The Nation August 30, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

$1.49b Lagos-Ibadan rail project takes off

BUSINESS Page 11

•Govt gives contract to Chinese firm

Yoruba in Kogi, Kwara want state

NEWS

Page 7

•Technical committee to be set up

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VOL. 7, NO. 2233 THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Ex-heads of state, governors fight dirty over power firms had to voluntarily resign the office of ‘Iminister to retain my integrity, which has in recent days come under scurrilous attacks by powerful vested interests that were hell bent on besmirching the integrity and reputation that I have painstakingly built over the years

’

Revealed: The battle that consumed ex-Minister Nnaji

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ORMER Power Minister Barth Nnaji lost his job to the fierce power play by investors bidding for plants and distribution companies, it was learnt last night.

No fewer than 51 investors are bidding for 11 distribution companies, including the controversial Enugu Distribution Company, which cost Nnaji his job.

According to sources, some of the powerful would-be investors that Nnaji may have offended include some ex-Heads of State, governors,

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

top businessmen who are also election financiers, one or two retired Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, some stakeholders in the Southsouth and Southeast and top government officials.

These powerful interests are covertly promoting companies bidding for power plants and distribution companies through their surrogates and international investors.

Their list was, however, kept secret last night.

Buhari: North’s governors should tackle insecurity From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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ORMER Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told governors in the North to tackle the insecurity that is crippling the region.

He urged them to adopt measures to end the violence, which has virtually killed the economy of the North.

Fundamentalist sect Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the wave of violence that has claimed many lives.

Gen. Buhari spoke at the Government House in Kano during a visit to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The former Head of State said he was worried about the security situation in Kano and Maiduguri. He recalled the volume of commercial activities in Borno and

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that these vested interests were “too hot for Nnaji to handle”.

It was learnt that Nnaji managed to accommodate these bigwigs until he ran into a “big storm” in the Southeast where his company, Geometric Power was implicated in the bid for Afam Power Plant and Enugu Distribution Company.

Geometric Power, is said to have a minority stake in the Eastern Electric Nigeria Limited, which submit-

ted technical and financial bids for Enugu Distribution Company on July 31.

Also, one of the consortia bidding for Afam Power Plant, O and M Solutions of Pakistan, was once Geometric Power’s contractor.

A source said: “The ex-Minister cannot talk but he has a lot up his sleeve. He had been coping with pressure because the elite who call the shot in the country are neckdeep in the scrambling for these power plants and distribution com-

panies.

“They include some ex-Heads of State, governors, top businessmen, who are also election financiers, retired Secretary to the Government of the Federation, some stakeholders in the Southsouth and Southeast and government officials.

“He is a victim of elite war for the control of the power sector. His tact, however, failed him in managing these elite, especially those from the Southsouth and Southeast. His probContinued on page 4 •Globacom’s Head of Value Added Services, Samson Isa (right), presenting a cheque of N12 million to Shittu Shodeinde Talia, the first monthly prize winner in the Glo “text4millions” promo at a special ceremony held at Globacom’s corporate headquarters in Lagos...yesterday.

With them are Head of Distribution, Glozones and Branding, Dapo Dosunmu and Head, Sales Development, Shade Olusope.

Continued on page 4

•INDUSTRY P14•E-BUSINESS P17 •SPORT P24 •NATURAL HEALTH P44

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

2

NEWS BARTH NNAJI’S RESIGNATION

‘Nnaji’s exit ’ T

•Senate President David Mark welcoming the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu during the commandant's visit to the Senate President in Abuja ...yesterday . With them is the Academy’s Registrar, Col. Henry Ayamasaowei.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (third right), Ogun State Deputy Governor Prince Adesegun Olusegun (left), Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Hugo Ranos (second left), Deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam during a Calisthenics display, at the City Stadium, Osogbo...yesterday

O the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tuesday’s exit of Prof. Barth Nnaji as Power Minister would usher in a level playing ground in the sector.

A statement by the union’s President, Mr Peter Esele and the General Secretary, Chief John Kolawole, said there would be transparency and citizen-based reform when all participants have a level playing ground to bid for the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The NUC statement frowned at the former minister’s role in the ongoing power sector reform, alleging that he had interest in some of the major companies participating in the bidding.

The statement reads: “It is unethical for Nnaji to champion the power sector reform, as well as have interest in some companies bidding to buy some of the companies that have emerged from the unbundled PHCN. “It is morally wrong. That is why we see his exist as a welcome development that will create a level playing ground for all participants in the sector.”

The union advised stakeholders not to allow the nation’s leaders use their offices to enrich themselves.

The union reiterated the need for public office holders to conduct their affairs in transparent manner.

The union urged President Goodluck Jonathan to replace Nnaji with somebody that would assist him in fulfilling his reforms in the power sector and deliver the nation from perpetual darkness.

It urged all parties in the ongoing negotiation between electricity workers and government— in respect of their severance package— to settle the issues amicably.

By Wale Ajetunmobi , Chris Oji, Enugu and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

PHCN employees at the Enugu Zonal Office in Enugu State, Jebba in Kogi State and Lagos yesterday described the resignation of Nnaji as “an answer to their prayers”.

The workers in Enugu danced round the Nnaji’s portrait and thanked God for the development.

Some of the placards carried by the jubilant PHCN workers in Jebba read: “The God of PHCN is in action”; “Congratulations PHCN workers”; Nnaji sacked”; “The enemy of PHCN sacked”; “The man that said that his people will not enjoy the fruit of their labour dropped”; “The man who wanted to put our fate in his hands has resigned”; “The enemy of PHCN is sacked” and “The man who said that our labour will be in vain has been sacked., among others Branch Chairman Mr. Tony Ofuokwu, said: “We expect that whoever that is coming in should move round the sector of the PHCN and have first-hand information of what is happening. He should not just sit and decide anything he wants. He should consult relevant stakeholders and carry them along in policy initiation and implementation.

“He should be a God-fearing man, who has the interest of this country at heart. A man that will come out to tell Nigerians the truth. He should carry out all stakeholders.”

In Lagos, the workers claimed the minister never had their interest at heart.

They expressed the hope his successor would put them first before any other interest.

According to them, they have nothing against privatisation even as they insisted that it must be done with human face.

It’s poor judgment, says el-Rufai

F

• Minister of FCT Dr. Mohammed Bala (left), Minister of State For Finance Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama (second left), Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke and Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru (right) at the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

• Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left), CEO Nigerian Leadership Initiative Mr. Yinka Oyinola (second left) , Executive Director, Corporate Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Plc Mr. Kehinde Lawanson and Grand Patron NLI Dr. Christopher Kolade (right) at the NLI Guest Speaker Forum sponsored by FirstBank.

ORMER Federal Capital territory (FCT) Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday described Prof. Barth Nnaji as one of the few competent ministers in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

In a statement, el-Rufai said Nnaji’s resignation borders on poor judgment.

The statement reads: “I think the issue boils down to poor judgment on the part of Barth. Since the days of TCPC, there exists a Code of Ethics prohibiting members of the Board of TCPC and staff from acquiring assets being privatised.

“In 2000, the National Council on Privatisation approved stricter Code of Ethics prohibiting staff of BPE and members of NCP from participating in any way in the privatisation transaction. As DG of BPE between 1999 and 2003, I went further and stopped buying any shares on the NSE to prevent any signalling to the market.

“Barth Nnaji ought to be aware of this, and withdrew his firm or its associates from further participation in any consortium participating as consultants or bidders to any privatisation transaction, electricity related or not, the moment he was appointed minister of power, and therefore a co-opted member of the NCP. Perhaps he was unaware of this Code which the BPE as the secretariat of NCP is obliged to draw attention to for the guidance of all council members.

“His resignation is a setback for the power sector reforms. He is one of the few ministers in GEJ’s cabinet that knows what needs to be done in his area of ministerial responsbility. The whole thing was

‘

His resignation is a setback for the power sector reforms. He is one of the few ministers in GEJ’s cabinet that knows what needs to be done in his area of ministerial responsbility.

The whole thing was clearly avoidable

‘

clearly avoidable. “There are many ministers far less competent than Barth and under whose watch massive fraud, corruption and more serious crimes have been committed. Yet, they continue to sit pretty and not asked to resign.

“Perhaps, there is more than this ethical infraction. I do not know, but if what we read is all there is, both the ex-minister and his employer could have handled it better and in a more orderly manner.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

3

NEWS BARTH NNAJI’S RESIGNATION

’ll create a level playing ground’ ‘

•Esele

P of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi (left) •HIS LAST FEC MEETING Nnaji (second left), with Minister Minister of Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga (right) and Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa at last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting

It is unethical for Nnaji to champion the power sector reform, as well as have interest in some companies bidding to buy some of the companies that have emerged from the unbundled PHCN

‘

Balarabe Musa, Kokori, others welcome minister’s resignation •Southeast CAN: it’s disgusting ‘Recall the professor to office now’

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IXED reactions yesterday continued to trail the resignation of Prof. Barth Nnaji as Minister of Power.

Those who bared their minds included Old Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former SecretaryGeneral of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers(NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, House of Representative member, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, and constitutional lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu.

They spoke with The Nation separately According to Musa, Nnaji did the honourable thing by resigning, noting that others who had found themselves in similar situations refused to quit.

Kokori said the professor is a qualified and distinguished Nigerian who prefers to quit instead of being fired.

He said: “We do not have the facts of the matter yet and we hope that details will be revealed soon.

“Prof. Nnaji is an honourable and distinguished Nigerian, even at the international level. It is possible he could not win the President and so, the best thing to do was to resign and not wait to be fired.”

