is done, we may continue to witness injustice in our judicial system.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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NEWS Osun workers continue strike

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TRIKING workers in Osun State have refused to return to

work.

They have been on strike for eight days.

Labour unions, led by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) State Chairman Alhaji Saka Adesiyan, yesterday had a two-hour meeting with the government.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi LaoyeTomori, was inconclusive as the labour leaders asked for permission to speak with their members.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

When the leaders met with their members at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, many workers insisted that the strike must continue until the government fully acedes to their demands.

The government had agreed to pay the N18,000 minimum wage to workers from Grade levels 1 to 7, but insisted that those on Grade levels 8 to 17 would be paid on a pro-rata basis.

This has been the bone of contention between Labour and the government.

Former minister Agunloye meets with ex-LP chair From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE senatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo North District, Dr. Olu Agunloye, yesterday met with the former state Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Olaiya Oni. The duo met for three hours at Oni’s Walex Industry in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The meeting may not be unconnected with the 2013 governorship election.

Agunloye was a senatorial aspirant on the LP platform, but his relationship with Governor Olusegun Mimiko and other LP chiefs turned sour when Senator Ajayi Borroface was picked as the party’s candidate. He then joined the ACN. According to a source, Agunloye may likely contest the next governorship election in the state.

He said he had no knowledge of what the former minister was discussing with the ex-LP chairman.

Agunloye confirmed the meeting, but gave no reason for it. He praised Oni for resigning as LP chairman and described him as “a man that has the interest of the people at heart.”

LP Organising Secretary Rotimi Benjamin had said the party was not affected by Oni’s resignation, but focused on implementing people-oriented programmes.

IFCN chief dies

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HE President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (IFCN), Dr. Egai A. Nimiye, is dead.

Egai died last Friday after

a brief illness. A statement yesterday by Registrar of the Institute Mr. Godwin Eohol said Egai died in a Port Harcourt hospital.

The burial arrangements will be announced by his family.

Tribunal to rule on Ogun ACN candidate’s petition From Dada Aladelokun

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HE Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, has concluded hearing on the petition filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) House of Assembly election candidate in Ijebu North 1, Sylvester Niyi Abiodun.

Abiodun is challenging the election of Bowale Solaja of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .

He alleged that Solaja declared a false age.

Abiodun claims that Solaja’s age falls below the 30 years stipulated by the 2010 electoral laws.

He alleged that Solaja was born on April 19, 1982, contrary to the latter’s purported declaration in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form that he was born on April 19, 1980.

Last Monday, the three-man tribunal, headed by Justice Elizabeth Karatu-Abebe, reserved verdict pending the submission of the final written addresses of both parties.

The respondent has 10 days to do so, while the petitioner has seven days to respond.

Lead counsel to the first respondent Ajibola Oloyede and INEC’s lawyer Justin Ilo, initially objected to the tendering of seven documents as exhibits by the petitioner’s lead counsel Razak Okesiji but the objections were overruled and the exhibits were admitted.

The documents included Okesiji’s letter to the Registrar, Birth and Death Registry, Shomolu Local Government of Lagos State; a copy of Solaja’s completed INEC nomination form; Okesiji’s letter to Command Secondary School, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State; among others.

Six witnesses, including members of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), testified against Solaja’s victory.

But the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Oyo State chapter, where Solaja served, declined to present his bio-data, insisting that it had not received directives from the Director-General to do so.

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) during a visit to Minister of Works Mike Ondlememen (left). With them is the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yaguda...on Tuesday.

Protest in LAUTECH over ownership

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CADEMIC and administrative activities were yesterday disrupted at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, as workers of Oyo State origin, under the aegis of Oyo State Vanguard, embarked on a peaceful protest.

Offices, lecture halls and the university gates were locked and movement was restricted outside the campus.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions, such as “No to joint ownership,” “Don’t turn LAUTECH into a political battle field,” “Consider the future of students,” and “Make available NUC report now.”

Spokesman for the Van-

From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

guard Mr. Akin Odesola told reporters that the protest was necessitated by a series of threat text messages allegedly received from a group in Osogbo, Osun State capital, under the aegis of Osun forum, by workers of Oyo State origin.

One of the texts shown to reporters reads: “The battle line has been drawn, we shall see, LAUTECH yi ti gbogbo wa ni” (meaning this LAUTECH belongs to all of us).

Odesola said the protest was not politically motivated, but aimed at resolving the ownership crisis.

He said: “All we are saying is that the issue of ownership

should be resolved. The Oyo State House of Assembly gazetted that the institution solely belongs to Oyo. “The Oyo State Government must make a categorical statement on the issue without further delay. We are not waging war against any government, hence, our decision to confine the protest within the campus to prevent it from being hijacked by hoodlums or sponsored thugs.”

Adesola accused some students of Osun State origin of beating up some of the protesters.

He said: “Presently, no worker of Oyo State origin is willing to work in Osun State for fear of threats to life and property, based on previous

experiences.

“We are not politicians but diligent workers, hence, our insistence that the logjam of ownership be resolved once and for all, in the interest of peace and harmony.”

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade, summoned a peace meeting with the protesters.

The Acting Vice–Chancellor, Professor Niyi Gbadegesin, could not be reached. He was said to be out of town.

Armed policemen and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were stationed at the entrance of the College of Health Science to ensure decorum.

‘Oyo PDP didn’t expel Balogun, Folarin, others’

C

HAIRMAN of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee Dr. Saka Balogun yesterday said the party was not involved in the purported expulsion of some factional leaders by the ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala-led faction.

Balogun spoke during the inauguration members at the PDP Secretariat on Queen Elizabeth Road in Ibadan, the state capital.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

He said no party leader was expelled at the last executive meeting on August 2.

Balogun said: “If such decision is to be taken constitutionally, it is the National Executive Council (NEC) of our great party that has the right to do so, “The zone or state cannot sanction any member for alleged involvement in anti-

party activities.”

He said NEC only instructed that anyone involved in anti-party activities should go back to his/ her ward to re-apply as a member of the party.

Balogun said: “The intraparty crisis was a contributing factor to our unprecedented defeat at the April elections in the state.

“Since it is an open secret that we are at this end, we should all ensure that aggrieved members return to

the party.”

He assured the party that the committee will re-unite warring parties.

PDP State Chairman Chief Dejo Afolabi urged all aggrieved members to appear before the committee in the interest of peace.

“The committee is not to out witch-hunt or apportion blames, but on a mission of fact-finding and peaceful mediation to effect proper reconciliation,” Afolabi added.

No plan to sack federal contractor, says Ondo Govt

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HE Ondo State Government never threatened to sack the contractor handling the repair of bad spots on the Sagamu/Benin Expressway, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, said yesterday.

He was reacting to insinuations from the Federal Min-

From Ojo Damisi, Akure

istry of Works that the state government threatened to do so.

In a statement, Olabisi said: “We did not threaten to sack any contractor; neither did we in any way impugn the Federal Ministry of Works.

“We only were embarrassed by the terrible stretch of road, a development which

harried commuters often blame on the state government, as they are not aware that it is a federal road.

“We merely offered to repair it to save Nigerians using that road, which is a major link to the eastern and the northern parts of the country.

“We are very happy by the cheery news that the Federal Government has

Monarch seeks new councils in Ikole-Ekiti

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HE Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku, yesterday called for the creation of councils out of Ikole Local Government.

This, he said, would bring more development to the people.

Oba Fasiku said development had been slow because the council was too large. He said the council consists of over 25 towns and villages.

Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

Caretaker Committee, Mr. Sunday Ibitoye, called for the creation of five councils out of Ado Municipal Council.

Ibitoye urged Ado-Ekiti residents to endure the inconvenience of the ongoing urban renewal. He said it was in their best interest.

Oba Fasiku and Ibitoye spoke at differ-

offered to repair this road and Nigerians can now heave a sigh of relief. We appreciate the Minister of Works for this laudable step.

“We also call the attention of the minister to the fact that Ondo State is being owed money for works it did on federal roads in the state with due consultation with relevant agencies of the ministry, and we humbly enjoin him to kindly check the records in his office as we have written letters to this effect and these have been duly acknowledged.

“We assure the honourable Minister and President Goodluck Jonathan of our highest esteem and support in the onerous task of giving succour to Nigerians as they commute on our roads.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

8

NEWS Jonathan constitutes panel on oil pollution From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has constituted a special review committee on the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Report on Oil Pollution in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The committee is to make recommendations to the Federal Government on immediate and long term remedial actions.

The committee has two weeks to submit its report to the President.

The committee, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, is to be chaired by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Other members are the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya (Vice-Chairman); the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke; the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chibuzo Ugwoha; the Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Peter Idaboh, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Austen Oniwon and the Special Adviser to the President (Technical Matters), Sullivan Akachukwu Nwakpo.

After receiving the UNEP Report on Oil Pollution in Ogoniland on August 4, Jonathan directed the ministers of Petroleum and Environment to undertake an appraisal of the report.

The decision to constitute an expanded Special Review Committee followed a submission by the two ministers to the President yesterday of their preliminary appraisal of the report.

WAEC tenders result as evidence in tribunal T

HE West African Examination Council (WAEC) yesterday tendered the 2003 WAEC result of Majority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly Phillip Shuiabu as evidence at the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin, the state capital.

Labour Party (LP) candidate for Estako West II Constituency Phillip Sede had, in his petition, alleged that Shuaibu did not have the WAEC result with which he gained admission into the university.

Deputy Registrar (Private Candidates) Ajala Oyewole tendered the result, when he appeared under a subpoena in respect of Shaibu’s educational qualifications.

The result was tendered in a letter of notification of result addressed to the tribunal.

Sede’s counsel Ferdinand Orbih earlier objected to admissibility of the document on the grounds that it was not pleaded.

But Shaibu’s counsel

•LP candidate ‘s evidence accepted From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

Abiodun Amole said the document was pleaded in paragraphs five and six of his client’s reply to the petition.

Ruling on the admittance of the document, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Peter Obi Elechi, said: “Relevance of a document is what determine its admissibility, we do not have any reason to doubt its authenticity noting that it was relevant to the case.”

He adjourned sitting till September 19 for adoption of written addresses.

The Election Petition Tribunal in Bayelsa State yesterday accepted evidence from the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Sagbama Constituency 2 in the House of Assembly election,

Barnabas Edure.

Edure had approached the tribunal to declare him winner of the April 26 election because he said Nestor Binabo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not qualified to contest the election.

He alleged that Binabo was indicted and dismissed from his job in 1987.

Edure presented a letter of termination from the Rivers State Schools Management Board, entitled: Termination of Appointment, Indiscipline.

It was signed by S.C Arguba on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission.

The letter, which was presented by Edure’s counsel Andrew Arthur, was received as Evidence 2 by the tribunal presided over by Justice Christopher Auta.

The purported letter of

termination reads: “The Rivers State Executive Council has drawn the attention of the Civil Service Commission to the fact that you have stained records which shows that you are not amenable to discipline.

“Consequently, in the spirit of present administration, and in accordance with Decree No. 17 1[d] of 1984, your services are no longer required. “You should please hand over any government property in your possession to your departmental head.”

During cross examination, Binabo, who is the Speaker of the Assembly, denied that his appointment with the Rivers State Schools Management Board was terminated.

He said he voluntarily resigned with untainted records. Binabo also denied that he re-applied to the Bayelsa State Civil Service in 2005.

The tribunal, which asked both lawyers to present written addresses in the next sitting, adjourned till September 6.

Couple crushed to death COUPLE, who worked at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, were crushed to death by a commercial bus at the main gate of the institution on the Benin-Auchi Expressway.

Sources said a girl was also killed in the accident and that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Egbehi were riding home

A

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

on their motorcycle, when the accident occurred.

Several other persons were injured in the accident as the bus was said to have ran into shops erected at the gate.

It was learnt that Egbehi worked in the security section and his wife at the pension office of the university.

Revenue board seals off First Bank From Osagie Otabor, Benin

E

DO State Board of Internal Revenue yesterday sealed off all branches of First Bank Plc in the state over alleged tax evasion.

The Board had, on Tuesday, sealed off Mainstreet Bank and FinBank over alleged tax evasion of over N71million.

Last year, First Bank was sealed off over tax evasion but was reopened following an agreement.

The Board Chairman, Oseni Elamah, said the bank has not remitted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax it collected from its workers.

Elamah did not disclose the amount owed by the bank.

He said the state’s Internally Generated Revenue is now N1.3 billion monthly, adding that the board would soon beam it searchlight on other private establishments.

The chairman added that Finbank has been reopened after it paid part of its debt owed to the board.

Task force member escapes lynching MEMBER of the Edo State Task Force on Traffic, Richard Amadasun, yesterday escaped being lynched by a mob after a driver he was trying to ‘arrest’ for traffic offence had an accident.

The mob, mainly commercial motorcyclists, beat up Amadasun before allowing him to take the driver to the hospital.

Sources said the driver drove against traffic on the

A

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

New Lagos Road.

They said the task force members jumped into the vehicle in an attempt to arrest him.

Some of the witnesses said the task force members struggled with the driver who lost control and hit a taxi cab.

Amadasun denied being inside the vehicle when the accident occurred.

Edo former Speaker loses dad ATHER of former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Zakawanu Garuba, Alhaji Aneru Garuba is dead.

Alhaji Garuba, who was 73, died on Tuesday after a brief illness.

Press Secretary to the former Speaker, Dada Ayokhai, in a statement yesterday, said the deceased was a community leader in Auchi, Estako West Local Government.

The statement said the remains were buried yesterday according to Muslim rites in Auchi.

F

•Amaechi explaining a point at the stakeholders’ meeting

Amaechi plans aerial surveillance for Rivers

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said the administration would start aerial surveillance of the state to boost security.

He spoke at a professional stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

The governor said although security has improved, government would build on the success recorded by starting an aerial surveillance.

“Before next April, we’ll have two helicopters with surveillance cameras flying round the state everyday.”

Amaechi said the measure would boost security and curb crimes, such as kidnapping.

He blamed some of the recent kidnappings on out-ofstate criminals, but assured that the administration would make the state unbearable for hoodlums.

The governor also announced plans to boost the

•Assures of regular power supply by Dec 2012 From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

activities of the Joint Military Task Force Anti-Kidnapping unit.

Amaechi said the state would establish a military barracks in Omuma Local Government.

He said there are plans to negotiate with the Federal Government on allowing the state distribute its generated power.

“We generate 130 mega watts at the Trans-Amadi power station but the Federal Government didn’t allow us distribute, and the law is on their side.

“When I visited the station today, I was told that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) only distributes 50 of the 130 megawatts, and that is because they don’t have the capacity.

“Now, we are building ad-

ditional 180 mega watts at Afam. We have asked the Federal Government to give us concession to do our own power distribution, they said no.

“But we are going ahead.

We are anticipating the support of Mr. President. We have set up a committee to work out the modalities; it is headed by Mutiu Sunmonu, the Managing Director of Shell.”

Amaechi assured the people of improved power supply by the end of December 2012.

Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors (NIESV) Emmanuel Okas-Wike commended the Governor for his foresight and commitment to develop the state.

Chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers and Bayelsa states chapter Mrs. Ekanma Akpan scored the

government 70 per cent on its economic policies.

But the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faulted the plan to buy two helicopters with surveillance cameras.

Its Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, yesterday said it appreciated the fact that security issues should be on the front burner, but expressed displeasure over Amaechi’s plan to buy the helicopters, while still obtaining loans running into billions of naira.

The party said: “Amaechi lacks proper planning. He is too much in a hurry. He is running the state like his private company. A leader should be able to give value.

“He owes the people an explanation over the DASH 8 aircraft he sold.

“The Cross River State Government said it bought it for $6 million; the governor said he sold it for $9 million.

He should explain the difference.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

9

NEWS

Lagos PDP, ACN screen aspirants for council poll

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HE Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it would participate in the forthcoming local government election, which to be conducted in the 20 councils and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

Unlike in 2008 when the party boycotted the poll over the creation of additional councils, PDP aspirants have been collecting nomination forms, following the release of guidelines by the State Executive Committee, led by Setonti Koshoedo.

Four hundred chairmanship and councillorship aspirants have expressed their intention to contest in the primaries, which may hold next week.

Many party chieftains in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and community leaders have petitioned the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, warning on the consequences of giving the chairmanship tickets to some incumbent council chairmen.

In Ifako-Ijaye Local Government, the Elders’ Assembly; the Muslim and Christian Community Forum; and the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG) have objected to the second term ambition of the chairman, Demola Doherty.

They said he did not per-

•Chieftains petition Tinubu over candidates

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

form well in his first term.

Doherty, who denied the allegation, said he had lived up to expectation.

He said the petitioners were sponsored to create disharmony and disaffection in the ACN, adding that they would fail.

The Elders’ Assembly, in a petition to Tinubu, copies of which were sent to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and the state Chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, recommended Mr Toba Oke for Chairman; Olubunmi Benson for ViceChairman; and Olusola Thomas for Secretary to the

local government.

The forum, led by Elder Elijah Ojo, said traditional, religious leaders, community development associations market men and women, in Ifako Ijaiye forwarded the names of nominees to the party leadership for consideration, after screening at the grassroots.

The Muslim and Christian Community Forum, in a letter by Alhaji Yisa Lasisi, Dr Joseph Oladele and Mr Yusuf Azeez, said it had not endorsed Doherty for a second term because his performance was not satisfactory.

The group said: “We will appreciate it if a better can-

didate is chosen, to restore the dignity that has been eroded by maladministration in the last three years.”

In Agege Local Government, party chieftains and community leaders urged the ACN leadership to ensure that only committed politicians get the party’s tickets for the council polls.

ACN Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe said the party had received petitions from chieftains from Badagry Local Government.

He advised against fielding candidates who are unpopular at the grassroots.

Igbokwe said: “All these petitions would be looked into and the allegations would be ascertained. Our

leader has warned against frivolous petitions. It is not enough to forward petitions. You must be ready to prove the allegations. We won’t allow people to tell lies against others and go scot free.”

He warned aspirants against submitting fake certificates, saying the party would deal with such persons if they are detected at the screening.

Igbokwe said: “We don’t welcome people with fake certificates in our party. It is a party of ideas and responsible people and we will not allow anybody to tarnish its reputation.”

Meanwhile, chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon Hakeem Bamgbola has been endorsed by the leadership of the party in Central sen-

•Igbokwe

atorial district.

Led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the council is rated high for his sterling performance in office.

Bamgbola thanked the party leaders for giving him opportunity to serve for another term.

He promised not to let the party down.

Yobe to probe N2.5b road project

Y

OBE State Commissioner for Works Alhaji Shettima Lawan has said the 65-kilometre Nguru-Machina road project would be investigated because of the poor quality of work done on it.

He said the government would punish anyone found to have jeopardised the quality and timely completion of the project.

The road was awarded to

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

FK Construction Company in 2005 for N2.5 billion.

Lawan issued the threat when he inspected the road and other road projects.

The commissioner, who was appointed recently, said the work was shoddy and behind schedule.

He wondered why the contractor was allowed to continue the project when it was glaring that the job had

fallen below expectation.

“This is a failed project, with many portions already gone bad before it is even completed. We will not allow this abuse. You must give us value for the money you have collected,” Lawan said during the inspection.

He faulted the ministry’s officials for clearing the contractor and paying him N2.5 billion without requi-

site work done on the project.

He said: “We will investigate and deal with all those involved in making government to pay the contractors despite the poor and shabby quality of work.”

The commissioner said he was disappointed that the ministry did not stop work on the project when it was clear that the contractor used inferior materials for the project.

The supervising engineer for the project, Abali Ibrahim, told Lawan that the contractor disregarded his technical advice on the project.

The commissioner urged contractors to ensure that the state gets value for the money expended on public projects.

He said: “Government shall closely monitor all projects and deal with defaulting contractors.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

10

NEWS Poly screens candidates Candidates seeking admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, for the full time programme of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) programme for the 2011/ 2012 academic session have up till August 21 to buy and submit their application forms.

In a statement, the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Public Affairs, Lasunkanmi Bolaji, said candidates for the ND part-time programme would be screened at 10 am on September 6 while their HND part-time counterparts would be screened at 10 am on September 8.

Missing car A BMW 535I 2010 model saloon car with registration number BP 761 KUJ and chasis no: WBANWIC53AC163966 belonging to Sina Adedeji , was snatched at gun point in Bodija, Ibadan, last Tuesday by gunmen.

Anybody with useful information about the car should contact the owner through any of these numbers – 08021198815, 0803309119 or report to the nearest police station.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

I, Olumide Olushola Ajala of No. 32 Jemtok Street,Ago Okota, Lagos hereby notify the general public that my International Passport (no. A03089286), Driver’s Licence, Identity card, Receipt Issued to me by FRSC, Vehicle Particulars, Keys and Receipts of materials got lost in transit on 5th day of August, 2011. All efforts to trace it proved abortive.

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NUGU State government has described comments credited to Osita Okechukwu, the state governorship candidate of the Congress for Progress Change (CPC) in the last general elections on the labour crisis in the state as ‘typically intemperate and ill-informed.’

Okechukwu, the publicity secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) had allegedly accused the government of refusing to implement the N18,000 minimum wage.

In a statement by Chukwudi Achife, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sullivan Chime, the government said Okechukwu’s comments was “couched in a language that clearly exposed his profound personal prejudices.”

“Enugu State Government

APOLOGY /CORREGNUM

From Chris Oji, Enugu

made it clear from the outset that it was committed to the payment of the minimum wage as prescribed by law.

Government followed suit by fully complying and had, before the workers began their strike, completed arrangement for the payment of N18,500 as the minimum wage by the end of this month. The arrears would be paid in October.”

He said a circular to that effect had been issued, adding that the process was on before the workers embarked on the strike. He said contrary to Okechukwu’s claims, the strike

was not as a result of government’s refusal to implement the new wage, but from a dispute on the amount he added as enhancements to those of them earning above the minimum wage.

“The position of government has never been that it would not pay the minimum wage but that the resources at its disposal cannot support the salary chart proposed by labour”, he said.

He described as unfortunate the deliberate falsehood being dished out by Okechukwu, in a futile bid to paint the government in bad light, adding: “Unfortunately, he has failed

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I, Jonathan Agbo Omanchi hereby tender an unreserved apology to Hon Solomon Aboh on the false allegation i raised against him which was found to be untrue.Consequent upon the above, i express my sincere regret for any harm or damage such false allegation may have caused to his reputation.i hereby retrace same.

Signed: Jonathan Agbo Omanchi

Andze, the director of disease control at the Ministry of Public Health, told journalists Monday that nine of the country’s 10 regions are affected by cholera, an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of bacteria-contaminated food or water. It causes watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly. About 80 percent of cases can be cured by rehydrating the patient, according to the World

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, INYE BENIBO LONGJOHN and INYE BENIBO are one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

MISSING CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

PUBLIC NOTICE MMA OBOT FOUNDATION The general public is here notified that the above named foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Pact “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Veronica Essien Ubeng 2. Mr. Nsentip Akpabio 3. Grace Akpabio 4. Mr. Peter Inyangetor AIMS/OBJECTIVES 1. To provide educational services to the less-privileged in the community 2. To provide affordable shelter to the less-privileged Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

From Adimike George, Onitsha

•Chime

in his plot to encourage workers to continue the strike .”

Achife assured that government remains committed to the implementation of the minimum wage.

Cholera kills nearly 500 in Cameroon UBLIC health officials say nearly 500 people have died of cholera in Cameroon this month, and 13,000 cases have been reported in the country this year.

More than 50 of this month’s deaths were in the Far North region, the hardest-hit area so far. Residents in the Logone and Chari divisions of the region told CNN that the majority of people infected with the disease are children under the age of five and women.

Prof. Gervais Ondobo

The general public is hereby notified that the certificate of occupancy belonging to Mr Green Ekeledo of House 4 Block C, Rennaissance apartment G.R.A phase II, Rivers State got missing sometime in early 2010. The said certificate of occupancy is with file No. RSL/45768 and Reg. No 22, Pg. 22, vol. 292 at the Rivers State Ministry of Lands.

Signed: Mrs. Veronica Essien Ubeng

Protest in Onitsha as police kill trader

Enugu faults CNPP’s claim over strike

LAMIDI I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Lamidi Musa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Oluwatoyin Moses Aderibigbe.

All former documents remain valid. U.K Boarder Agency, USA Embassy, Canada Embassy and general Public to take note.

OGUNSOLA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunsola Bukonla A., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekoya Bukonla A. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general Public to take note.

LAWAL I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal Fausat Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinsanya Fausat Asabi Olayinka. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, IjebuOde, LGEA and general Public to take note.

KASSIM I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kassim Mutiat Olutope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adetona Mutiat Olutope.

All former documents remain valid. Ijebu-Ode, LG, Ogun State and general Public to take note.

OGUNKUNLE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunkunle Abimbola Yetunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebola-Ottu Abimbola Yetunde. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB, Ogun State and general Public to take note.

BALOGUN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Risikat Oyenike Balogun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Risqot Oyenike Owodunni. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, NYSC and general Public to take note.

ADELOYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeloye Foluke Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bankole Foluke Christianah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general Public to take note.

BANWO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Banwo Oluwaseyifunmi Abidemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bakare Oluwaseyifunmi Abidemi. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, Ijagun, NYSC and general Public to take note.

Health Organization.

Andze told CNN Tuesday the government has opened treatment centers across the country and medical supplies have been dispatched to them all, but he emphasized that the battle against the disease must be a collective effort from both the government and the local population.

ONITSHA traders yesterday protested the killing of their colleague by the police.

They set bonfires on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, obstructing vehicles for several hours.

According to an eyewitness, trouble started when one of the touts at the Electronic Modern Market, who was arrested by the Okpoko Police Division, tried to escape and was shot dead by the police.

This reportedly angered other touts who blocked the Expressway after attacking the leadership of the market.

Chairman of the Electronics Market, Okey Okoli, said the police had arrested 10 of the market urchins who will be arraigned today at Ogbaru Magistrate’s Court for breach of trust. He said the one who attempted to escape from the custody was killed.

He said the hoodlumns loot shops and barricaded the Expressway, adding that soldiers from 302 artillery regiment brought the situation under control.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident.

Ogun PDP chair flays purported peace moves

O

GUN State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Dayo Soremi has faulted purported moves to reconcile ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel.

A national newspaper had reported that Obasanjo was yet to accede to the peace moves made by a purported reconciliation panel.

Soremi said the peace panel was unnecessary, adding that many members of the Danielled Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) had returned to the PDP. He alleged that the purported reconciliation was the brainchild of the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye (JMK).

Soremi said: “A critical look

at the members of the panel shows that they were handpicked by Martins-Kuye to serve his selfish interest.

“Otherwise, how do you explain the composition of a peace panel to receive some people into PDP without the knowledge of the State Executive Council, elders and leaders of the party?

“All those listed as members of the peace panel worked for various opposition parties and denigrated the PDP during the elections. Now that the oppositon has rejected them, they are scheming to scatter the PDP under the guise of forging a common front.

“The so-called overture to Obasanjo is a ruse. All these people are like the proverbial leopard that cannot change its colour. They cannot be trusted.

Students’ leader salutes matyrs HE newly elected President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Dauda Muhammed has attributed the current status of students’ unionism in the country to the sacrifice and supreme prize paid by some students’ union leaders who died in the struggle.

Speaking in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, Muhammed saluted the courage of late students’ union leaders across the country whose lives were lost during certain struggles in the interest of other students. Muhammed specifically mentioned the late Moses Osakede who died while agitating for the reinstatement of some expelled University students.

The NANS President said: “We must not forget our heroes and the supreme prize they paid to liberate other students.

We will be ingrate and ungrateful if we fail to acknowledge the efforts of late students’ union leaders. The likes of Moses Osakede lost his life in the struggle for reinstatement of unjustly expelled students of University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

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Ekwueme to flag off PDP campaigns in Anambra From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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ORMER Vice- President Alex Ekwueme will next Friday flag off the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigns in Anambra State.

The campaigns are for the chairmanship and councillorship candidates for the council polls expected to hold in November.

The hint was dropped yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Awka by the state Chairman of the party, Kenneth Emeakayi.

The announcement was made at an enlarged meeting of the state executive and the party’s candidates to strategise on how to enhance their electoral fortune during the polls.

11

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

PenCom takes over First Guarantee Pension From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

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HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) has taken over the management of First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) with effect from August 15, 2011.

A statement from the commission said the decision was because of “incessant shareholders squabbles and several issues of adverse corporate governance in the PFA.” Exercising its power under the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004), the Commission said it has constituted an Interim Management Committee to superintend over the affairs of FGPL until the shareholders convene an Emergency General Meeting (EGM)/Annual General Meeting (AGM) to properly constitute a Board and putting an effective management for the PFA. The statement signed by Head of PenCom communications unit, Mr Emeka Onuorah, said the Commission has assured all Retirement Savings Account holders of FGPL and the public that the pension funds and assets under the management of the PFA are safe and secure.

The problem we have in our rail transport is associated with the challenges of road transportation. The roads are overstretched and that is why most of them start becoming bad after one or two years.

-Senator Idris Kuta, Minister for Transport

CBN, NDIC deploy examiners in banks B T OTH the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) have deployed examiners to all the 24 banks in the country in continuation of the apex bank’s risk-based supervision, which started early last year, The Nation has learnt.

Risk-based supervision is a proactive and efficient supervisory process, which enables the supervisor to prioritise and focus supervisory efforts and resources on areas of significant risks and/ or banks that have high risk profiles.

It is a major shift from the rigid rules/compliance-based supervisory and regulatory approach to a more risk sensitive one, which seeks to encourage a bank to develop and continuously update its internal management system to ensure that it is commensurate with

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

the scope and complexity of its operations.

The supervision is intended to be pro-active as the previous compliance-based supervision did not have the capacity to detect risk-based issues.

It was part of the 13-point agenda of the former governor of CBN, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, but it was not implemented before he left office.

The examiners are expected to work closely with banks to understand the nature of their businesses and categorise the risks associated with it.

Both the spokesmen of the CBN and NDIC, Mohammed Abdulahi and Hadi Bichi, confirmed that the exercise, which

is “routine”, is in line with the apex bank’s risk-based supervision.

“Yes, we (CBN and NDIC) are conducting a routine examination of all the banks. But it will be in phases and it is in compliance with the riskbased examination,” Abdulahi said.

Corroborating him, Bichi said: “I confirm to you that we have our officials in the banks.

It is a routine examination. It is neither a target nor special examination.”

In banking parlance, routine examination is conducted once yearly by CBN in collaboration with the NDIC. However, if the examiners find anything suspicious while carrying out their duties, they might call for a special examination.

A target examination is meant for a specific purpose, while a maiden examination is conducted six months after a new bank has been established.

A top official of the CBN, however, said banks need not fear as this was the standard practice.

“Every time, when the financial statements of banks are ready, we usually look into their books. We cannot just afford to just seat down in Abuja and approve whatever figures they send to us.

“We have to keep checking and make the banks realise that there are consequences of giving false reports,” she said.

The official noted that many of the predominant owners of the rescued banks were making losses, but declaring profits and using depositors’ funds to pay dividends.

S’Korea seals $84b LNG deals with Shell, Total

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OUTH Korea’s economy ministry said it has approved longterm deal plans worth a total of $84.1 billion to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Royal Dutch Shell and Total SA. State-run Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS), the world’s largest corporate buyer of LNG, will import a combined 5.64 million tonnes yearly of LNG under the deals to be signed next month, its largest long-term deals ever, the ministry said in a statement..

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$109.7/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.3 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.2% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -8% Foreign Reserve -$34.7bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 213 £ 241.00 $ 150.7 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 240.3 RIYAL 39.3

Naira flat at interbank, falls at auction

• From left: Serge Kergakwata, Business Development Manager, Oando Supply and Trading (West Africa); Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza, Rwanda’s Prime Minister; Dimeji Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Supply and Trading, Joseph Habineza, Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria and Akin Onitiri, Head, Supply and Distribution, Oando Supply and Trading, during a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister in Rwanda by Oando’s executives.

Why nationalised banks’ CEOs were not retained, by AMCON T

HE need to create a new identity and not con fuse people about the distinctiveness of the three newly formed banks necessitated the removal of the Group Managing Directors of the defunct, Afribank Nigeria Plc and BankPHB Plc, Springbank Plc, it was learnt.

Until penultimate Friday, Cyril Chukwuma ran BankPHB; Mrs Sola Ayodele, was the Group Managing Director of Springbank while Nebolisa Arah directed the affairs of Afribank Plc. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr Mustapha Chike-Obi, explained to The Nation that the CEOs had to be changed to create new identities for the emerging institutions.

He said there was no allegation of any wrong doing against them, stressing that they should rather be commended for working in very difficult terrains. “They (the CEOs of Springbank, Afribank and BankPHB) had to be changed because we wanted to create a new identity for the

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

new banks. If we had retained them, there was the potential for people to get confused about the identity of the new banks. Besides, it was also a decision of the NDIC to protect depositors of these banks since some of their shareholders have been frustrating their recapitalisation process.

“But honestly, there was no allegation of wrong doing against them. In fact, they should be commended for working so hard and stabilising their respective institutions in a very difficult atmosphere of danger and uncertainty. The three CEOs are wonderful people and they would be treated with every respect and benefit.

“We will still need their services and we will continue to tap from their experience and knowledge as the situation demands,” the AMCON CEO said.

A top CBN official also explained that if the trio had

been retained, some of the shareholders of the defunct banks that have been frustrating the recapitalisation process would not be fully convinced that their banks no longer exist.

The trio were recently invited by the CBN, which lauded their performance and appointed them as Transition Consultants to their respective banks.

“In fact, they received two commendation letters thanking them for a job well done,” said the official.

Under the tenures of these CEOs in their respective banks, a lot of progress was made, but for the shareholders who frustrated their recapitalisation bids. For instance, for the first time in its six-year history, Springbank posted a profit in its 2010 operations. The bank made a profit-before-tax of N6.2billion compared with the loss of N28.7billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. The balance sheet size grew from N146.3 billion to N197.1billion, an increase of

34 per cent, while first quarter unaudited results for last year showed a profit-before-tax of N636 million.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, Afribank also posted a profit-before-exceptional item of N4.7billion and ended with a profit-after-tax of N1.9billion.

BankPHB had also made a profit-before tax of N32billion for the year ended December 31, 2010. It, however, ended in a negative position after making huge provisions for its non-performing loans. The CBN had revoked the licences of Afribank, Springbank and Bank PHB penultimate Friday because it said they did not show the necessary capacity to recapitalise following a N620billion bailout of nine lenders in 2009. The apex bank set up “bridge banks”– Mainstreet Bank acquired the assets of Afribank , while Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank purchased the assets of Springbank Plc and Bank PHB respectively. The three new institutions were then sold to AMCON, which has injected N690billion into them via bonds and appointed new managements to run them.

HE naira was flat against the United States dollar on the interbank market, but weakened at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) biweekly auction after all the demand for the greenback was not met, traders said.

The naira closed at N153.80 to the dollar, equal to close, though it had traded higher at N153.90 to the dollar midsession after the CBN auction result showed a $176 million supply shortage and a slight depreciation of the local currency.

The apex bank sold $350 million at N151.35 to the dollar at its auction, short of the $475.6 million demanded and the $400 million sold at 151.01 to the dollar.

Traders said the market initially reacted to the unmet demand at the bi-weekly auction, but the naira later closed at the previous day’s figure due to sales of dollars by some lenders at the interbank market.

Local unit of Exxon Mobil sold about $50 million to some lenders, which helped to calm the market and reduced the impact of the unmet demand at the central bank auction.

“We see the naira trending at this level this week due to expected dollar sales by oil major on Thursday (today), but could slip to around N154 by next week unless there is early inflows of month-end dollar sales by oil companies,” one dealer said.

Many of the energy companies operating in Africa’s top crude exporter sell dollars monthly to lenders to obtain naira for their domestic operations.

Customs arraigns I67

By Oluwakemi Dauda

T

HE 167 clearing agents arrested by the com bined team of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Police at the Tin-Can port last week were arraigned yesterday, at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

They were all granted bail

by Justice Idris Belgore.

As early as 7:00am yesterday, leaders of the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA), led by their National President, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, family members, friends and counsels to the suspects were in court for the hearing of the case.

Over 50 Customs officers who were armed to teeth and led by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Ichoku R. U. and some police officers were present at the venue of hearing of the case.

After listening to the Counsels representing the accused persons, the presiding Judge, Justice Idris Belgore set Mr Ikemefuna free and granted the others bail with N50, 000 bonds.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

14

INDUSTRY

Aganga, industrialists disagree over ministry’s name T HE Organised Private Sector (OPS) has called on the Min ister of Trade and Investment Dr Olusegun Aganga to change the Ministry’s name.

This is part of the OPS’ demands from the ministry.

The OPS, while acknowledging that there is nothing in a name, urged Aganga to rechristen the Ministry “Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

It argued that the new name did not emphasise manufacturing, rather, but “Trade” as in “buying and selling.”

Responding to the OPS demand, the Minister said: “I don’t care about the name. What I care about is substance. I want to stick with it for now. The new name does not undermine industry.”

According to him, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been expanded, refocused and rebranded so that it can play its proper role in the economy, as the key driver of the economy.

“If you look at the economy and you want to talk about economic growth, it is all about industry. It is about trade; it is about investment,” he said.

He said he would focus on increasing productivity of local companies.

“The aim is to remove barriers impeding productivity, to monitor the impact of monetary and fiscal

Stories by Toba Agboola

policies on business and become active advocates for the industries.”

Aganga said the Ministry would also focus on the aggressive growth of the Small and Medium Enterprise, (SMEs) and industrial cluster sector to drive skill acquisition with renewed vigour as well as introduce innovation in the sector to increase productivity and enhance the purchasing power of the consumer.

As part of its efforts to attract local and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Trade and Investment is putting in place measures to remove all barriers militating against business and investment.

Aganga made this known when the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi visited him in Abuja.

Aganga said the only way to grow the economy was through trade, removal of barriers, enhancement of clusters and increase in productivity of local products as well as harnessing the abundant resources in the country. This, he said will facilitate growth and fulfilment of the Transformation Agenda of Mr.

President.

He stated that the Federal Government will continue to liaise with

all state governments to cultivate strong and better relationship that will encourage better understanding of comparative advantages of each state and best practices in businesses.

His words: “It is by growing

small and medium enterprises, leveraging on our clusters and actually harnessing the abundant resources as well as removal of all bottlenecks militating against businesses and investments that will provide the enabling environment for the growth of the economy.”