Fagbohungbe said Nnaji’s resignation showed all was not well with the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government.

He said: “The allegation of abuse of office or that he used his position to front the interest of his company may not be true unless more facts emerge. The implication of Prof. Nnaji’s resignation was that all is not well with Jonathan’s administration.”

Bello-Osagie said if truly the allegation against Nnaji was true, then his resignation should serve as a deterrent to other public office holders to embrace transparency and accountability.

He said: ”From what we have heard, it has to do with conflict of interest. If that was what happened and it was verified, then it is more honourable to resign. Public officers must learn to work within the rules of engagement and embrace transparency and accountability.

“And if your integrity capital is threat-

A

POLITICAL group, the Lagos League of Political Parties (LLPP), has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to recall Prof. Barth Nnaji.

The group said Nnaji has shown clear understanding on how to provide enough electricity for industrial and domestic use.

Chairman of the group, Chief Udoka Udeogaranya, said in a statement: “LLPP urges President Goodluck Jonathan to recall Prof. Barth Nnaji to his seat to improve power supply as he has clearly demonstrated his talent and training on the power sector as a minister “It is painful for the presidency to lose sight of the fact that the end justifies the means and that you don’t sacrifice a performer on the altar of technicalities, talk-less of a task that requires urgency of its bane to the nation’s economic success story.

“Due to long years of unproductive life, the countries that could not offer Nigerians jobs as street sweepers in their countries are now the ones exporting

•Musa

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ened at any point, the best option in line with generally acceptable practice the world over is to resign.

“With the case of Prof. Nnaji, Ni-

their companies into the country to run productions in the power sector, which has been rendered incapacitated by long years of insufficient power supply.

“The Goodluck Jonathan Presidency will at the end of the day be judged mainly by his success or failure story in the provision of power to the manufacturing and other sectors of the economy, hence the issue of insecurity has been dubbed a man-made probled.

“While we agree that the conflict of interest is a big issue of concern, it’s value has no chance to override the common national necessity of sufficiently powering Nigeria with electricity of which Prof. Barth Nnaji has clearly shown to all and sundry with the power sector blue print and steady improvement of power supply.

“To, therefore, bring this sweet journey of sustenance growth in the power sector to an abrupt end on the altar of conflict of interests can best be described as penny wise pounds foolish or throwing the baby out with the bath water.”

•Kokori

gerians are eager to know more about it. We hope the press will dig further and uncover more facts on the issue.

So, let us watch as the days unfold.”

Taiwo said unless the resignation was political, there was nothing

wrong with a public officer resigning, if he was found wanting.

He said: “I want to commend Prof.

Barth Nnaji for throwing in the towel for whatever reason at this time.

“Unless the resignation is political,

I am of the view that if a public officer is not performing or he’s found to be guilty of conflict of interest, he or she must be man enough to resign from the post.

“Public officers who are found wanting or guilty of non performance or do not agree with any government policies, especially in the ministry in which they find themselves should resign rather than sit tight on the job.

Aturu said more public office holders should follow suit even at the National Council of Privatisation (NCP).

He alleged the privatisation process has not been transparent.

Aturu said: “People who are supposed to be above board have failed.

It is a welcome development and others should follow suit. This is in line with the protest by the National Union of Electricity Employees that the privatisation process was not transparent.

“Anybody in government from the President down, who has interest in the entire privatisation process should resign before the whole thing will be blown open.”

Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Southeast Zone condemned the resignation of Nnaji, describing it as “ a disgraceful, disgusting and disappointing situation for the Southeast”.

Its chairman in the Southeast and Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma spoke with reporters in Enugu yesterday.

He described as unfortunate that the Southeast has continued to lose top positions through resignation.

He called on political office holders in the zone to re-examine themselves in order to avert further sudden resignations.

The bishop said Nnaji’s predicament was as a result of friction and intrigues associated with power play.

He urged the former minister to re examine his approach to handling public positions because he did not stay up to a year, when he was made Science and Technology Minister He called on President Goodluck Jonathan to pick Nnaji’s successor from Enugu State.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

NEWS ‘Tackle insecurity’ Continued from page 1

•From left: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina; representative of the Deputy Governor Mrs Riskat Akiode, and Director, Family Health and Nurition, Dr Omodele Osunkiyesi, at the grand finale of the 2012 World Breastfeeding Week in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Nnaji’s resignation will pave way for transparent transaction, says Labour

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ABOUR yesterday hailed the resignation of Prof. Bath Nnaji as Power Minister, saying it will pave the way for transparent transaction in the privatisation of the power sector.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) accused Nnaji of having a vested interest in the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

NLC President Abdulwahed Omar and TUC President General Peter Esele spoke during the Centenary Celebration and inauguration of the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) House in Abuja.

According to Omar, Nnaji was too strict in the negotiation of the pension for the PHCN workers, even after they had resolved to accept 25 per cent of the pension and go their way.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

But Nnaji, said Omar, was unyielding because of his vested interest in the entities. The NLC chief said he was glad that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, has now realised that the workers are not guilty.

Esele said the labour movement is not opposed to privatisation, but due process should be followed.

Omar said: “Is it really a resignation? I will rather prefer to call it the exit of the former minister of power. That is very good and, like we said earlier, it will now pave the way for a better and more transparent transaction. What we are saying is now manifesting, that if you are going into any discussions or negotiation or leading any negotiation with vested interest, it is not going to work.

Now, it is becoming clearer

what we in the labour movement are saying.

“If you look at what is happening, the PHCN workers, have demonstrated sufficient goodwill in wanting this thing to progress. That is why they have migrated from their earlier position that ‘we don’t want any privatisation’ to a point where they say ‘if you are going to privatise, give us our severance allowances; give us what is due to us and go ahead’ and this is where we have the crux.

“Because somebody somewhere possibly has vested interest, they are saying ‘no; that will not happen’. Even when it comes to the issue of the payment of 25 per cent, people in government are trying to blame the workers. I have never seen something like this.

That this is the law of the land, the issue of the New Pension Act is the law of the land.

“If that is the case, how can

someone now jump up to blame the workers for not complying with the established law of this land, when the management is there? Is it the workers that will say, ‘no we cannot comply with this law’?

At this point, that is what they are trying to say.

Esele said: “I think the Minister of Power has to take the honourable route, which is to resign and I think we should also commend him for resigning because, if you have conflict of interests, that is the best thing to do, in any civilised country; that is what they do.

There are so many of these proxy companies that the ministers have interests. In all of these privatised or supposed to be privatised or on the road to be privatised, it’s all laid out, it’s all planned and for Barth now to resign is the beginning of change that is coming in the Continued on page 59

Kano states in the past.

“Kano is known beyond the shores of the country, due largely to its economic status. It’s a centre of commerce. Today, it’s a shadow of itself. The industries are dead and we did not predict this situation until the security crisis in Borno got out of control and this has vastly affected the state of commerce in this traditional city.”

“When I was a governor (in Borno State) I knew the level of influx of foreigners transacting business through the Borno/Chad border down to Kano. From the Maiduguri end, you got traders from Cameroun, from Chad and Niger, all that for now is gone and you try to imagine how many Nigerians, particularly from this part of the country have been pushed into abject poverty.

“His Excellency, given the strategic position of Kano as the centre of commerce in the region, I have the belief that you will do well by ensuring that the situation is addressed as soon as possible,” Buhari told Kwankwaso.

He said he was in Kano to inaugurate the secretariat of his party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and also look into the conflict among leaders and members, resulting from power tussle.

Buhari condemned the

country’s electoral process and accused the managers of gross inconsistency in the administration of the policies and programmes of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that INEC has been prominent in the manipulation of electoral rules. My happiness is that “the only thing they have not been able to change is the content of the Holy Quran.”

“One of INEC’s acts is how to register political associations into political parties and anybody who wants to participate in elective offices from Councillor to President must have a platform, which must be one of the registered parties.

“And these political parties are not supposed to be registered until their manifestoes have satisfied the conditions stipulated in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act. Prior to any election , there must be an Electoral Act, which guides the elections in any society, but in Nigeria, this does not follow,” he said.

Kwankwaso said Gen. Buhari’s visit signified love which should be emulated by opposition leaders.

On security, the governor said the leadership had made tremendous efforts, which are paying off as he admitted that the January violence in Kano was shocking and devastating.

‘Jonathan not power minister’

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HE Presidency denied yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan has taken charge of the Ministry of Power following Tuesday’s resignation of Prof. Barth Nnaji.

The president took charge in the last dispensation when he appointed a minister of state, Mr. Nuhu Wya. Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Pub-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

licity to the president, said it is “not true, a mere speculation and the figment of the imagination of those spreading it.”

The presidential spokesman said once a new Minister of Power is named, the appointment would be duly announced.

Ex-heads of state, governors fight dirty over power firms ‘Nnaji’s exit won’t affect privatisation process’

Continued from page 1

lem started with the submission of the technical and financial bids for Afam and Enugu Distribution Company. Reports indicated that during the process, one of Nnaji’s close relations was sighted submitting bids for one or two companies.

“And the submission was witnessed by BPE officials, World Bank representatives and all security agencies.

“These security agencies might have also submitted indicting reports to the National Council on Privatisation.

“But the sighting of Nnaji’s alleged relation drew curiosity, which led to the unraveling of Geometric Power’s interest and equity in one of the firms bidding for Afam Power Plant and Enugu DISCO. “Some stakeholders in the Southeast, led by a powerful moneybag, foresaw the likelihood of Nnaji coming from the backdoor to emerge as the sole supplier and distributor of power to the region in future. The management of a power plant in Aba by Geometric Power alluded to their fears.”