•Director, SOS Village, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Mr Kehinde Sule (left); Corporate Affairs Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Moyo Areola, and Communication and Events Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Chinwe Ifechigha, during the inauguration of a borehole project by the company to the Village.

SON destroys N300m fake products

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HE Standards Organisa tion of Nigeria, (SON) has destroyed fake products worth N300 million. It also warned that any trader found with fake products would be prosecuted.

The destroyed included motorcycle safety helmets, items PVC cables, tomato paste, tyres, among others.

It was learnt that they were imported from Asia.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment Dr Samue Ortom said the Federal Government would do everything to support SON in the battle against fake products.

He said henceforth there would be zero tolerance for substandard products, adding that this is part of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

“There is no gainsaying that a substantial reduction in substandard products from our economy within the shortest possible time should translate to increased demand for your products and subsequent increase in capacity utilisation, productivity, employment generation and wealth creation , all of which are part of the President’s transforma-

•From left: Director of Enforcement, SON, Mr Louis Njoku, Ortom and Odumodu, at the event.

tion agenda.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to appeal to you to give maximum support to SON and similar agencies of government set up to promote local industries,” he said.

The minister urged manufac-

tures to subscribe voluntarily to the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) of SON. Director-General, SON, Dr. Ikem Odumodu, said after the August 15 deadline for zero tolerance for substandard goods,

importers of products not covered by SON’s Conformity Assessment Programme, (SONCAP) would payN250,000 penalty in addition to having their products destroyed.

“SON has scheduled a

number of activities to sensitise all Nigerians on quality standards and the dangers of substandard products,” he said.

He advised importers to comply fully with the requirements of SONCAP to avoid grave consequences.

Envoy urges Nigerians to explore India palm oil market

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HE Indian High Commis sioner to Nigeria, Mr. Mahesh Sachdev has said there is a huge market for palm oil exportation in India, urging Nigerian businessmen to focus on the business.

He said India’s 1.21 billion population depends on palm oil, which is consumed in large quantity along with cashew and solid minerals.

He spoke at the second quarterly business luncheon of theLagos

•Volume of trade hits $14.6b

By Toba Agboola and Ajose Sehindemi

Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI), where the High Commissioner spoke on the topic: ‘Nigeria-Indian trade relations; Prospects and challenges’.

He said between April last year and March 31, this year, the vome of trade between India and Nigeria was $14.628 billion.

According to him, the volume of exports from India to Nigeria during the period appreciated by 58 per cent over that of the previous year, while that of Nigeria to India increased by 71 per cent.

Sachdev said crude oil, wood and cocoa were the main items exported from Nigeria to India, while refined petroleum products, vehicle parts and electrical machinery were the major products imported to the

country from India.

He said: “This figure ($14.6bn) is being released to the public for the first time , and this is because it is good for us to know that the bilateral business relationship between the two countries is doing well.

“In 2010, India was the largest investor in Nigeria, investing $5 billion that year. With these figures, you will agree that Indian companies are important drivers of growth and investment in the

Nigerian market.”

The High Commissioner said India was Nigeria’s largest pharmaceutical base and that his country was setting up a prototype medical facility in Abuja.

According to Sachdev, Indian firms are the second largest employer of labour in Nigeria, and are planning to expand by employing more Nigerians with new projects in power generation, petrochemical production and quality health care delivery.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

15

INDUSTRY

NACCIMA urges ECOWAS to implement protocol

United Nigeria Textiles to delist from NSE

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NITED Nigeria Textile Mills (UNTL) Plc has indicated its intention to delist from the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE).

UNTL, which shares just got removed from full trading suspension on the NSE, notified the Exchange of its intention to delist .

In a statement made available to the NSE, UNTL stated that “the board of the company took the decision to delist.”

UNTL has been listed on the NSE since 1971 and December this year would have marked 40 years of listing on the Exchange.

The statement explains that the

decision to delist is sequel to the receipt of a restructuring proposal from its majority shareholder Cha Chi Ming Limited, a private company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands; the main thrust is to initiate corporate and financial restructuring of the company.

UNTL has been suffering consistent losses in its financials in the last few years which may have seen it take the current decision to delist.

The company’s latest result for the first quarter of 2011 shows it is yet to recover from these steep losses.

Indomie to feed 3m Muslims

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•From left: Brand Manager, Premium Health, Mr Wole Aguda; winner, Mr. Olabode Ojajuni; National Sales Manager, Mr. Chinedu Onwukwe and Maketing Manager, Emem Karieren, during the presentation of prizes to winners in the Vitafoam next level promo, in Lagos.

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HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been urged to effectively implement its protocol on free movement of goods and people across the region.

The Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), John Isemede, made the appeal in Lagos.

Isemede said ECOWAS must be more committed to that objective.

He said the region’s development depended greatly on ECOWAS effectiveness in the implementation of its policies.

“Presently, the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of goods and people is being hampered by the activities of the numerous security operatives and checkpoints across our borders. The presence of the overbearing number of security personnel mounting checkpoints at member states’ borders is counter-productive to the protocol.

“Those checkpoints do not only negate the protocol, they have also become a source of worry,” he said.

Isemede stressed the need for harmonisation of free movement of goods and people from one member country to another, pointing out that too many border checkpoints were a threat to the

Stories by Toba Agboola

realisation of the objectives of ECOWAS. According to him, those checkpoints have been hindering trading and movement of goods within the region.

“There is a high rate of smuggling activities across the borders.”

He urged the governments of West African states to reduce the number of checkpoints at their borders to allow for free movement of goods and people.

“ECOWAS should be alive to its objective and ensure that movement of goods and people are harmonised for the overall development of member countries. It is time ECOWAS moves away from just organising workshops and seminars to full implementation of this protocol,” he said.

Isemede said NACCIMA was set to assist small scale businesses to increase their production capacities.

“The various capacity development programmes for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) will aim to boost productivity so that Nigeria can become more economically relevant in West Africa.

We want to ensure that this country optimally taps into the gains of

this protocol,” he said.

In a related event, the President , NACCIMA, Dr. Herbert Ademola Ajayi, has praised entrepreneurs for their continuous efforts in growing the nation’s economy as well as creating employment for millions of Nigerians despite the competitive environment.

Ajayi made the remark in his office in Lagos, during a courtesy visit by the Ernst & Young’s management team, led by the Regional Managing Partner (West Africa), Mr. Henry Egbiki. Egbiki was accompanied by the Regional Advisory Leader West Africa, Bunmi Akinde, and West African Coordinator of the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’, Mories Atoki.

‘If you look at the economy and you want to talk about economic growth, it is all about industry. It is about trade; it is about investment’

Nigerian, Israeli businesses to raise investments B USINESSES and businessmen in Nigeria and Israel, under the auspices of the Nigeria – Israeli Chamber of Commerce (NICC) are set to showcase the investment potentials of both countries to the local and international investing communities to boost investment within the to countries.

Speaking at the launch of its website in Lagos, President of the Chamber, Senator Ben Obi, said the group is set to help enlighten the investing public on the benefits of investing in Nigeria and Israel.

He noted that the purpose for the deployment of the website is to carry out the specific mandate of conveying vital information which will lead to the conduct of business in an open and transparent manner.

Obi stated that the website will help enhance accessibility to not only their members, but also to the investing community, giving credence to the fact that communication has reduced the world to a global village.

He explained that the NICC is making steady progress which must be sustained with the collective goodwill and commitment of members.

He urged members not to relent in their individual and corporate efforts to uplift the chambers so that they can do more exploits.

Obi commended Mr Chuka Mordi and Bex Nwawudu, both of CBO Capital for their contribution towards the deployment of the website.

He said: “This is another milestone in the existence of the chamber of commerce and it is significant, because in May, during our general meeting, we made an appeal to all the members that they need to rally round and nurture the chamber.

“My excitement stems from the fact that the response to that call is speedily manifesting and depicting our willingness to join hands together and lift up this chamber to greater

heights.”

“The website that was launched was developed by the two officials of CBO Capital who were invited for the general meeting in May 2011, and after formally registering to join NICC as a corporate member at the meeting, they offered to develop and donate the website for NICC. They indeed designed, developed, hosted and donated the website.”

He added that in July, the chamber sponsored delegations to Israel, comprising top officials of the Ministry of Defence, with all the military and para-military organisations including the Army, Navy, Airforce, State Security Service, SSS, police, FRSC, Civil Defence, among others for a security fair cum workshop.

“It is on record that this has been the largest of such delegation to be put together by any chamber of commerce in this nation; the experience garnered from that trip will strengthen the internal security in the country,” he said.

UFIL Prima Foods Plc, mak-ers of Indomie In stant Noo-dles, has announced its plan to feed three million Muslims across the nation.

According to the Public Relations Manager, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju, the company is identifying with Muslims during the 30-days fasting period as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by serving Indomie meals during ‘Iftar’ (evening break) at various popular central mosques across the country.

Ashiwaju revealed that Indomie believes strongly in connecting with its consumers through varied engagement platforms and that the month of Ramadan provide such unique opportunity to connect with and engage Muslim consumers.

“We have identified several central mosques across the country where freshly prepared Indomie will be served freely at the time of breaking the fast at each of these mosques on a cycle basis, as in one mosque per day and thus in a week, we cover the identified mosques of that city and the cycle continues,” he said.

Ashiwaju stressed further that the council of Imams in the various locations have given their support to ensure the success of the exercise and the Imams of each mosque will supervise the distribution of freshly prepared Indomie to members during the ‘Iftar.’

He declared that the exercise is expected to last throughout the Ramadan season.

Sweet Sensation floats education support scheme

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WEET Sensation Confectionary Limited has set up Sweet Sensation Education Scheme to focus its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on children between the ages of 11 and 18.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sweet Sensation Confectionery Limited, Mrs. Kehinde Kamson, most of its CSR initiatives had been geared towards children and children-related institutions, especially schools that care for less privileged children and those that serve ‘challenged’ children by providing products and financial support.

She said: “The birth of SSES is very much like that of Sweet Sensation’s. It is humble and accidental in many ways. For many years, I had various opportunities to support young people eager to be educated but unable to afford their education costs.”

“The support came in the form of

finance and that went on informally for a long time. I had a list of young people that looked up to me monthly for support in order to progress with their education.”

She said this during a press briefing to mark the unveiling of the firm’s memoir, Pots, Pans & Spoons lastTuesday in Lagos.

This CSR initiative would serve as a platform for Sweet Sensation to help thousands of children and for other people and institutions keen on investing in the future of the children and the nation.

According to her, this will be self sustaining and much more effective in contributing to the lives of average Nigerian children willing to have access to a qualitative education but are unable due to inadequate financial support.

She stressed that SSES had been supporting students in primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions and vocational schools, as well as schools set up for the handicapped.

Association seeks legal backing for cassava policy HE Cassava Growers Association has asked the National Assembly to give legal backing to the 10 per cent cassava inclusion policy for baking flour initiated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Chairman of the association, South-West zone, Dr. David Ogunsade, made the call in Osogbo.

Ogunsade said the policy, which stipulated the inclusion of 10 per cent cassava flour in baking flour would encourage Nigerians to engage in cassava farming.

He said: “In fact, apart from creating more than five million jobs across the country, it will reduce post-harvest losses experienced by the farmers. For instance, our members in

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the Southwest, have more than 1,000 hectares of cassava ready for harvesting, but we are confronted with problem of marketing.

“We cannot meet the cost of production, at the current price per tonnes.

“Some cassava mill factories are buying at between N5,000 and N6,000 per tonne, when it should be around N10,000.

“So it is discouraging when farmers plant, harvest, but have no buyers for their products.”

Ogunsade said enacting the law, which would make it mandatory for all bakers to use 10 per cent of cassava flour would lead to increase in cassava output due to the availability of a ready market.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Fresh row rocks Yakowa’s govt in Kaduna Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa seems to have incurred the wrath of the opposition over his recent gesture of providing food for fasting Muslims in the state. TONY AKOWE examines the development.

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N assumption of office in 2010 as the governor of Kaduna State following the appointment of the then governor, Mohammed Namadi Sambo as VicePresident, one of the first critical decisions taken by Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was to order for free Ramadan feeding for the lessprivileged Muslims in the 23 local government areas of the state during the Ramadan fast.

His decision then was deemed wise and timely by all, even across the country. Before then, only Kano State was engaged in the practice. However, basking in the euphoria of the commendation it attracted then, the government decided to repeat the same exercise this year. Unlike in 2010, his action is being challenged by opposition parties and other stakeholders in the state.

While the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state views it as a way of defrauding the local government councils and siphoning their scarce resources, others are challenging the constitutionality of the action which they described as discriminatory. The governor had directed all the 23 local government councils in the state to create feeding centres and provide free feeding for Muslims in the state during the Ramadan period. His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Reuben Buhari, said in a statement that the governor’s directive became necessary in keeping with the generosity and kindheartedness associated with the Holy Month of Ramadan, adding that it was aimed at providing free feeding for the less-privileged in the state is to ensure that all Muslim faithful comfortably break their fast irrespective of their financial situations.

However, chairman of the ACN in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Soba believes that the exercise is politically motivated. He argued: “The last 60 days of Patrick Yakowa’s administration point to the wrong direction and intellectual emptiness of the decision making body of the state government. From the misguided appointment of clueless political aides and members of the Executive Council to the illegal appointment of politically tired local government Administrators, the Yakowa administration has demonstrated its preference for compensating the PDP victims of post-presidential election violence and victims of electoral defeat across the state at the expense of competence, service delivery and constitutionality.

“So far, Yakowa has no blueprint as to the direction of his administration. He has not even settled down to identify and assess the numerous problems of the state with a view to addressing them. Indeed, Yakowa has been busy secretly globe-trotting for undisclosed reasons at the expense of the scarce resources of the state. He has become another absentee

From left: Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida with Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu during Babangida’s 70th birthday in Minna ...yesterday.

governor that is completely detached from the realities of the state.

“The so-called Ramadan feeding is another deceptive jamboree to create the impress that the Yakowa administration has a human face.

In reality, the exercise is a conduit pipe meant to siphon public funds and enrich the illegal council administrators. What the able-bodied Kaduna State citizens want is real empowerment and the unfettered right to pursue their legitimate means of livelihood not the degrading and dehumanizing treatment that being served with a mere cup of official Kunu in the name of Ramadan at a time when the Almajiris system is becoming outdated”.

On his part, Mr Auta Maisamari, a Kadunabased legal practitioner contended that the action of the governor was illegal and discriminatory against Christians in the state. He threatened to take legal action against the governor if he failed to rescind the decision within seven days. Auta, in a letter dated August 5, 2011 and addressed to the governor said: “We have read from the media with great concern, your directive to the 23 local government councils in Kaduna state to provide free food for Muslims that are fasting. This information we got from the media. The directive is unconstitutional and illegal by the provision of section 17 (3a) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”.

Auta argued that the Nigerian constitution stipulates that the state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that all citizens, without discrimination on any group whatsoever, have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment. He said further that the governor’s directive for the feeding of only Muslims is with no corresponding directive for Christians and people of other religions, pointing out that it is impossible that every needy Muslim in the state will benefit from the directive, with the possibility that only PDP members will benefit from it.

• Yakowa

Auta who once dragged the state government to court for appointing Caretaker Committees for the 23 local government councils stressed that the functions of the local government as provided for in the 4th schedule to the 1999 constitution (as amended) and the Kaduna state local government laws, 2003 does not include the kind of directive that Governor Yakowa has issued to them. He contended that “the funds you are directing local government councils to channel towards feeding a selected few Muslims who may end up being only PDP members would be spent illegally, hence this letter. The directive, we believe, portrays the government as being bereft of ideas on how

‘From the misguided appointment of clueless political aides and members of the Executive Council to the illegal appointment of politically tired local government administrators, the Yakowa administration has demonstrated its preference for compensating the PDP victims of post-presidential election violence and victims of electoral defeat across the state at the expense of competence, service delivery and constitutionality’

to improve the wellbeing of all citizens of Kaduna State”.

He wants the governor to immediately withdraw the directive and channel the fund that is to be used “on the wasteful illegal venture” into other more beneficial socio-economic policies that would benefit all the people of Kaduna State including the Muslims who benefit more permanently there from. He informed the governor that “we shall be forced to proceed to court to seek redress including asking you to account for the money illegally spent on this wasteful venture if after seven days of your receipt of this letter, you do not give a counter directive reversing your action”.

But the governor’s media aide, Buhari believes the reaction of the ACN and Maisamari is laughable as the exercise was carried out purely in good faith and without any political consideration. He regretted that the ACN has decided to close it eyes to the reality of the situation in the state, adding that the party and its leadership was not well informed about the policies of government and why certain decisions were taken by the state government. according to him, the government was not surprise that the leadership of the ACN in the state decided to cast aspersion on the good intention of the government regarding the free Ramadan feeding for the less privileged in the state, adding that “Kaduna State is not the only state engaged in this exercise and this is not the first time the government was embarking on this exercise. It is however unfortunate that ACN leadership will read political motives into the move that has been widely commended.

“While the government welcomes constructive criticism from everybody, it will not be cowed into taking decisions that will not be in the interest of the people of the state. So, no amount of blackmail will cause the government into backing down on assisting the less privileged citizens of Kaduna State in observing the Ramadan fast. The Kaduna State Government is committed to the development of the state as well as the welfare of its citizens.

His Excellency has a comprehensive blueprint for the development of the state and is committed to the implementation of that blueprint which has been made known to the good people of the state on several occasions. If the leadership of the ACN has decided not to join the train of development in the state, they should stop deceiving the people of the state”.

•Continued on page 18

18

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

POLITICS

‘Good governance is alien to Akwa Ibom’ The Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Amadu Attai, in this interview with KAZEEM IBRAHYM, speaks about politics in the state, insecurity in the state. Excerpts:

G

OING by Governor Akpabio’s transformation in the state, if the judgment of the Appeal comes in favour of the ACN, how will the party address poverty among masses in the state?

I don’t know of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s uncommon transformation and its impact on the people.

When you talk of policies, from the formulation stage to the implementation stage, the stakeholders must participate. If not, policy is a failure.

Forget the money you put into the policy. Once the stakeholders are not into the policies, it is a failure. I want to count about three to five policies Akpabio has made which have failed. The construction of the Tropicana is one of the bad policies of this administration. When the idea of the Tropicana came up, people criticised the project on the ground that the state does not need Tropicana for now, but the state government went on with it. As it is now, what are they doing at the Tropicana?

They are doing cinema in one hall and people are going there to eat popcorn at the rate of N500. Does that change the life of an average Akwa Ibom person? Can you go there to watch cinema when you have other television stations at home? Or can you go there to eat popcorn at the rate of N500?

Are you saying that the governor is not working at all?

By the time you travel round Uyo, the state capital, you would appreciate what I am talking about. With the traffic gridlock as a result of tricycles that came from neighbouring states to operate in Akwa Ibom state, thereby causing nuisance on the road. So when you talk of four years of uncommon transformation, what is the impact of this uncommon transformation on the people? You cannot deceive the people. The elite within the PDP are the ones benefiting from Akpabio’s policies. So many policies that have been made in Akwa Ibom state suffered at the implementation stage because the stakeholders are not brought into those policies. Even on the performance of Universal Basic Education in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state was not among the first to fifteen positions.

•Attai

How many parents have their children in public schools despite the free and compulsory education policy of Akpabio’s government?

But the man is said to be doing well in governance…

(Laugh) Walk down down Uyo when it rains, there is no where to run to. The state government should jettison the ideal of giving out projects and spending the resources of the state on what would not benefit the people. It has spent billions of naira awarding contracts with no results. Because when you build a project of N16bn, that project is supposed to sustain the people for more than 200 years.

Even to a primary school pupil, when you tell him that the state government has done a project to control flood in Uyo, when is stepping on water during a downpour, the child will ask you why am I still stepping on water. It is failure of policy. This state is sitting on a ravine that can collapse the whole structure in the state one day. When it is raining, you see people running to find their way out. By this time, there should be new Uyo because the old Uyo has been threatened. There should be new Uyo by now. We have a very big mass of land when you are going to the airport, government should be able to open new Uyo and bring in these ideas and start planning a new city that people will enjoy. Not to sit down and keep on deceiving people everyday. I heard them saying on Channels television that Akwa Ibom state is the best state in the whole world followed by Soweto in South Africa. Who are you telling this thing to? You are lying to educated people or children yet unborn? For a child that has not gone to Calabar, Abuja and Lagos before, you are saying Akwa Ibom state is the best state in the whole world and you are going to tell

this thing to the whole Nigeria. Who will listen to you? You can see the nakedness of government itself to be making statements that can make people to run mad.

If the ACN comes into power, don’t you think lawmakers in the State House of Assembly will pose a serious threat considering the number of PDP members among the lawmakers, which is 25-1?

When we get there, we would cross the bridge. For example in Imo state, you see some PDP members defecting to APGA. It can also happen in Akwa Ibom state. A bad system is a bad system. When a good leader lead, you can use what is doing to correct the whole system. Tell me what the House of Assembly has been able to do to the people of Akwa Ibom State since inception. They banned Okada, it did not stand. A house that reverses its decision, you cannot take such a House seriously. So the integrity of a particular group of people can be destroyed because of a bad leader and it can be changed because of a good leader also.

So when we get in there, they would know where we are coming for and where we are going to.

How can the state solve the problem of insecurity?

In every society, security starts with the people. It is those that are controlling the security that would make the people to be able to support them to make sure there is security but when those that are supposed to do the security are loose and not doing what is supposed to be done, the people will lose confidence in them. Kidnapping, it is a continuous thing because the authorities are not enforcing the antikidnapping law on kidnappers that have been caught so far. In Uyo, you cannot point to somebody as an armed robber, the robber will turn back and kill you because the government is not protecting the people. Or you say that somebody is a kidnapper and you go and report him, the government and the security agents will even turn their back at you. It is the function of the government to put apparatus in place to protect the people and protect what they are doing.

The state governor is alleging that the opposition is aggrieved because he has refused to share state resources with them…

We are not interested in the state resources. What we are saying is that the people should see the impact of his uncommon transformation. Not going to the radio to shout and the sycophants would be singing his praises. Like they say they have done 200 roads in Uyo and what is on the ground doesn’t show it. How can we be an oil state and we don’t benefit in anywhere. The function of an opposition is to put a ruling government on its toes and there is no way a government can exist without an opposition parties. To the governor of Akwa Ibom state, he believes what ever happens in the state is caused by the opposition.

Fresh storm in Kaduna •Continued from page 17

On the religious angle introduced

by Barrister Maisamari, Buhari said: “It is very unfortunate that we have descended to this level at this time in the development of our dear state.

The constitution has provided for the government to take care of its people and if the government decided to provide feeding for our Muslim brothers who are fasting, what is wrong in that? People who are seeking attention should look for something else with which to seek attention and trivialize issues like this. The governor has not done anything wrong. Those to benefit are from the directive are citizens

of Kaduna State. In any case, the governor has not told the local government councils to create feeding centres in party secretariat, neither is anyone to benefit after presenting his party card.

So, what is this talk about those to benefit likely to be PDP members? Do they write party in your face? Let us stop wasting energy on things that are likely to create controversy and bad blood in the state and concentrate on things that will bring peace and development. The action of the governor has been widely commended.”

The state chapter of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

however backed the governor’s decision, saying that it is already benefiting Muslims in the state. Its Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Aliyu Wosono said those against the government decision were “clueless, unintelligent and myopic”.

Wosono noted that the criticism was the height of display of undiluted ignorance and reminded and expressed the party’s confidence in the ability of Governor Yakowa to effectively govern the State. He described as laudable, the free Ramadan feeding to the less-privileged in our society in this holy month of Ramadan, adding that those against it was insensitive to the religious feelings of the people of the state.

Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura’s sack of 29 Permanent Secretaries has been generating ripples in the state. In this interview with journalists in Lafia, the state PDP Chairman, Yunana Iliya berates the governor for attempting to politicise the civil service. He also assesses the new governor’s style of governance. Correspondent JOHNNY DANJUMA was there.

‘Nasarawa people are being starved’

W

ILL you say the recent sack of 29 Permanent Secretaries by Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura was justified?

Whatever may be the reason behind the sack of the permanent secretaries in Nasarawa state, it shows that the person who did it does not have the interest of the state at heart and does not know what the civil service is. Whether partisan or not, everybody belongs to this state.

The people he sacked belong to this state and those he has appointed, we shall see whether their loyalty will be to the governor of Benue, Niger or the state. We shall also see whether their loyalty will be to Akwe Doma that is challenging him at the tribunal.

The permanent secretaries are civil service career persons. We all know it. It is not enough for anybody to wake up in the morning to say we are done with you because you were loyal to a government. We have not seen anybody picked out of the farm, business sector and made a permanent secretary overnight. You have to pass through the rudiment of civil service. Some of them must have started from clerical position, trained fully to become directors only to crash in a day because somebody who does not know the rudiments of the civil service work has become the governor of Nasarawa state . It’s unfortunate.

We in the PDP have condemned the act, we shall continue to condemn the act because it’s illegal for anybody to wake up in the morning and sack people who have the love of the state at heart. How can you do that?

When Doma became the governor in 2007, he had stiff opposition from Solomon Ewuga who at that time had persons loyal to him in the civil service. The contest was very stiff you all know that. It’s not all the Permanent secretaries that he inherited from former Governor Abdullahi Adamu who supported him. Did he sack anybody? I want to tell you that even those who served Abdullahi Adamu, even his cooks remained in service till he left the government house. He did not sack permanent secretaries, Accountant General or anybody. Now that he has sacked them, is he not dividing the state? . We in PDP see it as political witchhunt or lack of knowledge of governance.

Should the Tribunal return PDP to office, are you likely to call the sacked Permanent Secretaries backing to office then?

We are not going to behave like the CPC has done because we are knowledgeable to the system. We know what we are doing.

What are your views about complaints that some assistant directors in the ministries were promoted ahead of their Directors?

That’s goes to show the ignorance of the governor; he is not conversant with civil service rules. He doesn’t know and does not want to learn. If he really wanted to learn he would use people who are fairly knowledgeable of the system The luck we have is that everything he is doing is making us popular and towards his downfall. It’s good for us. It’s a campaign in itself. For us in PDP, we insist that all the things he promised the people of the state, he has not succeeded in fulfilling any one.

Such as…

He promised that in 100 days, Lafia would wear a new look. We have not seen any new look in Lafia. He said he was going to commission projects. We have not seen signs of any. I learnt he said he was sharing transformers. These are the ones purchased by Doma and now he claims he purchased them, these are the issues. They should be able to wake up and say what is really happening in Nasarawa State.

In your zonal meeting held in Minna recently, there was a move to remove the Party’s Zonal Office from Lafia. How were you able to prevent it?

Nasarawa state carried the day because we have people who stood their ground that it should remain here. A few persons supported the move for the relocation from the state. Those who advanced the reason that there is no PDP government in the state, their argument did not sail through because I personally told them that if you base your argument on and tomorrow you move to another state and the governor there is before a tribunal and he is sacked, would you move it to another place?

Your party is in court trying to invalidate the CPC’s governorship election victory, how hopeful are you?

Well, I am not too competent to talk on the tribunal since we are there.

What I am assuring you is that we shall bounce back; with the evidences we have, we are bouncing back.

The Governor just made a surprise visit to the Assembly recently even as your members at the State Assembly who have the majority are being accused of inducement from the Executive. How true is this?

Our members are immune against bribery and corruption. I’m confident that our members will not do such a thing. He has his right of movement. If he likes he can come to the party office, Abuja. He has the right.

I learnt that he invited them to wine and dine and they refused because they have issues with him.

Whatever he does, I have confidence in my members. When you breach or commit an offence, you try to make amends, but if you are not careful, you end up adding a new one which will not help you in solving issues.

•Iliya

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Balancing act

Kwara Oil

•Pending confirmation, we hope the state will not turn the find into another Nigeria’s fool’s gold

I

T should be cheerful news, but we fear that the reported oil find in Kwara State may replay the Nigerian classic irony of wealth without prosperity.

That state Government announced with glee a few days back that it had uncovered crude oil, which should welcome the normally agrarian setting to the envied circle of oil-producing states like Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Ondo.

The report still stands as a claim since the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have yet to assess the substance and confirm that it is indeed crude oil. The State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, said the oil was

‘But the fuller story of oil in Nigeria has left little to cheer.

With the abundance of oil since it was discovered in the late 1950’s, the tale is that of money without joy. We have had enough money to turn our sleepy towns and villages into havens of contentment and pride. Our cities should have elevated into some of the world’s icons of technology, commerce and cultural virtuosity. But oil has given us wealth. We still pine for prosperity’

discovered in a farm where it spouted.

This happened in about seven other places in the area. Geologists from the state’s Ministry of Industry and Solid Minerals confirmed it as well as experts from an unnamed oil company.

To sweeten the story, the Governor said it was not just crude oil, but the rarefied, high-grade variety known as Bonny Light, which many markets in Europe and North America crave.

The joy in the state is still muted. One, it does not know if the find is actually in huge commercial quantity, or else it would be a great anti-climax. We also hope that those who examined the substance are not buoyed by what they want but what they saw. If what they saw was crude oil, and of the high grade as indicated and in commercial quantity, then it is another opportunity for the nation to grow its Gross Domestic Product, and open another window of wealth.

For Kwara State, it affords an opportunity for instant revenue boost.

States often complain that their inability to deliver on grandiose election promises derives from lean purses of government.

After paying wages and other running costs of government, they are left with little resources to pursue such cherished dreams as good education, infrastructure development, agricultural growth, housing and medical care.

But the fuller story of oil in Nigeria has left little to cheer. With the abundance of oil since it was discovered in the late 1950’s, the tale is that of money without

joy. We have had enough money to turn our sleepy towns and villages into havens of contentment and pride. Our cities should have elevated into some of the world’s icons of technology, commerce and cultural virtuosity. But oil has given us wealth. We still pine for prosperity.

So the story of oil is that of wasted opportunity. Rather than grow the society, we have wallowed in corruption.

Our political society has become a destination for historic vandals and carpetbaggers. Nothing demonstrates this more than the infighting ravaging the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The lofty promise of its being has morphed into a public circus of opportunists grasping for the honour of thieves.

Kwara State has been an agrarian state, with optimism of solid minerals.

Its non-oil substances have not been pursued with vigour. It is the same story in other states. Solid minerals have suffered because we have fallen under the spell of oil, which has been the leader in providing external money for this country.

We hope that Kwara State will not go the way of other states where oil has “devalued” other gifts, and where the majority of the citizens remain desperately poor and see work as a luxury and luxury as a reward for indolence as we see in the Niger Delta.

All of this optimism is predicted on whether the oil is genuine and the find large.

Domestic debts • Contractors owed up N500 million by NITEL?M-Tel ought to be paid

A

GROUP of over 100 aggrieved contractors recently stormed the National Assembly to protest the non-payment by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) of debts estimated at over N500 million owed them by the moribund national carrier, Nigerian Telecommunication (NITEL) and its Mobile Telecommunication arm M-Tel. The contractors, who are being owed the debts for jobs executed for NITEL/M-Tel between 2004 and 2006, sought to submit a protest letter to the Senate Committee probing the nation’s privatization exercise from 1999 till date. Their plight draws attention once again to the often underestimated problem of the country’s domestic debt and the problem it poses to economic growth.

While admitting the indebtedness to the contractors, the BPE’s Head of Public Communications, Mr. Chukwuma Nwokoh, said the Federal Government did not make financial provision to offset the debts owed by the outfit. Explaining that the only money provided by the Federal Government was to settle the entitlements of the firm’s disengaged staff the BPE said “we are only trying to see if we can pay them from proceeds after the sale of NITEL/M-TEL. When the company is sold, we will use some of the proceeds to settle the contractors’ debt”.

This is a reflection not only of the lack of thoroughness that has characterized the privatization process but also the unacceptable cavalier official attitude to domestic debt. The impression is created that the contractors are being done a favour and not that they have been denied their legitimate claims for over five years having fulfilled their part of a

contractual agreement.

Of course, this is only one example of a pervasive national problem that affects virtually all socio-economic sectors.

Various levels and agencies of government accord the payment of external debts greater seriousness than internal ones. This was reflected by the readiness of the Obasanjo Administration to pay a whooping $18 billion to secure the country’s exit from the Paris Debt Club while no such determination is exhibited on the question of local debts.

Yet, the latter also raises serious ethical questions and poses no less a problem to meaningful economic development.

Many of the affected contractors borrow money from financial institutions which they are unable to pay as scheduled with ruinous consequences. This burden impacts negatively on the performance of local businesses worsening the problems of accumulated unpaid wage obligations in the private sector, unemployment, worsening poverty as well as attendant social ills and insecurity.

According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the country’s domestic debt burden rose from N1.5 trillion in 2006 to N1.8 trillion as at March 2007 and was estimated at N4.5 trillion by the end of 2010. While the external debt grew by 29% from $3.94 billion to $4.7 billion between 2009 and 2010, the domestic debt increased by 40% within the period.

Alarmed at this trend, an international financial services company, Greenwich Trust Limited, recently pointed out that the country’s domestic public debt has been rising disproportionately to external debt with the possibility of crowding the

private sector out of the debt market.

This scenario the experts pointed out may have deleterious consequences for the economy. It is reassuring that the DMO has expressed confidence in the sustainability of the country’s current total public debt levels insisting that Nigeria remains underborrowed relative to prevalent parameters. But this is no reason to leave domestic debt obligations unmet as in the NITEL/MTEL case. The relevant agencies must take decisive steps to urgently resolve these and other cases of prolonged domestic indebtedness in the interest of ailing local businesses and hundreds of anguished families.

‘This is a reflection not only of the lack of thoroughness that has characterized the privatization process but also the unacceptable cavalier official attitude to domestic debt.

The impression is created that the contractors are being done a favour and not that they have been denied their legitimate claims for over five years having fulfilled their part of a contractual agreement’

T

HE world economy is in crisis because of too much debt. But underlying the debt is the problem of imbalance. The distinction between financial strength and weakness has become stark between different continents, different countries within the same continent, and even different regions within the same country. These extremes have made the relationship between debtor and creditor unstable.

The collapse of the Western banking system under a cascade of bad debts in 2007-09 was the greatest economic disaster of the postwar era. Governments and central banks responded with remedial measures that could not prevent a bitter recession but at leasat avereted a repeat of the Great Depression. Those policies included slashing interest rates to almost zero, expanding the money supply, and running up big budget deficits to try to stimulate demand.

That medicine has not resolved the structural weakness at the heart of the world economy, however.

And because it has failed to spark a confident pace of economic recovery in the United States and Europe, it has in one respect intesified the problem. The initial financial crisis was caused by a heedless expansion of credit during the boom years of the beginning of the last decade. Massive fiscal stimulus in the advanced industrial economies has left several nations with unsustainable levels of national debt or budget deficits. What emerged as a crisis born in the private sector, owing to irresponsible risk-taking by banks, has now become a crisis of sovereign borrowers.

The biggest sovereign borrower is the United States, where the banking crisis started. The chaotic state of US public finances led Standard adn Poor’s, the rating agency, to downgrade its rating of US government debt. This diminished creditworthiness of the US may aggravate a problem known as the external imbalances.

The US is running a huge current account deficit.

This is largely funded by Chinese savings recycled in US debt markets. But if US debt is no longer seen as a riskless investment, then China may withdraw some of those savings. That will require a reduction in the US current account deficit. A decline in the dollar, increasing the price competitiveness of US exports, would only partly accomplish this. There would also have to be a squeeze on domestic demand and a wrenching adjustment to US consumers’ living standards.

Meanwhile, the debt crisis of the eurozone is being intestified by the pattern of growth within it. Whereas German export performance has been strong, the weaker member states face agonising austerity. They have to reduce their budget deficits but can do this only by huge spending cuts. This depresses domestic demand and merely intensifies the debt burden.

Because of the reduced market for German exports, the entire eurozone is locked in a deflationary spiral.

Figures released last week showed that the French economy had no growth in the second quarter, while Greek GDP contracted by 6.9 per cent.

Britain has the benefit of being outside the euro, but is increasingly an economy marked by division between a booming South and a stagnant North (see page 12). The Government is strying to ameliorate the disparity through tax credits for regional enterprise, but is far from its goal of rebalancing the economy. The best that can be said is that transfering resources across regions is less difficult and politically contentious than doing so across national boundaries. It is that latter prospect that the eurozone, hampered by an inflexible monetary integration, is now having to face.

The imbalances in the world economy run wide and deep. Policymakers need to focus obsessively on remedying them. The alternative may be not only a renewed global recession but a second, and still more severe, financial crisis.

– The London Times

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: Former Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh has since taken his seat in the House as the honourable lawmaker representing Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, inaugurated Eyiboh about two months ago. It was on the strength of the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja which had ruled that Eyiboh was the duly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the last April general elections and as such the one elected to represent the constituency.

In the judgment delivered on June 1, 2011, Justice A. Abdu-Kafarati held that Eyiboh was the rightful candidate of the party. The victory of PDP at that election, he said, belonged to him. He ordered that the certificate of return earlier given to Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia by the Independent National Electoral Commission be withdrawn and given to Eyiboh. INEC, dragged to court by Eyiboh along with PDP and Dan-Abia in respect of that mandate, did not fully obey the order of the court by handing over the certificate of return to Eyiboh.

The commission sought advice of its senior lawyer, Chief Awomolo (SAN), who counselled that the order of the court be obeyed.

However, INEC wrote to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Sani Omolori, informing him that the certificate of return earlier issued to Dan-Abia had been voided and invalidated.

But the commission failed to re-issue the certificate of return to Eyiboh as ordered by the court.

So, following that judgment,

S

IR: In the past 20 years, there have been pressures on the Federal Government to improve the epileptic electricity supply in the country. PHCN has perennially failed to deliver efficient services while corruption among its officials has become a pastime. Except drastic steps are taken, generations unborn might not enjoy stable power supply in the land.

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Tambuwal has done no wrong Eyiboh took the oath before the clerk of the House and subsequently took his rightful seat in the House.

Now, some uninformed busybodies have begun criticising Tambuwal unnecessarily over the inauguration. They fell short of calling for the speaker’s removal.

But what has Tambuwal done wrong? Nothing! The issue of who the PDP candidate that won the seat is had remained contentious between Eyiboh and Dan-Abia.