According to sources, the Southeast stakeholders capital-

F

ORMER Power Minister Prof. Barth Nnaji yesterday explained his company’s involvement in power assets bids that led to his precipitate exit from the cabinet.

He told the ministry’s staff, 24 hours after he was forced out, that he was not aware that a company he was linked with was bidding to buy over a Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor company.

He also inferred that he might have stepped on some powerful toes in the cause of doing his job.

The government yesterday said the minister’s exit would not affect the progress in the power sector as well as the privatisation of the PHCN successor companies.

Nnaji, however, did not reveal the socalled vested interests or members of the cabal.

He said he had left Nigerians to judge his performance.

Nnaji, who opened up in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Og-

ised on the implication of Geometric Power in the bid process to petition the NCP and the Presidency.

Another source said: “Based on the petition, which was verified by security agencies, Nnaji was confronted at the NCP meeting where he explained that he had resigned as a direc-

buagu Anikwe, however, said he is proud that his exit came at a time power supply became steady in the country.

The statement said: “Prof. Barth Nnaji has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and to millions of Nigerians who have supported him in his robust effort to improve the situation of public power supply in Nigeria these past 14 months as Minister of Power.

“I feel particularly proud of the fact that my exit comes at a time that the administration has been able to generate and supply an unprecedented quantum of steady, reliable electric power in the history of our nation.

“Not many Nigerians have had the privilege of serving the nation twice as minister and I am grateful to have served this government in the capacity of an adviser and a ranking cabinet minister in a very challenging and complex sector.

“I am confident enough to allow history and the Nigerian people to judge my per-

tor of Geometric Power and put his shares in a blind trust.

“But the Chairman of the NCP, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, was not convinced and he walked Nnaji out of the session. The bids were later cancelled, based on Nnaji’s conflict of interest.

“An official report was made

formance on the task that I accepted from the President.”

Nnaji confirmed that he had stepped on powerful toes that were bent in smearing his hard-earned integrity.

He explained that he had to “voluntarily” resign the office of minister to retain his integrity, which has in recent days come under scurrilous attacks by powerful vested interests that were hell bent on besmirching the integrity and reputation that he has painstakingly built over the years.

“This resignation is also to ensure that there is no spillover of these attacks to the President, who is working very hard to transform the nation.”

On the alleged involvement of his company, Geometric Power, in technical and financial bids for Afam Power Plant and Enugu Distribution Company, the exminister said he had resigned his directorship of the company.

to President Goodluck Jonathan on the conflict of interest of the ex-minister and the President decided that Nnaji must go.

“What pained the government was that it had assured the international community of a transparent process and the involvement of the minister’s

firm cast a doubt on the integrity of the process. It was like drawing back the privatisation process.”

A government source said: “This development has grave implications for the timelines for the privatisation of the power plants and the DISCOS. “We will be forced to adjust

•Dr. Jonathan

the timelines and we might be seen by investors as unserious.”

The BPE had in a statement released the timetable as follows: “The transaction timeline reveals that the evaluation of the technical bids will take place between August 14 and 28, 2012. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) will approve the results of the technical evaluation by September 11, 2012.

“The deadline for the short listed bidders for generation Continued on page 59

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

5

NEWS

Police launch 40 vans for highway security

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RIMINALS are in for a hard time as the police yesterday launched 40 units of Toyota Hillux vans to combat crimes on the highways.

Four of the vans are fitted with crime scene investigation gadgets.

Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, who launched the vans on behalf of the Federal Government, declared that they are meant to strengthen patrol of the various highways across the country. He warned police officers against misuse of the vehicles, saying they were meant for effective and efficient crime combat on the highways.

NDA to honour Mark, Anyaoku, Johnson From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

”The vehicles are meant to enhance speedy response to distress calls along our highways and generally enhance the capacity of the police to maintain a roundthe-clock presence on our highways, in line with the concept of high visibility policing”, he said.

The IGP appealed to members of the public for cooperation, support and understanding in the war against crime and criminality. He assured Nigerians that more of the vans will be deployed to the highways as soon as the police acquire them.

The designated routes/ centre for the vans are as follows: Lagos-Ibadan – Ilesha (Centre – Ibadan) three

THE VEHICLES AND ROUTES Designated Routes/Centre • Lagos-Ibadan–Ilesha (Centre–Ibadan) • Lagos–Ore–Benin (Centre- Ore) • Benin–Asaba (Centre-Benin) • Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria (Centre–Kaduna) • Kano–Chiromawa–Zaria (Centre–Kano) • Gusau–Sokoto (Centre–Gusau • Port Harcourt –Aba–Enugu (Centre–Aba) • Bauchi–Damaturu–Maiduguri (Centre– Damaturu) • Damaturu Town • Abaji – Lokoja – Okene (Centre – Lokoja) • Abaji – Gwagwalada –Zuba (Centre – Gwagwalada) • Onitsha – Owerri (Centre – Onitsha ) • Abuja – Keffi – Jos New Road (Centre Keffi) • Gombe – Yola (Centre – Gombe ) • Sokoto – B/Keffi – Yauri (Centre B/Kebbi) • B/Gwari – Mokwa – Jebba (Centre – Mokwa) • Suleja Town • Ilorin –Ogbomosho–Ibadan (Centre– Ogbomosho) • Benin – Auchi – Okene (Centre – Auchi )

vehicles; Lagos – Ore – Benin (Centre- Ore) (two); Benin – Asaba (Centre- Benin) (two);

(three) (two) (two) (three) (three) (three) (two) (two) (one) (two) (two) (two) (two) (two) (two) (two) (one) (two) (two)

Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria (Centre – Kaduna) (three); Kano – Chiromawa – Zaria

(Centre – Kano) (three) and Gusau – Sokoto (Centre – Gusau (three). Others are Port Harcourt – Aba – Enugu (Centre – Aba) (two); Bauchi – Damaturu – Maiduguri (Centre – Damaturu) (two); Damaturu Town (one); Abaji – Lokoja – Okene (Centre – Lokoja) (two); Abaji – Gwagwalada – Zuba (Centre – Gwagwalada) (two); Onitsha – Owerri (Centre – Onitsha ) (two); Abuja – Keffi – Jos New Road (Centre Keffi) (two); Gombe – Yola (Centre –Gombe ) (two); Sokoto – B/ Keffi – Yauri (Centre B/ Kebbi) (two); B/Gwari – Mokwa – Jebba (Centre – Mokwa) (two); Suleja Town (one); Ilorin – Ogbomosho – Ibadan (Centre – Ogbomosho) (two) and Benin – Auchi – Okene (Centre – Auchi ) (two).

S

ENATE President David Mark, Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku have been nominated for honourary Doctorate Degrees by the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) .

President Goodluck Jonathan will be the special guest of honour at the award ceremony for which other African leaders have been invited.

A statement by Mark’s Chief Press Secretary Paul Mumeh, said the NDA’s Commandant, Maj. Gen Emeka Onwuamaegbu, made this known yesterday when he visited Mark in Abuja .

Mumeh quoted Onwuamaegbu as explaining that the awardees would be honoured for their outstanding contributions to peace, unity and development.

It said that Onwuamaegbu specifically extolled the virtues of Senator Mark for his outstanding performance both as a military officer during his service years and uncommon achievements as the President of the Senate.

Hijacked tanker located in Nigeria

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GREEK-OPERATED oil tanker seized off Togo was yesterday tracked down off the coast of Nigeria under the control of pirates, the ship’s operator and Togolese authorities have said.

The seizure early on Tuesday of the ship, which is operated by Golden Energy Management, underscored the growing risks to ships in the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy is rising but still not as common as off the coast of Somalia.

“The vessel is presently sailing off the coast of Nigeria under the control of pirates who have the intention to steal the cargo,” Golden Energy Management said in a statement.

The firm said they were in touch with a French naval ship that was nearby.

The crew are believed to be in good health and unharmed, the statement added. The Greek coastguard said there were 24 people on board, none of whom were Greek.

•Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (left); Lagos State Governor’s wife Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the church service to mark the 90th birthday of Madam Florence Arinola Adekoya, mother of Mrs. Toun Ajomale, wife of Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Lagos State chapter, at Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mushin, Lagos State... on Tuesday.

ACN flays Fed Govt’s attitude over Lagos ocean surge

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday condemned what it called the non-challant and callous attitude of the Federal Government to the Lagos ocean surge, which claimed the lives of no fewer than 16 residents.

It said in other civilised climes, which put a huge premium on the lives of its citizens, this will be regarded as a major calamity compelling the presence of the President.

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it is regrettable that more than 10 days after the surge, neither the President nor any representative of the Federal Government has deemed it fit to visit the scene or condole with the families of the victims.

The party in particular condemned the failure of the Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailaifia to visit the scene of the disaster, which was clearly a consequence of climate change especially against the background that this

same minister has spent several millions of naira junketing all over the world to attend all manners of conferences on climate change.

“Contrary to the uninformed comments by some people seeking to score cheap political points, the party said, climate change is a global phenomenon but it is quite unfortunate that despite the huge sums the country has expended on attending international conferences on the impact of climate change, the Federal Government is yet to come up with concrete adaptation and mitigation measures to tackle its impact which has now started manifesting in several parts of Nigeria, the party added.

“In conclusion, the party calls on the Federal Government to show more concern for the plights of its citizens all over the country by coming up with mitigation measures to avert further natural disaster as a result of climate change and respond more robustly and timely to such natural disasters whenever and wherever they may occur in the country.

Benue contract scandal: PDP grills Okupe From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday grilled the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, over his role in the Benue State contract scandal.

Okupe, through his company, Value Trust Investment Limited, was alleged to have collected N886.8 million mobilisation fee for rural road contracts from the Benue State government in 2004 but failed to execute it.

But the President’s aide denied the allegation, saying that instead, the government of Benue State still owed his company N358 million.

Okupe said his company had executed 40 per cent of the N2.3billion job and threatened to sue the Benue government for N5 billion.

He said: “The contract was 230 kilometres of road at the cost of N10 million per kilometre when the contemporary prices elsewhere and everywhere in the country was between N30 and N35 million. The price was reduced because we came in with chemicals from South Africa that could reduce the cost of building of rural roads.

“Having done an approved 40 per cent of the job of N2.3 billion and only paid N545 million after deductions of VAT; after an additional N358 million was done, the Benue State government refused to pay”, Okupe told reporters yesterday.

He said that the Benue State Government chose to drag him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apparently because the state felt that was the only way the matter could be resolved.

NIM’s luncheon holds today THE Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) will today hold its Fellowhips Awards and Spouse’s Day Luncheon at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

A statement by NIM’s Public Relations’ Officer Emman Emeasoba, said the event will begin at 11am.

N5000 banknote: Reps, Sanusi on collision course

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ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is to appear before the House of Representatives to defend the planned introduction of N5,000 banknote.

He is expected to also explain the “confusing policies” being introduced by the apex bank.

Banking and Currency Committee chair James Chukwudi Onyereri said yesterday that the House ought to be carried along before such an action is

•House committee summons CBN Governor over confusing policies From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

taken by the CBN. The House, which is due to return from recess next month, is following in the footstep of the Senate, which asked the CBN governor to stay action on the banknote.

Onyereri said though the Committee on Banking and Currency has been briefed extensively on the Cashless and Wireless payment system policy of

the Central Bank, it had no inkling of the plan to print N5000 currency.

He said the intervention of the House “is to ensure that due process is followed and rule of law adhered to,” adding that the committee is mindful of the effect of the CBN policy on the ordinary Nigerian.

Onyereri said the factors that will be key to the consideration of the House on the policy is the

cost of implementing the policy to government, the inflationary trend, devaluation implication and cashless policy derivative etc.

The Committee chair said:“The Committee on Banking and Currency is mindful of the fact that the Central Bank has not communicated its plan of introducing a N5000 note in the economy to the committee on Banking and Currency of the House of Representatives.

“Whereas we fully respect the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution and the Central Bank’s Autonomy as provided by the Central Bank Act 2007 as amended as well as the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act, we have a responsibility to the Nigerian people to engage the Executive branch on issues that may have a farreaching effect on the national economy, and affect the day-to-day lives of the ordinary Nigerian. “

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012

Akeredolu: alleged plot to Islamise Ondo false T HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday denied rumours by the ruling Labour Party (LP) that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is planning to Islamise Ondo State and the Southwest.

The organisation said LP anchored its rumour on the allegation that ACN governors are Muslims, except Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, the organisation explained that “ACN does not play politics with religion”.

It said the party’s governors emerged through keenly contested, transparent pri-

maries and general elections.

ACO said: “The fact also remains that even from the days of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the governors – Bola Ige (Oyo), Bisi Onabanjo (Ogun), Adekunle Ajasin (Ondo), Ambrose Ali (Bendel) - were Christians, except Lateef Jakande (Lagos), who was a Muslim. No party accused the UPN trying to Christianise the Western states. Ditto when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rigged its way into the helm of affairs in the Southwest. Its governors: Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Segun Oni (Ekiti), Gbenga Daniel

(Ogun), Segun Agagu (Ondo) and Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo) were all Christians.

Never did ACN raise the alarm that the PDP wanted to Christianise the Southwest.

“Therefore, the question the people of Ondo State should ask is if Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is a Muslim in the first place. What about Rahaman Mimiko, whose family are Muslims?

His mother is a Muslim; his brother; Prof Abass Mimiko, is a Muslim; all his siblings are Muslims. Even the governor himself does not have a Christian name. He still an-

swers Rahaman.

“For deep Christians, they know the spiritual meaning of names. God asked some people to change their names in the Bible. Such people include Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, before they could move forward in life. Despite the fact that Mimiko claims to be a Christian, he is yet to change his name. He should stop deceiving the people, using religion for political gains.

“For us in the ACN, we see both Christians and Muslims as brothers. They both suffer the lack of roads, nonavailability of potable water, massive youth unemployment, corruption and many other miseries that the Mimi-

Isijola is our Ondo chairman, says CNPP From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

•Akeredolu

ko administration has brought on the good people of Ondo State in last three and a half years. They should join hands in prayers to vote him out on October 20.

“The good people of Ondo State should not allow themselves to be deceived on the altar of religion by a failed government like the LP.”

HE Ondo State chapter of the Conference of Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday debunked a report that Tola Ogunlalaka is its chairman.

The conference, which is the umbrella body of political parties in the state, said its Ondo State chairman, who is recognised by the national body under former Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa, is Chief Ayo Isijola.

A statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Lawrence Oyebamiji, said any other person claiming to be the state chairman is a fake and not representing the interest of the electorate.

It said: “Ogunlalaka and Dare David are not in a better position to advise the youths, because their action, since the beginning of the present political engineering in the state, shows that they are acting the scripts of some other politicians, who are their sponsors.

“It is a well known fact that Ogunlalaka and his agents presented some political parties for sponsorship but were rejected because they are not the authentic CNPP in Ondo State.”

‘We’re tired of old politicians’ tricks’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A •All for Akeredolu: ACN supporters dancing at a rally in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State

‘Mimiko bringing thugs to disrupt Owo today’

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HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday alerted Ondo State residents to an alleged plan by the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration to use thugs and other hoodlums during his campaign in Owo today.

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO alleged that the ruling Labour Party (LP) plans to use hoodlums carrying dangerous weapons to harass and intimidate the residents, who have embraced ACN. The statement reads: “The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation wishes to bring to the notice of the good people of Ondo State, the latest antics of the drowning Labour Party with its plan to import thugs and hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons to Owo

•LP: it’s not true From Damisi Ojo, Akure

today ahead of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s purported flag-off campaign in the ancient town.

“The thugs, who are being imported from Igbira land, the governor’s ancestral home, are meant to terrorise, harass and intimidate the people of Owo, who have rejected the LP and embraced their son, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who is the governorship candidate of the ACN. “ACO believes this latest mischief of Mimiko will not work, because Owo, which his government has neglected for the last three and a half years, with the abandonment of the less than five-kilometre dualisation project, will not support such a government of failure, which is playing politics with their welfare, for the second term.

“Besides, Owo is regarded as the cradle of progressive politics in Nigeria and the Southwest. The town, which parades the likes of Mrs Jumoke Anifowose (nee Ajasin), Chief Olu Awodeyi, among others in ACN - the main progressive party in Nigeria - will not touch the LP, even with the longest pole.

“The people of Owo should ask Mimiko what he has done for them, except the bulldozing of their homes.

The residents have no roads.

They should ask the governor what happened to the OwoAkure, Ondo-Akure dualisation projects.

“The people of Owo should ask him about the N65billion Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) money. They should

ask him why he supported a reactionary party, like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig out former Governor Adebayo Adefarati, who was a close associate of the late Governor Adekunle Ajasin, even after he betrayed the late Ajasin for Akin Omoboriowo. Owo people should also ask him how many of their youths he has employed.

“The good people of Owo should ask why the governor could not complete the fivekilometre road in his home town, Ondo, and why they should believe that he will transform Owo. The residents should ask him why he fell out with Otunba Johnson Reuben Fasawe, who stood by him in his trying moments.

They should ask him why he is fighting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and other progressives who supported him when he was

fighting for his stolen mandate.

“ACN has no doubt that the people of Owo will not welcome a serial betrayal like Mimiko and his rented crowd from Igbira land. The good people of Owo and Ondo State have made up their minds to say ‘never again’ to a man who promised unprecedented development but brought unprecedented hardship, misery and fraud to Ondo State.”

But LP Publicity Secretary, Mr Femi Okunjemiruwa, denied the allegation.

He said ACN had become a laughing stock because of its “lies”.

The LP spokesman hoped that Owo residents would give the ruling party a rousing reception because of what he called the “unprecedented achievements of Mimiko” in the last three and a half years.

ACN urges security agents to stop governor from removing its billboards

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HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday urged security agents to stop the ruling Labour Party (LP) from removing the flags, posters and

billboards of its standard bearer, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO said the LP should be checked to avoid a breach of the peace.

The statement reads: “We call for an urgent step by security agencies to halt this unholy move by the LP to avoid chaos, which we believe is the major objective of the drowning party.

“The Ondo State Govern-

ment had taken the ACN to court and the judgment of the State High Court has been appealed against. There is a stay of execution order restraining the government from executing the judgment.

“We believe security agencies will act according to the law and not allow the people to result to self-help as ACN supporters will not continue to fold their arms in the face of provocation by the Mimiko amorphous LP.”

GROUP in Ondo State, the Committee for Good Governance (CGG), yesterday said the people are tired of political rhetoric by “old politicians”.

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, by its Chairman, Mr. Oyemakin Adeniyi, the group averred that “it is unfortunate that Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who we all struggled to enthrone in 2009, has not deemed it fit to account for his stewardship for almost four years in office”.