Those opposing the Speaker must realise that he is a respectable member of the Bar? He is a distinguished legal practitioner who had a flourishing legal chamber and equally a member of the Body of Benchers before he was elected a member of the House in 2007. As at the time of inauguration there was no stay of execution of the court’s judgment. And again, quite instructively as if sensing that such a development, as in the extant

case would occur, Section 75 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 provides that: “Where the commission refuses or neglects to issue a certificate of return, a certified true copy of the order of a court of competent jurisdiction shall, ipso facto, be sufficient for the purpose of swearing-in of a candidate declared as the winner by that Court”.

Eyiboh had applied and received the certifcts attentionied true copy of the judgment.

Opponents of Eyiboh’s inauguration are saying the matter is a pre-election case, which may drag up till Supreme Court and that Dan-Abia had not only filed a stay of the execution of the judgment of the high court but had also instituted a substantive appeal at the Court of Appeal. But truth is nothing encumbered Tambuwal from inaugurating Eyiboh at the time he did. There is no stay of execution of the judgment in place.

The court had refused the stay of execution prayer because it had been overtaken by events; the inauguration had already taken place. So, let all those crying wolf and crying more than the bereaved wait on the appeal court for the next stage of the battle to usurp the mandate freely given to Hon. Eyiboh.

• Ibidapo Balogun, Abuja

Single tenure and what must be done

S

IR: The Nigerian politics has been heating up with series of events in the last couple of weeks. First is the issue of the dreaded Boko Haram sect whose actions are becoming a menace not only to the entire north but of course the nation as a whole. Second is the heat generated by the CBN governor with his insistence on imposing the so-called Islamic banking system on a secular state like ours. Third is the recent bombshell from the presidency through a curious proposal or bill seeking a one term of six years for future Nigerian presidents and governors.

Many Nigerians still see the bill as a ploy to elongate the tenure of the incumbent president, despite the fact that the man has said that it

will apply to only political aspirants from 2015 of which he will not be a beneficiary. This assurance has refused to sway critics into accepting the fact that the president is sincere and it is their belief that he only wants to buy more time.

Whatever the case may be, I believe that the proposal will work if only we can give it a chance. A bill to give a six-year single term to political office holders does not necessarily translate to tenure elongation. We must understand the dynamics of such assertion differently from those proposed by Baba Iyabo (Obasanjo) during his tenure and see the president’s sincerity.

Elections in this country are quite expensive and a means to enrich the

pockets of few individuals. The monies spent by governors in pursuit of second term ambitions are usually pooled from state resources which at the end of the day cannot be accounted for. Aside from this, there is palpable tension before, during and after elections.

The families of slain corps members during the last elections will never forgive the Nigerian state and will certainly find it difficult to accept patriotism as a watchword in this country.

Having said this, the presidency from all indications should have told Nigerians before the April elections its intention on the single tenure issue rather than this time when burning issues need urgent attention. This however does not show insincerity on his part, but

Poor PHCN!

Now because PHCN is to be privatized, its staff are carrying placards and threatening to go on strike. Where were they when generators were imported into the country? That should have been a warning signal to them them. But they ignored this as they bask in contributing to the decay of the sector, working for their own pocket, not thinking of their own children

that burn candles at night reading or the amount of diesel or petrol parents buy per day to run their generators.

Pitifully, they are to be laid-off. I imagine the essence of their existence. If they go on strike, do Is pressure groups and association not formed to influence government policies? Or they never thought if is not done Even

they think it will affect the populace? Virtually all households in the country depend on generator while industries run on plants. If all hands can be on deck and things are done right to improve the standard of electricity, I guess, the unborn children of the next 60 years will continue to bless PHCN in their grave.

• Ayetigbo Oluwadamilola Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2, Lagos.

‘irresponsiveness’. Of course, the third-term agenda is still very much alive in our hearts and another of its brand will certainly be shoved off by many.

A delicate issue of this dimension should not be the exclusive preserve or ‘idea’ of an intra party body, national or state assemblies or the governors forum which is usually selfish in nature, but the idea of every Nigerian. Rather than make single tenure a controversial issue which many believe is one sided, what policy makers in Abuja should do is to organise a national referendum where all stakeholders would vote. At the end, we would have known if Nigerians accept single tenure or not.

On a final note, whether we have a single or double tenure for political office holders, it does not take away the sickness inherent in the political space. Strengthening of the electoral process further by critically punishing those very people who cause acrimony and division among the people is a vital tool in rebranding our electoral process. Equity, social justice and equal distribution of wealth should always be a priority, which the current administration must pursue. Afterall, it is the social contract they owe Nigerians.

• Raheem Oluwafunminiyi creativitysells@yahoo.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Obafemi Awolowo and the Making of Remo: A review- 2

T

HE result of the British presence was the stationing in Sagamu of a Hausa regiment and some other paraphernalia of British colonial administration. With British backing, the Akarigbo began to wield powers that did not belong to him historically by giving the impression that the towns in Northern Remo such as Ode-Remo and Iperu were subject to his control.

The Akarigbo’s hand was also strengthened by the growing influence of British missionaries in Remo land. Sometimes people did not distinguish between them and British imperialism. The missionaries sometimes acted as a vanguard of British influence.

One of the factors that aided the separate identity being sought for

by Remo was the presence of not just the Methodist mission but also CMS as from 1878 onwards. Although the Methodist mission was more successful. What is important is that Remo at least on the surface was being christenised but below this superficial Christianity were traditional beliefs and practices that nowadays will be repugnant to orthodox Christianity. On the other hand, Ijebu-Ode which historically had power over Remo land had come in contact with Islam particularly from Ilorin and many of the leading figures such as Balogun Kuku were Muslims. The missionaries used this fact to champion the cause of Remo’s independence as a Christian entity. By 1892, Christianity had also received some support in Ijebu-Ode and Islam itself had spread to Remo land. In the meantime, Sagamu was growing rather rapidly as a result of the adoption by Remo people of industrial cassava and palm oil production with which they traded with Lagos.

Furthermore, kolanut was also being grown in Sagamu and other parts of Remo for the important trade with Northern Nigeria.

The expansion of the economy had led to Sagamu eclipsing IjebuOde in size and in economic importance. The taxes derived from Sagamu’s prosperity largely went to Ijebu-Ode after the establishment of British rule over Ijebu-Ode. This was unacceptable to educated elite in Remoland.

The earlier struggle for independence took on a more aggressive tune when William Christopher Adedoyin in 1916 was made the Akarigbo of Sagamu. Born in 1898, Adedoyin was a member of Sagamu Anako ruling family and a great grandson of Akarigbo Odunnami Igisomije who had initiated the establishment of Sagamu in the first place. Adedeoyin had worked as a clerk and assistant to the first lawyer in Nigeria, Christopher Sapara Williams who had qualified as a Barrister in 1889 and the first African Barrister to establish a private practice in Lagos. He later became a member of the legislative council in Lagos and introduced Adedoyin to members of the Lagos elite. It was in admiration of his boss that he adopted his name, Christopher Williams. From 1905, he acted as a clerk to Akarigbo Oyebajo Torungbuwa and when the latter was dethroned for corruption, he developed close link with Akaragbo Awolesi Erinwole (1915 – 1916). He was

W

HETHER in public or private, Nasir el-Rufai always wants to be noticed. And he easily attracts attention with the way he talks. el-Rufai is brash, very brash; victims of his caustic tongue will tell you. A man with the gift of the gab, when el-Rufai talks people, especially those who have crossed his path, listen because not to do so may be detrimental to them. elRufai is at his best when he is taking others to the cleaners as he tears them to shred with words. As good as he is with words, el-Rufai is, however, fond of talking from both sides of the mouth, depending on where he stands at any particular time.

When you are in the good books of el-Rufai, you can do no wrong, but God help you when you fall out with him. I came to know of his double-faced nature during the Obasanjo/Atiku tango shortly before the 2007 elections. el-Rufai and his then soul mate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, were clearly on the side of then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

So, they went all out for the jugular of former Vice Presidenf Atiku Abubakar. There was no name they did not call Atiku then. Most of the things Ribadu knew or claimed to know about Atiku were supplied t by el-Rufai, who once worked with the former vice president in the National Council on Privatisation(NCP).

Atiku then headed NCP of which el-Rufai was a member by virtue of his being director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE). el-Rufai knew one or two things about Atiku having worked closely with him at NCP. This information came handy when Obasanjo wanted to nail Atiku at all cost. He found an ally in elRufai, who had by then become Fed-

therefore an experienced man when he became Akarigbo. Like some of his predecessors, Akarigbo Adedoyin was supported by the Methodist particularly by Reverend Fredrick Mellor. Outside Sagamu, very few leaders of Remo saw the assertion of Remo’s independence as very important. One of the few who in the 1930s saw the importance of Remo independence even though rather reluctantly was Gabriel Onafowokan of Ikenne who was born in 1890 to early Christian converts who lived in Ake in Abeokuta.

His parents returned to Ikenne in 1892 after the defeat of Ijebu and Gabriel Onafowokan was educated in Anglican Primary and Secondary schools in Ikenne, Abeokuta and Lagos. He joined Ijebu native administration as court interpreter. By 1929, he became the first local citizen to hold the post of treasurer of Ijebu native administration in Ijebu-Ode. He was well connected in Ijebu-Ode and as well as in Remo and was married to at least six women in Ikenne, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and elsewhere and was committed to the education of his many children. He was a latter day convert to Remo independence especially after the controversial installation in 1933 of Awujale Adesanya from the Gbelegbuwa family.

Onafowokan’s influence was not decisive because of his prevarication and involvement with the struggle with Awolowo for control and influence in Ikenne.

Two important persons entered the politics of Remo land in the 1930s. These were Samuel Akinsanya who later became Odemo of Isara. Akinsanya was involvled in the rise of Nigerian nationalism and the politics of Lagos especially in the formation of Nigerian Youth Movement. He and Awolowo were formerly members of the Lagos Youth Movement which later metamorphosed in 1936 to the Nigerian Youth Movement. Akinsanya became the General Secretary of the NYM and it was he and Awolowo who were responsible for bringing the NYM into Remo by establishing in 1937 several branches of NYM in Remo land. The NYM in Remoland were opposed to the installation of Awujale Adesanya in Ijebu-Ode but the NYM was not directly involved in the struggle for independence of Remoland. Both Awolowo and Akinsanya avoided public involvement in the struggle led by Akarigbo Adedoyin for Remo’s independence. Akarigbo Adedoyin supported his friend Daniel Otubusin also known as Adesanya in his struggle to consolidate his power as Awujale of Ijebu-Ode. His support for the Awujale was based on the fact that he was a Christian while Adesanya’s predecessors, Folagbade Adenuga who was disposed in 1929 for corruption and Ali Ogunaike who died in 1933 were Muslims. Akarigbo Adedoyin expected he would be reciprocated by the latter’s support for Remo’s independence.

Because of this complex situation, enemies of Akarigbo Adedeoyin found it profitable to support the deposed Awujale Folagbade Adenuga. The crisis in Ijebu-Ode itself came to a head when Awujale Adesanya was shot and his hand was severed by a bullet

el-Rufai and the BPE probe eral Capital Territory(FCT) Minister. The information that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) got on Atiku’s role in the privatisation of some public utilities all came from el-Rufai, who by then felt no longer beholden to the former vice president. el-Rufai did not only give EFCC information about Atiku, he also took to personally attacking the former vice president. I was shocked because his stand varied from the picture of the Atiku he painted when he visited the Daily Times sometime in 2001.

During that visit he was asked whether he has a free hand running the BPE or whether Atiku interferes with his job. He was also asked to clear the air on the allegation that Atiku was buying all the privatised firms. el- Rufai rose to Atiku’s defence. Atiku, he said, does not interfere with BPE’s operations. ’’The vice president does not interfere with our operations at all. He is not involved in what we do.

The NCP, which he chairs, only ratifies what BPE does after going through the transactions and finds that everything is in order. Atiku has not bought any privatised company.

I don’t know where people get this kind of stories from’’ That was when the going was good between him and Atiku. But when they fell apart, Atiku saw hell in elRufai’s hand. He and Ribadu called Atiku names, saying people like him are not fit to hold public office.

Conversely, Obasanjo was elRufai’s knight in shining armour. To el-Rufai, Obasanjo was the best thing to happen to Nigeria and as such Atiku and his ilk should not be al-

‘el-Rufai takes after Obasanjo in many ways. Both men like being in the limelight and do not like being overshadowed by anyone. This is why el-Rufai pulled no punches when he appeared before the Senate ad hoc committee which probed the BPE’

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on the 20th of October, 1934. Some of those arrested for conspiracy included Gabriel Onafowokan who was first sentenced to prison but was later acquitted by the West African Court of Appeal. Every attempt to resolve the question of primacy in Ijebuland and independence for Jide Remo including Osuntokun soliciting the help of the Ooni of Ife twice came to nothing until 1st of April, 1938 when Remo became a fully independent district within Ijebu province with a British district officer stationed near the palace of the Akarigbo in Sagamu. This was a landmark for Remo and Akarigbo William Christopher Adedoyin and his Christian supporters deserve credit for this.

But this was not to be the end of the story because the nationalist movement was gathering pace and was spreading not only to Remo but the whole of Ijebu province and other parts of Nigeria.

Branches of the NYM were established in many Remo towns and also in Ijebu-Ode with the traditional rulers appointed as patrons.

One of the leading lights of Remo politics at this time, Samuel Akinsanya who was also leader of the Nigerian Motor Transport Union decided to contest as NYM representative in the Legislative Council in Lagos. His opponent was Ernest Ikoli who was President of NYM. Even though Akinsanya was widely supported, the central executive committee of NYM selected Ikoli.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe who was to become a political enemy of Obafemi Awolowo supported Akinsanya while Awolowo supported Ernest Ikoli. Curiously Azikwe accused Awolowo of tribalism for supporting an Ijaw man rather than fellow Remo man. This crisis led to the split and destruction of NYM. Azikwe left the NYM followed by his Ibo supporters. Akinsanya later decided to contest for the vacant stool of the Odemo of Isara and later became the Odemo in 1941. His becoming a traditional ruler presaged Awolowo’s predominance in Remo polities.

By the 1940s, it was the usual practice for town councils to be elected and a movement called Majeobaje emerged to channel people’s political aspirations during this period. (To be continued) Book Review, Author: Insa Nolte; Obafemi Awolowo and the Making of Remo: The Local Politics of a Nigerian Nationalist: Book Builders Limited, Ibadan 2010. 421 pp.

lowed to rubbish the former president. Unknown to him, Obasanjo was merely using him and others to achieve his own end. By the time, elRufai, Ribadu and others knew Obasanjo’s game plan it was too late in the day for them to do anything about it. el-Rufai takes after Obasanjo in many ways. Both men like being in the limelight and do not like being overshadowed by anyone. This is why el-Rufai pulled no punches when he appeared before the Senate ad hoc committee which probed the BPE. A lot of revelations was made at the public sitting of the panel in Abuja last week. el-Rufai wanted to be the star witness at the probe. but his testimony became nothing compared to the earthshaking evidence of a former deputy director in BPE, Charles Osuji. Osuji’s testimony takes the shine out of el-Rufai’s evidence on how his erstwhile mentor, Obasanjo, and Atiku killed the privatisation dream.

If we are to believe el-Rufai, the privatisation policy was killed because Obasanjo did not appoint his successor from within BPE. How could that have killed BPE if the appointeee is versed in privatisation mattters as it turned out to be in the case of his successor, Julius Bala? The truth is that el-Rufai likes having his way in all matters and when he does not he finds fault.

As president then, Obasanjo could either accept or reject his advice on any issue. Without holding brief for Obasanjo, I don’t believe his rejection of el-Rufai’s advice is the sole reason for the failure of privatisation. There are many more reasons for the failure of the policy which elRufai could not talk about because he was also involved in many of the privatisation transactions, which when subjected to scrutiny, will reveal a lot.

A few years ago, el- Rufai raised hell over his claim that some sena-

tors demanded bribe from him to facilitate his confirmation as minister. Despite the senators’ denial, he insisted that he was saying the truth.Up till today many Nigerians believe el-Rufai’s story, the same way they believe Osuji is also not lying against him.

Osuji’s testimony is worth recalling in order to put matters in proper perspective. Osuji said he collected bribe from the Chairman of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga, for el-Rufai. Alleging that he acted on el-Rufai’s behalf, he said after the sale of National Oil, he went to collect the bribe from Adenuga but when he took it to el-Rufai the former BPE boss refused to collect it because ‘’Adenuga brought the money in bits and so it was incomplete’’.

Trust el-Rufai, in a swift reaction, he said after he ordered Osuji to return the money to Adenuiga, the former BPE deputy director came back with $100,000 cash which he did not accept, adding: ‘’I reported the matter to the vice president who was the chairman of NCP, and he and the then Attorney-General, Bola Ige, requested that Osuji be prosecuted’’.

Why didn’t el-Rufai report the case to the police? If he did, what steps did the police take in investigating the matter? To me, Ige’s death should not have brought the matter to a close. We have had three or more attorneys-general after him, what did they do about the case? Were they even aware of the case?

Chances are they were not. The case was probably disposed of the typical Nigerian way where a small fry was made to take the fall for the big fish. Now that the issue has come to public domain, everything must be done to get to the root of the matter and those found culpable brought to book. Osuji is crying for justice, alleging that he was forced out of BPE. There is no better time to look at his case than now, no matter the cry of a ’’witchhunt’’ by anybody.

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

As NJC meets

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ODAY, the National Jud icial Council(NJC) is

meeting to decide the fate of President of the Court of Appeal(PCA), Justice Ayo Isa Salami, who he asked last week to apologise to outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu. What was Justice Salami’s offence? They claimed that he lied against Justice Katsina-Alu on oath whereas all evidence point to the contrary. Now Justice Salami has gone to court, seeking to set aside the NJC ‘order’. But NJC is evading service. It beats me hollow that NJC of all bodies in the country can be evading servide, knowing full well the implications of its action. If a body of eminent judges and lawyers can behave like this, what will we the lay men do? Why is NJC evading service? If it is sure of the action it has taken on the Katsina-Alu/Salami face-off it should go to court and join issues with Justice Salami. It is not helping its case by evading service. It is only setting a bad precedent which some lay men may decide to follow in future. If that happens will NJC have the moral and legal right to talk? Justice KatsinaAlu should not destroy the judiciary because he is leaving.

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

M

ALLAM Nasir Ahmad El Rufai, a diminutive ‘giant’ by his own account, has never been associated with failure. He has won all his past battles, getting away with his reckless description of members of the Senate as fools, surviving Yar Adua, outwitting his PDP friends turned enemies just as he did EFCC with its unproven allegation of land grabbing and unaccounted sales proceeds.

Last week, el Rufai chose the occasion of his date with Lawan Ad-HOC committee probing the activities of BPE and the sales of public enterprises, to celebrate his victories as DG,( 1999-2003). It was vintage el Rufai. To save us from the nightmare of corrupt epileptic money guzzling government enterprises, he worked 20 hours a day. Of the 33 federal owned companies he presided over, deals were concluded on 23, raking in $57 billion for the government. To achieve the feat, he defied overbearing interference of his principals, Obasanjo and Atiku. If the BPE later became crippled, it was either because his successors were incompetent, corrupt or lacked the courage to stand up to Obasanjo.

But El Rufai successors disagreed with him just as they disagreed among themselves. The only thing they agreed on was that they happily did a hatchet job for greedy elites. All the Director Generals, spoke from both sides of the mouth. Dr.Julius Bala, contrary to El Rufai self righteous chest beating, has told us that the world bank mid-term report indicted El Rufai for ‘absence of proper internal audit arrangement, lapses in the retirement of advances and lack of ‘fiduciary oversight and accountability of the privatization proceeds Accounts (PPA)’. According to him, ‘The World Bank expressed serious concern about inadequate transparency in income transaction’.

Mrs. Irene Chigbue said as a result of ‘political lacuna between the president and vice president Atiku Abubakar, BPE dealt directly with the then minister of finance’ Mrs. Nenadi Usman. In the situation, ‘many bidders, were replaced with other companies outside the bidding processes As for Bola Onagoruwa, the current DG, she was just unaware of the alleged fraud that took place in the sales of the Daily Times. Not to be left out, a deputy Director, Charles Osuji, claimed collecting bribe from Adenuga for el Rufai’. El Rufai has confirmed Osuji indeed brought a cheque of twenty five million naira from Adenuga

BPE as tool of greedy elite which he rejected and later $100,000 (one hundred dollars) which he equally turned down.

But an ever defiant el Rufai while ignoring the panel’s question as to whether he thinks the privatization and commercialization programmes had been beneficial to Nigerians, vigorously defended it with all his dimunitive weight. According to him, the sold enterprises had become a drain on public purse as they were attracting a government subvention of 265 billion annually.

El Rufai therefore has no apology for selling off enterprises on which government ‘invested $100 billion between 1970 -1979 with a return of only 0.5%’. His only regret was that these enterprises before privatization had been ‘captured by the elites for their own benefits,’ El Rufai cannot understand why the elite were ‘stealing from the poor and given to the rich’ The anger of El Rufai, the lover of the poor, was only assuaged when his principals, president Obasanjo and Vice president Atiku Abubakar along with the leading lights in PDP opted to sell Unipetrol, AP/National oil, Ashaka \Cement, WAPCO, CCNN, BCC Calabar Cement, Capital Hotel, Abuja Sheraton, FESTAC 77 among others to their cronies who had access to state resources.

El Rufai wants the panel members to know it was in the interest of the common man that these ‘corrupt and epileptic’ enterprises were sold back to the same bureaucratic, military and economic elites that jointly mismanaged them. El Rufai, a good specimen of elites that love the Nigerian poor to a fault, wants the masses especially those CPC rioting mob, to

know that it was in their interest that Enterprises which he claimed had attracted over $100b government funding fetched government only $1.6b.

El Rufai, and those he represents think because we are poor, we do not know that elsewhere in the world, where privatization had taken place, character and antecedents of core investors were often given weight. Today in Britain, there is an ongoing debate as to whether Rupert Murdock despite his proven Midas touch, be allowed to buy further government enterprises. But here individuals and their families took over assets built on the sweat and blood of all.

We now know Obasanjo and Atiku engaged in a deadly battle, their followers fought and killed for reasons other than their professed love for us. Rufai and Atiku sold virtually all the juicy enterprises during Obasanjo’s first term. Obasanjo during his second term mortgaged the future of our children by giving out as patronages land mark structures dating back to the colonial period. These include Ikoyi residential houses, Tafawa Balewa Square, Ikoyi Federal Secretariat, 1004 residential flats, Abuja legislators’ Residential Houses, vice president guest houses, Senate president residence, etc. all sold mainly to those with access to state funds.The National Theater was spared because there was probably no buyer interested in a sinking monument.

We the poor look back with nostalgia the period the Nigerian Airways, once the pride of Africa had a fleet of over thirty aircrafts employing over 2000 Nigerians. It was finally

buried by Rufai, Obasanjo and Kema Chikwe, a woman they both love and hate in equal measures. Nigeria has not forgotten that National Oil was once a blue chip company. Federal Palace and NICON NUGA and Hamdala hotels were once the pride of Nigeria.

WAPCO was once a profitable venture. Nigeria Railways once worked and employed several thousand Nigerians. That was long before fraudulent ‘IBB Railway revolution’ and Obasanjo and the Chinese railway connection that went awry.

Lawan, the committee chairman has said ‘the killing of Daily Times is ‘one bad example of privatization. In most cases, most of our enterprises were dashed out and that is the general belief’. It was worse than that.

But for the dispute over the sharing of assets of a company built with sweat and blood of others by Senator Ikechukwu Obiora’s , DSV and FOLIO Communications Limited, we wouldn’t have known that the Anosike brothers, ‘illegally and fraudulently sell and transfer the interest of DTN in NAIRA properties the owners of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) building, dismantle and sell heavy and sophisticated machinery and equipments at its printing press’, sold London and Lagos properties of DTN as alleged by Obiora.

Alhaji Jose and others that built the Daily Times to become one of the largest newspapers in Africa were a life while Obasanjo presided over this barefaced robbery.

If indeed there was asset stripping in the NICON deal, we have only been privileged to know because of the dispute over sharing of booty by greedy elites. KPMG and Assurance Acquisition Limited (AAL) in its report to the Lawan panel alleged NICON acquisition by Jimoh Ibrahim was fraudulent because the Global chief used forged documents. AAI’s Ifenanyichukwu Osuala also claimed Ibrahim withdrew twenty million pounds from NICON foreign account in London and stripped the company of N6.37 billion after posing as Director of Oceanic bank to fraudulently acquire NICON Insurance from the preferred AAL bidder. We now only know because the company was outwitted in the deal by a more vicious Jimoh Ibrahim.

Obasanjo’s politics of ‘do or die’, PDP ‘next of killers’ and el Rufai and CPC leaders’ unleashing of marauding mob were motivated only by GREED for which they are prepared to pull the nation down along with themselves.

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

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N August 19, Professor Joel Adebayo Adekanye arguably Africa’s leading scholar of comparative politics will be 70years. At the appropriate forum, Adekanye’s contribution to scholarship in particular, the discipline of political science which he taught in the apex academic position of professor for 27years will be both evaluated and celebrated in a festschrift which is being edited by Prof. Kunle Amuwo and my personal self. It is apposite however that in a philistine generation whose universities increasingly announce themselves to the world by what Professor Biodun Jeifo recently described as the “grandiosity of mediocrity”; benchmarks of academic excellence such as Adekanye’s career should be brought to the limelight and situated in the national discourse agenda as redemptive pathways in the search for the utopia that we once had but frittered away.

In doing this, let us first recall that the Political Science Department of the University of Ibadan where Adekanye lectured for close to four decades is easily one of the most distinguished on the continent judging by the quality of its output, its concentration in the same locale of a good number of star academics who succeeded in reproducing themselves as well as an overall tone of incisive scholarship marked by assiduous empirical work on several areas of government and politics. Never mind that it was a fairly conservative department which did not appear ruffled by the debate in some other academic quarters concerning the tensions between Political Science in Africa and the exciting and liberating possibilities of an African Political Science. The former let us note is a successful cloning of American political Science with its orthodox focus on democracy viewed in procedural terms; on the Eastonian preoccupation with the prerequisites of system maintenance and survival as well as on governmental structures and processes viewed as mechanisms for achieving elite consensus. Interrogating this orthodox perspective which facilitates the efficient transmission of liberal capitalism as a cultural and ideological project is a different kind of Political Science which privileges the insertion of Africa into the global capitalist

Bayo Adekanye at 70: a tribute

By Ayo Olukotun economy as subalterns, the value loaded if not self-interested nature of such concepts as interdependence, free trade, globalization and neighbourhood ethics; as well as an underscoring of the need for Africa to embrace social rather than liberal democracy.

Adekanye and his colleagues were of course not unaware of this debate; it was just that they saw them as secondary to their main task of professionalizing and raising to worldclass levels the study of and dissemination of knowledge about their discipline. In this, they succeeded brilliantly as a perusal of the prolific output of these scholars and their equally illustrious academic offsprings some of who became world-class professors will demonstrate. This point bears repetition at a time when professors are emerging from our academic culture who are unknown to the wider scholarly community outside of our shores in the disciplines which they “profess”.

In other words, Adekanye’s career coincides with an intellectual efflorescence typified by world-class interventions by Nigerian academics in the leading journals of their discipline. Unsurprisingly therefore, Adekanye has to his credit a harvest of books, monographs, journal articles which compete favourably in their quality with any that could be found in the English speaking world. It is just possible that Adekanye’s seminal output especially in the area of the military problematic in Africa was facilitated by a conducive domestic environment organized by his spouse Professor Mrs. Tomilayo Adekanye, a well-known academic in the discipline of agricultural economics who also retired a few years ago from the University of Ibadan.

Interestingly, and in the light of the ontological issues broached earlier in this write-up; Adekanye while accepting in broad outlines the received paradigms in comparative politics often found himself debating with its ethnocentric and culture

laden assumptions. Such articles as “On The Theory of Modernizing Soldier: A Critique “Published in Current Research of Peace and Violence”, as well as “The Concept and Problematic of Non-Western Civil-Military Process: Some Methodological Queries”; sought to expose the extremely faulty premises of conventional paradigms for understanding and analyzing specific historical and contemporary cases, albeit while operating within the major assumptions of those frameworks. In other words, he was not content to merely provide empirical justification for frameworks developed elsewhere but provocatively queried some of the organizing rubrics of those theories. It is this latter quality of original thinking and theorizing that lifts him above the common run of academics in his discipline and lend to his work the quality of an academic foster father. Consider too the fact that unlike many of his peers in the country who veered off to other more lucrative callings or who stopped publishing after they became professors, Adekanye kept true to the academic vocation and continued to publish in top class journals long after he rose to the summit of his career suggesting a deep interest in and profound affection for the academic profession. Even at 70, the scholar is currently on the staff of the Political Science Department of the Babcock University in Ilishan where he continues to play a mentoring role to an emerging generation of political scientists.

The reason for highlighting his fidelity to the academic calling is that we cannot as a nation build world-class universities unless we return to those values and incentives that will keep professionals at their job long enough for them to make a difference, as opposed to the pervasive moonlighting admittedly sometimes occasioned by survival reasons as well as a brain drain to other careers

which are perceived to be more economically rewarding. In this respect, his defiance so to speak constitutes a rebuke of a syndrome in which famed academics are now reduced to the unedifying role of writing position papers or providing justifications for the misdeeds of an errant political class. A related point is the fact that the scholar represents a virtuous minority standing for time honoured values in a generation in which those values are not only in short supply but are fast disappearing.

His reticence, ordinariness and simplicity can hardly be reconciled with his eminence in a culture notorious for ostentation and showmanship. At 70, this influential but self-effacing scholar quietly points a nation gone astray to those values and signposts which can redeem it from its wayward and unprofitable trajectory.

• Olukotun is professor of political science at Lead City University, Ibadan.

‘Unsurprisingly therefore, Adekanye has to his credit a harvest of books, monographs, journal articles which compete favourably in their quality with any that could be found in the English speaking world. It is just possible that Adekanye’s seminal output especially in the area of the military problematic in Africa was facilitated by a conducive domestic environment organized by his spouse Professor Mrs. Tomilayo Adekanye, a well-known academic in the discipline of agricultural economics who also retired a few years ago from the University of Ibadan’

Kaita signs three-year deal Everton, Bolton with Tavriya Simferopol target Onouha Pg. 41

Pg. 24

Nation PAGE 23

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Pg. 41 •Ameobi

•Osaze

Osaze: I’ll only opt for top club

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Siasia prays for Mikel’s dad

S

UPER Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has pleaded with the abductors of John Mikel Obi’s Father to immediately release him.

Michael Obi (Mikel’s father) was

abducted late last week by unknown persons much to the shock of the football world.

Mikel was informed of his father’s abduction on Friday by the Chelsea

NPL RE-RUN

Pascal drums support for Baribote

C

HAIRMAN of Wikki Tourists Football Club, Patrick Pascal has added his voice to the support for Victor Baribote stating that the Bayelsa United’s helmsman is the only candidate for the re-run of the Nigeria Premier League election.

The ex-international, who was a member of the Atlanta Olympics Gold Winning U-23 Eagles, said that being the only candidate that contested against dismissed Chairman of the board Davidson Owunmi, Baribote should automatically emerge as the only candidate vying for the position.

“Akin Akinbobola was in the race before but for reasons only known to him withdrew from the election before everybody and I was there as a Delegate as the Chairman of Wikki Tourists,” he said.

“So how can Akinbobola now come out to say he wants to contest after withdrawing from the race voluntarily? What we are having is a re-run because the NPL election was done in two phases, the Board election done in the Zones and then the Chairmanship election that was conducted by the Congress in Abuja.

“As it is, the Board Members have since started work and so you cannot have a fresh elections unless the entire board is dissolved which will not be easy because the board members were elected by their zones and it will take a very strenuous process of impeachment at the Zones to get the

By Innocent Amomoh

• Baribote Board out.

“It is a re-run that was ordered by Prof. Ibidapo Obe in his award and it makes a lot of sense because you cannot have two different nominations or guidelines for one election,” he said.

Pascal explained that the forthcoming NPL election is nothing but a continuation of the first one on May 8 2010 and it is only the candidates that contested the first election that are eligible to contest.

“As is it now with Owumi disqualified by the Arbitration Tribunal and the Law Court, it is only Baribote that is eligible. We must try to do things right,” he declared.

AHEAD OF ALL AFRICA GAMES

kits arrival ignite excitement in Team Nigeria camp

A

S preparation for the 10th All Africa Games gather steam, the training camp of Taekwondo buzzed with excitement yesterday when Federation President, Dr Jonathan Nnnaji stormed camp with the latest World Taekwondo Federationsanctioned kits for the athletes.

The atmospere was electrifying as athletes went into frenzy to celebrate the kits that was made possible by the National Sports Commission, (NSC).

Dr Nnaji who hailed Sports Minister Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman and Director General, Dr Patrick Ekeji said that the strategic plan of Taekwondo to mine gold in Maputo is on course ahead of the All Africa Games and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“It's awesome to think that Nigerian athletes can have these latest equipment to train with before

• Chika

•As Nnaji commends NSC the Games. I'm happy that the NSC can do this and it is left for the athletes to reciprocate by winning the medals in Maputo and London respectively”, an overwhelmed Nnaji said.

Part of the kits that thrilled the athletes was a Video Dartfish that helps both Taekwondoists and coaches to monitor their opponents and their athletes during fights.

There is also Electronic Body Protector with a sensor which is worn by Taekwondoists and transfers kicks during fights to the scoreboard to eliminate cheating and gang-ups by over-zealous officials. “Ï'm particularly impressed with this. Now, our Taekwondoists can get used to it before wearing it during tournaments. It is heavy and could have been strange to them.

Some of them may even be admiring it and their opponents will give them a killer-kick”, Nnaji excitedly said.

Two scoreboards of different sizes, head -gears, kick-machine- waterbase and sand base, Speed platform, modern Kick-Pads, Canvasses, slippers, WTF-approved Taekwondo Duboc, sheen-guards, arm-guards, hand gloves, head gears, groin-gears, tooth-gears(all WTF-approved) were also among the equipment. ''These will help us go a long way even though they dont last forever.

This equipment have been in use before now and this is the first time that Nigerian athletes are having it before major events. It speaks volumes of the good intentions of Ekeji and the new Minister. It's our turn to pay them back with good outings in Maputo and London 2012 Olympic Games”, Nnaji who is also the first Vice President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, said.

Manager, Andre Villas-Boas but the player still went on to play for the Stamford Bridge club in their opening EPL game of the season against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

“My brother, this is news to me. If this is actually true, I want to appeal to the abductors of Mikel’s father to please release him."

"This is not good news at all and I am appealing to those who have him to bring him back in one piece,” Siasia exclusively told SuperSport.com on Monday evening.

Meanwhile no information has been forthcoming from the abductors of Obi Snr. Media Chief of the Super Eagles, Colin Udoh said he had been speaking to members of the Obi family who have confirmed that they have yet to receive any sort of information about the whereabouts of Mikel’s father from his abductors.

“I just spoke to a member of the Obi household and so far we have heard nothing. Mikel is worried about the situation because without information, there is no sort of action that can be taken,’ he said.

Osaze: I'll only opt for top club W

EST Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has said that he will only leave the club if

an offer from a 'top' team comes in.

Odemwingie has attracted rave reviews since his move to England last year and finished as the Baggies' top scorer in 2010-11. Wigan made an offer believed to be around £1.5 million, but that was rejected by the club and the Nigerian striker has now revealed that he would only leave for a big side. ''To my dear WBA supporters,'' Odemwingie tweeted. ''I love this club and will leave only to a TOP team which is understandable. Nothing

NFF meets with Eagles, Dream Team officials

T

HE technical crew of both the Super Eagles and the U23 national team will be meeting with the Technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) soon.

Sources close to the NFF said the tentative dates have been fixed at meeting with Super Eagles next week and the meeting with the U23 side, otherwise known as Dream Team V has been scheduled to hold upper week.

“We don’t know the next line of action for both the Super Eagles and the Dream Team until the NFF meets with the technical crew from next week. As I speak, the Dream Team have not resumed camp, while the Super Eagles are just trying to put some plans in place for the challenge ahead.

“But the truth is that without those meetings nothing concrete can be achieved as the NFF’s Technical crew is expected to

By Innocent Amomoh

give the team direction after crutinizing the programmes of the coaches,” the source revealed.

Having lost out of the All Africa Games by West African neighbours Ghana, the Dream Team V will not take with levity the forth coming London 2012 Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Though the NFF had earlier bided for Nigeria to host the maiden edition of the tournament, the Condefderation of African Football has not however given the country the green light to host.

With other countries like, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, South Africa, Gabon, Senegal and Algeria still competing for three automatic places while the fourth team is expected to go into a play off with an Asian side, the Dream team handlers have assured Nigerians of a place at the quadrennial event.

•Agrees West Brom deal abnormal is going on. Contract is not signed cos of the duration of it.

Figures agreed long time ago cos I know this is not real madrid . Please be patient.''

Earlier, West Brom manager Roy Hodgson maintained that he was hopeful the striker would pen a new deal as he 'owes' the club that made him.

"Peter's been made an extremely good offer. I'm optimistic he'll sign,'' Hodgson said. ''We owe him a debt but he owes us too as we were the club that gave him his chance."

First-team coach Michael Appleton added his voice to the many hoping that Odemwingie would stay, telling the Birmingham Mail.

"Peter is 30 years old and I would imagine at some point in his career he's been in a situation where he's been in negotiations with his contract," Appleton said. "It has to

Kaita signs three-year deal with Tavriya Simferopol

S

UPER Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, Sani Kaita has penned a three year deal with SC Tavriya Simferopol of Ukraine after successfully passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Kaita came into spotlight recently for the wrong reasons when it was reported in the international media that his Belgian club, Germinal Beershot was threatening to terminate his contract over his inability to secure work permit visa that will enable him join up with the team for its pre-season which he missed.

One of the representatives of the former Alania Vladikavkaz of Russia and AS Monaco of France player, Tijani Babangida disclosed that Kaita decided to open negotiation with the Ukrainian side after what seemed like an attempt to frustrate the Eagles’ star bid from securing another club with the failure of the Belgian Embassy to issue him with work permit visa to leave the country.

He stated that Kaita did not have

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri any problem getting another club because the purported threat by Beershot to termination his contract sparked off inquest from other clubs from Russia, Ukraine and even in Belgium before he later considered Simferopol which he expressed was the most serious of the lot that made enquiry about his services. “ Sani Kaita has signed for Simferopol a top division club in Ukraine. He penned a three year contract and I can confirm to you that he would be collecting three times more than what he would have been collecting if he had resumed with Beershot.