The statement added: “Corruption and nepotism have become the order of the state in Ondo. It is on record that the insecurity that bedevils our society today is the result of joblessness among youths. This is being created by the ineptitude of old politicians.”

The statement called for government policies that would have a direct impact on the lives of the residents.

It appraised the governorship candidates for the October 20 election and praised the leadership of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for its peaceful primary.

At the party’s congress, a consultant with the European Commission (EC), Prince Soji Ehinlawo, emerged its candidate.

The group urged corrupt politicians to leave the stage for credible leaders who are expected to exhibit their talents to develop the state.

It called for the involvement of youths in the affairs of the state, saying: “When are youths going to be leaders of tomorrow, when old politicians, who created the problems at hand, are not ready to vacate the scene?”

The group backed Ehinlawo and urged him to rid Ondo State of poverty and corruption.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

7

NEWS Fed Govt, labour parley over PHCN deadlocked

Nigeria, others on US visa priority list

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IGERIA, Brazil and China have been listed by the United States as priority nations on its visa application following a surge in demands, a Consular Officer Mrs. Patty Neary said yesterday.

Mrs. Neary spoke with reporters in Abuja at the embassy’s weekly briefing.

She said more than 40,000 visa applications hasve been processed in Nigeria this year.

The Consular officer said that the figure represented 11 per cent increase over the 2011 fiscal year.

Mrs. Neary said 75 per cent of the applications were for tourist visas, while 25 per cent accounted for student, business and official visas.

Newswatch Editor quits

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HE crisis in the Newswatch magazine recorded a major casualty yesterday as its General Manager/Editor, Bala Dan Abu resigned his appointment.

Abu, in a resignation letter dated August 29, 2012, addressed to the Chairman/ Publisher, Jimoh Ibrahim, said his decision was informed by the decision not to be part of “the new, crisisridden dispensation at Newswatch.”

He thanked the Ibrahim for the opportunity given him to serve and urged that his disengagement benefits be paid promptly.

Abu urged Ibrahim to sustain the publication as its death will negate his decision to acquire majority stake in the troubled company.

“I wish to inform you of my decision to resign my appointment as General Manager/Editor of Newswatch magazine with effect from today, August 29, 2012.”

Princess Rebecca Oguntuase for burial

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HE remains of Princess Rebecca Aina Oguntuase will be interred on September 1 in IkoleEkiti, Ekiti State.

She died on July 7 at 92.

A funeral service willbe held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikole-Ekiti after lying-in-state at her Royal Family House, Ayedun-Ekiti and No. 10, Oba Adeleye Road, OdoIsunrin, Ikole-Ekiti.

The deceased is survived by five children, including Professor Kayode Oguntuase, former Head, Department of Psychology and former Director, ICE, University of Lagos, Mrs Olusola Aribatise, Mr Femi Oguntuase, Mr Ladipo Oguntuase and Mr Lanre Oguntuase.

Others are Oladele Aduroshakin, Navy Commander Francis Niyi Kolawole Oguntuase and many grand-children and great-grand-children.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

•From left: President Rotary Club of Festac Town, Rotarian Victor Achuonu , Chairman Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria Mr Obioha Ononogbu(sitting), District Governor Kamoru Omotosho, his wife Susan and immediate past president of the club, Rotarian Gabriel Amalu during the presentation of foods items to the association by the Rotary Club of Festac, in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Yoruba in Kogi, Kwara demand state

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ORUBA people in Kogi and Kwara states have expressed their desire to be part of the Southwest geographical zone.

In a communique issued after a meeting held on Monday in Ado-Ekiti under the auspices of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), the group resolved to ensure “a new state would be carved out of Kogi and Kwara States”.

The communique noted that: “A joint Technical Committee shall be set up

By Wale Ajetunmobi

to pursue the realisation and actualisation of these objectives we have set for ourselves as a people, as we work towards the weaving together of Yoruba people in Nigeria under a true federal structure.

“The creation of states by the Military Government in 1991 that led to the creation of Kogi and Kwara states disadvantaged us, the Yoruba nationality, in both states. The Yoruba people in Kwara became weakened and our people

in Kogi became a minority.”

This political arrangement, they said, is a systematic marginalisation of the Yoruba.

The group advocated for a provision for referendum and boundary adjustment in the amended constitution by the National Assembly to allow for restructuring of the six geographical regions so that any ethnic group not satisfied will be able to identify with any region it wishes.

“We therefore call on all

Yoruba peoplein Nigeria and Diaspora to rally round us, their kith and kin in Kwara and Kogi States, in our struggle for self-determination. Our development as a Yoruba nation is not complete if it does not cut across all our people, despite false geography and erroneous boundaries,” the communiqué said.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of ARG’s Chairman,Hon. Olawale Oshun and an chieftain of Afenifere in Ekiti State, Papa Awoloju.

Why we sacked 1,161 council workers, by Oyo

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HE Chairman of the Oyo Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, yesterday said 1,161 workers of the commission were sacked for alleged professional misconduct, falsification of results and old age.

The workers were sacked on Tuesday evening after a marathon meeting among top government officials.

Ayankojo explained that the screening that led to the sack was thoroughly done by the commission.

He said the sacked workers were given fair hearing.

Ayankojo said: “There was no witch-hunting in it because we believe in fair hearing. We followed due process and the rule of law. That is why we did it on our own.”

On the redeployment of Di-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

rectors of Personnel Management (DPMs), Ayankojo said the government only obeyed the law as recently amended by the House of Assembly.

Members of the Pension Commission were said to have jubilated over the redeployment yesterday morning.

The state’s branch of the National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) has condemned the sack and redeployment, saying due process was not followed in taking the actions. It also said the government did not involve it in the decisions.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, said: “The appointment of Heads of Local Governments is in line

with the national policy which has made provision for the headship of local councils by HLAs. This policy had been executed in many states, with Oyo being one of the few states that had yet to do so.

“On the redeployment of DPMs to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by the state government, it should be stated that many of the DPMs had been in local governments for between 10 and 15 years.

“So government felt that if a DPM had been playing the role of the head of a local government for over 10 years and suddenly, a HLA is brought to assume the headship of the council, it may be difficult for a DPM to submit himself to the authority of the HLA. Therefore, the

most sensible thing to do under this circumstance is to redeploy the DPMs to the ministry so as to pave way for the smooth running of the local governments.

“Besides, the first thing that was considered by government was to retire the DPMs, particularly those who had served in that capacity for eight years, in line with the Federal Government’s policy that any director or permanent secretary who had served for eight years without promotion should be retired.

“However, since this is not an extant law in Oyo State, the government decided to do away with that idea so as not to embark on a retroactive policy, hence the decision to redeploy the DPMs to the ministry rather than retiring them.”

Impeach governors who abuse state police, says Senator

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ICE-CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammed Sani yesterday backed calls for state police, saying governors who abuse it should be impeached.

He said state police could be created to perform limited functions.

Former Abia State Attorney-General, Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), also backed creation of state police, say-

From Joseph Jibueze, Abuja

ing those who oppose it were playing politics with an important issue.

They spoke at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

The senator said: “State police can be created and made to perform limited functions. And in this case, if there is abuse of same by the governor, he should be

impeached by House of Assembly.”

A University don, Prof Isawa Elaigwu, who spoke on “The Security of the State: An Imperative for National Development” said it would be in the interest of the country for state police to be created.

He said: “We should not concern ourselves with how to check abuse of state police by governors because living in fear of the past will not help us. There should be state po-

lice for states that need it.

“The National Assembly should provide for the establishment of guidelines for state police. The governors interested should send a bill to their respective state Houses of Assembly, which shall pass same alongside creation of Police Commission.

“No state police officer should bear arms. They can use rubber bullets and batons and they should not be used for elections.”

THE parley between the Federal Government and labour leaders on the severance package for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers was deadlocked yesterday.

Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu told reporters deliberation would continue today.

But the President, Trade Union Congress (TUC),Comrade Peter Esele, said the continuation of the parley depends on its consultations amongst its unions.

Esele said : “Tomorrow’s meeting is not cast on stone because need to have consultations amongst ourselves and if it is necessary for us to meet.”

NGO greets Lamido at 64

A non-governmental organistion (NGO), Nigerians Unite for Excellence, yesterday urged leaders to emulate Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido,who is 64 today.

A statement by its National Coordinator, Lanre Asiwaju, described Lamido as a consumate manager of men and resources .

“We identify with his laudable achievements and congratulate a nationalist, lover of the downtrodden and grassroots politician of no mean repute,”Asiwaju said.

Academy elects ex-NUC Sec Jibril President

By Eric Ikhilae

A FORMER Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof Munzali Jibril, has been elected President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).

Members of the 20122014 Executive Committee were unveiled at the body’s 14th annual convocation and investiture held on August 9 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Other members include Prof Ben Olatunji Oloruntimehin (Vice President), Prof OladeleLayowola (Secretary), Prof Akachi Ezeigbo (Assistant Secretary), Prof Francis Egbokhare (Treasurer), Prof Moses Akin Makinde (who doubles as Chair and General Editor of the Academy’s publications) and Prof Emeritus Ayo Banjo (past President).

Others are four Ex-Officio members: Emeritus Prof T. N. Tamuno, Prof Dan Izevbaye, Prof Segun Odunuga and Prof Duro Oni. Prof Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose (founding President) and Prof Ben Elugbe (immediate past President) were named as automatic members.

The body also elected Profs Sola Akinrinade, Rotimi Badejo, (Mrs) Stella Johnson and E. Nolue Emenajo as members of the Editorial Committee.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

8

CITYBEATS Tanker crushes man

By Olalekan Ayeni

A 30-YEAR-OLD tanker driver, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi has been arrested for allegedly crushing an unidentified man to death at Ajegunle Bus Stop on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

Adeyemi, who hails from Okeho in Oyo State, was driving a tanker belonging to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Tuesday, when he hit a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as okada. The accident resulted in the death of the passenger on the okada.

Adeyemi was apprehended at the toll gate, a few metres away from the accident scene while trying to escape, by patrolling officials of the Ota Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

An eyewitness, who gave his name as Wole Adebowale, said the victim was crushed by the tanker while the motorcyclist was trying to manoeuvre between a commercial bus and the tanker.

His word: "I was at the back of the tanker which was on the fast lane of the expressway, while a commercial bus driver came out of the bus stop, hit and pushed the cyclist on the path of the tanker crushing the victim who had fallen off the motorcycle."

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

Lagos confirms demolition of Ilasamaja bridge

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LL is set for the demolition of the dilapidated Ilasamaja Pedestrian Bridge on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway on Saturday, the Lagos State Government said yesterday.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Obafemi Hamzat said the contract for the bridge’s reconstruction had been awarded to PW Nigeria Ltd. The Nation reported last week that the bridge had been marked for demolition. It has been barricaded in the last few weeks to avoid any disaster.

Hamzat said the government decided to reconstruct the bridge following public complaints.

He said with the completion of the sub-soil investigation, all was set for

T

By Miriam Ndikanwu

the project.

Hamzat said the state had obtained the consent of the Federal Government for the project, adding that the reconstruction would end the short term rehabilitation of the bridge in the past.

The public, he said, may not see much of work at the site because of changes in the method of construction.

The work will be completed in four months.

Explaining the challenges the Ministry is facing with the construction of the Adisa Ajibulu road and the Isheri-Osun-Jakande bridge, Hamzat said the delay was caused by the volume of work to be done. The contractor, he said, must “put several piling in the

• The delapidated bridge...yesterday

ground due to the terrain.”

The road component, Hamzat said, could not be awarded without the completion of the bridge, adding that the government usually phases its projects to ensure proper funding and adequate time frame for each of them.

He said the completed

PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

Isopakodowo market at Oshodi would soon be let out with a mortgage facility to enable buyers repay the cost of purchase over a period of 15-20 years.

He said adequate provision was being made to ensure that would-be owners will be provided with bankable title

documents that will ensure that the property can be used as collateral for transactions.

Hamzat added that the essence was to attract business to the area and turn Oshodi into a mega city. The market, funded by the state government will be managed by a facility manager.

Chinese MD held as NAFDAC seals off water firm

HE National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off a water company and arrested its Chinese Managing Director, Ksui Kim, and four others for not observing manufacturing practice.

It accused Chung Full Nigeria Ltd of gross abuse of business ethics in the

By Yinka Aderibigbe

production and sale of its Osaki range of table water.

NAFDAC officials, reporters and security operatives who stormed the company's premises on Adesoye Street in Mende, Maryland, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, were denied access to the premises on Kim's orders.

But, NAFDAC officers forced their way in with the aid of the security men.

The company is known for intimidating and harassing NAFDAC officials whenever they come to carry out their duties.

NAFDAC's Director of Enforcement Mr. Garba Macdonald said, the action became necessary because the firm was producing in a residential apartment.

He said: "As you have seen, this is an unhygienic

environment and the company has been producing table water without a valid registration certificate which is a clear violation of NAFDAC regulations.”

Macdonald added that the company’s staff were unruly, violent and almost obstructed NAFDAC officials from performing their duty.

NAFDAC’s mission, he said, was to ascertain the level of firm’s compliance with Good Manufacturing

Practices (GMP) and investigation of consumers complaints.

He expressed disappointment that even when the company had full complement of staff, raw materials and production equipment and facilities, the quality of the products could not be guaranteed and wondered why such large scale of production would be going on there without due consideration for the health of consumers.

Illegal dredgers to face trial

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ORPORATE bodies or individuals involved in sand dredging without permit will be severely sanctioned, Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Development Mr. Adesegun Oniru said yesterday.

He said those interested in mining must do so within the tenets of the law.

Oniru spoke at a meeting with dredgers, saying the government would, "henceforth, prosecute multiple users of category 'A' permit."

He directed some companies to stop operations on the ground that they are yet to renew their permits. He said if

By Miriam Ndikanwu

such firms persist they would be prosecuted.

Oniru said it was illegal for a company "to use a dredger on behalf of another. A company can only have one dredger at a time, which must be registered and used solely by such firm.

"It is imperative for companies to get site permits before engaging another company to dredge for it, in order not to engage those who have not renewed their permits i.e. illegal dredgers.”

He said “illegal dredging is a grievous offence. It is not the workers on site who would be prosecuted, it is their directors that would

be made to face the wrath of the law."

Oniru said the government "will no longer tolerate category "B" permit firms putting their dredgers on the waterways.

“Any company or individual engaging in the act of multiple usage of category "A" permit will no longer be allowed. Such operator can no longer stockpile for themselves without relevant permit.”

The commissioner urged dredgers to appoint a president, a decision which he said, would enable them to have quarterly meetings with the regulatory body, foster unity and enhance their business.

Task Force arrests bullion van against traffic, saying: "I FFICIALS of the driver actually drove against Lagos State Task

O

Force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has impounded a bullion van and arrested its driver in Apapa for driving against traffic.

Seun Odukoya, was arrested on Creek Road, Apapa while driving to a new generation bank.

Odukoya risks one year jail term without a fine option as a first offender for driving against traffic going by the new Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012. The bullion van will be forfeited to the government.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

The driver and the van have been taken to the Task Force’s office in Alausa. The driver will be arraigned in court. The bullion van, with registration number BV 171 BDG, Lagos, is owned by the Banker's Warehouse whose officials pleaded in vain for its release.

The officials came to Alausa with another van to take the money from the impounded van.

In a statement he made to the police, the driver admitted that he drove

traffic."

He said he did it because the road was blocked.

Task Force chairman Bayo Sulaiman said the driver would be tried to deter others.

He said this was not the first time a bullion van has been arrested for driving against traffic, adding that bullion vans belonging to the Banker's Warehouse are fond of doing that.

Sulaimon said: "We are telling other bullion van drivers to obey the law. The law is not punitive but corrective.“

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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NEWS

Osun Assembly hails Tinubu’s choice as LAUTECH chancellor •Senator, SSANU, others congratulate Lagos ex-governor

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HE Osun State House of Assembly has praised Oyo and Osun states’ Governors Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola for choosing former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The legislature described the appointment as a unifying factor.

In a statement by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Goke Butika, the Assembly said it was confident that the new Chancellor would bring his administrative skill to bear in giving the institution a bright future.

The 26-member House expressed confidence that Asiwaju Tinubu’s tenure would be a clear departure from the crisis-ridden administration of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala in Oyo State.

The statement reads: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a leader a university like LAUTECH needs at this time around, given the fact that it took the maturity and cordiality of the two governors of Oyo and Osun states, Senator Abiola Ajimo-

From Adesoji Adeniyi (Osogbo) Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson (Ibadan)

bi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to roll the institution back from the brink of collapse orchestrated by a ‘yesterday’s power that be in Oyo State.

“We, at the parliament of the State of Osun, are delighted in the choice of Asiwaju Tinubu, because he is a unifying factor, a leader to the two visitor-governors, a financial surgeon and a former governor with impressive administrative credentials. We believe that his wealth of experience would be brought to bear in breathing life into the school.”

Osun Speaker Najeem Salaam hailed the “wise choice of Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi”.

He noted that only a towering personality like Asiwaju Tinubu could kick start the process that will return the university to its past glory.

Salaam said: “Asiwaju Tinubu has asserted himself as a leader of men, and since any university is people-driven, I am confident that the new Chancellor will certainly

change the face of LAUTECH by setting a pace for processes that will enhance its status.”

The senator representing Oyo Central at the National Assembly, Ayo Adeseun, and a socio-political group, the Asiwaju Leadership Forum, yesterday hailed the appointment of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the Chancellor of LAUTECH. In separate statements in Ibadan the Oyo State capital, Adeseun and the group described the appointment as a blessing for the institution. Ädeseun, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, hails from Ogbomoso. He praised Governors Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola for the decision.

Adeseun said: “It is a further proof of the fact that Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun are both serious minded and committed to the development of tertiary education in the two sister-states.”

In the statement by its Coordinator, Mr Sikiru Akinola, The Asiwaju Leadership Forum described the appoint-

ment as the best decision at the right time for a citadel of learning which needs resuscitation.

Recalling how the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the university were almost truncated by the Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola administrations in Oyo and Osun states over ownership tussle, the group said many students were psychologically affected.

The statement reads: “We cannot but thank the two governors for the wisdom they exhibited in arriving at the choice of our own Asiwaju as the Chancellor of the great university. Asiwaju’s disposition to the educational sector cannot be over-emphasised.”

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) of LAUTECH yesterday congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu on his appointment.

In a statement by its Chairman, Alhaji Alesinloye Abimbola Muraina and Secretary, Adepoju Olusegun, the association said the resolve by Oyo and Osun governments was “a good decision in a right direction”.

‘Akande laid foundation for Osun’s progress’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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SOCIO-political group, Osun Development Agenda (ODA), yesterday said the four years of the Chief Bisi Akande administration started the “real beginning of the emergence of Osun State on the stage of history”.