“He has successfully passed the club medical and has agreed personal terms with the club.

‘Kaita was so happy and was full of joy that he had put the mental torture Beershot made him pass through behind him and he is now focused on proving to the players and officials of Simferopol that the confidence reposed in him would not be misplaced.”

be right for him, right for the club and I'm sure over the next couple of weeks something will be agreed and we can all get on with playing football and everyone comes out of it happy.

"We want him to stay. We took a chance on taking him from Russia 12 months ago and saw something in him we liked and could work with. He had a fantastic season last year and we want that again this season with us. Staying at West Brom will give him that opportunity.

"He got 15 goals last season and if he can get anywhere close to that then I'm sure we will give ourselves a good chance next season."

West Brom have slapped an 8 million pound price tag on the striker who hit 15 goals last term.

The Nigeria forward missed Albion's Premier League opening day defeat at Old Trafford with an

ankle injury, but now says he could be back for this weekend. "Started running today. Optimistic me says I'll be ok for Saturday, with magic from the doctor though. Realistic me says- balance both."

The news will come as a welcome breathes of fresh air to fans of West Brom, who have been concerned about losing their leading goal scorer.

Meanwhile Osaze has told KickOffNigeria.com that he prefers to remain in the English Premier League, which further narrows down potential suitors.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all but concluded their transfer business, especially in the striking department.

This leaves Tottenham HotSpur and Arsenal as the other top choices.

Spurs are already speaking to Man City over getting Adebayor, although they could still make a late bid, while Arsenal look neither here nor there at the moment.

Globacom salutes gallant Flying Eagles

N

ATIONAL U-20 Team, The Flying Eagles have been commended for putting up superlative performance against France in the quarter final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Telecommunication giant, Globacom in a statement in Lagos commended the fighting spirit and doggedness of the team which saw them scoring the equaliser at the dying minute of the match thus dragging the game to extra time.

Globacom praised the team for doing Nigeria and indeed Africa proud in the competition.

The Company congratulated the Flying Eagles for playing cohesive football from the group stage of the tournament up till the quarter finals where they lost gallantly to the European Champions, France.

Globacom also commended the technical crew of the team for bringing the best out of the team adding that the National team, Super Eagles will benefit from the U-20 squad since the best out of the team will be absorbed into the National team.

It will recalled that France went ahead early in the second half of the match before the Flying Eagles equalized few seconds into the injury time through substitute, Bright Ejike.

France again moved ahead with two goals inside two minutes in the first half of the extra time and Nigeria was only able to reduce the tally by one in the second half of the extra time.

• Musa

2011 WAFU CLUB CUP

Rangers leave for Niger Republic today • Club to avert looming ban From Tunde Liadi, Owerri VERYthing being equal, the players of Rangers International FC and their backroom staff will leave for Niger Republic today after getting assurances that the Enugu State Government would release money to enable the team prosecute the first leg tie of the WAFU Club Cup third round fixture with Akokana FC of Niger billed for Sunday.

Making this known to SportingLife was the media officer of the Flying Antelopes, Foster Chime who stated that the team would have to cut down on its expenses in order to make the trip to Niamey to avoid being disqualified and paying a heavy fine.

He expressed that the players and officials of the team would depart for Katsina today en route Niamey which he enthused is barely three to four hours away from the northern state.

According to Chime“Even though money has not been released as at the time I am speaking with you, but I know that the Accountant General of the State is working round the clock to ensure money is released and before the end of today’s close of work, hopefully we shall be answered by the Government.

“We don’t want to be disqualified having gone this far and come to think of it the huge fine he would incur if we failed to honour the first leg is another faction we do not want to risk at all.”

Rangers International FC have been fantastic in the WAFU Cup with total domination of their opponents till date as shown in the way they dismantled Mighty Barolle of Liberia and fellow Nigerian side, Kwara United of Ilorin in the last qualifying rounds.

The second leg takes place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu in a fortnight with Sharks of Port Harcourt as Cup Holders.

E

Everton, Bolton target Nedum Onouha DAVID Moyes is looking to bring Nigerian born Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha to Goodison Park, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 24 year old, who is capable of playing at right back and centre back, is said to be Moyes’ prime target ahead of the close of the transfer window. Onouha spent last season on loan at Sunderland, and is also said to be interesting Owen Coyle’s Bolton.

However, with funds tight at Goodison Park, and Manchester City insisting that Everton pick up the tab for Onouha’s £40,000 a week wages, it may well be that Moyes misses out on yet another target to a rival Premier League club.

Born in Warri, Nigeria, Onuoha, who was raised in Manchester, England, recently went on a loan stint at Sunderland from Man City.

Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers rival Everton for Manchester City defender Onuoha

by Kieran Evans. Published Wed 17 Aug 2011 15:30, Last updated: 201108-17 According to reports Bolton Wanderers are interested in Manchester City centre-back Nedum Onuoha.

It is understood that the City defender could be set for a new loan move away.

The Daily Mail claims Wanderers and Everton have enquired about taking the 24-year-old on loan.

Onuoha is keen to move on from City and spent last season on loan at Sunderland.

Comments about Bolton Wanderers rival Everton for Manchester City defender Onuoha There are no comments yet on Bolton Wanderers rival Everton for Manchester City defender Onuoha. Be the first to leave one, enter your thoughts below.

• Onouha

Imo FA raps NFF over purported ban • Says the body will appeal verdict

T • Sani Kaita

HE Imo State Football Association has reacted angrily to the publication yesterday in a national sports paper (not NationSport) that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)Disciplinary Committee has slammed a year ban on the State FA over a match fixing scandal on the pages of Newspaper.

Making this known in a telephone chat at Owerri was the Vice Chairman of the Imo FA, Emmanuel Ochiaga who expressed his disappointment that an issue of that magnitude was only made known to the Association through the media said that he was surprised that Imo FA was being linked to any match fixing scandal when Imo United FC and the team from Cross River were the club directly involved.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri Ochiaga explained that the duty of the Imo FA is to organize football matches in the state and not to be roped into what transpired in the match played after the body had ensured that the match took place and handed over proceedings to the officials earmarked to serve as arbiters of the game.

He explained that the Imo FA felt embarrassed with calls inundating members of the Association of a purported one year ban when a letter had not been written to the State Body on the allegation leveled before it and the opportunity for fair hearing before the alleged verdict was passed on the Association by the NFF Disciplinary Committee by a certain Secretary of the Committee, Tunde Aderibigbe.

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) chapter, has crossed swords with the ViceChancellor over penance for students found guilty of examination fraud. YUSUF ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, writes on the clash.

•UNIABUJA gate

UNIABUJA: ASUU, VC clash over exam cheats •Lecturers kick against amnesty for fraudsters •Adelabu: They want to dictate to me but I resisted

A

ROW has broken out between the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof James Sunday Adelabu and the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over plans by the university management to pardon 35 students allegedly involved in examination malpractice.

The union is also angry over what it described as the decline in academic culture in the university and absence of internet facilities in the last two years on the campus.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the crisis between the VC and ASUU erupted at the 130th Regular Meeting of the Senate on August 3, this year when the Vice-Chancellor tabled a proposal that all students with pending cases of examination misconduct be granted a general amnesty.

It was learnt that the VC based his recommendation on the fact that the university had not been able to fast-track investigation into the misconduct and the students had been waiting endlessly for justice.

A source at the meeting said:

It is a Special Committee approved by the Senate of the university. They are calling it a Task Force just to misinform the public. We set up the committee because some of the affected students did not know their fate.

– VC

ASUU Congress decided to reject the Task Force as it is alien to the university system and considers it an attempt to negate due process and subvert the activities of an existing standing committee – ASUU

•Prof Adelabu

“The VC told us that since justice delayed is justice denied, the affected students should be pardoned.

“He said the National Universities Commission has been on his neck to address the outstanding

cases once and for all.

“Members of the Senate overruled the VC and asked him to leave the Students Examination Misconduct Committee to do its job.

“But the VC decided to raise a

Task Force on Examination Misconduct in contempt of the existing committee.”

The defiance of the Senate by the VC prompted ASUU to call a congress on August 10 to take a posi-

tion on the Task Force and other issues in the university.

A copy of the resolutions of ASUU Congress, which was obtained on Monday by our correspondent was signed by the Chairman of the local branch, Dr. C.D. Chup and Secretary, Dr. W. D. Nafarnda.

ASUU’s resolutions read in part: “The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Abuja branch, held a Congress meeting on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the Indoor Theatre. The Congress deliberated on a number of issues which include national and local issues among others and resolved as follows: “On the constitution of the Task Force on students’examination misconduct, the Congress decided to reject the Task Force as it is alien to the University system and considers it an attempt to negate due process and subvert the activities of an existing standing committee (i.e. the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee.).

“That the Task Force be sus•Continued on Page 26

•’LASU EXTERNAL PROGRAMME ONLY ‘DISCONTINUED’ ’- Page 26 • OVER 4M GIRLS NOT IN SCHOOL SAYS MINISTER - Page 39

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

26

EDUCATION

‘LASU external programmes only ‘discontinued’ ‘ •May start ODL

P

ART-TIME students of the Lagos State University (LASU) who are currently studying in various campuses under the university’s external system, have been assured of completing their programmes in the university.

Students in the 11 external campuses of the LASU have been gripped by anxiety following withdrawal of the university’s external system.

Clearing the air on the development, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof Babatunde Elemo, said what the university did was to ‘discontinue’ the programme – the implication of which is that the institution will no longer admit new students.

However, the current students will complete their programmes.

Speaking with our reporter in his office last Friday, Elemo, who stood in for the university’s Acting ViceChancellor, Prof Ibiyemi OlatunjiBello, said the discontinuation was the fallout of an agreement LASU reached with the universities regulatory body, the National Universities Commission (NUC), to improve the quality of programmes.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

He said: “The NUC has what they call carrying capacity and minimum benchmark. You will agree with me that for sometime the external system of the university has been on the table of discussion between LASU and NUC. LASU has about 11 external campuses. Our primary concern then was to reach out to every area of the state. But what we’ve been asked to do (by NUC) is to discontinue and not cancel those programmes which means those students on ground will still be. The external system will still be there for the next four to five years, but by the next academic session there will be no new intakes, while we gradually phase out those who are at present in the system. Interestingly, we started winding up the science aspect some three years ago because we discovered that we needed adequate space. In the Faculty of Science where I come from, we realised we were stretching our facilities beyond limit. If you look at our external system now, you won’t find any students in 100 or 200 levels and maybe 300 level in the sciences that require laboratory work.”

He said the Edict establishing

LASU in 1983, conceptualised it as a multi-campus university. He said the College of Medical Science in Ikeja and the Faculty of Engineering in Epe would continue to run, adding that only the part time system has been axed.

Though he would not speak on the crisis between the university and NUC over the external system which was tense while Prof Lateef Hussain was Vice-Chancellor, Elemo thanked the NUC for what he described as a better working relationship with LASU. Peace, Elemo explained, was reestablished following a recent visit

by LASU management to the NUC headquarters in Abuja; and another to the Education Trust Fund, (ETF) a move to further facilitate more funding for the university.

Once the challenges that informed the discontinuation of the external system are overcome, Elemo said the university might not be averse to kick-starting the Open Distance learning (ODL) mode of education.

“Very soon, the management of LASU will still approach the proprietor for an alternative. In NOUN (National Open University of Nigeria) today, we have what is called Open Distance Learning (ODL). So, rather than have external system

we can have ODL. Fortunately, for us, ICT is giving us lots of opportunities these days. So, what is happening to LASU External System is the general quality assurance and re-organisation within the university system,” he said.

And with a renewed commitment by the Lagos State government to increase funding and facilities on one hand, coupled with an entrepreneurship programme, LASU will soon be embarking on another, Elemo said all is set for the university to retrieve its nine programmes including Law de-accredited by NUC last year. He also said LASU will, in a short while, move up its 10th position in the NUC ladder.

“We are really pushing to get back to where we were; and with the assistance of the Visitor to the university, we are reaching out to scholars even some that LASU lost to other universities by way of poaching. Some of them are beginning to respond. We are bringing a lot into the university and LASU is coming back now not only in Law, but other programmes. You must also remember that our very good undergraduates with CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of four do not only enjoy free tuition, but

•Prof Elemo

additional N20,000 scholarship to buy extra books for books. We were the first to start this in Nigeria and the tradition will continue.

In the last three weeks equipment worth about N420 million landed at our Epe campus. Very soon, we won’t call anybody to come and blow our trumpet for us, we will be the one blowing our trumpet,” he said.

UNIABUJA: ASUU, VC clash over exam cheats •Continued from Page 25

pended as its expected activities will usurp the duties of a standing committee of Senate.

“That all ASUU members in the said Task Force should not participate in the activities of the committee.

‘That the Students’ Examination Misconduct Committee should be encouraged to complete its work and submit its report to Senate as soon as possible.”

The union also observed the alleged decline in academic culture in the university and lack of internet facilities on the campus in the last two years.

It added: “Congress regretted the absence on Internet Facilities in the University for a period of two years and requested for the immediate restoration of the facility bearing in mind its significance to academic progress.

“Congress condemned the decline in academic culture in the university within the last two sessions as observed in the following: (i) lack of due process in admission; (ii) non-adherence to University guidelines on the screening and registration of students; (iii) absence of specific academic calendar; (iv) irregular Senate and standing committee meetings(i.e. only two Senate meetings have been held in the past eight months); and (v) dearth of inaugural lectures, seminars and conferences.”

But reacting to ASUU’s claims, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adelabu, denied all the allegations levelled at him.

He alleged that ASUU was only out to misinform the public.

He also said ASUU wanted to dictate to him, but he resisted such a move.

In a telephone chat with our correspondent on Monday, the VC said: “Look, everything in that resolutions amounted to misinformation of the public.

“I have been in charge in the last

two years trying to transform the university. Have you ever heard of any problem with the staff and students in the university? I have done my best to carry everybody along. Out of the four unions in the university, only ASUU is complaining.

“Some people have their ulterior motive. The issue is that those at the helm of affairs of ASUU are not able to dictate to me.”

Concerning the Task Force raised on examination misconduct, Adelabu said: “It is a Special Committee approved by the Senate of the university. They are calling it a Task Force just to misinform the public.

“We set up the committee because some of the affected students did not know their fate. I did it for the sake of the future of these students.

“You can ask yourself: Is it fair on the students for cases of misconduct to have taken more than two years to investigate? And the University Senate approved of the committee.”

He described ASUU’s demands as unrealistic in view of the limited funds at the disposal of the university.

He added: “You need to see the list of what they are demanding.

Have you seen their demands? Are they positively minded? Those allowances, if they really want the progress of UNIABUJA, are not realistic.

“If they are really interested in the progress of a place like UNIABUJA, they won’t be demanding payment of such allowances when they know that we have limited resources.

“I have tried my best. I will show you the evidence of the projects we have executed to make the students and staff comfortable on campus.

“I want you to come to UNIABUJA and see the evidence of what we have done.”

ASUU had demanded for the following allowances: immediate re-

•From left: Mrs Funmi Olayinka, Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, welcoming Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, ProChancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU) and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dada Adelowo, after Osuntokun’s inauguration as EKSU Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council

furbishing and provision of facilities.

The union said: “Congress also reiterated its earlier position on the unoccupied houses in Giri quarters and insists that such houses be allocated to qualified University staff in order to avoid further decay.

“Congress reiterated its earlier position that all outstanding staff claims and allowances be paid immediately.

The outstanding claims and allowances are as follows: • Centre for Distance Learning(CDL) invigilation for first and second semesters 2009/2010 academic session • Diploma teaching and marking for two semesters.

• Responsibility allowance for exam officers and co-ordinators.

• Remaining payment for books sold in the bookshop.

• Some peculiar professional allowances for staff of College of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

• Release of ETF grants to beneficiaries.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

EDUCATION AOCOED gets new Provost

AUN President wins award

By Adegunle Olugbamila

L

AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, (SAN), has approved the appointment of Mr Olalekan Wasiu Bashorun as the seventh Provost of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/ Ijanikin.

The appointment took effect from August 1.

Public Relations Officer of the College, Mr Odunayo Adebowale, who announced the appointment, said the college received the letter through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Mr Fatai Olukoga.

Bashorun joined the college on January 5, 1998 as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural/ Education. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Chief Lecturer on October 1, 2004, a position he held until his present appointment.

Bashorun holds a BSc in Agricultural Business and Economics (1984) from the Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia, USA. He obtained his Masters also from the same university in 1985 in Agricultural Education.

•From right: Prof Ayodeji Olukoju, Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota with Prof Biola Odejide and Prof Agwonorobo Eruvbetine, during the 13th Convocation and Investiture Ceremony of Fellows by the Nigerian Academy of Letters, at the University of Lagos. Olukoju was one of the seven fellows inducted at the event.

UNN holds post-UTME

U

NIVERSITY of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) will screen fresh intakes for the 2011/

2012 academic session between today and Saturday.

A statement by the Registrar, Mr

A. I. Okonta, stated that exercise will hold at the Nsukka Campus of the university only for candidates who made UNN, either their first or second choice and scored 200 or above in the 2011 university Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

PRESIDENT of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Dr Margee Ensign, has received this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award in Educational Excellence, bestowed by the African Leadership magazine, based in the United Kingdom.

The award was conferred on him in London during a special ceremony attended by the cream of the political and business class in Nigeria and the UK. In announcing the award, Editor-in-Chief of the London magazine, Mr Ken Giami, said the choice of AUN followed the significant role played by the university “in revolutionalising tertiary educational system in Nigeria through best international, academic practice.”

Addressing the University on the feat, Dr Ensign said everyone at AUN contributed to the achievement. “I am very proud to accept the honour on behalf of the American University of Nigeria community.”

Some of Dr. Ensign’s achievement include: initiating a new concept of community service termed Students Serving Society (SSS), introducing Social Entrepreneurship, and starting the AUN Leadership Lecture Series, among others.

‘Why varsities’ranking is poor’ HE Conference of Proprietors of Private Universities in Nigeria (CPPUN) has identified government’s failure to pursue excellence in education as the cause of universities poor ranking in Africa and the world.

The conference lamented that the highest ranked, the University of Ilorin, was in 55th position in Africa and 5,846th among 8,000 universities that featured in the world ranking.

The conference made the observation during its eighth regular meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Its spokesperson, who is also Pro-chancellor, Bowen University, Iwo, Mr Gamaliel Onosode, said the delivery of qualitative education was the reason for the existence of private universities in Nigeria.

He said being smaller in nature,

T

•Outgoing Basic Six pupils of Queen-Mary Schools Ojota, Lagos after their graduation, at the school Hall. Behind them are: (from left): Prince and Mrs. B.U. Mgbemele (School administrator/Director and proprietress), with teachers.

private universities have tremendous potential to ensure the pursuance of excellence relentlessly than the institutions which are part of the integral part of the society.

The Chairman of the conference, Prince Bola Ajibola, urged members to facilitate their visitation panels to take stock of activities in their universities as recommended by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Ajibola said since the exercise comes once every five years, with a member of the NUC as an observer, it would serve as in-house cleaning where the health of each university would be examined.

On the Lead City University Faculty of Law legal status, Ajibola said he was consultating with the Executive Secretary of the NUC to “pour oil on the troubled water’.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

EDUCATION

Imo, Niger to establish colleges

FEDPOFFA FILE

Council seeks collaboration THE Chairman, Offa Local Government, Kwara State, Alhaji Saheed Popoola, has sought collaboration with the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (FEDPOFFA) on a youth empowerment programme.

Popoola, who led members of his cabinet to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo, urged the institution to assist the council in its quest to make youths useful to themselves and the society.

He said: “The purpose of the visit is to familiarise with the polytechnic. I must say that I’m proud of the achievements of the polytechnic and happy to be associated with the institution anywhere I find myself in Nigeria. We want to seize this opportunity of a courtesy visit to bridge communication gap existing between the local government and the polytechnic.”

Responding, the Rector assured the Council of the institution’s readiness to collaborate on the youth development efforts. He added that the institution is imparting entrepreneurship education in the students in addition to their normal academic programmes.

SSANIP loses member THE final funeral of Mr Solomon Adegboyega Olawoyin, a former Acting Chairman of the FEDPOFFA Chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), has held at the Iyeru Okin African Church, Offa.

Olawoyin, famously called Asiwaju, died in his house, after a brief illness.

Until his death, Olawoyin, was a Senior Foreman in the Works and Services Department of the polytechnic. Born in January 1958, Mr Olawoyin who joined the services of the polytechnic in 1993’ He was survived by a wife and children.

The Rector, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo, was represented at the burial by Deputy Rector (Academics) Mr Eghe Igbinehi.

The ceremony was also attended by many members of staff of the institution,including leaders of the staff unions, especially the SSANIP.

Students resume THE FEDPOFFA students resumed academic activities last Monday after a mid-semester break declared recently.

The students were asked to proceed on break on July 21.

An internal memo from the Office of the Registrar confirmed the resumption for the continuation of the Second Semester 2010/ .20111 Academic Session.

T

•Some students of Petroleum Engineering Department, UNILAG, with Mr Olumide Akinjo, Head of Studies and Mr Sam Ugwu, programme co-ordinator

Govt cautioned over use of foreigners for construction

A

RESEARCHER, Darlington Agholor, has decried the use of expatriates on engineering and construction sites, saying the practice could kill indigenous talent.

Agholor, Director, Institute for Industrial Research (IIR), urged the government to fund Technical and Vocation Education (TVE) to develop local skills.

He spoke when a team of instructors from Government Technical College, Ikotun, Lagos, visited the institute to sharpen their knowledge and acquaint themselves with use of the latest equipment in tune accordance global trends.

Agholor described as “unfortunate” a situation where out of more than one million candidates who sit

By Adegunle Olugbamila

for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) yearly, less than half is admitted.

He also decried the attitude of Nigerians to TVE, saying they are too preoccupied with titles and paper qualifications rather than skills, which is more important.

“Before, the thinking was that vocational institutions are for dullards and dropouts.

Parents should recognise that nowadays, young persons with skills can easily feed themselves without bothering their parents. Vocational training is for everybody, irrespective of class, age and profession.

Parents should allow their wards to learn skills. Government at all levels are in

the position to fund TVE for the overall benefit of the nation,” he said.

He said because of the skills they gain, students that attend the institute get jobs easily.

“For the past 10 years, we have been having lots of fantastic experience in IIR. Our students, for 10 consecutive years, have been getting jobs right on the campus here before their graduation and they have been doing fine in their various companies. In fact, some of them get multiple jobs even before graduation,” he said.

The institute has also organised workshops on the importance of Mechatronics technology for young engineering students in some institutions of higher learning.

HE Imo State Government will relocate its university and the establish a college of education in Orlu Senatorial Zone, Government Rochas Okorocha has said.

Okorocha spoke of the new college in Orlu when an interest group from Orlu Local Government Area, known as Orlu Leaders Forum, visited him at the Government House, Owerri.

He said his administration is working hard to decongest the state capital, through the speedy development of Orlu and Okigwe, which according to him, informed the release of N100 million for the face-lift of Orlu township.

Okorocha added that the Imo State University Teaching Hospital in Umuna would receive adequate attention from the government to ensure that all its courses get full accreditation.

Leader of the group, Chief John Nwaizu, urged Okorocha establish another tertiary institution or upgrade the state skill Acquisition Institute (TESAI) to a

From Emmanuel Mgbeahurike, Owerri and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Higher Diploma awarding institution.

Speaking on the establishment of a College of Basic Education in Niger State, Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mustapha Lemu, told journalists in Minna that the college would decongest the existing College of Education which is struggling to produce quality teachers.

He said the establishment of the college is part of the 11-point agenda of the state government to upgrade the quality of NCE teachers.

Lemu said the government has also decided to streamline the departments in the College of Education to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively, while upgrading existing facilities.

He added that the state government has set up a 10-man committee to be chaired by him to prepare a plan to reposition the state College of Education.

School seeks relocation to permanent site

T

HE Commandant of the Command Secondary School, Ikeja, Lt.-Col Abudulhi Maiunguwa, is seeking more space to improve the quality of education his pupils receive.

Maiunguwa expressed his desire at the inauguration of a new administrative block and computer complex for the school witnessed by Brig.

Gen. Lucky Bayiram, Commander of Nigerian Army of Education Corps.

He lamented that since the school was relocated from its permanent site damaged by the January 27, 2002 bomb blast accident at the Ikeja Mili-

By Kemi Runsewe

tary Cantonment, it has not returned and suffers spaces constraints at its present location.

As a result, he said plans by the school to equip pupils with knowledge in farming, fishing, and poultry has suffered setback and urged the Chief of Army Staff to intervene.

In his speech, Bayiram urged the Commandant to continue to help to build the school.

He commended the teachers for their dedication and assured that the issue of temporary teacher status has been settled.

Lagos repositions sector AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola will in October launch the

L

Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) web portal as part of efforts to reposition the Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) skills sector to enhance the economy.

Executive Secretary of LASTVEB Mr Olawumi Gasper said the portal would detail a database of artisans in Lagos including their level of competence, contact, certification which will be accessible to those in need of their services. The portal will also contain details of students trained in the state.

The initiative is part of the efforts by LASTVEB to recog-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

nise skilled labour and end the craze for certificates without corresponding skills.

Already, Gasper, an engineer and former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), said the board has upgraded facilities at the five governmentowned technical colleges in Epe, Agidingbi, Ikotun, Ikorodu and Ado-Soba, and trained teachers to update their skills in line with current technologies in various trades.

The board has also entered into partnerships with foreign and local organisations to facilitate such training curriculum development and facilities upgrade, and is collaborating with artisan associations to enhance their skills.

Gasper said these efforts are aimed at enhancing skills of young Nigerians studying in technical colleges and other such skills acquisition centres to reverse the current trend where N900 billion is being expended yearly to pay foreign skilled artisans and

•From left: Gasper and Mr Mike Akintunde, Director, Planning and Research, LASTVEB

technicians.

“About N900 billion or six $6billion is used to pay foreign construction workes every year from China, Cotonou, Vietnam and other places. So, you can imagine the capital flight while our youths are there without jobs,” he said.

Despite being in existence for just over one year,

Gasper said LASTVEB has fashioned policies to bridge the skills gap needed to actualise the Lagos Vision to transform into a model Africa mega city by 2015.

He said the board recognises that certification through formal education must not be allowed to clog the wheel of progress which

informs why LASTVEB is giving recognition to competencies earned outside the formal school system.

He said by next year, institutions offering various forms of technical and vocational training, would be accredited and their curriculum streamlined to meet required standard.

29

Food price hike: Can students survive?

Varsity organises awareness on sanitation Page 32

Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE

0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The peace of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, was shattered by students’ demonstration. It was the first time in a long time the institution will experience such incident GERALD NWOKOCHA (graduating student of Information Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO) reports.

F

OR almost 15 years, the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (Nekede Poly), Imo State was tranquil. It was the envy of others because of its peaceful nature. This peace was shattered about two weeks ago after a violent protest by students. After the demonstration, which lasted about nine hours, three students were feared killed and valuable properties were torched. The campus is now a ghost town.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the students went on rampage after the management announced a hike in the tuition fee. However, the protest was hijacked by disgruntled elements.

The fee was increased from N30,000 to N40,000 per session three weeks ago and students were said to have made frantic efforts to reach out to the management for a reduction. But their efforts proved futile.

Later, the institution was said to have announced late registration fee of N17,500 for defaulting students despite pleas.

Another cause of the violence, according to students who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, was interference by the Imo State Government in the affairs of the Students' Union. Elections into SUG positions were supposed to have been held last week after the electoral committee released the names of qualified and disqualified candidates after screening. Six presidential aspirants; Bekee Igbojionu, Peter Ahuana, Kingsley Nwosu, Collins Nlembe, Nnamdi Maduagwu and Emeka Nzeh, were screened by the committee. Only two scaled the hurdle.

But, one of the disqualified candidates, Bekee, who was said to have a contact in Government House, was livid over his disqualification. His candidature was allegedly being pushed through the back door by the wife of the Imo State Governor. However, the Senior Special Assistant to Imo Governor (Media), Mr Chinedu Offor, denied involvement of the governor's wife in the scenario.

He said: "What interest does the state government have in a federal institution?" It was also alleged that the State Security Service (SSS), Owerri, invited the institution's Dean of Students' Affairs over the disqualification of Bekee. The Dean was said to have turned down the invitation because it was not formal. A member of the electoral committee, who craved anonymity, told CAMPUSLIFE that Bekee was disqualified because he held no

•The burnt main gate

Day of rage at Nekede Poly ‘No meaningful progress has been recorded other than admission of over 12,000 students into ND programmes. The available classrooms are not enough to accommodate this number’

•Dr. Celestina Njoku

elective post in the past.

He said: "Other aspirants were barred from contesting based on security problem or that they belong to secret societies. We worked on the guidelines provided by the management because the school was not ready to elect anyone that will give it headache."

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that some aggrieved candidates took the opportunity of the fee hike and the controversy that surrounded the conduct of SUG election to foment trouble. Students gathered outside the school premises,weilding dangerous weapons . They went wild, destroying properties and attacking people.

A HND 1 Mechanical Engineering student said Nekede Poly was not known for student violence until "the present management came on board."

He said: "No meaningful progress has been recorded other than admission of over 12,000 students into ND programmes. The available classrooms are not enough to accommodate this number. The rise in students' population also affects accommodation as off-campus accommodation which used to be N60,000 was hiked to between N80,000 and N120,000 depending on the type of room. We make money for the lecturers who sell handouts to us and most times we ‘sort’ to pass the courses."

Reacting, the management denied any increment. The Public Relations Officer, Nze Obinna Okafor, told reporters that the management did not increase any fee.

He said the polytechnic community woke up to discover that the students had taken to the streets, destroying property belonging to the school and individuals.

About 2,000 students were said to have participated in the protest; demanding the removal of the Rector, Dr Celestina Njoku, whose tenure began last October. Charles Kuku, a student, said the protest could have been averted if the management had reasoned along with the students. He said fee hike was the sole reason the students went on rampage but disqualification of candidates was just another factor that stoked the fire.

The protesting students torched the main gate of the institution and student union building. They also •Continued on page 33

•Free Enterprise essay overall winners, - Pg33 • Medical Students hold in sports fiesta - 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

30

CAMPUS LIFE

On the proposed NYSC

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HREE weeks ago, I expressed reservations with a statement credited to the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, on his plans to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The scheme is under his ministry.

I got a call from his Senior Assistant on Media, Mr. Julius Ogunro, who signed the statement. While appreciating my stand, he said the minister would appreciate if we at CAMPUSLIFE do them a favour by talking to corps members randomly and coming up with their suggestions on the type of reforms they expect.

We did just that. Thus, today, I am sharing some of their thoughts. As some of them expressed reservations about using their details, I am using just their first names. I express appreciation to correspondents like Obinna Dike, Nosa Uwadiae and Lisa Adisa, for compiling this.

The reforms we want GOVERNMENT must go the extra mile to protect corps members serving in the north, especially in places like Borno and Bauchi. This is because they are in service to their fatherland, whether they like it or not.

Pushing Out with

Ngozi Nwozor 08054503104 (SMS only)

•campuslife@thenationonlineng.net •ladycampus@yahoo.com It is good that the allowance has been increased; just that one expected something better. If N18,000 is the minimum wage, that is to say that civil servants with just the primary school certificate are paid that amount. Even if the argument is that NYSC is service to the fatherland, does it mean that we should be paid almost the same thing as primary school leavers? It is not fair. Claribel THE WAY I look at what we are faced with in this country, there is little or nothing the government can do apart from it has done already. It is not going to be possible to provide security for all the corps members. What the manager of the NYSC should do is to blacklist states with high risk rate. They should post corps members according to states across their geopolitical zones of origin. For instance, people from the north namely northeast, northcentral and northwest should all be interchanged amongst them-

selves; and the same thing done for those in the south. This way, someone from say Adamawa State can be posted to Kogi State. That I believe is some distance but all still within the north.

I don't advocate for the scrapping of the scheme because

there is no society that is completely peaceful. The NYSC is not the reason for the Bauchi or Maiduguri crises.

I think also that the corps members have more to offer than just to be posted to be teachers. I think they should post them according to their courses of study. Government should create research centers because it is not about creating jobs but creating the opportunities for the jobs to come. - Frederick I BELIEVE the NYSC is among the best things to have happened to this country. If not for the Boko Haram and Bauchi killings, all these talk would not have come up. Therefore, I urge for improved security for corps members. If government can guarantee that, then it has done a lot.

We have also heard female members being raped and even of those that were kidnapped; we saw these in Osun and Rivers states. Again, it boils down to providing better se-

‘Think twice before doing business’ Though a graduate of Physics, Oluwole Otusanya is involved in media and entertainment on campus. Popularly Known as Wole music, he is a fast rising star at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and beyond. OPEOLUWA SONUGA (200-L LAW), met him.

•Oluwole

C

AN you let us into your background?

I'm a native of Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State. I lived most of my life in Lagos where I attended National Primary School Gbagada and National College Gbagada. I'm serving in Ibadan.

What spurred you into music?

I lost my dad when I was six months old. So, things were tight when I was growing up and even when I gained admission. Wole music is an idea that started as a result of financial

challenges. I was in Part 2, reading in White House (Faculty of Science) when an idea popped up in my mind. It made me see what was missing in OAU when it comes to entertainment and media. Refining the Idea is what we have as WOLEMUSIC. How did you start?

Starting with a little publicity in Fajuyi Hall, Block 1, kicked it off. I was at a programme organised by DayStar as a DJ when an invited speaker said: “Make yoirself known." Along the line I was only selling music, movies and documentaries only to realise that I download on 10 laptops for N3,000 yet I work on two laptops and earn more than that. That was when I started laptop repairs, sales, software installation and skin change among all other services.

It has been glory to God. How do you cope with girls?

Hmmm! everyone makes mistakes, and I have made a lot of mistakes when we talk of relationships. Ladies can be funny at times. Some of them are around you because of what you are in terms of position and not who you truly are in terms of personality and character. Someone classifies them into three: some as confidants - those that are trustworthy; Stickers- those that stay with you because of what they can get from you; and comrades, the ones that don't even give a damn about you. It all boils down to understanding them and knowing who you are.

How do you unwind?

I watch movies and browse a lot. One of the fruits of this is The College Conspiracy, a documentary about universities and cam-

pus life. I also think a lot. I call my room thinking room because that is where I brainstorm. Seeing people copy my concept does not make me angry or jealous.

Instead I innovate on how to continue to set the pace. One of such is the CFC- Campus For Christ, where we give out free Christian movies, music and documentaries for three hours non-stop.

What's up with NYSC and Wolemusic?

Service is fine. Well, I want to say it's a miracle that having schooled in the Southwest I still find myself serving in the Southwest. Many people think I paid for it, but I tell them no. The company where I serve is flexible, so I shuffle between Ibadan and Ife. Even over there, considering the meagre corpers allowance, I offer free laptop services to my fellow corps members. Above all, God has been good.

In the next five years, where do you see OAU in media and entertainment?

Despite the remoteness of the campus due to our location, with its level of entertainment, I see OAU standing tall with Stanford.

Our guys here are good and I know if we keep up the pace, the sky is only a launch pad.

What do you have for students aspiring to be business magnates?

First let me say that, if you are being sponsored comfortably, think twice before going into business, and if you are in it as a student, ruminate well before taking a decision, because your priority which is academics must not be affected. To every fan of Campuslife keep pushing, believe in yourself and you will get there.

curity. - Suleiman THE MOST important is the posting. I am serving in Sokoto and it is quite unfortunate and inconveniencing because the roads are not good enough and the distance is very far.

Some of my predecessors have not been paid for up to two months, notably ones serving in Oyo. So I appeal to the government at all levels to ensure timely and improved payment of benefits. - Izibeya IT IS becoming increasingly difficult to survive in Nigeria, as the cost of living keeps skyrocketing.

Therefore, I think the pay package should be well increased. What they (NYSC) just did is welcomed, but not enough. I know it might take another 10 years to get another increment, so I urge state governors to complement the federal government's effort by paying corps members in their states something tangible.

Also governments at all levels must work to should provide suitable accommodation for corps members. Leaving them at the mercy of shylock landlords is not good enough. - Adegboyega THE TRUTH is that every student looks forward to going for NYSC. I cannot forget the feeling I got the first time I donned my corper shon uniform. Thus, any talk of scrapping the scheme is ill-conceived. No one can deny that it is a veritable tool of better understanding the different tribes and cultures that make up the country. But that is for the corps member.

Where I feel the NYSC directorate needs to pay more attention to is in

the ordinary citizenry. Corps members have learnt more about their hosts, leaving behind enduring legacies through their community development (CD) projects, even settling down in some of these places and our ladies often getting married to the men they meet there. Sadly, some unscrupulous members of the host communities do not reciprocate the good gestures.

My point then is that the NYSC directorate should work together with states to embark on aggressive public awareness campaigns highlighting what the people stand to lose when corps members are no longer posted to their states.

In addition, corps members should be encouraged to provide more CDs so that the people will see them as real government pikins making good interventions in their ordinarily dull existences.

- Ebere I hope the Youth Development Ministry and NYSC Directorate will consider some of the foregoing as they reflect on the reforms to bring to bear on the scheme. As one who passed through the NYSC, I saw firsthand some of the benefits of the programme especially in having a better understanding of other cultures and groups. Thus, I will never support a scrapping. But a reform, a good one, is long overdue. Here's wishing and hoping that Minister Abdullahi and Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga are able to get it done.

Ciao

She is a stunning beauty and she is so acknowledged on campus. Miss Culture and Tourism (Niger-Delta) Chinonso Janet Wosu, a 300- Level student of Biomedical Technology, University of Port Harcourt(UNIPORT) spoke with Chris Okafor ( Microbiology 400-L) on her new status.

Nigeria is blessed, says beauty queen

D

ID you know you were going to win?

No, it was a competition and you never can tell what the result would be until it is announced.

It could be favourable or otherwise so you have to be prepared to accept any of them.

What was your reaction when you were singled out?

It came as a surprise when my name was called for the crown and I was taken aback because like I said earlier it was a competition with many of beautiful ladies as contestants.

Is your studentship of UNIPORT an added advantage?

Yes, it gave me an edge because there is a general belief that when it comes to beauty and brains UNIPORT has got a truck load of them and as a student of the institution you are expected to deliver the goods. So this would often challenge you to do your very best and that is exactly what I did.

Between education and modelling which takes the front seat ?

My education is my main priority and I place it top on the list. every other thing comes behind including modelling.

What does your crown stand for?

Miss Culture and Tourism stands for the beautiful cultural heritage in the Niger Delta region.

What are your challenges so far?

I try to do my best every time and make my own little contributions to the society at large. It’s been very challenging but I am living up to it.

How did your boyfriend em-

• Chinonso

brace your stardom?

Stardom comes with a lot of issues, some very easy to handle and some very sophisticated that you have to be very careful lest you make a dreadful mistake. My boyfriend is proud of me and always supports me.

Who are your role models and where do you expect to be in five years.

My parents are my role models and for my expectations in the next five years, I see myself being ahead of where I am at present God be with me.

What is your message toNigerians?

It is when things get so critical that God comes in for His name to be magnified. We have got to this critical stage and I am sure this is the last we are going to experience in this country. Let us unite in love and harmony for it is only when a broom sticks to a bunch that it could resist the forces of breaking at little provocation. Nigeria is blessed and we shall ever remain so.

31

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE Students are groaning under the skyrocketing cost of goods and commodities. Wale Bakare (200-Level Zoology, University of Ilorin) reports.

•Grains displayed in the market

•Tomatoes seller arranging her wares

Food price hike: Can students survive?

S

ECTION 14 (2) of the 1999 Federal Constitution says "The security and welfare of all Nigerians shall be the primary purpose of the government".

But the state of the economy seems to suggest that the government cannot meet the expectations of the people.

The harsh economic condition is really affecting students studying in tertiary institutions across the country as they cannot afford three square meals.

Students now resort to different formulas such as 10-1 (breakfast, skip lunch, dinner), 0-1-0 (skip breakfast, eat lunch, skip dinner), 1-1-0 (eat breakfast and lunch, skip dinner) to mention a few.

CAMPUSLIFE investigation reveals a huge increase in the price of fish. Mrs Alice Abiodun, a fish seller at Oja gboro, Ilorin said

that in January last year, a carton of herrings (Sawa), which sold for N2,600 has increased to N5,200; Mackerel known as Kote rose from N5,000 a pack to N9,000; Panla which used to be the cheapest now sells for N8,000 - up from N4,500, while Titus which sold for N6,200 rose to N11,000 a pack.

According to her, this has contributed to the high prices of fried, smoked and stock fish sold in retail.

Another trader who sells pepper at Challenge market, Ilorin, Mrs Morufat Yusuf said the sudden increase in prices is too much.

"When I went to the market on Friday I bought a basket of tomatoes (Apere Ajase) for N1,800. When I went back on Monday I bought it for N2,500, and when you ask the wholesaler the reason for the increase, they tell you the

cost of transportation has increased,” she said.

"Last year, we sold pepper for N20 but now we sell for N50.

“When students come to buy pepper they beg us to put jara which is not possible since wetin we buy is wetin we sell.”

Grains, the most consumed of staple foods, are not left out. The prices of grains, for instance rice, increased by more than 25 per cent in the last 12 months. Mr Ikechukwu Chidi, who sells grains said " a bag of rice that sold for N6,000 last year is N8,000. The margin of beans is also much. We bought a bag of beans for N18,000 in 2010 now it has shot up to N22,000. By implication, a tin of tomato increased from N80 to N130."

Students, who spoke on the issue, vented their frustrations about the poor

state of the economy.

One of them, Opeyemi Olayinka, a 200 level Biochemistry student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), is a shopper at Challenge market.

"I was at the market two weeks ago to buy Dettol toilet soap and Close up toothpaste. The soap I bought for N100 has gone up to N120. Close up has increased from N150 to N180 without any tangible reason identified by the retailers. This is not fair because our parents would not increase our monthly allowances and these prices are becoming excruciating that we cannot afford our daily necessities," she said.

Hammed Isakia, HND 1 Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Kwara State Polytechnic, appealed to the government to increase salaries of civil servants. " The government should

come to our aid by increasing the salary and welfare packages of workers, our parents, because they need money to take care of us and secure for us a better future as we cannot cope with increment in prices of everything with the meager salaries given to them," he said.

Also speaking on the need to improve welfare, Eze, a 100-Level Law student of the Lagos State University (LASU) said government intervention is crucial.

He said: "Nigeria is rich, yet the less privileged, students inclusive, starve amidst plenty. Without increase in electricity tariff, petroleum pump price and tuition fee some students still struggle to make ends meet and life bearable. If the proposed withdrawal of petroleum subsidy is effected it will cause an increase in prices of goods. How does the government want stu-

‘I was at the market two weeks ago to buy Dettol toilet soap and Close up toothpaste. The soap I bought for N100 has gone up to N120. Close up has increased from N150 to N180 without any tangible reason’ dents to survive?"

One of the traders, Mrs Abiodun also wants the government to intervene.

"I would like the government to arrest the high price of goods because we have a lot of family responsibilities to attend to such as the children's tuition fee.”

Reactions on six-year single term bid

The proposed six-year single term for the president and governors has become a burning issue, especially among politicians.

TUNMISE OLADIPUPO, a graduating student of English, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, interviewed some students on the issue.

T

HE proposal for a sixyear single tenure being pushed by President Goodluck Jonathan is still provoking reactions in the polity.

Even as the bill is yet to find its way into the National Assembly, the controversy it has generated has put Nigeria smouldering in all directions.

Opposition political parties started the debate by condemning the move as another form of tenure extension for the incumbent. But there are those that support the proposed bill.

The students’ constituency has also lent its voice to CAMPUSLIFE on the debate.

Latifat Abdulmajeed of the Nigeria Law School, Abuja, says not every change is a bad phenomenon.

“I see this as a welcome development. Politics in this country calls for an urgent reform, which must include limiting political tenure to a

•Bukunmi

•Tosin

•Olayemi

•Latifat

•Mayowa

single term. I believe the bill would reduce electoral malpractice,” she said.

Olayemi Onakunle, who has just finished from English, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), corroborated Latifat’s view.

He said: “Making a single tenure of six years for the offices of president and state

governors would give room for change in leadership which would bring a change in ideas and the old convention of recycling leaders will be a thing of the past. Also, it will afford elected political office holders enough time to embark on meaningful projects and see to the completion of such projects within the time frame and not

put up re-election bids on the pretext of completing unfinished projects. The proposal, if passed, would also prevent unpopular leaders from clinging to power.”

Oluwatosin Ipinmisho, a Law graduate, agrees with the duo.

“A single term is sufficient for service delivery. The sta-

tus quo enables politicians to siphon public funds to campaign for the next election,” he said.

Bukunmi Ajiferuke, 500Level Architecture, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, supports the bill.

“It is a known fact that elec-

tions are conducted every four years and they costs billions of Naira. Limiting the tenure of the president and governors to a single term will reduce the cost of conducting party primaries and the general elections and it will also enable politicians to strive hard while in

Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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CAMPUS LIFE

Varsity organises awareness on sanitation

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Engineering students elect new leaders

HE Nigerian University Engineering Students Association (NUESA), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) chapter, has elected a new executive council.

The election, which took place penultimate week, had 24 aspirants jostling for 13 positions with the candidates running elaborate campaigns.

Abdulmuqsit Hassan, on 300 level Chemical Engineering student emerged president after polling 528 votes to defeat his opponent: Abdulrahaman Oni, (Electrical En-

From Jimi Orintunsin and Faith Olaniran FUT MINNA

gineering); and Taye Salami, (Electrical Engineering).

The elections started peacefully at about 10:30am with the Dean, of Faculty of Engineering declaring the exercise open.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Abdulmuqsit said he would run an all-inclusive administration. “I am not perfect but I will try to keep all my promises to all students of engineering,” he said.

Group holds retreat

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AKARIOS ministry, a gospel, dance, music and

•Prof Mafuyai (second left) with Hajiya Garba

U

NIVERSITY of Jos (UNIJOS) students have been told to ensure cleanliness on campus at all times. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hayward Mafuyai, gave the charge while unveiling sanitation billboards to educate students on hygiene.

He described sanitation as a requisite for a hygienic environment devoid of diseases. The event was organised by Partnership With Students (PWS) and the Students Union Government

From Esther Mark UNIJOS

(SUG) of the institution.

The VC said the programme was also in conformity with the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines on environmental safety and hygienic conditions in Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning.

Also speaking, the chairperson of PWS, Hajia Garba, said the effort was initiated to improve

cleanliness among students in hostels and institutions by mounting billboards and refuse disposal bins at strategic locations to reinforce the message of public health.

In his remark, the SUG president, Aluta Nantok, said the bill boards would help the students academically, since only the healthy would attend lectures.

The event was rounded off with an awareness rally on the benefits of hygienic environment.

drama ministry on campus, has held a retreat for its members. The retreat began on Friday and ended on Sunday as part of activities to round off the 2010/2011 first semester.

The retreat was to revive members spiritually and prepare them for the journey in the coming semesters.

Makarios ministry, meaning ‘The blessed’, is a ministry with branches all over campuses in Nigeria.

Oshionaye Olawale, the president of the OAU branch of the ministry, told CAMPUSLIFE that the retreat was held in collaboration with another gospel dance ministry, Dhe Word ministry.

The retreat featured ministrations

From Adebayo Caleb OAU

by Pastor Sola Okoduwa, the president of Dhe Word ministry and also a teaching by the president of ‘Justified’, another gospel dance ministry on campus. There were also prayer sessions and special ministrations.

Pastor Sola, who spoke on gifts and calling, urged members to work towards their purpose and be ready to pay the price for success in their areas of calling.

Speaking with members of Makarios and Dhe Word ministry after the retreat, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the retreat had been an uplifting spiritual experience.

Seminar for Law students

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UNIOR Entrepreneurs And Networkers Society (JEANS) has organised its maiden semi-

nar for Law students. The seminar with theme: ‘RepositioningThe complete legal practitioner’, centered on brain teasers redefining Law students in terms of business.

Specifically, it was to enlighten Law students on various essentials of law practice.

The seminar featured talks by 200-Level Law students on academics, business, poise and etiquette, motivation and public speaking.

The speakers included

F

•Students at the event

Mass Comm students celebrate week

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HE Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOS) rolled out the drums last week to celebrate the departmental week and round off the 2011 students’ Union Government week of the institution.

Tagged AMCOS Day, the celebration took place last Saturday at the main auditorium amid jokes and funfair. Students, lecturers and some other principal officers of the School of Information Communication Technology (ICT) of the polytechnic, graced the occasion.

Mr James Onosu, a staff, opened the event with a prayer. In his speech, Mass Communication head, Mr. Abraham Obaze, described the students as the pillar that holds the school because of their popularity and brilliance.

He said although the admission in the department is challenging it is based on merit and students need to sit up so they could come

From Tosin Ajuwon AUCHI POLY

out in flying colours.

“Social activities should give way. Your academics matters most. You have to improve on what you have and face the future,” Obaze said.

Delivering a paper entitled Polytechnic Students and the Labour Market, Onosu bemoaned the present state of education, saying polytechnic graduates are not given chance to prove their worth.

He said polytechnic programmes were designed to meet up with the challenges of the middle level manpower but asked if the students were given pride in the society.

Onosu advised the students to take their studies seriously and look into the future with determination to create jobs for themselves.

A Nollywood actor and lecturer

in the department, Mr Ignis Ekwe, said the entertainment industry is another avenue where students could showcase their potentials, especially the talented ones among them.

Ekwe said most of the actors and actresses the students see on the screen made it right from their school days where they joined some special drama and entertainment outfits.

AMCOS President, Kadiri Osi, said the association has progressed since he took over the baton of leadership. He described the students as cooperative and patient despite all odds. He challenged any student or lecturer, who thought any of the executive members embezzled the association funds, to come out with fact, saying he and his colleagues are ready to face any panel.

Giving the closing remarks, the Dean of the ICT Faculty, Mr Francis Chette, said the students should always make the school proud.

From Adebayo Caleb OAU

Adebayo Caleb; president of JEANS, Magbagbeola Toluwabori; Atirene Natasha; Odum Emmanuela; Sonuga Emmanuel and Fagbewesa Oluwasegun.

The seminar also featured games and to spice it up and recharge cards were won by those who got the answers.

Officials of JEANS promised to hold more of such enlightening seminars in future, saying the basic aim of JEANS is to teach entrepreneurship and business independence.

Lagos awards bursary

OLLOWING applications by students of Lagos State origin for the bursary that opened on April 11, the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education has finally issued a release announcing the commencement of payment of bursary for 2008/2009 and 2009/ 2010 applicants.

According to the release by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, presentation of ATM verve cards will begin on the 25th.

Recipients of the bursary were asked to visit the Lagos State Scholarship Board at Iyana-Ipaja to present their school I.D card, passport photograph,

From Adebayo Caleb OAU

letter of identification from HOD, brochure receipt in some cases, among others.

Recipients of the bursary from OAU for the 2009/2010 session are 65.

However, many have criticised the difference in the amount allocated to professional courses and other courses, describing it as improper.

Others were indifferent – with some even thankful that it came.

33

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE FREE ENTERPRISE ESSAY OVERALL WINNERS, ORGANISER AND SPONSOR

Corps member launches book

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•The Nation Deputy Editor, Mr Lawal Ogienagbon presenting a prize to Moses Oluwanifishe, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University and winner of the Essay competition.

T was pomp at the launch of the novel, Devil at Bay, written by a corps member, Dr Chiegboka Lausdeus Otito.

He is a Batch A 2011 NYSC member serving with the Navy in Makurdi, Benue State.

The launch was held at the Rotary Hall, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital old site, Enugu, where some great names in Nigerian medical history once received lectures.

Glitz would not be an overstatement to describe the occasion which was graced by Prof Basden Onwubere, Provost of the College of Medicine, UNN; Prof Anezi Okoro, the famous author of One Week One Trouble; two former UNN Vice-Chancellors, Prof Peter Ebigbo and Prof Rich Umeh.

Also in attendance were Deputy ViceChancellor UNN (Enugu Campus), Prof Ifeyinwa Enemuo represented by Mrs Chika Nwankwo, the Coordinator, Use of English, UNN, Enugu Campus, while the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral OS Ibrahim was represented by Commodore Itoko; and the Flag Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Akinwwale, represented by Lt Cdr MD Fefa.

Prof Ohaegbulam a renowned neurosurgeon; Prof Chuba Okoye, a biomedical engineer, and Mr Etele Obinna, MD, PanWithworth Group and an entrepreneurship consultant also stressed it .

Culture was given prime importance during the occasion as the arrival of each guest was heralded by local flute rendition, which spiced up the occasion at intervals. The Mc was Mr Amaechi Ogbuojandi, a journalist.

Speaker after speaker dwelt on the revival of culture and languages through literature and praised the

•Chiegboka From Laz Ude ENUGU young writer’s achievements in and outside the field of Medicine.

There was the traditional breaking of kolanuts and brief interjections in Nigerian languages. The book review and presentation was done by Mrs Nwankwo.

The event reached a crescendo with the signing of copies of the book and procurement by the guests who were all thrilled. The event came to an end with a mood-elevating prayer by Mrs Nwobodo, a Nollywood actress.

Asked how the author, combines Medicine with literary creativity excellently, he said: “One shouldn’t be in a hurry to judge: Medicine is Science as well as an Art.” The novel is a work of fiction which holds the reader captivated to the very last page with its twists, turns and cliff hangers, and still passes the satirical message of the wrongs in the system of the third world African country.

Day of rage at Nekede Poly

•Dr Tom Palmer and Mr Adedayo Thomas flanked by winner and first runnerup PHOTOS: JOHN EBHOTA

Fellowship holds convention

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HE Anglican Students' Fellowship (ASF), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter, has organised a three-day Brothers' Convention to welcome members as the institution resumes for the second semester. It was held, last week, at St. Luke Anglican Church, Iperu Remo.

Themed Awakened in his likeness, spiritual programmes were

•ASF members after the convention

From Modestus Diko OOU

conducted during the convention to uplift the soul of members. The students prayed for the progress of the school and sought God's intervention in their academic activities.

The convention Co-ordinator, Opeyemi Oluyadi, spoke about the role of man in life and the

manner in which man should attend to life.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Shadrack Akinola, a member, said he was moved by the presence of God during the spiritual picnic.

ASF president, Jimisayo Osinaike, expressed gratitude to the church for accommodating the students throughout the convention.

Continued from page 29 vandalised over 20 vehicles belonging to the school and individuals.

The Polytechnic management called in anti-riot policemen and soldiers to disperse the students.

One of the policemen was dispossessed of his rifle by students and this angered the remaining officers, who opened fire and shot sporadically. In the ensuing melee, three students were hit by stray bullets.

Meanwhile, the management has shut the institution indefinitely. A two-paragraph statement issued by

the Registrar, Mr Matthew Alegbe, read: "The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, has directed all students of the institution to proceed on indefinite break with immediate effect. In the light of the above, the students should vacate the campus immediately".

A visit by CAMPUSLIFE to the institution last Monday indicated that renovation of the affected property has begun and there was no activity on campus as students are still being barred from the premises.

Rotaract gets new leadership

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EMBERS of the Rotaract Club, University of Calabar (UNICAL) chapter, turned out en masse to witness the assumption of office by the new leadership last week at Pavilion 2, UNICAL. In his valedictory speech, the outgoing president of the club, John Ogbannaya, thanked members and guests for their support, without which he said his administration, would have found it difficult to fulfil its promises.

John said he was able to achieve donation of wheelchairs and crutches to physically challenged students in

From Isaac Mensah UNICAL UNICAL and Cross River State University of Technology among other programmes he implemented while in office.

In his inaugural speech, the new president, Joel Bassey promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him and his board of directors.

“Joel looks promising and without any strings attached, I am rest assured that he will not betray our confidence,” said David Ewang, a member of the club.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

34

CAMPUS LIFE

Medical Students hold sports fiesta Medical students from various Nigerian universities participated in a games festival hosted by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) medical students. ABAYOMI OYELAMI (500Level Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH) reports.

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T is not unusual to catch cold academically in the presence of medical students. When one gets into their company, one tends to become more passionate about one’s academics. However, three weeks ago, the situation changed as hundreds of “doctors-to-be” from various institutions left their reading halls for the football pitch to equally display their skills in soccer.

The students converged on the campus of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, for the biennial Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) Games which was held between July 24 and 30.

The participating universities were Imo State University (IMSU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), University of PortHarcourt (UNIPORT), Enugu State University of Science and Technol-

ogy (ESUTECH) and the host institution, UNILORIN. They participated in various games, such as chess, scrabble, football, athletics, badminton, volleyball, table-tennis, lawn tennis, basketball and taekwondo.

The sport fiesta was preceeded by registration and screening to ascertain that the students were indeed medical students as claimed. The opening ceremony followed with the Provost.

UNILORIN College of Health Science, Prof A. B. O. Omotoso, welcoming the participating schools.

After the football match other sport events were held simultaneously and the grand finale took place on the sixth day with a dinner and awards.

The spirit of sportsmanship was high throughout the fiesta and rivalry that was enacted among the participants during the competition did not degenerate into a conflict. The fiesta, however, recorded a controversy when IMSU stu-

•LAUTECH team

dents claimed they were the only participants on the track for 400 metres relay for women at the scheduled time.They said they should have been awarded the gold medal unopposed. LAUTECH students disagreed on the grounds that different athletic teams were on the track but the organisers decided to cancel the event since there were not enough teams to compete in the event. Hence, medals could be won for a non event and there was no declaration of the winner.

LAUTECH topped the medals table with five gold, four silver and five bronze medals – with three of

the gold medals coming from the pre-clinical students. Participating pre-clinical LAUTECH students included Costly Aderibigbe, a 200Level female student who participated in tennis, and Olumide Adeniyi, who took part in athletics.

When CAMPUSLIFE cornered him after the event, Olumide said: “For the first time in history, LAUTECH won three gold medals which were contributed by pre-clinical students.

I also appreciate all other medal winners and those who did not win medals. Fourteen medals is no mean feat.”

He thanked the Director of Sports, LAUTECH Sports Unit, for his role

in the success and also praised the administration of the institution for giving them tremendous support despite the death of LAUTECH’s medical students’ president a month ago.

Costly said: “UNILORIN has done a great job by providing comfortable accommodation for the participating students. I also praise UNILORIN medical students for presenting a good contingent.”

Delegates departed to their various institutions a day after the final rounds. The organisers promised that the next host would be announced at the next general assembly of Nigeria Medical Students Association.

Funding has been the major problem facing most institutions of higher learning. In this report, HANNAH OJO (300Level English, Obafemi Awolowo University) says schools need to start looking more in the direction of entrepreneurship to meet up with the standard of world class institutions.

•University hall, OAU

The Ivory Tower of our dream

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OMEONE once compared Nigerian tertiary institutions to brooks with incessant ripples- the thirstier one is, the more difficult it becomes to fetch drinkable water. Yet, in the middle of trials we find a place to laugh.

In the heart of great injustice we forge ahead to grow. Bumpy roads and darkened homelands don’t kill our dreams; still we have to go on.

Higher education in Nigeria has passed through some stages. This, according to Prof Adetola Badejoko, the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo, can be categorised into three stages: the developmental stages of the 60s

and 70s, the glorious years of the 80s and the locust years of the 90s and present.

That the black race has yet nothing worthwhile to display in the showroom of technological and scientific feat is a fact that should keep us thinking. One is wont to ask, where are the colleges? Where are the plethora of the acclaimed geniuses who make up the world’s most populous black nation? An answer to this enquiry may reveal a cog in the wheel of progress abetted by lack of vision and the negligence on the part of the government which always finds argument to justify the underfunding of the educational sector.

So, what does the dream of an

ideal ivory tower translate to an average Nigerian student? Gbenro Oladipo, a 300L English student provides a hint. “While growing up, I dreamt of becoming a multimillionaire at 25, a graduate by 20 and a professor by 30. This, I then believed, could be achieved by having the best of education which I dreamed of. But now, it’s like they seem impossible as a result of my environment and situation in the country. But my dream of making a lasting impact in my world still stands”.

How does a nation raise the hope and inspirations of its youth? It certainly lies in bridging the gap between the ivory tower and the pressure out there.

•OAU Library

When asked if the condition of learning in her department translates anywhere near her dream, Theresa Abidemi, 400L, Zoology OAU said yes! Her reasons: lectures seem to be well even though the Students’ Unionism is grounded. Her laboratory was recently refurbished but there are still inadequate microscopes to go round the about 50 students in her class. This does not also include the fact that she often complains to her roommates of finding it difficult to assimilate things that she considers ‘abstract’ since there are no equipment to demonstrate them.

Even the best schools in Nigeria are not anywhere near the first 5,000 best in the world. The Obafemi Awolowo University

which used to be rated as the second best in Africa in the 80s has dropped to 61st.

Investigations by CAMPUSLIFE showed that the way forward in curbing infrastructural decay is not by relying on government alone but by finding other enterprising means of raising avenue since all boils down to funding.

A seasoned educationist in the Faculty of Education, OAU, Prof Kayode Alao, said university managers have to become innovative.

“It is through a university administration that a template of innovation, entrepreneurship and consensus networking can

Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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CAMPUS LIFE

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was reluctant about writing this piece and my fears seemed genuine. First, I was afraid of coming across as a praise singer or a sycophant. In the least, one finds it pretty difficult to eulogise people nowadays as they easily grow to become anathema of the values for which they once represented. The result is that the writer would be left in confusion.

As a young man out of secondary school, and somewhat impatient with life, I had an unbridled penchant for reading books and newspapers. The latter usually topped the chart. It was through these newspaper pages that I got to know about a man who later was to become my Vice-Chancellor, and ever since, I have watched with keen interest how he would manage the affairs of the institution.

The appointment of Prof G. O. Oshodin, which came nine months after the expiration of the tenure of Prof Emmanuel Nwanze, raised some dusts.

For a while, it got a number of tongues wagging. Many attributed his election to wheeling and dealing in high places. And the dust refused to settle. But Oshodin was undaunted. He demonstrated the truth in the immortal words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands

By Onyinye Nkwocha onyinkwocha@yahoo.com

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Y name is Aluta, and I am a student in one of the many governmentowned universities in the country.

When I purchased my University Matriculation Examination (UME) form, the brochure specified four years for the programme I had chosen. I sat for the UME and I scored above average, which qualified me

T

HE present state of governance in our dear country shall be over one day if we believe we can change it. The Nigerian project is our collective patrimony and the present maladministration should prod Nigerians to engage our leaders from legislators and governors, to local government chairmen and councilors.

In Nigeria, we consume what we don’t produce and produce what we don’t consume. How does this guarantee the growth of the present generation of talented youths to ascend leadership after the exit of the prodigal generation? We need to engage our leaders and ask questions on why our country, despite its abundant natural resources, is still moving one step forward and three steps backward.

A nation that fails to cater for its youths only prepares for a future that may be marred by strife and uprising. This is what the present Nigerian leadership is doing by leaving the youths at the mercy of backward knowledge. Despite the creation of Ministry for Youth Development, no

UNIBEN VC at 61: A toast at times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

For the most part, Oshodin has proven his mettle, leaving critics to bury their heads in the sand. If I must be sincere, not many believed he could deliver. Not many believed something good could come out of his Nazareth. But no sooner had he assumed office than this pessimism began to wane.

At a dinner and award ceremony organised by the then Chinelo-led Students’ Union Government, Prof Oshodin promised that students would be given priority in his administration. His words: “But for them, there would be no university.

This is why they would always be a priority. I will be a VC for the students.”

He has spent barely two years in office and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has begun to witness changes. At the moment, a wind of transformation is blowing throughout the university community.

New structures are being erected while old ones are getting the deserving facelift. Hostels are being reconstructed. And for the students, the mood is bright and cheery.

to participate in post-UME exams of my university of choice. I hope my readers would have known that I am an intelligent student who can sit for examinations and pass them without much problem.

My early days in the university were busy and stressful. The processes of clearance and orientation were not easy. Of course, my matriculation day was much anticipated and I had fun putting on the oversized robe and posing before camera with my friends and classmates. I knew I had to do my best.

At one of the orientation programmes organised for us, the Course Adviser said our first year was the best time to build a strong Grade Point Average (GPA). Like every other fresher who wanted to be serious, I became a regular face at the university library.

I read and studied so hard, I was sure my father would be proud of me. As expected, my exams came and I wrote them well, expecting an excellent result. I wasn’t disappointed. I was heading towards a First Class grade in the first semester. Second semester began. I came back in revitalised spirit. Surprisingly, my friends did not want to

Again, Oshodin is a lesson in courage and resilience, an example of the dexterity required to scale through the vicissitudes of this complex world. Here is a man who had seen the thorny sides of office, facing false accusations contained in bogus reports. Yet, he trudges on, looking forward to cross the next line.

His passion for the youths is evident. He is a man committed to helping young people realise their dreams through talent development. I recall walking into the Akin Deko Auditorium during the Christmas Carol service he organised last December. Two students of the university rendered a stunning dance performance that got everyone glued to their seats. The VC, who was amazed to learn that the duo had just emerged runner up in the Maltina National Dance competition, came up with a plan for them. UNIBEN would host a talent hunt show that would not only help discover budding talent and reward creativity, but would also engage them in meaningful ventures. Aside the scholarships and prizes that await prospective win-

ners, it is an idea that would help reduce cultism, drug addiction and other anti-social behaviours in the society.

On one occasion I was informed that my attention was needed by the Security Department of the university. What is my offence? I asked the UNIBEN Students’ Union President to help me find out what had gone wrong. In my mind, I tried to recollect my years in the school. Without doubt, I knew my hands were clean. But at the end, I learnt an article I wrote in the newspapers had caught the attention of my VC. Of course, my joy was boundless.

And with the feedback I receive from readers, I am happy that my efforts in CAMPUSLIFE in The Nation are being felt not only by fellow students but the entire nation.

I am happy that CAMPUSLIFE is living to its billings by building tomorrow leaders through intellectual engagements.

On this note, I want to pass on my good wishes to my Vice Chancellor whom I humbly share the same birth month with. This piece is my present to you as my

Aluta tales

happily. But we could not be taught anything, as the exam timetable was announced. “We have to make up for lost time,” the Vice-Chancellor told us. We wrote the exams and my performance was below average because there had been too much distraction at home. When the results came, I had more C’s than I saw in a catalogue of Igbo names.

In my sophomore year, I decided to perform better. Life became hard, textbooks were being sold at the cheapest rate of N1,000 and I also had to pay some fictitious dues and levies, yet feed myself. I read harder and even became friends with the librarians. Exams came again and I wrote my papers confidently. Our supposed semester break turned into a threemonth strike. The lecturers were angry at the government again. I travelled home but my friends did not, I wondered why.

Three months after, I came back to meet the departmental notice board flooded with result slips.

When I located my name, C’s appeared! My friends made A’s and B’s even without studying. That was the first time I heard the word

go to the library as often as I did in the first semester. They wanted to stand in the sun in the love garden, watching student artistes perform. “Second semester is full of activities,” they told me. I had to go to the library alone, exploring the dusty shelves.

Sometimes, I dozed off in the library because I had no company to distract me from sleeping. Midway into the second semester, I came to school one morning for the General Study (GST) class, but the lecturer would not lecture. He talked of how ASUU would go on an indefinite strike and why the students should sympathise with them rather than the uncaring government. I prayed he should begin the lecture for the day since he had proved his point already.

But he did not. He left the class and we learnt nothing. Strike began the following week and the school was closed down. Every student went back home.

After six months, the strike was called off and I returned to school

A vote for strike

By Zainab Quadri zaynabtyty@gmail.com

skill acquisition training or entrepreneurial skills has been organised to boost the physical and mental output of our teeming youth population.

Mercedes Benz is manufactured in Germany. Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hewlett and Packard hit the world today with technological equipment such as automobiles, computers, digital printers, photocopiers and refrigerators. And the funniest part is that most of the companies bear the name of a family that started the business.

But when, in the history of man, would Nigeria also have “Segun i-Vtech” or “Tosin Camry” churn out from her shores? A visit to our universities of technology and polytechnics would convince discerning minds that Nigeria has human resources to accomplish this task but the government is not

just there to help the young minds who want to make the difference.

From our parents, teachers, pastors, imams and community leaders, we all seem to be hapless and fold our arms when bad government policies hinder our march to freedom, education and knowledge. A rise for strike is a choice we must choose at this juncture in our national life. It must be a peaceful and democratic strike in which Nigeria shall be shut down for weeks until the government is forced to draw a development plan and stop this unbridled corruption.

The national strike being mentioned here would be a medium of expressing discontentment with the state of our nation.

When we don’t strike, we don’t get a deal and we suffer the consequences.

For years now, the phenomenon called Boko Haram (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad sect) has

entered its entrance into our subconscious. Recently, students of the University of Maiduguri and a large number of people residing in Borno State were sent packing from their abode due to the activities of the sect. Even the media has lost count of the number of victims the westerneducation-is-a-sin sect has killed in mindless bombings.

The sect members are not mad, but that is their own way of rejecting the elites that have lost touch with the people. Ditto for Niger Delta militants, who used bombs and kidnapping to register their own discontent.

Why must we continue to be loyal to the elites who could not fix electricity for 12 years of democratic experiment; who cannot repair roads that kill citizens daily, who cannot provide quality and affordable health care for us, arrest maternity death, and engender progressive education; who dither to pay the paltry N18,000 minimum wage to our parents, and who cannot ensure security of lives and property?

We have a large reserve of

By Gilbert Alasa humble_gilby@yahoo.com

lean purse cannot afford the luxury of champagne. But having clocked 61, we should see this as a call to further responsibility. As we grow older, we should also grow in serving and impacting humanity in the best possible way. This is vital so that as our names are etched in the ample pages of history books, generation unborn would remember us for good.

Gilbert, 200-Level Foreign Languages, UNIBEN

‘sorting’ or ‘amendment’, sorry not constitutional amendment.

“You have been a fool,” my friends told me. I took solace in the fact that some people made good grades without amendment. At this point, my GP nosedived.

I had imagined myself more intelligent than I really am. I do not wish to be below average; it is for mediocres and the lazy. I am intelligent and I am proud to say it. Then why didn’t my results reflect my intelligence? Society will not ask my friend how she came about second class upper when we graduate. They would celebrate her and feel pity for me with lower division. My parents would ask how many heads she possesses.

How can I tell my VC that the continuous disrupted semesters affected me and extended my stay in the school? Or my lecturer and his boys that their unholy amendments affected me in their efforts to make the result slip believable?

My limits are tested, I hope I don’t snap. Help!

Onyinye, 400-Level English and Literary Studies, IMSU

By Olusegun Adegbenro

segzey4luv2001@yahoo.com

crude oil, yet petrol and kerosene prices are hiked to further impoverish us. Is this not enough reason for us to down tools and engage our leaders? Well, history beckons on us and the generation coming would ask us what we said when a few people mismanaged our country. A vote for national strike must be cast.

Olusegun, recently finished from Accountancy, UNAD

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE Orientation course for cadets

Five things you must know!

Members of the Man O’ War cadet corps, University of Calabar (UNICAL) command embarked on a two-weeks course. The programme was well attended by members of the cadet corps. STANLEY UCHEGBU (300-Level Accounting, UNICAL), reports.

By Uche Ogbonna uche.ogbonna@fidelitybankplc.com 08055061278

Getting an admission in a tertiary Institution for many of us is like a dream come true. Everyone has their eye on us. The expectation is massive and we are increasingly confident that our happiness is tied up to our graduation day. This is all good and nice, but now we need to share a few things with you that should act as a wakeup call regarding these ideas that we have conceived over the years.

1. Your success is tied to what you love more than what you read!

Many people have graduated with all kinds of qualifications however they have made their breakthrough out of the passion and delights of their hearts. Many people have traded their Educational Qualifications for things that leverage on their individual talents, passions and delights. There have been several cases of Engineers pursuing arts and succeeding therein and Doctors ending up in sales and marketing. There are yet still a lucky few who have discovered early and merged what they study with what they love and have received swift accolades and recognition. As you study whatever it is that you are studying, please ensure that you are clearly developing along the side in the area of your individual passion and enterprise to ensure that you are adept at doing the very thing that you really really like. This cannot be over emphasized if you want to be successful in life.

2. There are no free lunches! Young people are usually attracted to easy get rich quick programs and free benefits. This is a major distraction for students. Understand that this life is a bill paying venture. Advantages that you get on a seeming platter of gold can come back to haunt you. Earn your place of respect and as much as possible avoid "free lunches".

As a student, earn your grades via hard work.

Do not cheat. Do not encourage sharp practices. The result is that you may get an undue advantage but the demands of that assignment may expose your ineptitude and generally bring the table down.

3.You will always need strategic alliances!

There is no such thing like making it by one's self. You must realize this day that you will never succeed apart from the people around you. Whether it is in sharing ideas, networking and repositioning yourself one way or the other you will need somebody to guide you, encourage you, criticize you and your idea and even support you financially. If you believe this then you may rethink the type of friends you have today. It takes skill

I

to sniff up a relationship that has potential for future prosperity. Identify people of prospect and join forces with them. Avoid friends and alliances today which may be detrimental to your future success. Choose these alliances carefully. Develop skills from this moment onwards that allows you to develop a healthy and potentially prosperous network of influential friends all around you. It takes skill believe me. "Relationships always supersede Rules". This is not an overacted statement. This is true.

People will bend even their rules for someone they consider family and/or close relatives so focus on developing and sustaining very close ties with people of thought, intellect and poise.

4. A good degree does not always guarantee you a good job!

This is a frightening eye popping truth.

There are so many out there in the labor market with crisp and eye popping qualifications on the resumes, however they are unable to make any headway as regards securing good jobs. Add to that qualification a good qualification. What this means is that you ought to focus and get top notch grades. Then add some experience. Even if it is a poorly paid internship during vacations. This always helps. A prospect with some experience will definitely be picked up and above a prospect with a good result only. Ensure you work and gain some experience as you study especially in the area of what is popularly called 'professional' courses e.g Law, Engineering etc. develop work and business skills. Learn marketing skills. Read up as much as you can. Define yourself and create a separating factor that will always keep you relevant as you look for that dream job.

5. Be techno savvy!

The world is rapidly going techno! You must catch on with the trend. With all your qualification, I doubt that you will go very far if you do not know how to use the computer. I am not saying you should go get a Cisco certification (though that in itself isn't a bad idea) but I mean some knowledge in Microsoft word, PowerPoint, Excel, PageMaker, Corel Draw, etc depending on your field. Also using new multimedia devices will add to your efficiency levels. The new social media has helped in making the world a much smaller global community.

Knowing how to work the buttons of these new social media may be a game changer for you.

The five tips we listed above will change the way you study and approach life on campus if you take them to heart. Do not forget that all these articles are designed to give you the edge, just as we have the edge. So join the family.

Open a fidelity Flex account and let us know your experience with us on marketing.communication@fidelitybankplc.com

•The cadets during the training

Reactions on six-year single term bid Continued from page 31 office since they have only one opportunity. However, if bad leaders are voted for a single term, what becomes the fate of the people for six years? So, it is a 50-50 chance, “he said.

However, Bashiru Afariogun, HND II Surveying and Geoinformatics, Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) believes otherwise.

“Do you mean a governor or president who performs credibly during first tenure should not be given another chance?” he asked. “Of course, it is not possible and like the popular saying goes: ‘one good turn deserves another’. So, the National Assembly should not approve the bill because it would deny the people from voting in a good president and governors for second terms. If the lawmakers approve the bill, who knows what the next president will propose?”

“I simply see it as a misplaced priority,” quipped a 300-Level Accounting student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), who

does not want her name in print. “ I see no reason why the president in the first instance will come up with a bill like that considering the areas in various sectors of the country that need serious attention. There are still problems in the education, health and electricity sectors, and the state of most of the roads is appalling. Economy is on downward spiral and unemployment is still taking its toll yet a president still considers changing the tenure as if that is the genesis of our problem.

Mayowa Oladipo, 200-Level Plant Biology, UNILORIN also shares similar view.

“To me, the bill is not necessary because it is not how long they (presidents and governors) stay in office that matters, but how well they are able to utilise the limited period of time to carry out meaningful projects that will be of immense benefits to the populace.

“There are some state governors who, in less than two years, have performed excellently in office. Tenure extension is the least problem facing the country at the moment, and I will suggest that the president should focus on ways to curb insecurity in the country.”

A

S parts of efforts to train its members, the University of Calabar chapter of the Man O’ War cadet corps organised a two-week training seminar.