At a lecture, entitled: Osun At 21: The Beginning, The Present and The Future, in Osogbo, the state capital, by its Deputy Convener, Shenge Rahman, the group noted that despite having very little resources at his disposal, Akande was able to build the state.

It said the Akande administration, which received a meager annual Federation Allocation of between N6billion and N7billion, laid a good example of prudent management of state funds.

The group noted that the seven and a half years of the Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration would remain “an era of unmitigated disaster for Osun, during which those who presided over the affairs of the state behaved in a manner reminiscent of buccaneers and brigands”.

Describing the N18.3billion loan secured by the Oyinlola government as senseless, ODA noted that for the state to meet its recurrent expenditure, it resorted to financial institutions for further monthly debt of N1billion.

Oyo to dredge six more rivers

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HE Oyo State Government has approved the dredging of six more rivers in parts of Ibadan, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Wasiu Dauda, said the rivers include OdoOna/Elewe, Odo-Ona/Apata, among others.

He said the government has removed shops from the affected areas to allow free flow of water.

The commissioner said the government would not stop educating the residents on the

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

need to stop dumping refuse on waterways.

Dauda said: “We were told that there will be heavy rain towards the end of this year’s raining season. All eyes are on the Ministry of Environment.

We cannot know everything, but we are on top of the situation.” The commissioner urged the residents to forward their complaints to the ministry, adding that this would forestall any unforeseen circumstances.

Two Ekiti Fed Poly students arrested with ‘robbery gang’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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•Prof Osho (middle) with Dr. Sanginga (left) and Dashiell at the signing of the MoU in Ibadan...yesterday

IITA, Afe Babalola varsity partner on agric

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HE International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, and the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research development, capacity development and related areas.

The two institutions expressed their interest in improving the nutrition and income of the rural and urban poor.

The MoU was signed at

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

the Ibadan office of IITA by its Director-General, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, and the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Sidi Osho.

The partnership is expected to provide a “bridge” for both institutions and foster cooperation to complement each other’s research.

“We are very excited in signing this MoU and we are also confident that together we can work to tackle the challenges to hunger and poverty,” Dr Sanginga said.

According to him, the MoU will enable both institutions to build “the critical human capital to address the present and future challenges of not only agriculture but also development”.

He added: “Today, if you take agriculture, for instance, you will discover that the sector is faced with several constraints, such as climate change, emerging pests and diseases, etc. These constraints can be tackled, if we develop the human capacity that will provide solutions to them.

“Under IITA’s revised strategy, research, partnerships and capacity building are key drivers for IITA’s success as the institute aims to lift 20 million people out of poverty and free 25 million hectares of degraded land in the next decade.”

IITA Deputy DirectorGeneral, Partnerships and Capacity Building, Dr Kenton Dashiell, said the MoU is on tapping the potential of youths that are important stakeholders for rural and economic development.

Seven arraigned for alleged robbery in Oyo

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EVEN men were yesterday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged robbery.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ade Adebusuyi, named the accused as Taiye Atanda, Lekan Odejide, Shina Yusuf, Ajiboye Kalawole, Wasiu Oduola, Amoo Semiu and Funsho Fasanya.

He said they collected three cell phones and N70,000

from Abideen Sulaiman at Adesola area of Olorunsogo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons.

The prosecutor also said the defendants collected two cell phones and N17,000 belonging to Adedeji Tayo while armed with a gun.

Adebusuyi added that the defendants robbed Eniola Basirat of her belongings val-

ued at N25,200 and Kafilat Bello of her cell phone, two gold neck laces, valued at N128,500.

The police officer said the defendants were in possession of unlawful weapons, such as cut to size locally made gun and a knife.

Their actions, he said, contravened Section 1 (2) (a), 27, 6(a) (b(c) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap RII Laws of the Fed-

eration of Nigeria, 2004.

The plea of the defendants was, however, not taken.

Chief Magistrate Olushola Adejutoye directed the prosecutor to forward duplicate copies of the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

He ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till September 28.

WO students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Odere Adeyanju and Sunday Tofowomo, both 28, have been arrested for allegedly participating in a botched robbery in Igboogun community, a suburb of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The suspects reportedly confessed in separate statements to being National Diploma II students of Business Administration and Electrical/Electronic Engineering of the institution.

Adeyanju is said to hail from Ado-Ekiti and Tofowomo from Ile-Oluji in Ondo State.

A statement in Ado-Ekiti by police spokesman, Mr Victor Olu Babayemi, on behalf of Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama, said the suspects were caught on August 19 with three others.

The others are Oguntayo Saheed (26) - from Abeokuta, Ogun State; Adeusi Gabriel (33), a commercial motorcyclist from Ado-Ekiti; and Ibikunle Akindele, (23), a hole fabricator from Agbado-Ekiti.

All five, according to the statement, were caught with the assistance of Igboogun residents.

The suspects had allegedly been terrorising motorists on the Ijan-Ado-Ekiti road. The police said when the suspects blocked a section of the road in Igbologun village, Ado-Ekiti, the villagers alerted the police while some vigilantes mobilised against them.

The statement said the items recovered from the suspects include two locally made single barrel pistols; five rounds of live cartridges; three expended cartridges; and masks.

Wakama hailed the residents for their bravery and cooperation with the police. The police chief urged other communities to emulate them. Assuring the residents of police protection, Wakama added that no effort would be spared to rid Ekiti of criminals.

Oyo community’s kingmakers affirm choice of prince as Oba-elect

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IX of the seven kingmakers in Irawo community of Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State have reaffirmed the choice of Prince Musiliu Ademola Olalere as the new Ajoriwin-elect of the community.

An August 26 letter by the six kingmakers, headed by the Ajoriwin Chieftaincy Kingmakers, Chief Yekini Popoola (the Ipale of Irawo), explained that the choice of Prince Olalere, which was

initially unanimous, followed another election where he defeated eight other contestants.

The prince polled six votes of the seven votes cast.

The letter reads: “In compliance with Section 15, Part II, Cap 28 of the Laws of the Oyo State, the Atisbo Local Government wrote a letter to the head of the family (Ogbo Ruling House) on May 12, 2011, to present their candidates to the kingmakers of Ajoriwin of Irawo.”

Funeral for community leader COMMUNITY leader in Ilesa, Osun State, Pa Titus Olanrewaju Akerele, will be buried tomorrow.

A statement in Lagos yesterday by the family said a wake would be held today in Ilesa after a service of songs in Lagos. It added that a funeral service would be held at the Methodist Cathedral, Otapete, Ilesa.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

We will make sure that there is a transparent process that every Nigeria will look at and say we have done fairly.

We don’t want anybody to think that these banks were taken over and handed over to special interests. It must be a very transparent process.

- Mr Mustapha Chike-Obi, CEO, AMCON

Gurara, Ilesa dams to cost N40.6b

Naira firms as Chevron, banks sell dollars

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HE naira firmed against the United State’dollar on the interbank market yesterday, supported by dollar sales by an oil company and some banks towards the close of trading.

The naira closed at N158.05 to the dollar on the interbank market, stronger than the N158.15 it closed at the previous day.

Traders said a local unit of US oil giant, Chevron, sold about $12 million to some lenders, while some units of foreign banks sold additional dollars in the market to enable them to stay within the stipulated one per cent open position limit.

"The naira actually trended down intraday because of strong dollar buying but strengthened toward the close of trading because some foreign banks sold additional dollars in the market, which provided support for the naira," one dealer said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in July raised the cash reserve requirement for lenders to 12 per cent from eight per cent, and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to one per cent from three per cent, to restrict the money supply and support the local currency.

The naira has been pressured by global risk aversion, but has gained more than 1.25 per cent year-to-date on the CBN measures and a resurgence of offshore investors buying local debt, boosting dollar liquidity in the market.

Traders said the naira will continue to hover around the present level for the rest of the week as trickles of dollars from oil companies should subdue any buying pressure from importers.

At its twice weekly foreign exchange auction, the central bank sold $180 million naira at 155.80 to the dollar, compared with the $250 million sold at the same rate on Monday.

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

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

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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•Chief Executive, Rhema Group, S. J. Samuel (right), presenting Vegefresh tomatoes paste manufactured by Vegefresh Limited, a subsidiary of the group, to Nexim Bank MD, Robert Orya, in Abuja ... yesterday.

Minister denies banning foreign airlines from Abuja, Kano airports • Directs agencies on digital revenue collection

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HE Minister of Avia tion, Princess Stella Oduah, has denied reports that she stopped some foreign carriers, among them Emirates, Etihad and Turkish airlines, from flying into Abuja and Kano airports.

She explained that Emirate did not seek permission to operate into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, or the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

In a statement yesterday, her Special Assistant on Media, Joe Obi, said none of the airlines was denied entry or forced to operate at the Enugu International Airport.

The statement reads : “Our attention has been drawn to publications in some sections of the media to the effect that Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze- Oduah, ordered that some foreign airlines, particularly Emirates, Etihad and Turkish airlines be stopped, or prevented from operating into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

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From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor, Lagos

“There is no truth whatsoever to these publications as the Minister had at no time even attempted to prevent the said airlines from operating into the said destinations. To the contrary, the minister has been an advocate of allowing all the international airports in the country to operate direct international flights.”

She said Emirates Airline has never applied for any permit to operate into either Abuja or Kano international airports, adding that anyone, including the airline concerned with contrary documents, should make such available to the public.