The seminar, which was sponsored by the management of the institution, was held at the Citizenship and Leadership training centre, Alu, Port Harcourt. It was attended by old and new members of the corps led by the Chief Command Officer, Israel Akpanudo, who is a final year student of Education.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the workshop was aimed at enlightening the cadet officers on citizenship and leadership values that will help in the discharge of their duties.

At the workshop, the officers were trained by officials from the state’s Ministry of Youth Development on various

courses such as basic military skills and the application of first aid treatments during conflicts. They were also taught the importance of human and community relations in the discharge of their duties.

To make the camp lively, there were extracurricular activities such as cooking competition, camp fire, soccer, jogging and parade.

One of the participants, Oyama Inyang Oyama, a 300-Level Educational Technology student, shared his experience with CAMPUSLIFE. “This camp has been very beneficial. We have learnt how to manage time, relate with individuals effectively in the society, coping with situation and the challenges of a good leader.”

Israel thanked God immensely for making the camping exercise a success.

At the end of the two-week camping, certificates of attendance and badges of honour were presented to the participants.

The ivory tower of our dream Continued from page 34 emerge,” he said.

A closer look reveals that most schools have always zeroed in on the last at the expense of the first two. Prevailing realities have shown that donations from friends and alumni of a university are not enough, neither is constant increase in tuition a solution.

For Sola Olatipe, a 400L student of Nursing, private enterprise seems to be the way forward in fund raising, especially

On and Off Campus

for public universities. She advised school authorities to focus more on teaching entrepreneurship. She said: “For me, OAU is not there yet. The school farm is still under-utilised. Nothing stops us from making our own bread, providing rental services, clothing/shoe factory and other enterprises that could yield returns and help the smooth running of the university towards meeting world standard. New challenges should be resolved with new methods!

Other institutions should also learn from this.”

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

37

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

EDUCATION

Students decry incessant strikes in Plateau

S

TUDENTS of insitutions of higher learning in Plateau State are gnashing their teeth over the continued closure of their schools.

They are worried that the schools have not been reopened, weeks after they were closed on the order of Governor Jonah Jang.

The institutions are: Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Education, Gindiri, College of Arts and Science, Kurgwi, College of Agriculture, Garkawa, College of Health Technology, Zawan, College of Health, Pankshin.

Jang ordered their indefinite closure on July 23 to forestall the breakdown of law and order by students who were spoiling for war when their teachers, under the aegis of Joint Union of Plateau State owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPSTI), went on strike on July 18 shortly after an eight-month strike in June.

The lecturers claimed that government reneged on the terms of agreement that led to the suspension of the eight-month strike.

Chairman of JUPSTI Mr Yusuf Selchang said: “It was agreed by both parties that the government will respond to the issue of new salary structure in three weeks, government will pay three months’ arrears of salaries within 10 working days of resumption, no union official or member will be victimised for participating in the strike among other things.

“Government has not met with us since it paid two out of the three months’ salary arrears owed to us.

Besides, the issue at stake is not the arrears, but the implementation of the new salary structure which has been implemented by similar institutions in other states

EKSU FILE Commissioner defends merger

From Marie-Theresa Peter, Jos

except ours.”

This prompted the students’ protest, on July 18 which led to the government closure of the institutions.

Since the closure, The Nation observed, students from other states have been staying with friends who are indigenes hoping that the schools will soon be opened. Others have, however, returned to their home states to await further development.

“The closure has cost me so much,” a student at the state polytechnic, Miss Ruth Emaikwu, lamented and appealing to the authority to “do what is necessary to end this nightmare”.

“I had to resign the job I got for the months we were at home thinking that the semester will go as scheduled. Now, I am frustrated because I have no money, no job and the little I saved to make use of in school,is exhausted.

“I do not understand what is going on. If I had the money, I would have applied to another school so that I can graduate on time because as it is, we have wasted more than a session at home.”

Mr Ezekiel Nanlong, a parent said: “It is only in this part of the world

•Jang

•Selchang

that government pays lip service to vital issues.

“Just recently, we saw in the papers that the governor was going to give attention to health and education. We even saw the budget allocated to these sectors but now, what are we seeing?

“Students sent back home, not that they did not pay school fees but because government and Unions have not been able to settle a simple disagreement through dialogue so that these youths could be in their classrooms”.

A former lecturer with the Plateau State Polytechnic, now member representing Bokkos constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr Titus Alams, however, urged his former colleagues and students to be patient with the government as efforts are being made to ensure the sector gets a face-lift.

Speaking with The Nation, Alams said, “We all need to support the government to allow peace to reign. The government has good intentions towards education but these intentions cannot be achieved if we do not give the government the chance to work them out.

“I am appealing to my former colleagues to give this chance for things to be worked out for the sake of the students.”

However, a source at one of the institutions who pleaded anonymity said: “Which chance again? As we are talking, they have not called us since they shut the schools. Go and ask. We learnt that the leaders of the unions are marked as trouble makers, but we are still waiting to see what they intend to do.”

‘I do not understand what is going on.

If I had the money, I would have applied to another school so that I can graduate on time because as it is, we have wasted more than a session at home’

Chevron, UNILAG partner on training

M

EMBERS of staff of Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) are returning to schools for a refresher course.

They will be 400 and 500 Level Engineering students seeking industry-relevant knowledge to make them better suited for the work environment when they graduate.

At the launch the programme, which is to have a 10-year lifespan, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mr Supo Shadiya, Director, NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, said the initiative would ensure that Nigeria has a crop of highly-skilled manpower to manage the multi-million dollar zero-tolerance oil industry – in line with the local content law.

The initiative, tagged: Facilities Engineering University Human Capacity Development Initiative (FUHCADI), was launched during the opening of the International Conference on Innovations in Engineering and Technology (IET 2011) hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, UNILAG, at the Julius Berger Lecture Theatre.

Shadiya said participants would be more entrepreneurially inclined because of the kind of technical and professional exposure they would get.

He said: “The Chevron undergraduate empowerment programme that we are here to

THE Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology of Ekiti State, Dr Eniola Ajayi, has said the creation of Ekiti State University (EKSU) was borne out of a genuine interest of the government and the people of Ekiti State to have one of the best universities in Africa.

Three universities were merged to form of the university.

Dr Ajayi spoke when the ProChancellor, Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, the Acting ViceChancellor, Prof Emmanuel Dada Adelowo and other council members and principal officers visited her.

She said members of staff of the former University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD), the University of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (TUNEDIK), and the University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-Ekiti (USTI) should see themselves as one entity and not as different categories of workers.

The commissioner also counselled the management to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) while urging the Governing Council to diplay fairness, openness and integrity in all aspects of the university affairs.

Responding, Osuntokun pledged to make the university one of the best in the nation.

Unions pledge support for Council ALL the unions and members of EKSU staff have promised to cooperate with the Governing Council.

The pledge was made by leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and NonAcademic Staff Union (NASU) at a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Jide Osuntokun.

They said their welfare should be given priority when decisions are taken by the Council.

The visiting union leaders included Dr Ayan Adeleke, Mr J. O. Akinwumi, Mr Tope Akanmu and Mr A. Ashaolu.

Osuntokun urged them to see the university as their own; be united, and shun factionalisation At another meeting with Deans of Faculties, the Pro-Chancellor urged Senate members to be firm in their decisions. “We cannot build an excellent university if the Senate is not firm and fair,” he said

Workers, students assured •Mr Shadiya (right) addressing the lecturers at the event

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

formally kick-off today is consistent with this vision which is to impart selected 400 and 500 Level engineering students in Nigerian universities with industry-relevant knowledge so as to enable them develop initial skill sets required in the oil and gas industry.

“Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, is the desire to sow the seed of entrepreneurship in these future leaders, some of whom are seated here today. This is why the courses under this programme have been carefully designed such that the technical orientation is provided in year four before students

proceed on their industrial training while professional development courses have been designed for their last semester in school in order to prepare them for opportunities awaiting them when they leave school.”

On the relevance of the conference, with theme: Sustaining 21st century engineering Infrastructure, Shadiya said as oil prospecting becomes more difficult and technical, the industry is faced with aging manpower who need to be speedily replaced when they retire.

“Global trends in human capital availability also show that majority of the workforce in the energy

sector is eligible to retire within the next decade. As a matter of urgency, we must develop means to match the increased demand for energy with the necessary human capital requirement,” he said.

Dean, Faculty of Science, UNILAG, Prof Wole Familoni, praised the Engineering Faculty for sustaining a well-attended conference among whom was a delegate from Imperial College, London.

“I commend the faculty. I have gone through all the papers, the topic treated were of high quality. It’s a good conference where knowledge will be shared among colleagues,” he said.

ALL members of staff of former University of Science and Technology and University of Education will be integrated with their counterparts from the University of Ado Ekiti at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), the governing council has said.

The Pro-Chancellor, Prof Jide Osuntokun, made this known when members of the Council and Management of EKSU visited the campuses of the two institutions at Ifaki and IkereEkiti.

He also assured students of both institutions that their academic careers were secured in EKSU. During the visit, laboratories, offices and other facilities were inspected.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

38

EDUCATION UNAAB FILE

SCHOLARSHIP

CBN endows complex THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has finalised plans to endow the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) with a building complex for its College of Management Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, has since said courses in Management Sciences could begin in two months.

Speaking at a parley with the University Management, the leader of the CBN team and Senior Project Manager, Mr Gabriel Eluma, said the building would be completed “towards the end of the year as the fund is already budgeted and the consultant is working on schedule”.

The building will be constructed in line with CBN’s quality standard, he said.

Balogun said the proposed complex would accommodate four departments of the new College, which are: Banking and Finance, Accounting, Economics and Business Enterprise Management (with two options: Business Management and Entrepreneurial Studies).

He further disclosed that the edifice will contain other facilities, such as lecture theatres, library, ICT hall, among others.

Registry gets Co-ordinator

THE Management has appointed Mrs Christiana Bisola Kuforiji as Co-ordinator of the University’s Registry.

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, ViceChancellor’s Office, Mr Aniediabasi Udofia, the appointment took effect from this month.

It added that Mrs. Kuforiji, who is Director, Executive Affairs, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, was appointed in recognition of her capability to give administrative leadership and make positive contribution to the overall development of the university.

Varsity to host symposium IT was a moment of double honour for UNAAB, as the International Society for Tuber & Root Crops(ISTRC), granted it the hosting right of the society’s 16th International Symposium.

Also, the university’s Director of Leventis Memorial Centre for Learning (LEMCEL), Prof Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, was appointed the society’s first vice-president.

The university will host the symposium between September 23 and 28, with participants expected from no fewer than 54 countries.

President of ISTRC, Prof Andrew Westby said the proposed theme for the programme is The roots and tuber of global development.

Participants will also look at policies favourable to enhancing the contribution of roots and tubers to development, the global scenario on production and the application of new scientific and technical knowledge on roots and tubers.

Sanni, a professor of Food science and technology, will double as the chairman of the symposium’s local organising committee, with the responsibility of ensuring that logistics are put in place for a hitch-free symposium.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, has congratulated Prof Sanni for for his efforts in putting the university in global reckoning.

APPROACHING DEADLINES Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: A number of Oxford colleges offer Reach Oxford scholarships (formerly Oxford Student Scholarships) to students from developing countries who, for political or financial reasons, or because suitable educational facilities do not exist, cannot study for a degree in their own countries.

How to Apply: Online Scholarship Application Deadline: October 15, 2011 Call for scholarship applications from Students of Developing Countries in the field of anaesthesia and/or pain medicine in Australia or New Zealand.

Study Subject(s):Anaesthesia and pain medicine Course Level:Training Scholarship Provider: ANZCA Scholarship can be taken at: Australia or New Zealand Eligibility: Applicants are required to satisfy the following criteria: 1. A graduate of his or her country’s specialty training program to local fellowship or masters level.

2. Aged between 25 and 40 years.

3. Citizenship of a developing country.

4. Must not have residency status in Australia or New Zealand.

5. Meets the relevant Australian and New Zealand government immigration requirements.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Open for Students of Following Countries: Developing Countries Scholarship Description: The scholarship is intended to allow the recipient to join the staff of a major hospital or rotation in Australia or New Zealand for a period of up to one year. This may be adapted to the requirements of the individual recipient. The recipient will be expected to attend the New Fellows’ Conference and the Annual Scientific Meeting of the College and/or Faculty of Pain Medicine, in addition to undertaking other relevant activities (for example, Effective Management of Anaesthetic Crises, regional continuing medical education meetings How to Apply: By Post Scholarship Application Deadline: August 12, 2011 Postdoctoral Research fellowship for the students from Develoiping Country to Study in Germany, 2011 Study Subject(s):Natural Sciences , Engineering,Humanities, Social Sciences Course Level:Postdoctoral Research Scholarship Provider: Humboldt Foundation Scholarship can be taken at: Germany Eligibility: Research projects are carried out in cooperation with academic hosts at research institutions in Germany. Candidates choose their own research

projects and their host in Germany and prepare their own research plan.

Details of the research project and the time schedule must be agreed upon with the prospective host in advance. Short-term visits for study and training purposes or for attending conferences are not eligible for sponsorship.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: Georg Forster Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers are the instrument with which the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars who are just embarking on their academic careers and who completed their doctorates less than four years ago1 to spend extended periods of research (6-24 months) in Germany How to Apply: by post Scholarship Application Deadline: Anytime Schlumberger Foundation funded fellowship for women from developing countries for PhD or Postdoctoral study in the physical sciences and related disciplines -2012 Study Subject(s): Physical sciences and related disciplines Course Level: PhD, Postdoctoral Scholarship Provider: Schlumberger Foundation Scholarship can be taken at: Abroad Eligibility: Applicants must meet all the following criteria: - Be a woman; - Be a citizen of a developing country; - Wish to pursue a PhD degree or Post-doctoral research in the physical sciences or related disciplines; - Have applied to, have been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in a university abroad; - Wish to return to their home country to continue their academic career upon completion of their studies; - Be very committed to teaching and demonstrate active participation in faculty life and outreach work to encourage young women into the sciences; - Hold an excellent academic record.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: Faculty for the Future fellowships are awarded to women from developing and emerging economies who are preparing for PhD or post-doctoral study in the physical sciences and related disciplines at top universities for their disciplines abroad. Launched by the Schlumberger Foundation in 2004, the Faculty for the Future community now stands at 194 women from 54 countries, and grows steadily each year.

How to Apply: Online Scholarship Application Deadline: November 30, 2011

Schools get free books

T

HE Rotary Club of Iponri, Lagos has donated books worth N600,000 to over 350 pupils in five schools in Iponri and Surulere.

The benefittsing schools are Iponri Estate Senior High School, Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School; Iponri Grammar School, Eric Moore Senior Secondary School, and Itolo Girls’ High School.

The club also donated hospital equipment to the Paediatrics Department of the Surulere General Hospital, Lagos.

A statement signed by Aramide Tola Noibi, the club’s publicity representative, stated that the gestures were to complement the innovative efforts of Governor Babatunde Fashola towards reviving reading culture among pupils.’s Chairman Club Membership Committee, Segun Adewakun, said the club’s objective is to put smiles on the faces of others irrespective of the financial, moral and spiritual commitment or cost.

Mrs. Grace Anyah, Principal of Iponri Estate Senior High

•Pupils of Eric Moore Secondary School receiving books from Rotary President Iponri, Mr Segun Akinwotu, while Mrs Adewakun (First from right) and other members of the club watch

By Mfon Paul Bassey

School; Mrs. Mary Okitiape, Vice- Principal, Itolo Girls’ Sec-

ondary School, encouraged the benefitting pupils to make good use of the resources provided to improve themselves. They ap-

pealed to other notable non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies and privileged individuals to come to their school aid.

Over 4m girls not in school, says Minister

M

ORE than four million girls with ages between six and 11 do not attend school, the Minister Women Affairs and Social Develoment, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has said She said progress in girl’s enrolment, retention and completion will have to double if Nigeria is to meet the Millennium Development Goals of achieving gender parity in education by 2015.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

Speaking during an advocacy visit as part of a nationwide campaign, Maina said the need for improved quality education and equal opportunities for women and men in terms of access is essential to ensure that women acquire the knowledge, capacities, aptitudes, skills and ethical values needed to develop and participate

in national development.

She explained that the term “gender equality does not mean women behaving like men, but rather women being given the same rights and privileges, to achieve their full potential as women”.

Failure to allow the exercise of the right to education, political participation, and other opportunities, Maina added, would worsen the poverty situation because one-

half of the otherwise potential productive capacity is allowed to become a burden on the other half.

While calling on lawmakers to legislate on compulsory education of all children by parents, the Minister pointed out that the girl-child is unfortunately discriminated against from birth to adulthood because of some traditional and cultural norms.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

EDUCATION GRADUATION

P

School ends session in grand style

UPILS of Roemichs International Schools, Ilorin, Kwara State will for long remember the last day of the 2010/2011.

Parents, traditional rulers, top government officials and captains of industry from far and near came to rejoice with those graduating at the end of the session.

The graduating SS3 pupils, dressed in black suits, looked radiant and ready for the challenges ahead after receiving a six-year quality education.

The procession of graduating pupils entered the school hall singing “when the saints come marching in.” There were speeches, musical interludes, with the primary school pupils playing instrumentals to the admiration of all. The school choir held the audience in rapt attention with its rendition of “Hold your dreams”, “Climb every mountain”, among inspiring songs.

Registrar of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Dr Lateef Oladimeji, who chaired the occasion, charged the pupils to be worthy ambassadors of their school. He noted that the school has provided them the wherewithal to be successful in life and charged them to go repay the gesture by gaining admissions into higher institutions of their choice anywhere in the world.

In her welcome address, Executive Chairman of the school, Chief Jumoke Harb, said the school has in four years recorded many achievements. ‘’Today, Roemichs can boast of some of the most confident, articu-

Certificate of Excellence for establishing a school of such high standard.

Some of the dignitaries present are: Chief Jumoke Bamigboye, Mrs. Ibrahim Akinwale, Dr. J.A. Adewumi and Mr Tunji Sheriff.

School offers scholarship From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

I

•A cross section of the graduating pupils

late, well-disciplined, knowledgeable, brilliant and academically compliant children who are performing with excellence,’’ she said.

The graduation lecture was delivered by Dr Billy Olajide of the Department of Arts and Science Education, University of Ilorin, who charged the government and the private sector to invest more in

the education of youths.

He traced some of the scientific and technological breakthroughs in the developed world to investment in education, adding that any society that desires progress in any sphere of human life will not joke with the education of youths.

Mayowa Fawole, was the star at the prize giving ceremony. He won

a Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Performance in Edumark Essay Competition; Most Improved Student 2007-2011; Overall Best Student in Class; Westerfield College Award for Determination and Courage, among others.

In showing their appreciation to the proprietress, the graduating SS3 class honoured Mrs. Harb with a

T was another landmark event for the management of Nana Basic Academy, Abuja as the school graduated 102 pupils.

Speaking at the event, the Proprietress, Mrs Asibi Amedu, disclosed that the school, located at Mpape, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, operates as a charity to assist low income earners in the community. Currently, she said 17 indigent pupils enjoy scholarship of the school.

Mrs Amedu said education is the right of every child and must be provided irrespective of socio-economic challenges.

“The school is more like an NGO than a regular profit-anticipating school. It considers the children of less-privileged parents in the community including orphans and the deprived children for scholarship at various level of their education.

At present, about 17 students are on the management list for its scholarship programme,” she said.

Proprietor counsels parents, guardians

P

ARENTS and guardians have been advised to pay attention to the education of their children and wards in order to protect their future.

The Proprietor of Afolawo Private Schools, Igbogbo, Lagos, Taiwo Ayeni, made this suggestion during the graduation and prize giving day of the school.

“As parents or guardians, we need to take keen interest in the education of our children and wards.

Most of the vices in the country are being perpetrated by our youths.

“We really need to do more by

E

counselling them on the good and bad relationships on and off the school premises.

“Parents or guardians should be able to complement the efforts of teachers because they are closer to the students than the teachers.

“If proper steps are taken by all, the future of our children is very bright and we will all reap the fruit of our labour,” he said.

The school graduated over 50 pupils from its crèche, nursery, primary and secondary sections.

Prizes were given out to outstanding pupils.

‘Education best legacy for children’

DUCATION has been identified as the only legacy parents can bequeath to their children.

The Managing Director, Westerfield College, Yaba, Lagos, Mr Michael Dosunmu, made this known during the maiden graduation of 13 pupils who underwent International Foundation Programme (IFP) at the school.

He urged parents to provide for the education of their children.

“The biggest legacy parents can leave for their children is education,” he said.

He also spoke on the future of the pupils, some of who are proceeding to the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom for further studies.

Dosunmu said some of them got scholarships to continue their education following their outstanding performance, in the foundation programme.

“They are moving to the University of Hertfordshire in the

By Yemisi Akinyemi

United Kingdom to study different courses such as Engineering, Pharmacy, and Computer Science, among others. Graduates who performed excellently were given scholarship which will last for three years,” he said.

He advised them to be wise in taking decisions “You need to excel in your higher studies. You need to be wise in taking decisions. This will lead you to a rewarding future.

Build upon the good foundation that has already been laid at this school and prove that you are worthy sons and daughters of your parents who are striving always to provide all your needs.

“Do not forget the tripod mantra on which the college stands. Demonstrate the high level of knowledge which you have acquired as this is the only worthy appreciation you can truly give your parents. We expect you to be good ambassador of this college and the country,” he said.

•The graduating pupils filing into the venue

Tell editor urges better funding for education

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HE Editor-in-Chief of Tell Magazine, Mr Nosa Igiebor, has identified corruption and underfunding as the bane of education.

Igiebor spoke during the Seventh graduation of Champions International School, Magboro, Ogun State.

The editor, who reviewed the state of education, lamented that the standard of education has deteriorated.

He, however, noted that the standard is high in private schools and falling in public schools because of funding.

“No nation can grow without allocating adequate funds to the education sector. Despite the fact that Nigeria is not following the UNESCO benchmark for funding

By Toluwani Eniola

education, the available resources that accrue to the sector have not been managed judiciously overtime. Nigeria has spent over N800 billion on education over the years, but no meaningful improvement. If the private sector has not been investing in the sector, you can imagine how the situation would look like. This situation must not be allowed to go on like this,” Igiebor said.

He urged stakeholders in the education sector to eradicate corruption through collective efforts and to ensure that students are given marketable skills other than certificates.

Igiebor advised the pupils to be of good behaviour and to justify the efforts of their parents by striving

for academic excellence. He also urged the pupils to be thankful as there are others who have no opportunity of going to school.

The graduating pupils, who came with their parents, thrilled guests with songs and dances. Those who distinguished themselves in their studies were given prizes.

Also at the ceremony were the Editor of The Nation on Sunday, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and the Zonal Education Officer of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Pastor Kehinde Oso. Proprietress of the school, Mrs Bose Adekeye, described the pupils as products of hard work and dedication. She said the graduating pupils can rub shoulders with their colleagues elsewhere because of the quality of education they received.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

40

EDUCATION

School to mark diamond jubilee

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T. Saviour’s School Ebute Metta, Lagos, is planning some Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to mark its diamond jubilee. The projects include planting trees and placing litter bins in strategic places around Alagomeji-Yaba-Oyingbo.

Briefing The Nation on the forthcoming anniversary, Mr Wale Kasali, a member of board of management and Chairman of the Jubilee Planning Committee, said: “The school will plant trees, which is a pragmatic crusade against the recent flood which wreaked havoc in Yaba.

The governor launched the tree planting campaign some speaking on how the school has contributed to education weeks ago and such

By Paul Oluwakoya

crusade should be supported by schools like us.

“We are going to re-orientate the populace on the use of litter bins instead of blocking the drainages with refuse. You should know the consequences of refuses in drainages during raining seasons. When you look at some estates in Nigeria, there are litter-bins everywhere so that people will not drop their litters around, but in the nearest bins, so the litter-bins placements are provisions to foster continuing cleanliness in Lagos State. We are also going on a Jubilee Walk.”

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the school, Mr Tom Ogboi, said it

recently donated 398 pieces of furniture to some public schools. They were received by Mrs. Gbolahan Daodu, chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB). He said the donation was in fulfilment of the school’s promise to continue to support the government.

“It was a fusion of the school’s corporate social responsibilities and sharing in the vision of the governor in the development of the state’s education sector. We are not stopping at the furniture we gave to the public schools. That was why we incorporated various community development programmes as we celebrate our diamond jubilee,” he said.

•Vision 2020 team at the IPP, Lagos Island

Pupils prepare for fulfilling careers

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HIRTY secondary school pupils left a one-week Summer Camp retreat feeling better prepared to face life.

At the camps, they were hosted at the Global International College, Lekki, Lagos, by the Vision 2020 Youth Empowerment and Restoration Initiative of Lonadek Oil and Gas. They interacted with professionals from top-class organisations, such as General Electric, Junior Achievements Nigeria, and Shell, who counselled them on how to choose careers, manage their finances, set goals and be entrepreneurial.

They also got tuition in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, watched films, went on tours and received counselling on protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

At ther closing a ceremony, parents got a glimpse into what their children learnt as the pupils, selected competitively from secondary schools in Lagos and environs, presented plays, talks, songs and other activities related to what

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

they were taught.

The participants were also presented with certificates while those who distinguished themselves academically and behaviourally, got awards.

Speaking on the retreat, the Project Manager, Ms Latifah Adams, said the programme was highly educative – both for the students and the Vision 20: 2020 team that acted as leader. She added that soon the programme would go a step further and provide internship opportunities for secondary school leavers to guide their choice of careers.

“This year, we decided to put a lot more into the programme, but we found ways to make it more interesting.They visited the Lagos State Island Power Plant, which powers the State House, Igbosere High Court and the hospital, and they also visited Capital Oil Jetty, which is the largest of such facility in Africa.

“This week for me has been

very educative. The children interacted with us and we learnt from them. It shows that we underestimate kids a lot. We are working on Vision 20: 2020 Summer internship programme for SS3 pupils. We will get them to spend two weeks in organisations so that they get an insight into the careers they like,” she said.

Speaking on what he learnt, Samson Adekoya, a pupil of Gbagada Senior Grammar School, said: “It was a wonderful programme. They taught us how to prepare for future challenges.”

Another participant, Seun Allen-Taylor, said because of the camp, she is now sure she wants to become a dentist.

“I wasn’t really sure if that is what I wanted to do. Now, I want to do dentistry,” she said.

Some of the prizes were presented by Dr Ibilola Amao, the Project Consultant and initiator of the programme.

The top three academic prizes went to Adebisi Adeyemo Adeola (first), Allen-Talyor, and Dele Noutouglo.

Varsity to start law, Postgraduate studies

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HE Senate of the Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has approved the take-off of the Faculty of Law and Postgraduate Studies.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Timothy Jaiyeoba, who made this known in Oyo town, said the approval was given in the interest of academic growth and development.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

At present, the university has three Faculties, namely Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social and Management Sciences.

Jaiyeoba said besides full accreditation of all its courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the university

has maintained its vision, which is to be top class in the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship, through teaching, learning, research, and exemplary service to humanity.

He hinted that ACU was ranked 32nd out of 78 universities and sixth among private universities in the country, in the recent Webometric Ranking.

EDUTALK

with

Lessons from UNILORIN’s e-feats

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HE University of Ilorin Kofoworola (UNILORIN) prides itself as the highest ranked university in Nigeria based on the latest Kofosagie@yahoo.com rankings of world universities by 08054503077 (SMS only) two organisations (Webometric and www.4icu.org) which placed it ahead of others in Nigeria.

I have learnt from the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie that the world rankings are largely based on the evidence of quality that institutions are able to showcase on the internet via their websites.

We all also know that the university has the most stable academic calendar among public universities because it does not lose time to strike or students unrest – factors that negatively affect even the bigger names like the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of lbadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Lagos.

The local chapters of the workers’ unions in the university do not heed the call to arms by their national bodies. (I do not know how the university authority manages to keep them satisfied or rein them in). Outsiders may grumble that it is unfair that others go on strike and UNILORIN doesn’t, but this is earning favourable reviews for the university. Over there, a four-year programme is a four-year programme – no extensions due to uncertainties. For this alone the institution is being courted by more students.

Indeed, UNILORIN has been able to prove a lot through its website, especially the publication of results, which students can access online once they input their log in details. The table(s) that come up show the courses, their credit load, the lecturers in charge, the student’s scores (continuous assessments and examination), grades and their grade point average. The results are also fairly up to date. One particular one I checked, the result of a ward, some scores for the second semester of the previous session were missing while the results of the first semester of the current session has not been uploaded at all. I also noticed that the result of the first year of this particular ward, which pre-dates the online publishing of results, is not on the website. The university would do well to bring this laudable system up to date.

This is another area where public universities need to emulate UNILORIN. I know many private universities already have such system in place which allows parents to monitor the performance of their wards.

However, this is not the case in many of our public institutions. I am appalled to learn that in some universities, students only get to see their results once in a session, that is, they would have moved on to another session before they learn how they performed the previous year. This is disgraceful. I do not see any reason why it should take a whole session for results to be processed. In some cases, it is even longer. That is why there is so much malpractice and incompetence in the system. There have been cases where students found that their results were either incorrect or that they failed because their scripts were missing. Given the time lapse between when the problem occurs and when it is discovered, students find it more difficult tracing the problems so their lecturers can remedy them. And lecturers are sometimes unwilling to help. At the end of the day, they are told nothing can be done – the senate has sat on the result so no amendments can be made. I regard this as a highly unfortunate situation, especially as students are made to bear the brunt.

Some are forced to accept a carryover and so have to retake the course the next session. Nothing is done to reprimand the erring party – especially if the lecturer is at fault. UNILORIN is not out of the woods in this regard. While it is laudable that the result of its students is available online, cases where their scripts are missing – most likely due to no fault of theirs, they are scored zero, which is unfair.

Lecturers may complain about the large number of scripts they have to mark. However, no institution caters for a larger population than the examining bodies WAEC, JAMB and NECO, which now publish their results in record time. There is no reason why results cannot be released on semester basis. That way, the student knows his standing on time and can plan how to either put in more effort if his results are poor and he is desirous of upgrading his GPA, or correct any anomaly. I do not think it is too difficult for our universities, as well as polytechnics, and colleges of education to process and release results on time – and use modern technology as platform to make them available to students and their sponsors. Some institutions, like UNILORIN have already blazed the trail. It is just left for others to follow – and likely surpass – after all, competition is not a bad thing.

Belo-Osagie

‘Lecturers may complain about the large number of scripts they have to mark. However, no institution caters for a larger population than the examining bodies WAEC, JAMB and NECO, which now publish their results in record time’ •First published March 24, 2011

SLIDING TACKLE

"When an offer like that comes around, it's difficult to match or refuse," 42

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti hoping that Samuel Eto'o's transfer deal will be sealed without rancour.

UEFA: Wenger faces Glazer family ready to more sanctions sell Man United A Eto'o's offer can't be rejected — Moratti M I RSENE Wenger may face further UEFA disciplinary action after communicating with Arsenal's bench in the Champions League qualifier against Udinese.

Wenger was serving a touchline ban held over from last year and had to watch his side's 1-0 win from the stands.

Arsenal were given the impression Wenger would be allowed to pass messages to assistant Pat Rice via first team coach Boro Primorac But Wenger was warned at half-time that this was not allowed.

The Gunners manager cut an agitated figure throughout the second half as he sat alongside Primorac and did not attend a postmatch media conference, insisting his one-match suspension also precluded him from conducting media duties.

Arsenal officials were puzzled by UEFA's stance, having left the pre-match briefing sure that Wenger could send messages to the coaching staff via a third party, in this instance Primorac.

Wenger must now wait to discover if UEFA regards his communication with Rice as a disciplinary offence, although they are certain to insist this was as a r e s u l t o f a misunderstanding rather than a breach of the terms of his touchline ban.

The Arsenal manager's frustration will have been increased by his side's failure to dominate the tie after taking an early lead through Theo Walcott.

"We still have some very talented players in the squad here and we believe we can achieve something this year.

we're capable of winning over there."

Walcott has been dogged by his controversial comments about Fabio Capello this week and, while he refused to comment on the matter, he "We're in a great position in and gave absolutely gave the watching Italian a but it's far from over. We everything. That's two clean reminder of his talent. didn't finish it off but we dug sheets in a row now, and

NTER Milan president Massimo Moratti is hoping to sell standout striker Samuel Eto'o to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala because the offer is just too good to turn down, and it coincides with

new financial fair play standards being introduced

by UEFA. Anzhi is reportedly prepared to pay Inter between $29 and $43 million for the 30-year-old Eto'o and give the Cameroon

Eto’o

international a three-year contract worth $29 million net per season.

"When an offer like that comes around, it's difficult to match or refuse," Moratti told Wednesday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

Eto'o will reportedly undergo medical exams for Anzhi in Rome some time over the next few days, after which the deal will be completed.

Moratti added that UEFA's new financial rules have forced clubs to evaluate their budgets and spending more closely.

This season's club accounts are the first ones that formally have to be given to Uefa for inspection - by June, 2013.

"Financial fair play is serious," Moratti said.

"Whoever doesn't respect the parameters will find themselves excluded from European competition."

Anzhi, from the troubled southern Russian province of Dagestan, is owned by billionaire businessman Suleiman Kerimov.

Inter is eyeing Diego Forlan of Atletico Madrid or Ezequiel Lavezzi of Napoli as a replacement for Eto'o, with Moratti saying he doesn't expect a deal with Manchester City for Carlos Tevez.

Meanwhile, playmaker Wesley Sneijder appears set to remain at Inter.

"There was never any sort of deal for Wes," Moratti said. "If Eto'o goes he stays, but seeing as Sneijder was untouchable even before this possibility, he's even more so now."

ANCHESTER United's owners, the Glazer family, are prepared to sell their entire stake in the club amid reports of a $1 billion (€695m) flotation on the Singapore stock exchange.

The American owners are reportedly preparing an initial public offering for up to 25 per cent of the club by the end of the year depending on market conditions.

However, senior Manchester United figures have told Goal.com that the Glazers are willing to sell their entire stake in the Old Trafford club, which they bought for €900m in a leveraged buyout in May 2005.

The Qatari government has previously been credited with an interest in buying United but the Glazers' reported €1.9bn valuation is

said to have been too prohibitive.

The latest reports come two months after it was speculated that the Glazers were considering floating the club on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that no final decision has been made on an IPO but that the club is examining how to lower its financing costs and looking for extra money to expand and sign new players.

The Americans, who also own NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have been constantly trying to wrestle with the club's finances. In January 2010, a bond issue raised £526m (€600m) to help them cut the mammoth costs of servicing the club's debts.

Shortly after, they paid off high-interest Payment In Kind notes of £220m (€250m).

La Liga strike still on as LFP & AFE fail to reach agreement

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ATCHDAY one of the Primera and Segunda Divisions look set to be postponed after Wednesday's meeting between representatives of the Spanish football League (LFP) and the players' union (AFE) hasn't led to calling off the proposed strike.

AFE announced earlier this month that La Liga and Liga Adelante players will go on strike in the first two weekends of the 2011-12 campaign as they fight for a wage guarantee fund in

case clubs become insolvent.

The players will notplay until a collective bargaining agreement has been signed between the AFE and the individual clubs.

LFP and AFE met on Wednesday in an attempt to find a solution and to call off the strike, but a resolution could not be reached, and the postponement of the weekend matches now edges ever closer.

"We haven't reached any kind of agreement," LFP president Jose Luis Astiazaran was quoted as

Lucio signs Inter contract extention 'till 2014

I

NTER has announced on their official website that they've successfully OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS... concluded contract negotiations with Lucio, WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN with the Brazilian defender signing a new deal until the summer of 2014. one hour and 32-minute Federer was back at his top ROGER Federer gained The towering centre-back's v i c t o r y , c o m i n g u n d e r level again. revenge for his US Open previous contract with the "He was very confident with world champions was due final loss to Juan Martin Del pressure on his own serve just Potro in the second round of once in the second set, his serve," he said. to expire in 2012, but Lucio the Western & Southern successfully saving a break had already revealed more point in the sixth game.

Open. than once that he was keen "I expected a tough match The Swiss superstar was on an extension. scarred by the loss he with Juan Martin for obvious La Liga outfit Malaga were sustained to the Argentinean reasons, and it went better hopeful of luring him away at Flushing Meadows in 2009, than I thought," Federer but hit back to win 6-3, 7-5 admitted later. from Serie A earlier this "I thought I played a last night and set up a clash summer, but talks never with American veteran wonderful first set and a very •Federer materialised following the James Blake in the third good second set, too. That was player's preference to stay at obviously enough tonight.

I round. the 2010 Champions League don't think I really allowed The world number three winners. served well, hitting five aces Juan Martin to be able to play The 33-year-old joined in the first set and winning 83 the game he usually plays."

Inter from Bayern Munich Del Potro, who is steadily per cent of his service points climbing the rankings after ahead of the 2009-10 in the match. campaign and has since He needed just a break of over a year out with a wrist serve in each set to clinch the injury, said he thought become a key player at the

Italian giants, making 95 appearances and scoring three goals in the process.

He has won one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia eazza.

Federer avenges US Open heartbreak against Del Potro

•Lucio

trophies, the Supercoppa Italiana, the Champions League and the Club World Cup in a hugely successful two years at the Giuseppe Meazza.

43

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

e-Business The rise in voice and data services consumption has led to technology upgrade to meet demand for high bandwidth and resilient systems. Long Term Evolution (LTE) seems to be the technology of choice for mobile operators as they move to the next generation technology, writes ADLINE ATILI

Expanding the frontiers of telecom • LTE now operators’ first choice

NCREASING proliferation of Internet enabled mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones has added to the rising consumer need to access content on the go.

This trend has resulted in the explosion of data traffic exerting an unprecedented demand on network operators.

This boom will be enhanced by mobile video, which may, according to analysts, consume nearly 66 per cent of mobile data traffic by 2014.

Bandwidth intensive applications such as this expose the capacity restrictions subscribers experience.

Faced with this challenge, experts urged operators to upgrade their networks infrastructure to keep up with data traffic volumes and deliver quality service to subscribers.

The solution, they argued, is LTE (Long Term Evolution), the next-generation network beyond 3G. LTE is a revolutionary Fourth Generation mobile technology which enhances data transfer rates, delivering unmatched mobile broadband experience and highest data speed and reliability.

According to them, LTE provides operators with a technically superior and cost effective solution to deliver true broadband experience.

Industry watchers say this has the potential of boosting operators’ profitability. In addition to enabling fixed to mobile migrations of Internet applications, LTE networks also provide the capacity to support an explosion in demand for connectivity from a new generation of consumer devices tailored to new mobile applications.

Head of Networks Systems, Middle East and Africa, Nokia Siemens Network, a telecom infrastructure giant, Mohamed Abdelrehim at a forum in Lagos said the ramp up in LTE offerings is coming just in time for many Communications Services Providers (CSPs) faced with rapidly rising data traffic in their networks, while also needing to implement new types of services and applications.

He added that the transition to the ‘Internet of things’ – as billions of machines, devices and objects of varying nature get connected, is now in play, and LTE has the right architecture and efficiency to support new customer experiences and business opportunities, which will increasingly be the battleground for differentiation between CSPs. “LTE will not only serve as broadband access for higher data traffic, but also for voice and SMS services,” he stressed.

I

The demand for high bandwidth networks is noted by the GSM Association (GSMA), which has reported that the rate of growth of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) mobile broadband connections has increased by nearly two-thirds, according to figures from the Wireless Intelligence database.

That means there are now more than nine million new HSPA connections being added globally monthly, compared with 5.5 million a year ago, and demand is accelerating.

The GSMA reported that the LTE is widely regarded as the de facto mobile broadband technology that will be adopted by the vast majority of mobile operators globally.

Supported by a healthy ecosystem, it is hoped that LTE will also see the emergence of dynamic new business models not hitherto seen in the mobile space.

Operators are making strategic, long-term commitments to LTE networks.

Chief Executive Officer of Starcomms, Mr Logan Pather has said LTE will in 2015 replace Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), the two telecommunications

technologies being operated in the country.

He said some leading global telecom operators were already test-running the new network and that Starcomms’ CDMA network is almost LTE-ready.

In January this year, Second National Carrier, Globacom, said it has launched the country’s first 4G LTE network.

At the launch of the LTE technology, Group Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr Mohamed Jameel said though people can already browse the Internet or send e-mails using HSPA-enabled systems and send or receive video or music, the experience with LTE will be even better.

He said: “As data dependence and applications grow, the need to deliver higher speed on wireless would continue to grow.

“LTE is the state-of-the-art technology to connect the demanding corporate customer and high data users through the latest 4G LTE wireless broadband connection. This is in meeting the mobile broadband need of subscribers.

“LTE will further enhance more demanding applications like interactive TV, mobile

‘The mobile system may be presented now as the preferred system but I bet you the story may change when fibres eventually and truly go into homes and multimedia requirements dictate that we work more than we move’

video blogging, advanced games or professional services, enabling more Nigerians to be on top of their game. LTE offers the key benefits of performance and capacity.”

He said with its speed and reliability, LTE, more than any other technology, already meets key 4G requirements.

According to Jameel, there are over 24 networks in the world which have already adapted and launched 4G LTE networks across the world.

He said by 2012, an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide will have access to broadband services and that nearly two-thirds of this number will be mobile broadband consumers who will be served by LTE networks.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Mr Titi OmoEttu said though upgrading to a new technology might look like a challenge for businesses, inability of business strategies to keep pace with the migration of technology standards have been a major cause of collapse of such businesses.

He, however, cautioned against upgrade to a technology that may become redundant in the near future.

According to him, LTE technology, confined to mobile systems may become outmoded when fibres eventually and truly go into homes, and multimedia requirements dictate that we work more than we move.

He said: “Technology standards have actually been migrating and have been phasing out at such high speed that it has been one particular challenge to businesses.

“Yes the environment might have been responsible for why businesses die; it is actually the inability of our business strategies to keep pace with the migration of technology standards that have been a major albatross.

“We do not mention it because there is very little anyone can do about it and also because we are always able to pass the cost of staying in business to the consumers.

“Those who were unable to pass the cost are those that failed and expired and we say they died. A service provider dies when he is unable to migrate and remain in business.

“However, the good service provider does not allow his customers have the feel of himself chasing migration difficulties.

“He simply migrates and puts a cost on it for them to pay and he moves on. Once he is unable or unwilling to do that, he bites the dust. The GSM you have today is not the same GSM that we started business with in 2001.

“When we migrate, we say we’ve put enhancements and we’ve moved on. Those who failed to do it are no longer on the list today and that is the real issue.

“Several technology manufacturers and vendors would pretend that there is nothing the consumer can do when they migrate to the next generation.

“They are right only to the extent that they deal with small markets. For big markets they too are always careful about managing shocks so they do not go down with it.

“However, all the talk about GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE are mere standards which are confined to mobile systems only.

“The mobile system may be presented now as the preferred system but I bet you the story may change when fibres eventually and truly go into homes and multimedia requirements dictate that we work more than we move. Mobile systems are essentially wireless based systems and do not offer the resilience that wired systems offer.”

He advised operators on the need to be flexible and prepared for the eventualities of migration to the LTE standard.

“To be prepared for the eventualities of migration to LTE is as simple as being ready to train and be flexible to bend as business vicissitudes dictate,” he said.

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

e-Business

GADGET TREND Nokia C2-03 arrives

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•From left: Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai; Special Assistant on Information Technology to the Communications Technology Minister, Mr Ola Ogunneye; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson and Executive Director, Marketing, NIGCOMSAT, Abimbola Alale at a facility tour of NIGCOMSAT in Abuja.

Cellphone emissions can’t cause cancer, says ALTON T

HE Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has debunked the notion that emissions from the Electromagnetic Frequency (EMF) spectrum can cause cancer.

EMF, emitted by mobile phones, wireless devices, radar, and radio and television broadcasts, has been declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a possible cause of cancer.

ALTON president, Mr Gbenga Adebayo said the statement on which the report is based emanated from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which had recently concluded a review of several international research papers on the subject.

He said the review simply identified some suggestive evidence in human studies, which seemed to show that a hazard is possible but not likely.

According to him, the IARC is yet to publish a full report of the review exercise, but classifies electromagnetic emissions within “Group 2B,” (which includes coffee, pickled vegetables, styrene used for the mak-

Stories by Adline Atili

ing of rubber, plastic, insulation, fibreglass, food containers, and carpet backing).

He said Group 2B is the category for agents “for which there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.”

He said: “Although as with all other emissions and indeed as with all things, there is need to continue to study the implications of long-term, sustained exposure.

“Having reviewed the IARC statement and scientific evidence available, it is safe to conclude that EMF signals are neither a definite nor a probable human carcinogen.

Rather, the IARC has only concluded that it may be possible that EMF is carcinogenic and has identified areas for further research.

“ALTON wishes to emphasise the unequivocal fact that EMF emissions are a non-iodising range of emissions, which

are safe for humans. Credible international research has repeatedly demonstrated that EMF emissions are even safer than those emitted by domestic microwave ovens.

“Further research may be carried out independently by visiting the Website of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) at www.icnirp.de/ PubEMF.htm for further details.”

He maintained that all mobile infrastructure and equipment including handsets and other terminal devices used by ALTON members are certified safe worldwide, having first been tested and type-approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

He urged Nigerians to ensure they purchase their handsets and terminal devices from reputable vendors who have type approved these with the NCC. He said the NCC Website, www.ncc.gov.ng lists the typeapproved handsets and terminal devices endorsed by international regulatory bodies based on best practices.

Firms collaborate on dynamic infrastructure

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UNNET Systems, an ICT solutions provider, has entered into strategic partnership with global technology firm, IBM, to deploy dynamic infrastructure and cloud computing solutions to organisations in Nigeria.

According to IBM, explosion of data, transactions and digitallyaware devices strain IT infrastructure and operations, requiring optimisation of workload to deliver efficient, secure and cost effective services.

The company noted that its continuous investment in systems is to ensure clients are able to optimise workload and manage data more efficiently.

Speaking at a forum in Lagos, Systems and Technology Group Leader, Central East and West Af-

rica, IBM, Ghazanfar Ali said: “Exponential growth in communications subscribers and services exposes bandwidth limitations. In addition, networks, supply chains and borders face proliferation of new risks and threats. Meanwhile, customer expectations and competitive pressures are increasing.

“We can address this through more responsible and agile infrastructure such as cloud computing to create new opportunities. We can build a dynamic infrastructure through convergence of business and IT infrastructure to achieve breakthrough productivity and greater business value; and freeing up resources for new investments.

A dynamic infrastructure helps

improve services, reduce costs and manage risks.

“We’ve already invested $4.2 billion in fundamental research and development in this area and we’ll invest $6 billion more in the next 24 months to deliver the breadth of technology, software and services necessary to optimise the performance of today’s key workload and ensure product and service leadership in each class of technology.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chief Executive Officer of Sunnet Systems, Paul Olagunju said Nigeria must take advantage of existing technologies to improve lives and businesses. He said dynamic infrastructure will help organisations effectively manage infrastructure and deliver value to customers.

EADING phone manufacturer, Nokia, has added to the list of its dual SIM phone offerings in Nigeria, the ‘slide’ C2-03.

The phone, launched alongside the Nokia X1-01 and Nokia C2-00 is the third of the range of dual SIM phones Nokia has brought to the Nigerian market.

Nokia C2-03 comes with Nokia’s unique dual SIM capabilities including features that allow the user to personalise up to five SIM cards. It also boasts dedicated look and feel and an easy swap option that lets users change SIM cards in seconds without having to turn off the phone or remove the battery.

The phone ships with new Nokia maps for Series 40, where local maps and places of interest are preinstalled. This means users can view maps and plan routes when the phone is in offline mode, thereby saving on the cost of downloading maps over mobile networks.

Head of Marketing, Nokia West Africa, Reuben Onwubiko, said with the introduction of C2-03, Nokia is offering users additional options to improve their experience in the dual SIM range of phones.

The phone comes with a ‘touch and

type’ feature that enables the use of fingertips to scroll through Websites, phones and music. There is also a slide-out keypad for fast, easy typing.

According to the Product Manager, Nokia West Africa, Olumide Balogun, Nokia C2-03 is very affordable and competitive among its peers as consumers can get more of what they desire.

C2-03 at a glance The phone includes easy access to Facebook, applications, email, maps and the Nokia Life Tools.

It delivers a great Internet browsing experience through the d a t a compression technology of the Nokia browser, which keeps the cost of surfing low and speeds up p a g e downloads to benefit both consumers and operators.

Managing Director, Nokia West Africa, James Rutherfoord said the C2-03 is the first ‘touch and type’ dual SIM phone to feature easy swap, a feature that is unique to Nokia phones.

HP rewards promo winners

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INNERS have emerged in the HP Summer Splash promo flagged off in

June.

In a raffle draw held in Lagos, Mr Taiwo Ogunleye walked away with the first prize, an all expenses paid weekend to Nairobi, Kenya. The second prize winner, Mr Timothy Ayodele, got an all expenses paid weekend to Accra, Ghana while the third prize winner, Mr Bolaji Ajayi was rewarded with $1,000 gift voucher.

According to the technology giant, the promo, in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, was a huge success with sales exceeding expectations.

Eleven retail partners across Abuja, Lagos and Delta states participated in the promo which enabled consumers get an instant gift

and a chance to enter a raffle draw for every purchase made of an HP Pavilion DM4-1150ea entertainment notebook PC, HP Pavilion DV6-3301ei entertainment notebook PC and HP Pavilion g61053ei notebook PC. The company’s Retail Account Manager, Mr Womiloju Olabanji said the promo was done to reward HP customers and discourage the purchase of counterfeit products.

According to him, winners would be expected to show proof of purchase of products from authorised HP retail outlets across the country.

He urged customers to purchase products only from HP-approved distributors to avoid counterfeit products that do not come with warranty and reliability.

Airtel woos subscribers

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IRTEL Nigeria has extended its Big Family Offer to post-paid customers and as it moves to empower more Nigerians to access innovative telecom solutions at affordable rates.

According to the company, the extension of the offer to post-paid users is an indication of its commitment to affordability and innovation across all the customer segments it serves.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Deepak Srivastava said under the new tariff plan, postpaid customers on the network will be able to make on-net calls at discounted rate of 15k per second and off-net calls at 30k per second after paying 60k for the first 30 minutes of the month.

He added that subscribers will also be able to call international destinations such as the UK, US, Canada, China and India at 20k per second after paying 60k per second for the first 30 minutes of the month to same destinations.

Additional benefits of the new plan, he said, include 20 bonus SMS monthly within the Airtel network and attractive SMS rates.

The SMS tariff plan, Srivastava noted, includes N5 for Airtel to Airtel SMS, N10 for SMS to other networks and N15 for SMS to international locations.

Srivastava said the extension of the offer to post-paid customers is demonstration of the company’s determination to give Nigerians true value and empower more people across the country to freely communicate as a big family.

He added that this was in line with the company’s plan to deliver innovative, affordable, relevant, and most value-based telecom solutions in the country.

“Existing post-paid customers who wish to connect to the package should call 131 while new customers will need to have their lines provisioned at Airtel customer contact points across the country,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

45

e-Business

How to improve telecom service

Matters e-Rising Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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HE Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) quarterly summary of telecommunications subscribers from June 2010 to March 2011 shows that Nigeria has a teledensity of 64.70 per cent and total connected lines (GSM and CDMA only) of 115,140,681 (and still counting). However, network congestion has continually been the bane of Quality of Service (QoS) levels in mobile telecommunications services in Nigeria , Africa ’s largest telecommunications market. This article seeks to propose an innovative way of applying the Infrastructure Fund created by the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Authority Act 2011 to fund projects expanding mobile network capacity by building additional base stations. This investment decision would not only be consistent with the statutory objective of assisting the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria that will attract and support foreign investment, economic diversification and growth, but would have the resultant effect of improving the QoS levels currently experienced in mobile telecommunications service in Nigeria.

On 27th May, 2011 , the President signed into law, the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority Bill. The Act establishes the Nigerian Investment Authority which is statutorily charged inter alia, with the mandate to enhance the development of Nigerian infrastructure by establishing the Ni-

By Chukwuyere Izuogu, LL.M. (Hannover) gerian Infrastructure Fund. The Nigerian Infrastructure Fund is part of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Investment Fund and is primarily set up to support through investment predicated upon financial returns, the development of basic, essential and efficient critical infrastructure in Nigeria (such as mobile telecommunications networks) in order to stimulate the growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy and create jobs for Nigerians.

This article proposes that part of the Infrastructure Fund should be applied to funding projects expanding mobile networks by building additional base stations only in geographic areas where QoS parameters such as network coverage, service accessibility and service retainability are perceived by mobile telecommunications users to be low. The proposed structure would involve the grant of long term (say 25 years) soft loan to cover at least 70 per cent of the cost of building these base stations to the project company or the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up by mobile telecommunications service providers in Nigeria . The sole purpose of the SPV would be to Build-Own-Operate (BOO) these additional base stations throughout its lifecycle. In line with this arrangement, the SPV would also be required to enter into a long term infrastructure service agreement with the existing mobile telecommunications service providers (both GSM and CDMA service providers). This

contractual arrangement is similar to an Offtake Contract or Power Purchase Agreement (used for a project producing electricity) which assures; on one hand, the GSM and CDMA service providers (the purchasers) that these mobile networks will always be available and on the other hand, that the SPV will have a ready market to lease out the base stations on a long term basis at a pre-agreed price.

As this is a type of public sector funding, arguments against this approach would contend that it lacks the strict discipline of due diligence inherent in private sector financing. Typical due diligence undertaken where a private sector lender is involved usually entails the careful evaluation of all the risks involved in the project and their proper allocation to parties other than the SPV. This practice is derived from the principle that risks should be allocated to the party best able to manage it; however, the argument supporting this investment approach contends that the Infrastructure Fund would provide a form of low-cost public sector finance for mobile net-

work expansion that retains the benefit of private sector management and control (since the SPV is constituted by both the GSM and CDMA service providers), this is besides the fact that long term investment like this would also improve upon the return for the Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (as the major investor), taking advantage of the fact that debt is actually cheaper than equity. The major point argued is that why not have the project benefit from the best of both worlds by having the public sector provide the project with debt, in partnership with equity stakes to be held by the private sector investors in the SPV? Improving the QoS of mobile telecommunications services by investing in the construction of additional base stations is likely to have an effect on deciding potential locations of foreign direct investments as the nature of an economy’s overall infrastructure plays a key role in its ability to respond to changes in demand and prices or to take advantage of other resources. In terms of economic growth, additional investment in telecommunications infrastructure would see an improvement in our gross national product and the

‘The major point argued is that why not have the project benefit from the best of both worlds by having the public sector provide the project with debt, in partnership with equity stakes to be held by the private sector investors in the SPV?’

production of higher value added services and products driven by the secondary or tertiary telecommunications market. As the economy grows and telecommunications services improves, there is likely to be a correlating increase in investments by foreign companies (such as Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia, Siemens, Ericsson, etc) dealing in modern communications technologies.

No doubt, it goes without saying that telecommunications services drive the development of new businesses, as evidenced by the enormous growth throughout the world in recent years of mobile and Internetbased business models. In return, the growth of these business activities would drive demand for telecommunications services, thus forming a virtuous circle. Increasingly as businesses, especially private businesses develop in Nigeria , the need to address and develop the market for advanced telecommunications services will also arise. One consequence is a strong support to the development and transition of the economy as a whole which is given impetus by the rationale for investing with the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Izuogu is an attorney with Streamsowers & Köhn. He can be contacted through: chukwuyere@sskohn.com and chux2day@yahoo.com.

Intel to invest $30m in cloud computing

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LOBAL technology firm, Intel Corporation is planning to invest $30 million to strengthen its cloud and embedded computing research in five years.

As part of the plan, the company has launched two science and technology centres at the Carnegie Mellon University, US and has invited researchers to submit innovative ideas.

The centres are part of a $100 million Intel science and technology programme to increase university research and accelerate innovation in areas such as visual computing and secure computing.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Justin Rattner said: “These centres are expected to open amazing possibilities. Imagine, for example, future cars equipped with embedded sensors and microprocessors to constantly collect and analyse traffic and weather data. That information could be shared and analysed in the cloud so that drivers could be provided with suggestions for quicker and safer routes.

“Intel labs will put $30 million over

Stories by Adline Atili

the next five years in the centres to shape the future of cloud computing and embedded computing research.

It’s thinking built-in application optimisation, more efficient and effective support of big data analytics and making the cloud more distributed and localised by extending cloud capabilities to the network edge and client devices.

“These capabilities could enable a digital personal handler via a device wired into your glasses that sees what you see to constantly pull data from the cloud and whisper information to you during the day, telling you who people are, where to buy an item you just saw, or how to adjust your plans when something new comes up.”

• Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Mr Wale Goodluck; Chairman, Mr Pascal Dozie and Director, MTN, Victor Odili at the company’s tenth anniversary celebration in Lagos.

50,000 Glo lines for rural dwellers

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LOBACOM and Microfone Telecoms, a subsidiary of the Nige-

rian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), have signed an agreement to provide 50,000

Microsoft rewards Nigerian partners

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ICROSOFT Corporation has honoured three Nigerian firms at its 2011 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards and the Microsoft West, East and Central Africa (WECA) Partner Awards.

The firms are: Signal Alliance, Tavia Technologies and Ha-shem Network Services.

The awards showed the best of the region’s partner network to the world and were testament to the high level of

Microsoft technology expertise in West Africa.

In a statement by the company, the annual awards honour Microsoft partners for delivering innovative solutions during the past year that directly address customer challenges. More than 3,000 entries were submitted by partners from more than 100 countries; the award finalists and winners were selected from a group of nominations based on their commitment to customers and exem-

plary use of Microsoft technologies.

General Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Emmanuel Onyeje said: “Our partners form a critical part of our business model; our success is highly dependent on the quality, expertise and commitment of our partner ecosystem. These awards serve to recognise those partners who excel in developing, deploying and supporting our software solutions and driving regional competitiveness.”

lines to rural dwellers across Nigeria.

The project will also create thousands of jobs for Nigerians in the countryside while increasing the nation’s tele-density.

Under the partnership, Microfone will establish village public phone centres to bring telephony access to rural communities while Globacom will provide an initial 50,000 SIM cards with airtime riding on the Glo Infinito, which enables users to make calls at 25k per second.

Globacom will also provide a customer service desk to cater specifically for the lines on the scheme.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Group Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mohamed Jameel said the project will provide about 50,000 jobs in addition to other ancillary jobs for public telephone operators in rural communities.

Executive Vice President of the NCDF, Babatunde Oralusi, noted that the partnership with Globacom will impact positively on the grassroots by accelerating NCDF’s empowerment programmes.

According to him, it is expected that the project will subsequently add more lines to the initial 50,000 in the course of the scheme.

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

47

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Magnetic Therapy is a natural method for relieving pains, restoring energy and enhancing sleep.

It is a safe, effective, economical and simple to use form of alternative therapy. A magnetotherapist, Dr Titi Oduye, tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA more about the healing art.

Understanding basics of magnetotherapy will become an important form of alternative therapy in the future,” she added.

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AGNETIC therapy is thousands of years old yet holds great promise for the future. Magnets have been scientifically proven to help the body to regain its self-healing electromagnetic balance naturally.

Strong evidence suggests that magnetic therapy may help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, restore natural energy, increase blood circulation, prevent or reverse infection, promote metabolic processing of toxins and support the healing process.

According to Dr Titi Oduye of Amelia Organic Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, magnetic therapy is a non-invasive treatment method with a very high success rate and has much to offer in both prevention and treatment of chronic ailments.

She said magnets were used by the Greeks to treat arthritis as early as the third century. In the middle ages, doctors applied magnets to the skin to treat pain and inflammation. It also use them to remove arrowheads from the body. In the United States, the use of magnets expanded after the Civil War as healers treated internal conditions involving the stomach, kidney and liver, claiming that illnesses were caused when the magnetic fields existing in the human body were depleted.

Current uses

Magnetic Therapy today The Magneto therapist said as of today in Japan and other Asian countries, therapeutic magnets are licensed as medical devices. “Magnetic therapy has found favour in Australia, Russia and many European countries, especially Germany where medical insurance covers some of the costs. Contemporary western medicine uses magnetic energy for diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and, as a method to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. “Magnetic therapy is becoming increasingly popular among progressive health care practitioners,

•Different types of magnetic devices

veterinarians and professional athletes as well as the public.

“It is a fact our population is aging and

•Dr Oduye

the cost of traditional health care is spiralling upward. Magnetic therapy, for reasons of simplicity, effectiveness and economy,

On how one can garner some healing from magnet, Dr Oduye said one can purchase healing magnets that are in different strengths and forms. She said the strength of magnets is measured in units called gauss, signified with a capital G. “Bracelets made of magnets designed to look like jewelery are said to relieve the pain from arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Shoe inserts include magnets that are intended to relieve foot pain.

Small magnets designed to treat spot pain look like coins and are easily carried in a pocket or purse until needed.

Magnets used for healing come in the form of jewelery, shoe insoles, mattress pads, adhesive patches, belts and headbands.”

But then, not all can tap into the healing that magneto therapy offers. Dr Oduye proffered the underlying reasons: “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the type and Gauss strength of magnets used in magnetic therapy offer no health hazard. Consult your health care professional before using any new type of therapy. Most magnetic products carry warning labels indicating the likely effects.

“It is wise not to use magnets or magnetic therapy if using a pacemaker, implanted medical device or insulin pump as they may interfere with the delicate electronic equipment. Magnetic products are not recommended for use during pregnancy. They are not proven beneficial or detrimental. As an expectant mother, be on the safe side, do not use.

“Keep magnetic products at least six inches away from objects, such as credit cards, computers, diskettes, audio and videotapes, and similar items, as loss of data may result,” she emphasised.

Seven steps to better sleep

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EELING crabby lately? Or simply worn out? Perhaps the solution is better sleep.

Think about all the factors that can interfere with a good night’s sleep — from pressure at work and family responsibilities to unexpected challenges, such as layoffs, relationship issues or illnesses. It’s no wonder that quality sleep is sometimes elusive.

Although you might not be able to control all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple sleep tips.

Stick to a sleep schedule Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off. Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night. There’s a caveat, though. If you don’t fall asleep within about 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. Go back to bed when you’re tired. If you agonise over falling asleep, you might find it even tougher to nod off.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink Don’t go to bed either hungry or stuffed.

Your discomfort might keep you up. Also, limit how much you drink before bed, to prevent disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.

You’re not doomed to toss and turn every night. Consider simple tips for better sleep, from setting a sleep schedule to including physical activity in your daily routine.

Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine — which take hours to wear off — can wreak havoc with quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

Create a bedtime ritual Do the same things each night to tell your body it’s time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music — preferably with the lights dimmed. Relaxing activities can promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.

Be wary of using the TV or other electronic devices as part of your bedtime ritual. Some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime interferes with sleep.

Get comfortable Create a room that’s ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Con-

sider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

Your mattress and pillow can contribute to better sleep, too. Since the features of good bedding are subjective, choose what feels most comfortable to you. If you share your bed, make sure there’s enough room for two.

If you have children or pets, set limits on how often they sleep with you — or insist on separate sleeping quarters.

Limit daytime naps Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep — especially if you’re struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality at night. If you choose to nap during the day, limit yourself to about 10 to 30 minutes and make it during the midafternoon.

If you work nights, you’ll need to make an exception to the rules about daytime sleeping. In this case, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight — which adjusts your internal clock — doesn’t interrupt your daytime sleep.

Include physical activity in your daily routine Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, helping you to fall asleep faster and to enjoy deeper sleep. Timing is important, though. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you might be too energized to fall asleep. If this seems to be an issue for you, exercise earlier in the day.

Manage stress When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep is likely to suffer. To help restore peace to your life, consider healthy ways to manage stress.

Start with the basics, such as getting organised, setting priorities and delegating tasks.

Give yourself permission to take a break when you need one. Share a good laugh with an old friend. Before bed, jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Know when to contact your doctor Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night — but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you deserve.

•Culled from: www.mayoclinic.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

NATURAL HEALTH

Dr Clark offers electrocution cure for disease (1) Whenever the wife of my friend who is suffering from depression telephones me again about his condition, I will, very likely confidently tell her….” I believe he has worms in his brain”.

Worms? Yes, worms in the brain!

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IDN’T this column report a few months ago, in the series on detoxification, that an American hospital discovered a baby tape worm somewhere in the brain of a gentleman who had persistent headache which seemed to defy all medications?

I am about seven years behind the reprint of THE CURE FOR ALL DISEASE, by Dr Hulda Regehr Clark Ph.D., N.D., whose thoughts began to feature in this column from last week. She believes worms in the brain cause depression and autism. She says, also, that liver flukes, dangerous parasites, exist in the livers of all cancer sufferers. In 1988, she discovered a devise as perfect as, if not better than a CAT scan or MR (Magnetic Resonance imagery).

The invention is a simple machine which she encourages Every-one to build at home. For this reason, she generously provides information, including technical diagrams, for making it. Have asked two electronics engineers to make some for me.It works on the principles that: 1. everything, dead or living, produces energy, 2. energy moves from its source in waves to as far as it can, 3. energy produced by various living or dead entities varies in intensity or voltage, that is power. Thus, the voltage or frequency of energy produced by anything is peculiar to it. Dr Clark’s machine generates frequency across a wide bandwidth. If it is switched on to a particular frequency, and a person holding the handles hears a resonance of that frequency through a hearing device in the machine, it means there is an organism in that person’s body “broadcasting” the resonating frequency.

If one holds on to the frequency machine while it is generating a frequency higher than that resonated from the parasite within the body, one would not hear the resonance after some time.

Dr Clark tested this: “ with salmonella bacteria and Guardia and Herpes “that I carried chronically.” She said that three minutes after, she retested herself but “could no longer find them in my organs” As her book added: “ I repeated and repeated. Were they really dead? Maybe they were just numbed or were suddenly hiding. But symptoms were gone too. My herpes symptoms stopped tingling. It was simple and unbelievable.”

It took Dr Clark three week to determine safety of this electrical treatment on humans… “Five volts for three minutes at the specific frequency” Thus, in 20 minutes (three minutes at six difference frequencies) a while family could get rid of this parasite, she says. What of cancer, Scourge of modern life. Dr Clark replies.

“Cancer causes showed that in a few hours the universal cancer marker, orthophospho-tyrosine, could be banished from their bodies by killing this same parasite. Incurable HIV lost their virus in a few hours, too. Laboratory testing for HIV came back negative! Most cases of pain got immediate relief. If I could identify the correct ‘bug’ and have its frequency found by the next office visit. This seemed to be absolute proof that living things had an essential high frequency output of some kind of energy” It shouldn’t be surprising to any-one familiar with the politics of medicine that a discovery such as this doesn’t get well publicised: It may run mainstream medicine out of business.

Bioradiation Dr Clark has merely planted the principle of bioradiation into a machine to help people get well faster. Everything, as this column said two weeks ago, is energy and radiates it. In essence, and as Dr Clark would say, “Every living creature broadcasts its pretence like a radio station, the sun or the stars.” If the sun were to “broadcast” at a higher frequency, we’d all roast or burn to death on earth. And when we successfully deploy herbs to heal, it simply means the frequency of the herbs “broadcast” destroyed the frequency of the germ or pathogen against which we lob them. That’s the principle behind the “laying of hands” and faith healing. It is evidenced in the Biblical miracle of the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, who tapped healing power by touching the garment of the Lord Jesus.

It was such power that brought the dead Lazarus back to life, raised the Centurion’s daughter and, in the case of the widow’s dead daughter raised by the prophet. Dr Clark, relying on her discovery and experience, addresses the causes and treatment of many diseases from standpoints often different from current popular perspectives, as the following examples should.

Pain Dr Clark would rather die than suffer unrelievable excruciating pain. But her pain therapy does not cover such pain as that of “broken bone, twisted ankle, bee sting, misaligned vertebra or stretch trauma in leg muscles or arm muscles. Her focus is on ‘’pain that is in your organs and refuses to go away, in this class is the pain of ‘’arthritis, headache and those of the ‘’foot, hip, chest”. She believes such pains are caused by parasites and pollutants. But pain-causing parasites aren’t large like worms or amoebas or viruses. She says they are bacteria ordinarily; the cells won’t let them in. But they gatecrash when the cell doors open to let in food and wastes out Seen with bacteria are pollutants of all kinds, leading to a yet inconclusive debate on which got in first or attracted the other. Dr Clark suggests a four-step plan to deal with excruciating pain.

1. Identification of parasite’s origin 2. Destruction of parasite 3. Identification of pollutants, and 4. Elimination of pollutants.

Her recipe for pain elimination, of course, is electrocution of paincausing bacteria using the frequency- generating machine.

Toe pain The toes get the least supply of blood, says Dr Clark, and are storages for uric acid when the kidneys fail to eliminate all of it through urine. Uric acid is a by- product of purines which are by products of protein metabolism. In people who do not have the enzyme urinate, uric acid is not soluble in the blood and forms

sharp crystals often as sharp as glass fragments, hence the piercing pain it causes. Some people call these “diabolical arrows from the enemies” Also found in the toes is HIPPURIC ACID .This acid is made by the liver when it detoxifies benzoic acid , a common preservative.

Accumulation of uric acid and hippuric acid is sought by bacteria which then feed on them to populate. This scenario is worsened by poor blood circulation but it can be improved by taking 1 capsule of Cayenne, says Dr Clark. Bacterial accumulation in the acidified toes causes the tissue to fight back with inflammation, and inflammation causes pain. Where these acids have accumulated but pain is not felt as yet, it is possible that bacteria have not yet found their way there, or their population is to small to provoke inflammation.

Dr Clark offers a four-step solution: 1. electrocuting all the toe tissue bacteria 2. cleaning up the kidney with a kidney cleanse formula 3. cleaning teeth cavitations i.e. cavities left in the mouth where a tooth or teeth were pulled, and 4. cleaning up the liver with a liver cleanse formula.

The next leg of this therapy is to alkalize the blood and body, taking food supplements such as calcium and magnesium, a mixture of sodium and potassium bicarbonate (ask your pharmacist or chemist or simply add some sea salt to potassium gluconate powder.)

It is not possible to cover the entire spectrum of Dr Clark’s views on all kinds of pain and diseases in one column. So, I suggest that anyone who is so concerned about his or her health that he or she would like to have the full picture obtain a copy of her book (ISB.N I-890035-07-7) through the following contact: www. newcenturypress.com Meanwhile, I find four subjects interesting to report today, being common Nigerian complains : foot pain, heel spur, prostate problems and infertility.

and is painful when it bears the body’s load. A heel pain may be due to a heel spur, which is caused by deposits of uric acid and various phosphates. Uric acid crystal deposits occur when the body cannot liquefy and excrete them urinally. They are end products of purines which come from proteins in the diet. The phosphates in heel spurs harden uric acid deposits, making them hard to dissolve.

Petrol is literally added to fire if oxalic acid crystals join them.

These ones are pointed like pins or daggers and produce those sharp, stabbing pains in the foot when the body rests on it. Quite naturally, bacteria are attracted to this site to eat up the crystals. In the end they create their own damage through poisoning, inflammation and pain. So, they have to be eliminated and the crystals dissolved through alkalization and avoidance of the predisposing foods. Phosphates are plentiful in soft drinks, red meat, carbonated beverages, spinach, pumpkin (ugwu) grains such as rice and breads, tea (not herb tea), cocoa, fish bone etc . The body tries to neutralize them by combining them with calcium as calcium phosphate(CaH2 Po4) dicalcium phosphate(Ca2H PO4) and tricalcium phosphate(Ca3H Po4) otherwise the acid phosphate would burn the kidney. As more calcium molecules troop out of the bones and teeth to cage incoming phosphate, the bones and teeth are weakened, unless the calcium losses are compensated. I took a break from the last sentence to pump three droppers of AQUALYTE into a glass of water and drink, one hour after taking colloidal silver.

Acqualyte is colloidal calcium, an easily aborbobable form of calcium, and about 80 micronutrients from the sea. I say this to emphasis the point often made that health doesn’t come by chance; it is worked for, budgeted for and paid for. Should the bones and teeth become washed off, one could become a skeletal and dental wreck. I have eaten too many guinea fowl eggs (protein and uric acid) in this its season, and have been feeling heel pain in the right foot and some pains in the waist.Attrack, they say, is the best from of defence!

Foot pain, swelling The causes may be as simple as tight shoes or the reduction of blood circulation due to blockages in the blood vessels. Some people are unable to walk one or two electric poles without complaining or stopping to rest their feet. If the feet do not get enough blood and oxygen for extra work and cannot pass their wastes on, they would be filled with acids and “cry”. A cayenne capsule taken with food now and then does help blood circulation. One young university undergraduate is testifying to this. For many years that I’d known her, she always complained of either breast pain, irregular or ceasing menstruation and an unsightly abdominal bloat which leveled abdominal and the breast line. Two weeks ago, I gave her cayenne capsules to swallow with meals, emptied one into her mouth and gave her probiotics[ 10 billion cells/capsule] to either insert deep vaginally or mix into an olive oil gel and, using the long finger, deliver deep within before sleep at night.

Three days later, she reported symptoms of oncoming menstruation, the first time in four months, and, two days after, she told me she was discharging mucoid, dark, smelling, clumps of deoxygenated blood, breathing deeper and better and experiencing relief from an abdominal pressure that had been her cross for years. It is one possible reason she didn’t enjoy sex with her boyfriend and lost him in marriage to another woman.

Cayenne improves all kinds of circulation disorders, including memory loss and dementia. But when the foot and ankles are swollen, a little more bodywork appears, called for. Dr Clark links the condition to kidney and adrenal dysfunction. Some doctors rely on a formula to distinguish between heart and kidney/adrenal driven edema, as this condition is also called. If it occurs in the night and is seen on waking up , it’s the kidney and adrenals. If it happens after or during a walk during the day, then the heart cant bring blood back up from the foot, either because the non- return valves in veins are weak or damaged or due to some other cause(s).What to do? Dr Clark says parasites are disturbing both organs from controlling fluid and salt balance in the body. In particular, the kidneys could be forming crystals which are limiting blood and fluid flow through them aid making less water and salt leave the body. The solution is a kidney cleanse tea therapy, electrocution of the parasites using the frequency machine, balancing the urine pH to 6.0 and taking a supplement 500 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) three times daily for seversal weeks. Other physicians would in addition suggest Chanka piedra to crush the crystals or stones. I start most days with a dropper or two of colloidal silver in a glass of water. It kills bacteria and viruses in bloodstream an urinary system.

Prostate problems Until the new illumination by Dr Clark, I followed the protocol of checking acidosis , improving alkalinity, checking free radicals and improving anti oxidation, improving colon health, supplying essential fatty acids and checking the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme, among other therapy goal, years ago, only men as old as 60 had prostate problems. And this was unfortunately associated with the aging process i.e. Something must kill a man. But with young men falling in tow, sexual explosion came under suspicion. There is some sense in this. Young men don’t take their eyes off anything in body hog. Yet they little know that about 80 percent of the zinc in their body is stored in the prostate gland where a deficiency through many ejaculation activates the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme to stimulate excessive prostate tissue growth.

This, of course, leads to prostate enlargement (prostatitis) or cancer- more of this another day. Today, Dr Clark has the floor and says metal, especially nickel poisoning is the underlying cause of all prostate problems, including cancer. “Bacteria cannot live in the prostate without nickel being present,” he says, taking pains to explain how, feeding on nickel, they detoxify the environment of the urine and droppings of animals .Nickel cannot be sufficiently present in the body to attract bacteria, as sugar does ants, unless we feed on nickel-rich foods or we suffer nickel pollution. He goes on to say: “You can cure your prostate problems with the simple tactic of stopping nickel pollution of your body . Notice that you get a fresh attack after accidentally using metal cutlery in a restaurant or eating mayonnaise –style salad with a metal spoon stuck in it. It might be wise to take a histidine capsule ( about 500mg) on a day for three weeks when this happens. Histidine is a nickel chelator. Taking zinc is helpful too (60 mg two times a day for a month).

Possibly the nickel was poisoning the zinc enzymes. Prostate problem of all kinds clear up when the bacteria are zapped, the kidney cleanse is done, dental clean-up is done and the bowel programme is followed.”

Dr Clark warns that “our spoons, fork and knives are made of nickel,” and that food reacts with this metal loosening it. “When you smear the knife over your bread, this film comes off and you eat it. If you were to put the knife in your mouth, now, you could taste the metal. You would later wash the knife but not before you have eaten enough nickel to supply all the bacteria in your body with the daily allowance of their essential element .Even plant keeps their nickel levels very low. But due to pollution of animal feed with it even a hen’s egg now has 3 mcg/100 gm of nickel in it. To produce a nickel polluted egg, the chicken must be polluted.

Dr Clark stretches nickel pollution beyond the prostate gland to the skin (allergies), breast, (breast pain), ovaries and testes (hormonal problems and infertility) and the scalp (baldness) When nickel attracts bacteria to the urinary tract, the signals is the smell of ammonia in the urine as the bacteria feed on urea. They digest urea by breaking it down into two ammonia molecules, using an enzyme,urease, which is activated by nickel!Dr Clark makes me worry about the upsurge of stainless steel cutlery and other household utensils on the Nigerian market. They come from China. He says stainless steel contains three percent nickel. These ones from China may have more. A few years ago Europe rejected dinner plates from China. They were cheap and hardly breakable. The secret: more than the allowed amount off -lead, a poison, for hardening. The stainless steel products on the market are too cheap for comfort in this regard. Nickel is used to harden gold. So status conscious people who wear gold–strap watches or gold tooth crowns need be careful.

Ditto nickel in jewelery Dr Clark warns that “the skin oils dissolve nickel from jewelery/sometimes leaving your skin with a greenish black colour, and transport into your body’ and adds: ‘’Don’t wear metal jewery. Earring posts should be replaced with all plastic types. Metal rings should be replaced. After lowering your total blood nickel levels and your prostate disease is only a memory, you might notice scalp hair returning to sparse areas.’’

This report of Dr Clark’s THE CURE FOR ALL DISEASES continues next week.

Heel spurs and pain Suddenly, the heel grows longer, thicker, wont fit good, old shoes,

•This column is repeated as a cleaner copy of that published last week, which was the bedeviled by many Internet printer’s devils.

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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MONEY LINK

CBN calls for fiscal discipline

Access Bank posts N15.5b half year profit

•Inflation decline to spur investment flows

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the country needs fiscal discipline to keep the inflation rate below 10 per cent.

Sanusi, was speaking on the backdrop of single -digit inflationary rate of 9.4 per cent recorded recently in the country.

The 9.4 per cent was the lowest rate Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) ever recorded by the CBN in the past three years.

Speaking in Mecca, Saudi Arabia yesterday, Sanusi was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that only fiscal disciple can support the actions of CBN at keeping inflation below 10 per cent.

He said the MPC hopes that the new Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala “will bring fiscal discipline to bear and this should support our tightening measures.”

CBN had through the MPC mops up funds from circulation by way of issuing treasury bills. Other measures include raising monetary policy rate to discourage burrowing and

A

CCESS Bank Plc has an nounced operating profit of N15.8 billion, for the first half ended 30 June 2011. The figure is up 15 per cent, compared with N13.5 billion recorded in June 2010.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, said: “It is with pleasure that Access Bank reports solid results (audited) for the 2011 half year.

We continue to experience strong expansion in our market share resulting from the effective execution of our organic growth strategies”.

A statement from the bank said it grew its deposits by 31 per cent and lending also grew by 18 per cent.

“Given the strength of the Bank’s capital position and our optimistic outlook for the next six months of the year, we will distribute a cash interim dividend of 20 kobo per share to our shareholders,” AigImoukhuede said.

He said gross earnings of N52.5 billion, was up by 6.2 per cent compared with prior year’s N49.4 billion June 2010 while total operating income of N40.2 billion, up 8.1 per cent to N37.1 billion during same period.

Profit before tax was N10.4 billion, up six per cent compared with N9.8 billion in June 2010.

Net loan loss provisions of N5.1 billion was recorded, up 41.7 per cent from N3.6 billion in June 2010, following one recognition of one per cent general loan loss provision in line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prudential guidelines for 2011.

Statistics had put Nigeria’s July headline inflation at 9.4 per cent, down from 10.2 per cent in July 2011. Food Inflation also dropped from 9.2 per cent year-on-year to 7.9 per cent, but increased by 0.2 per cent month-onmonth. The report also indicated that core inflation (measured by All Items Less Farm Produce Index) remained at 11.5 per cent as seen in June 2011.

CBN interest had increased the benchmark interest rate – the MPR four times since this year. The benchmark interest was raised from 6.5 per cent in January to 7.5 per cent in March, 8 per cent in May and to 8.75 per cent at the July meeting. Other monetary policy tools such as Cash Reserve Requirements (CRR) had also been reviewed upward.

Findings showed that the last time inflation rate in the country stood around the current level was in May 2008, when it was 9.7 per cent and since then, it has remained around at double-digits.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director, SPNP Financials, said the feat was ex-

By Collins Nweze and Akinola Ajibade

further reduce the money in circulation, using monetary policy instruments like cash reserve ratio, among others.

The decline in inflation rate to a single digit has been applauded by investment analysts. Some have projected that the new inflation statistics would stimulate positive returns and encourage investment flows.

Afrinvest said in its weekly analysis that going by the scale of the last Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) increase, as well as the continued focus on a cut-back in government spending, core inflation would remain tightly controlled in the near term.

The firm expects headline inflation to remain in the high single digits despite inflationary pressure from the recent upward review of public sector wages, liquidity inflows from revenue allocations and the nationalisation of some rescued banks.

Data from the National Bureau of

T

HE Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has called on Bureau De Change operators to sell foreign exchange within the regulatory margin as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This is to reciprocate the recent increase in foreign exchange sale to the subsector by the apex bank The CBN last week, increased weekly sale of official foreign exchange to BDCs by 100 per cent to $1 million from $500,000 per week for each authorised dealer. Prior to that, the apex bank had made several other increases meant to stabiles the fox market.

ABCON President, Emmanuel Balogun said increased supply of forex into the BDC subsector is a reflection of the trust and confidence of the apex bank in the subsector.

BDCs, he said, should justify this confidence by ensuring they sell foreign exchange to end users at exchange rate within the regulatory two per cent margin.

Addressing the media yesterday on the issue, Balogun said the action was imperative and will lead to appreciation of the naira in the parallel market and narrow the gap between the official exchange rate and parallel market rate.

“BDCs should not engage in any

activity that would frustrate the objective of the increased supply. They should not hoard but sell to the public. There is no reason to hoard as the apex bank has assured of constant supply of foreign exchange to meet needs of end users. So no BDC should engage in hoarding but rather should sell foreign exchange and they should do so within regulatory margin”, he said.

He also called on the public not to panic or engage in speculative buying. “With the CBN selling $100,000 to each BDCs per week, there is enough foreign exchange to meet genuine foreign exchange demand by end-users. I want to also assure them

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 17-8-11 SYMBOL CAPHOTEL ECOBANK GTASSURE AIICO FIDELITYBK JAPAULOIL IBTC NEM ACCESS RTBRISCOE

O/PRICE 7.50 2.68 1.24 0.63 1.98 0.94 9.50 0.51 6,05 1.37

C/PRICE 7.87 2.81 1.30 0.66 2.07 0.98 9.90 0.53 6.28 1.42

CHANGE 0.37 0.13 0.06 0.03 0.09 0.04 0.40 0.02 0.23 0.05

LOSER AS AT 17-8-11 SYMBOL WEMABANK UPL PRESTIGE TRANSCORP NPFMCRFBK CONTINSURE DANGSUGAR OKOMUOIL PZ LONGMAN

O/PRICE 0.80 4.30 1.69 0.87 1.18 1.05 11.48 17.51 40.99 5.00

that BDCs would sell at regulatory margin hence they would buy at exchange rate lower than obtained from illegal foreign exchange operators. So they don’t have any reason to panic, hoard, speculate or patronise illegal operators, they should patronise BDCs, which are all over the country.”

“This shows that the apex bank is sensitive to the plight of retail end-users of foreign exchange and is committed to meeting their foreign exchange needs. It also shows that the management of the apex bank is a listening management and considers the views of market players and operators in policy formulation,” he said.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

pected, considering various monetary tightening measures that had been adopted by the banking sector regulator.

He spoke in a telephone interview with The Nation, explained: “It was expected that inflation will nose dive based on steps taken by the CBN on monetary policy initiatives, which has been intended to mop up excess liquidity in the system. We may see more of that in the coming months.”

ABCON urges BDCs to justify increases in forex supply

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

•CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido

C/PRICE 0.76 4.09 1.61 0.83 1.13 1.01 11.08 17.00 40.00 4.90

CHANGE 0.04 0.21 0.08 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.40 0.51 0.99 0.10

Amount Sold ($)

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

16-08-11 N7.291tr 22,792.06

17-08-11 N7.297tr 22,811.39

% Change +0.08% +0.08%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW January ’11

February ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 10.2%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.62 112.11 0.81 1.01 0.97 1,620.90 9.61 1.39 1.87 8,827.74 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.16 111.16 0.78 1.01 0.97 1,618.90 9.14 1.33 1.80 8,557.73 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 MAR, 2011

07, MAR, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-08-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name MCNICHOLS PLC SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 3

Quotation(N) 1.02 1.04

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 100 102.00 1,120 1,220.80 1,220 1,322.80

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 15 16

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.48

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 29,700 14,850.00 170,484 1,245,070.60 200,184 1,259,920.60

Quotation(N) 7.01

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 192,805 1,356,991.70 192,805 1,356,991.70

AIR SERVICES Company Name NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 46 46

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 29 32

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.42

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 162,000 81,000.00 835,827 1,185,325.79 997,827 1,266,325.79

Quotation(N) 6.28 4.50 2.81 6.07 2.07 11.40 0.50 13.11 9.90 0.70 1.15 5.93 1.45 4.75 2.09 0.60 0.76 13.11

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 55,033,747 335,130,732.82 5,896,948 26,548,277.05 1,189,544 3,331,391.27 233,306 1,404,759.18 5,961,065 12,278,998.45 6,988,032 79,639,032.79 52,638 26,319.00 11,811,943 156,250,934.10 347,646 3,418,339.41 296,500 207,550.00 10,083,477 11,595,998.55 1,822,927 10,823,297.25 3,419,465 5,092,920.01 9,770,306 46,412,357.07 1,135,311 2,372,799.99 1,451,505 878,906.45 1,546,264 1,187,788.75 5,477,136 71,802,386.27 122,517,760 768,402,788.41

Quotation(N) 217.50 6.08 85.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,328,194 288,748,698.39 650,119 3,857,473.56 6,187,645 525,954,450.34 8,165,958 818,560,622.29

BANKING Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 182 70 18 23 71 528 7 545 26 7 15 100 25 208 37 27 26 258 2,173 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 68 35 126 229

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 50 13 22 45 130

Quotation(N) 20.04 8.00 117.00 44.60

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 576,101 11,510,044.40 740,616 5,920,578.94 169,581 19,783,011.55 10,273,614 458,198,155.04 11,759,912 495,411,789.93

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 9 1 12

Quotation(N) 9.80 26.60 1.38

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 2,000 18,620.00 10,684 278,584.40 5,000 6,600.00 17,684 303,804.40

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name Secure Electronic Technology PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 31 32

Quotation(N) 0.88 2.95

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 150 126.00 798,100 2,331,173.98 798,250 2,331,299.98

CONGLOMERATES Company Name PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 67 39 59 81 246

Quotation(N) 40.00 0.83 39.01 28.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 318,685 12,851,246.40 3,959,012 3,286,269.96 388,361 15,094,560.56 804,200 22,498,017.76 5,470,258 53,730,094.68

Quotation(N) 26.00 2.66 55.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 100 2,470.00 761,546 2,025,712.36 113,980 6,327,240.50 875,626 8,355,422.86

CONSTRUCTION Company Name ARBICO PLC COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 25 14 40

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N) 1.99

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 40,860 77,850.00 40,860 77,850.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 17 50 116 45 36 19 39 15 33 1 371

Quotation(N) 45.00 16.70 14.44 11.08 85.00 4.63 4.44 41.00 400.00 22.61

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 11,241 528,774.00 420,322 7,016,034.24 208,299 2,857,862.28 3,257,572 35,954,736.51 118,429 10,099,651.73 122,884 546,959.52 691,552 3,046,131.40 131,218 5,380,638.00 31,137 12,465,847.86 300 6,600.00 4,992,954 77,903,235.54

Quotation(N) 5.31 0.98 1.78 26.90 4.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 500 2,525.00 37,000 35,100.00 276,350 480,505.00 17,202 457,219.35 30,940 119,132.00 361,992 1,094,481.35

HEALTHCARE Company Name EKOCORP PLC EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 3 10 16 8 38

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 7.87

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 150,000 1,180,500.00 150,000 1,180,500.00

Earnings reports sustain bullish rally •NSE lauds Honeywell

T

HE Nigerian stock mar ket sustained bullish rally for the second consecutive day as new earnings reports by quoted companies bolstered an otherwise flagging market situation.

The All Share Index (ASI) inched up by 0.08 per cent from 22,792.06 points to 22,811.39 points yesterday, building on 1.03 per cent recorded in the earlier trading session. Aggregate market capitalisation of equities increased marginally from N7.291 trillion to N7.297 trillion.

The positive market situation further improved the yearto-date return outlook of the stock market as average benchmark return improved from 7.99 percent to 7.91 per cent.

The bulls were tickled by the release of the audited report and accounts of Access Bank Plc and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) for the first half ended June 30, 2011 showing appreciable increase in profitability.

Half year report of CCNN showed a turnover of N7.046 billion as against N6.374 billion. Profit before tax rose from N829.3 million to N1.674 billion. Profit after tax doubled to N1.073 billion as against N519.297 million.

Access Bank grew gross earnings to N52.468 billion in 2011 as against N49.408 billion in comparable period of 2010.

Profit before tax rose from N9.81 billion to N10.396 billion while profit after tax stood at N8.079 billion compared with N6.666 billion. The board of Access Bank has recommended interim dividend of 20 kobo per share Market analysts said the earnings reports were instrumental to the sustained positive outlook noting that the market had appeared set for downtrend during the early and mid-day hours of trade.

There were nearly a loser for every gainer but the preponderance of highly capitalised stocks and the values of gains kept the market on the up-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

swing.

Julius Berger topped the gainers’ list with a gain of 94 kobo to close at N55.50. UACN Property Development Company followed with a gain of 59 kobo to close at N19.59.

Oando added 50 kobo to close at N29 while Stanbic IBTC Bank and Capital Hotel gathered 40 kobo and 37 kobo to close at N9.90 and N7.87 respectively.

On the other hand, PZ Cussons led the decliners with a drop of 99 kobo to close at N40. Okomu Oil Palm dropped by 51 kobo to N17. Guinness Nigeria slipped by 50 kobo to N217.50. Dangote Sugar lost 40 kobo to close at N11.08 while Cadbury Nigeria dropped by 30 kobo to N16.70 per share.

Total turnover stood at 195.42 million shares worth N2.43 billion in 4,283 deals with banking stocks accounting for 122.52 million shares valued at N768.40 million in 2,173 deals.

Insurance sector staged a distant second with a turnover of 21.53 million shares worth N16 million in 138 deals.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has appealed to quoted companies to ensure continued compliance with the post-listing requirements at the same time embrace the code of corporate governance as a veritable key to ensuring a sound investment environment and maximising shareholder returns.

These were the words of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSE Mr Oscar Onyema at the facts behind the figures presentation of the Honeywell Flour Mills at the exchange yesterday.

The NSE boss, represented by the Executive Director (ED), IT and Market Operations Mr Adeolu Bajomo, said that the presentation of facts behind the figure by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc was a clear indication that quoted companies are now

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-08-11 MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

No of Deals 1 12 13

Quotation(N) 11.20 5.98

No of Deals 5 1 27 33

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.94 0.52

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,005,000 502,500.00 1,000 2,800.00 1,337,051 686,073.52 2,343,051 1,191,373.52

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 59 13 4 13 1 15 1 1 21 1 4 2 2 1 138

Quotation(N) 0.66 1.01 0.50 2.68 0.50 1.30 0.50 0.54 0.53 0.50 1.61 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 4,310,847 2,843,970.02 4,520,600 4,587,212.00 96,694 48,347.00 380,498 1,041,473.80 20,000 10,000.00 1,005,834 1,307,584.20 50,000 25,000.00 10,000 5,200.00 10,773,552 5,655,572.54 1,538 769.00 261,513 421,035.93 6,000 3,000.00 54,000 27,000.00 39,450 19,725.00 21,530,526 15,995,889.49

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

Quotation(N) 0.98

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 274,000 261,110.00 274,000 261,110.00

MARITIME Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 106 106

Quotation(N) 0.98

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,789 5,610.28 10,789 5,610.28

No of Deals 7 4 11

Quotation(N) 1.13 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 503,600 569,068.00 157,416 78,708.00 661,016 647,776.00

Quotation(N) 2.14 13.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,042,151 2,156,036.08 100 1,328.00 1,042,251 2,157,364.08

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 84 1 85

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 500 5,320.00 19,175 112,713.70 19,675 118,033.70

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC IHS NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 0.52

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION INDUSTRIES PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

more alive to their responsibilities. He added that coming forward to provide the market with information about thier company is rather important activity for a market that is information driven.

He pointed out that corporate governance has been placed on the front burner as one of the key foundation items for ensuring a sound investment environment and maximising shareholder returns. He urged all quoted companies to imbibe the spirit of good corporate governance.

“It is gladdening to say that our quoted companies are now more alive to their responsibilities and to see your company emerge as one of the excellent examples that good corporate governance does translate into good products, services and profitability.

This demonstrates both the potential of our economy in becoming the largest in or region and the business leadership of the management team,” Onyema said.

Making his presentation before dealing members of the NSE as well as other investment analysts, the Executive vice chairman/CEO, Honeywell Flour Mills plc Mr Tunde Odunayo, explained that the company is currently investing over N10 billion (about $65 million) in a state-of-the art twin mill facility, at its current site.

“Expansion plans are underway and on track to increase the installed capacity by 62 per cent to 2,610 metric tonnes per day, up from 1,610 metric tones per day.

“The first of the twin mills is expected to be completed and commissioned in the first half of 2012 while the second mill will be completed and commissioned in the second half of the same year. The new mills will allow the company skew production capacity to higher margin products; this will create additional capacity for earnings growth and reduce volatility,” Odunayo said.

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 5,203,987 5,035,419.24 5,203,987 5,035,419.24

Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 4 27 44 1 28 342 11 458

Quotation(N) 0.50 63.86 32.73 4.94 17.41 148.70 29.00 203.32

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 25,000 12,500.00 700 42,469.00 20,367 688,452.94 1,187,000 5,614,009.44 166 2,745.64 3,028 445,314.40 5,281,009 153,159,723.43 3,607 696,928.12 6,520,877 160,662,142.97

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 6 9 16

Quotation(N) 3.17 4.90 4.09

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,100 3,322.00 140,000 689,755.00 151,178 619,065.70 292,278 1,312,142.70

Quotation(N) 19.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 236,804 4,568,901.00 236,804 4,568,901.00

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Company Name UNITED NIGERIAN TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 547,039 273,519.50 547,039 273,519.50

Quotation(N) 0.58

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,371 3,208.12 5,371 3,208.12

TEXTILES

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 9 9

Quotation(N) 14.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 29,750 419,545.00 29,750 419,545.00

4,278

195,260,704

2,423,888,485.93

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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NEWS KATSINA ALU - SALAMI FACE-OFF Civil group uncovers plot to witch-hunt Salami •AGF Adoke accused From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HE Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has said it has uncovered a plot to witch-hunt the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

It alleged yesterday that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), is behind the plot planned to favour the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloysius Katsina-Alu. It also described as unfortunate the refusal of top officials of the Federal High Court to perfect a writ of summons issued out by a lawyer, Mr. Mohammed Kazeem, against the Justice Ibrahim Auta Review Panel.

Kazeem said three deputy registrars of the FHC in Ikeja, Ikoyi and Abuja frustrated attempts to complete the filing of the suit seeking to stop the National Judicial Council (NJC) from acting on the report of the Auta Panel.

Justice Auta, who is a defendant in the suit, is the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

Other defendants are Justice Dahiru Musdapher and Justice Salami.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said the group has “uncovered the grand ploy to witch-hunt Justice Salami through the unholy apology required by the NJC in favour of Justice Katsina-Alu, the CJN”.

To him, the request is tailored “to incriminate Justice Salami as having admitted committal of perjury pursuant to which he would be relieved of his appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. This would be followed by a quick arrest and prosecution of Justice Salami via a kangaroo process in order to teach a lesson that in Nigeria uprightness is not a virtue. It is known that Justice Katsina-Alu is retiring by the end of this month and all efforts are being made by his cronies in the NJC to give him vote of confidence into retirement.

“Then has anybody considered the report by the NBA investigating committee, which indicted Justice Katsina-Alu as regards the misguided interference in the Sokoto appeal? Why are our judicial officers in the NJC destroying judicial rectitude in order to satisfy personal ego and cabalistic interests?

Abdul Muttalab fit to face trial, says US Judge

A

UNITED States federal judge ruled yesterday that the Nigerian student accused of attempting to blow up an-Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight with a bomb concealed in his underwear is competent to stand trial, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 24, is alleged to have attempted to take down a flight arriving in Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 with 290 people on board.

His trial is scheduled to begin on October 4.

NJC in dilemma as CNPP kicks against refusal to obey court order Continued from page 1

Section 20, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution says: “The National Judicial Council shall comprise the following members-(a) the Chief Justice of Nigeria who shall be the chairman, (b) the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court who shall be the Deputy Chairman.

It was however learnt that there is a fresh plot to make the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice M.A. Bello, to preside over today’s meeting on Salami.

But some members of the NJC have faulted plans to choose the lowest in ranking among judicial officers to preside over the session.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The NJC is expected to meet over the ratification of a new Chief Justice of Nigeria and the fate of Salami. While the CJN can take charge of the Council session on the new CJN, he cannot be a judge in his own case against Salami.

“A major challenge is about who will preside over the Council meeting. Since the Deputy Chairman of the NJC is out of the country, the ideal thing is to suspend deliberations on Salami’s fate till he returns.

“But some members are pushing ahead with the meeting by asking the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice M.A. Bello to preside over the Council session since he signed the letter of warning given to Salami by the NJC. “They have however forgotten that the signing of the letter by Justice M.A. Bello is part of an issue in the suit filed by Salami at the Federal High Court, Abuja .

“If the NJC goes ahead with its meeting and decides the fate of Salami, it will be engaging in illegality again.”

CNPP yesterday described the refusal of the NJC to accept service for a court action as crude and unethical.

The CNPP made its position known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu in Abuja .

The statement said: “The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) is outraged by the arbitrary application of the rule of law, crude and unethical manner the National Judicial Council (NJC) refused to accept the service of court process of the suit filed by the President Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami; it is the height of judicial recklessness and portends grave danger to not only the temple of justice in Nigeria, but fuels the dangerous slide of Nigeria into a failed state.

“It is our considered view that the action of the National Judicial Council is contemptuous, scandalous. It exposes the perfidy of the judiciary and undermines the integrity of the temple of justice in Nigeria .

“It is also our candid view that the Justice Umaru Abdullahi (rtd) and Justice Ibrahim Auta Committees set up by the NJC were less than transparent in their submis-

Why we rejected service of court process, by Council

T

HE National Judicial Council (NJC) has explained why it refused service of the court process of the suit filed by the Court of Appeal President Justice Isa Ayo Salami against it, the Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and nine others.

The writ of summons served on Monday was defective because it was undated and unsigned, the Director of Administration, Mr. Eugene Odukwu told reporters yesterday in Abuja.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Salami through his counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) is asking for 15 reliefs, including a perpetual injunction restraining the NJC from acting on the reports of the Justice Umaru Abdullahi Fact-Finding Committee and the Justice Ibrahim Auta Review Panel.

Other defendants are the Deputy Chairman of NJC, Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher; members of the NJC’s Fact-Finding Committee- Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi; Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola; Hon. Justice Dominic Edozie; Hon. Justice Michael Akpiroroh and Mrs. Rakia Sarki Ibrahim.

Also sued are members of the NJC Review Committee Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta; Hon. Justice Kate Abiri; and Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi.

According to Salami, the two panels have no right to determine whether he was guilty of perjury as they had imputed in their reports.

He is contending that Abdullahi and Auta committees are administrative panels that could not assume the status of a court, Justice Salami said.

Besides, he alleged that the Auta Panel never gave him a right to fair hearing before making a pronouncement of guilt on him.

Expressing surprise, Odukwu denied that the Council again refused the writs when it was served on Tuesday.

According to him, on the instruction of the NJC Secretary, Danladi Halilu, the writs was accepted when it was served on the Council on Tuesday.

Odukwu, who was accompanied by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Tambuwal at the briefing, regretted that the alleged refusal has generated despicable comments in an attempt to discredit the Secretary and Secretariat of the Council.

“The National Judicial Council, the apex Body for the Nation’s Judiciary is a creation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

“It is mandatory for the National Judicial Council to obey and comply with all Court Orders and Processes. Therefore, the Secretariat of the Council has no right whatsoever to refuse or evade service of any Court Process.

“However, it must be stressed that in every democratic setting, such as ours, the Rule of law, must be strictly adhered to.

“In the matter under reference, a Writ of Summons purportedly issued by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division was brought to the Council by two lawyers namely; Messrs Oluwaseun Ben and Joshua U. Oghene on 15th August, 2011 from Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, SAN Chambers.

“The Writ was taken to the Office of the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary of the Council by the two Lawyers.

“After perusing through the Writ, the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary discovered that it was undated and unsigned.

“Consequently, the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary sought for clearance on the matter from the Secretary of the Council.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

“The Secretary of the Council directed the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary to meet the undersigned to reconfirm if the Writ was actually undated and unsigned.

“After meticulously going through the purported Writ, I confirmed that it was unsigned and undated.

“Based on my findings, in the presence of the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary, I told one of the Lawyers, Oluwaseun Ben Esq. that the Writ was actually undated and unsigned and could not be accepted.

“In the presence of the Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary, the Lawyer admitted that the non-signing and dating of the Writ was a mistake from the Court Registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

“The unsigned and undated Writ that was brought for service on the Council was photocopied, hereto attached.

“The Lawyer, Messrs Oluwaseun Ben insisted that we should accept service of the other copies of the writ meant for the 2nd - 11th Defendants….”

“In the light of the subsisting instruction by the Secretary of the Council to the Secretariat that unless there was an order for substituted service from a Court, we should not accept service of any Court Process on behalf of Members of the Council. Hence, I rejected the request by the Lawyer.

“The Lawyer Oluwaseun Ben Esq. left the Council with both the undated and unsigned Writ that was meant for service on the Council and the other copies of the Writ that were meant for service on the other Defendants.

“The Secretariat is however, aware that copies of the Writ for the 2nd and 3rd Defendants were taken to Their Lordships’ Chambers in the Supreme Court Complex.

“On 16th August, 2011, when the Secretary came to the office, he was informed that the Lawyers that brought the Writ the previous day came back to the Council.

“When he sent for them, he was told that they had left.

Shortly after that, they came back and went to the office of the Secretary. In the presence of the two Lawyers aforementioned, Director (Administration), Director (planning Research and Statistics) and Assistant Chief Confidential Secretary, the Secretary asked them whether the Writ that was brought the previous day for service was duly signed and dated.

“The Lawyers confirmed that it was now signed and dated.

The Director (planning, Research and Statistics) informed the Lawyers that the Secretary had earlier directed that anytime they came back with a signed and dated Writ, it should be accepted.

“Having been certified by the Secretary that it was indeed duly signed and dated, the Writ was accepted on 16th August, 2011. A copy of the signed Writ is hereto attached.

“As regards the other copies of the Writ brought to the Council for service on the other Defendants aforementioned, the Secretary reiterated that the Lawyers should effect personal service on them as prescribed by the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, unless there was an order for Substituted Service.

“In view of the foregoing facts, Council is surprised about the sensational publications and scathing comments in the Media, suggestive of a deliberate attempt by its Secretary and Secretariat to evade service of a Court Process.

“In all the Suits that the National Judicial Council has been a Party, it is on record, that it has never refused any properly issued Court Process.

‘Nigeria’s Satellite launch’

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

sions, as confidence is built around impeccable and impartial administration of justice.

“We may ask, is it not paradoxical to acquit the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu from arresting court judgment in the case of Sokoto State Governorship matter at the Appeal Court?

“We had severally warned of the danger of monumental corruption – Food is Ready Justice System - which has eaten deep into the fabric of our judiciary and by extension ravaged the Election Tribunals; the outcome of which is evidenced by the Sokoto State Governorship matter which exposed the underbelly of Food is Ready justice system.

“Hence we are alarmed with the wrong signal coming from the apex of the judiciary; where the integrity of the judiciary cannot be

P •Katsina-Alu

•Salami

protected as the National Judicial Council resorts to selfhelp, does things in its way, in this instance by refusing court order, hence violently violating the sanctity of the rule of law.

“How on earth can the National Judicial Council, an epitome of the justice system descend into the arena; forgetting that there is no better test of the excellence of democracy than the transparency, equity and fairness

of the system of administration of justice?

“In sum, without prejudice to the pendency of court action; we urge the National Judicial Council to stay all actions pending the resolution of the Justice Ayo Salami suit, for it will be disastrous and futile if the NJC decides to jump the gun and consign the best tradition and principles of the rule of law to the dust-bin.”

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has described as a land mark the launch of the Nigerian Satellite2 and X. Jonathan congratulated Nigerians over the successful launch yesterday of two new satellites, saying it has opened a new chapter in the nation’s transformational effort.

He spoke shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He noted that the launch of Nigeriasat-x designed and built by Nigerian engineers and scientists and Nigeriasat-2, which was built in collaboration with international partners, was a milestone in the drive to solve national problems through space technology.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

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Tomorrow in THE NATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO.1,856

‘Neither IBB nor Obasanjo has the moral right to advice anybody in the nation. Providence provided the duo with the opportunity of becoming statesmen but they both squandered it as they ended their public careers as political villain. Too bad!’

MOBOLAJI SANUSI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

•This is a paper delivered at the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, on August 10.

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT

T

HE public service in Nigeria is an essential and integral agency of the government. This is implied in the 1999 Constitution of Article 169 of which simply states that ‘There shall be a civil service of the Federation’. In respect of the states, Art. 206 also states that “There shall be for each state of the Federation a civil service.’ The Constitution does not spell out in any details the functions of the public service. But these two articles embody the legal and constitutional instruments establishing the various civil services in Nigeria. By tradition and practice the civil service is responsible, at all levels, for general administration. This includes the implementation of the executive decisions and policies of the government, as well as Acts of the National Assembly. The role of the civil service in governance is, therefore, crucial to the economic growth of the nation. For this reason, the Constitution requires that the President/Executive be given the staff/civil service he needs to implement his progrmmes.

In the case of both the federal and states civil service there is no limitation on its size. This is the prerogative of the President, which is subject, in the case of the most senior appointments, to ratification by the Senate. In addition, the terms ‘civil service’ and ‘public service’ are used interchangeably in the Constitution. This creates some confusion in the minds of the public as to the difference between the two terms, civil and public service. As used in Nigeria, the public service generally refers to the combined civil service staff and established staff of the parastatals and other agencies of the various governments, while the term ‘civil service’ tends to refer to the staff of all grades of the core Ministries of the various governments.

The term MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) is used to cover a combination of the civil service and the public service.

In this paper, the focus will be on the traditional civil service. It will not extend in any details to the parastatals or other agencies of government. It is very difficult to obtain data in respect of the staff and cost to the nation of personnel in the public service, as against the core civil service. For obvious reasons, even in the case of the core civil service, it is by no means easy to obtain reliable data on the cost involved in running and maintaining it. Information about this is, regrettably, shrouded in secrecy, hidden from the prying eyes of the public. In both cases some extrapolation is necessary as the relevant data and information are not readily available.

For more than 30 years, official records of the total staff, grades, and the cost to the nation of the civil service have not been published regularly as in the past. The situation in other agencies of the federal, states, and local governments is similar. The primary reason for this regrettable development is that staff audits were discontinued during the long period of military rule in Nigeria. This and the purges of the civil service impaired the stability of the civil service. The military were generally not disposed to doing any staff audit

RIPPLES OBASANJO, A FAILURE- IBB

1-0... IBB one, OBJ zero

dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Public service and the cost of governance

•President Goodluck Jonathan

on the size of the civil service and its cost implications for the nation particularly as, in some cases, military personnel took over the functions of the traditional civil servants. It was during this period that the inexorable expansion of the civil service began as there was no check on its growth. Through unauthorized and irregular recruitment, both the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Civil Service Commission gradually lost their statutory responsibilities for staff audits in the federal civil service. This trend was also extended to the states civil service.

Colonial background of the civil service What we now have as the civil service in Nigeria is a product of British colonial rule in Nigeria. From 1861, when Lagos was acquired as a colony, the British colonial administration gradually developed in Nigeria a modest civil service to help it run this vast country. But as the Colonial Office in London refused to fund the administration of its new colony and protectorate, the cost of running the colonial

civil service had to be kept very modest, within the financial resources of the colony.

In 1922, the cost to the colonial government of running the country was put at 50,000 pounds per annum. This was less than 5% of the total budget of the Central government in Nigeria. The total number of civil servants was less than 2,000. (1) At the time, and until the introduction of the Richards Constitution of 1951, which created the regions and regional civil services, there was only one civil service in Nigeria. It was from this central civil service based in Lagos that civil servants were deployed to the various administrative centres of the colony. The creation of regional civil services increased both the size of the civil service in Nigeria and its total cost to the government Treasury.

In the colonial era, the modest cost of the colonial civil service to the Treasury was due to the limited functions of the colonial government. Britain was only interested in promoting trade between itself and its colonies. Colonial affairs were hardly ever debated in Parliament. Its objective was to create an imperial monopoly in the oil palm trade in the Delta, cocoa exports in the West, and cotton and groundnuts in the North.

(2).These produce were badly needed in the British manufacturing industries. New markets were also needed for British exports to the colonies. So, the emphasis in colonial administration was on trade, not on developing the country economically. This required law and order in the colony, necessary for trade. The colonial administration only funded a limited infrastructure, such as roads and the Nigerian Railways, necessary for its commercial and economic objectives in the colony .

In the light of this objective the colonial administration in Nigeria ran only a few departments (not Ministries) such as Health, Education, the Public Works Department (PWD), the department of Posts and Telegraph (P&T), Labour, Customs, Prisons, a Judiciary,

HARDBALL

I

F Chris Okotie’s poetic panegyric on Gen Ibrahim Babangida’s 70th birthday is an indication of the impact the former military president has on some Nigerians, then he probably means so much in and out of office to so many people than we can ever guess. His opponents, whose resentment is of much higher amperage than his supporters, must consider themselves lucky that the general failed in his last two bids to return to power. Okotie, pastor and founder of the Household of God Church, Oregun, may have surprised us by his effusions on the much-maligned general, but it seems it is in his character as a lover of lyrical words to be more concerned about the beauty of his words than what they mean to his target subject.

It was, however, not Okotie’s tribute that hallmarked IBB’s birthday yesterday; what grabbed the headlines were the general’s reminiscences, particularly his fulminations against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whom he worked feverishly to put in office in 1999.

The high point of IBB’s railing against Obasanjo was that the former elected president had unquantifiable resources to remould the country but his impact in eight years was

Babangida’s reminiscences unexceptional. The price of oil under Obasanjo was for a long time consistently above $100, said the birthday boy, yet he had little to show for the humongous revenue that accrued to the country under his presidency.

Comparatively, said IBB, oil sold for about $10 or $11 per barrel under his own eightyear rule, and yet he made something from nothing. Putting it sardonically, like a line well-rehearsed from a satirical play, IBB sneered: “I managed poverty to achieve results, but some people managed affluence to achieve failure.” It is not known how he defines poverty, nor does it now really matter. He said many more things, some of them difficult to believe, and he said them from his usual lofty height of fantasy. Though it had been disproved that Obasanjo’s government frittered away some $16 billion in a futile attempt to redress the country’s electricity

the Ports Authority, the ECN, the Nigeria Police, the Treasury, the Nigerian Railways and Immigration. The various departments were headed by colonial civil servants whose activities were coordinated by the office of the Chief Secretary to the government. It was not until 1954 that, under the McPherson Constitution, 12 central Ministers, four from each of the three regions, were appointed by the colonial government to run the various departments of the colonial government. This was the situation in the civil service in the period leading up to independence in 1960.

Rapid growth of the civil service after independence in 1960 In the early years of independence, the overall cost and size of the civil service remained modest. It was never more than 10% of the budget of the federal government and its size was not much more than 10,000. (3).The situation in the regions was much the same in terms of the size and cost of the regional civil services. But the demand for additional service delivery to the public imposed new burdens on the civil service. New departments and Ministries were established to cater for the expanded functions of the government. This new trend in the expansion of the civil service was replicated among the regional governments. This was roughly the situation until the collapse of the federal government following the first military intervention of 1966 which was soon followed by the civil war of 1967-70.

It was in this period of military rule that the civil service witnessed both phenomenal structural and financial changes in terms of its cost implications. New departments were created and new staff recruited to man these new departments. The functions of government also expanded dramatically. It was no longer confined to the maintenance of law and order. It had to address the basic needs of the people in housing, public transport, health, and education. The government now moved into areas of such economic activities as shipping, aviation, hotels and banking which had been the preserve of the private sector at independence. (4) The situation required the recruitment of new staff often without any regard for staff vacancies. The cost of running this rapidly expanding civil service began to rise steadily as the recruitment of new staff became necessary. Regrettably, very little thought was given by the successive governments to the cost implications of this trend of uncontrolled expansion in the civil service. It was also in this period that promotions became very rapid in the civil service as the departing colonial civil servants had to be replaced by Nigerians.

•To be continued • For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above nightmare, IBB nonetheless chose to echo it.

After all, whether $16bn or $6bn, it is still irresponsible to meet electricity generation at about 3000mw-4000mw on assumption of office and leave it virtually the same after breaking the bank.

Perhaps the only service IBB has done us in his birthday talk is to finally announce he was through with seeking elective office. That reality ought to have struck him much earlier.

And as this column always said, IBB could never be president again, not even if the conspiracy to put him in office were planned by the best political and military minds in the land. The reason is not that he betrayed the June 12, 1993 presidential election, or that he was disingenuously brutal when he was in power.

For all his boastfulness in comparing himself with Obasanjo, and for all his self-satisfied references to assembling the best minds the country had ever known to help him govern, IBB was and still is at bottom a superficial mind.

He had no idea what he wanted to do with the country, or what glory he thought it deserved.

All he cared about was himself, even if he had to pretend to care about others in other to achieve his goals.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

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