Oduah also explained that Etihad was supposed to have started operations from Abuja in line with an old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2003, but added that the UAE has refused to do so. Rather, it insisted on starting from Lagos, thereby necessitating an amendment of the MoU this year to accommodate their de-

sire.

However, the statement said she has approved that Turkish Airline operates into Abuja and Kano airports, adding that there are efforts to ensure that KLM starts its operation into the Kano airport where it had earlier stopped functioning.

Meanwhile, she has directed all aviation agencies to automate their revenue collection.

Oduah listed the affected agencies to include Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

She said: “Before now, all revenues were collected manually, leading to huge losses as a result of the leakages inherent in the manual procedure. FirstBank of Nigeria Plc, working with experts and professional bodies, such as IATA, SITA, and Avitech, a software provider, among others, is to lead the collection process.

Avitech, which has a tripartite agreement with NCAA, the airline operators

and their banks, is to provide the automation platform. It has been working with NCAA since December 2010.”

Heads of the agencies have expressed satisfaction with the new initiative, saying it would enhance their revenue profile. NCAA DirectorGeneral, Dr. Harold Demuren, said: ‘’The manual process of revenue collection was fraught with a lot of challenges. Apart from the leakages, the agencies were being owed heavily by the airlines and other bodies we were providing service for.

So, we are very pleased with the new development because every agency will now have its share of revenue deducted and remitted to it at source and automatically.

“Moreover, there is an automated window where every agency can view every transaction. The system is very transparent and efficient.

Aviation agencies had literally been using baskets to fetch water and you know what you get when you use baskets to fetch water. The system was fraught with too much leakages. Fortunately, that era is behind us now’’.

Chinese firm wins $1.49b Lagos-Ibadan standard rail contract

HE Federal Govern ment has signed a con tract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited for the construction of Lagos-Ibadan standard rail track.

The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, said the agreement demonstrated consistency, continuity and commitment of government’s policy to modernise the railway system.

Umar said the contract for the Standard Gauge Rail

Double Track on double formation covering a distance of 156.65km totalling 313.30km double track, was approved for CCECC for $1.49 billion inclusive of all tax. It will be completed in 36 months.

He said the project, like the Abuja (Idu) to Kaduna project awarded in January 2009, is to be partly financed by the Chinese Government through a China EXIM Bank concessionary loan.

“Under the arrangement, the loan facility to the tune of $1 billion is going to be provided by the China EXIM Bank,’’ he said.

He said negotiations has been concluded with China EXIM Bank for an initial $500 million.

The minister said the balance of $500 million is expected soon, while the Federal Government is expected to pay the balance of the

project fund, amounting to $530.78 million.

The Managing Director of CCECC, Cao Gang, assured that the firm would keep pace with the terms and conditions of the contract.

He said the standard gauge on completion would have the capacity to carry 1,000 people at a time and more than 1,200 tonnes of cargo.

Gang added that it would also boost the economic growth of the country as well as open up employment opportunities for Nigerians.

HE Federal Govern ment has ap proved contracts for the completion of Gurara and Ilesa dams. Both will cost N40.6billion.

The decision to award the contracts, which have been lingering, was reached at yesterday’s weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Federal Government noted that the decision was in line with the administration’s commitment to complete its projects.

The contracts have been delayed by inconsistent funding.

The breakdown, according to the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochepe, who briefed reporters alongside Information Minister, Labaran Maku, shows that the Gurara project will cost N37 billion, while the Ilesa dam will cost N3.6 billion.

The projects are expected to be completed between 12 and 18 months.

The Gurara dam project was conceived to supply water to the Federal Capital Territory through the Lower Usman Dam while the Ilesa dam was meant to provide potable drinking water for the Ilesa which has been without water for the past 25years.

Explaining further, the gains from the dams, Maku said on completion, the projects will provide irrigation for farmers as well as generate 30 mega watts of electricity.

The Guarara dam - Lot A and B - will provide irrigation land for about 20,000 farmers and generate and about 8,000 jobs.

ASSBIFI rejects N5000 note

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HE Association of Sen ior Staff of Banks, In surance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) yesterday opposed the proposed naira restructuring by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The association stated this in a statement signed by its President, Mr Sunday Salako and the Senior Assistant Secretary, Mr Friday Inegbedion, in Lagos.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the CBN had on August 23 announced plan to restructure the naira and introduce the N5000 note from January 2013.

It said the introduction of a higher denomination would signal the devaluation of the country’s currency and attract hyper-inflation.

The union observed that such an announcement often signified a regime of increased and sustained fiscal deficit financing.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

INDUSTRY

N270b saved on cement import in three years, says SON DG

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IGERIA has saved about N270 billion on the importation of cement in the last three years, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu said.

It spent about N30 billion compared to N300 billion that was spent in the preceding three years, he said.

Speaking during facility tour of the Dangote Ibese Plant, Odumodu said this is in line with the Federal Government’s plan on import substitute policy, adding that it also conforms with the goverment’s transformation agenda plan.

Odumodu said no licence has been issued for cement importation this year.

“We are happy that the Federal

Stories by Toba Agboola

Government’s policy is working, most especially in the cement sector.

“This will also save the country of foreign exchange. In the next five years , we hope to see more Nigerians in this sector. This is the reason why SON is doing everything to support the sector. Today , we are aware that Nigeria can actually meet the total demand,” Odumodu said.

He announced plans to put in place quality assurance measures.

Odumodu said the measures are aimed at ensuring compliance with global standards in building materials manufacturing.

According to him, SON will begin the process with visits to the

three main cement sites in the country, following, which a stakeholders’ forum will be held.

He said the forum would be used

‘The next phase is to define a new framework to make sure that policy concerns among stakeholders are addressed with the quality of products produced and used assured’

as a platform for the development of a new framework for quality assurance along the cement manufacturing, sales and usage value chain.

The framework, according to him, will soon be developed and adopted by the agency and stakeholders to ensure that policy concerns among stakeholders in the cement value chain are addressed.

“The next phase is to define a new framework to make sure that policy concerns among stakeholders are addressed with the quality of products produced and used assured,” Odumodu said.

Odumodu said the visit had become necessary, due to the rising challenge of building collapse, noting that the agency was looking in-depth into the sector to

make sure quality is assured.

He said there is more assurance on the cement produced in Nigeria, compared to the imported ones.

The Managing Director/CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Devakumar Ghai said the company has been in the front seat for years. “ This effort started in the year 2000 and today, Dangote Group has 12 of ITS subsidiaries certified to the quality management system ISO 9001; 2008 std among others ‘Our management has approved the immediate commencement of the implementation of the quality, occupational health and safety and environmental management system based in Ibese,” he said

Nigeria’s export to Ghana rises by 38% •To import N10.14t goods

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IGERIA’S non-oil export to Ghana increased by 38 per cent last year, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said.

Director of Trade Information, NEPC, Mr Aliyu Lawal, told reporters that Nigeria exported goods worth $113 million (N17.52 billion) to Ghana last year, compared with $81.76 million (N12.67 billion) in 2010.

He said: "The bulk of the exported products were cosmetics, footwear, textiles, confectionaries, insecticides, plastic (empty bottles), electric cables, food and beverages, including noodles.”

The director, who described Ghana as one of Nigeria’s biggest markets in West Africa, said the export data covered only official transactions and registered businesses between the two countries.

"The figure only puts registered non-oil export transaction into account. So, officially, the volume is $113 million excluding unregistered businesses. This is because most of the transactions are not registered.

"If the unregistered transactions are included, then the volume should be more than double the official volume," he said.

Lawal said the feat was achieved through proactive trade policies and incentives for non-oil exports introduced by the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

In a related development the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

has revealed that Nigeria will import goods worth $65 billion (about N10.14 trillion).

Regional Head of Research, Africa Global Research, Standard Chartered Bank, London, Ms Razia Khan, said the country has foreign reserves that could only take care of seven months imports, adding that with the IMF data, it then means the country spends an average of $5.41 billion on importation monthly.

Ms Khan said if the recent figures being shown as amount lost to bunkering was anything to go by, then a whole month’s import money meant for 167 million people was being guzzled by a few people.

The Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Plc., Mutiu Sumonu said that Nigeria loses $5 billion dollars annually to oil theft.

Khan said the amount going by other estimates given by other independent sources was small.

Other analysts who do not want their names in print said, if government tightened the noose strongly against bunkering, so much money meant for other developmental purposes would be realised.

According to Sumonu, Nigeria loses approximately 150,000 barrels of oil to oil bunkering daily, and that the country lost 100 barrels daily between 2003 and 2004.

He explained that the activities of oil thieves have shifted from pilfering to a higher dimension.

9000 natural resources untapped, IGERIA has over 9,000 says RMRDC natural resources yet to be

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tapped by manufacturers as raw materials for finished products, the Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC) has said.

Director-General, RMRDC, Prof Peter Onwualu told Bayelsa State Commissioner for Science and Technology that each of the 9,555 wards across the country is blessed with one natural resource or the other.

Onwualu said Nigerians are sitting on wealth but many do not know this.

He said RMRDC had produced a compendium of the natural resource endowment of each 774 local governments and the 9555 wards in the country.

Onwualu lamented that rather

than source their raw materials locally, manufacturing companies prefer to buy them abroad.

He said the ministry of science and technology has commenced moves to tap the untapped resources by promoting knowledge based clusters of small scale industries.

Onwualu said this would discourage migration from rural to urban areas in search of jobs and would also improve the capital base of most rural business people.

Minister of science and Technology, Prof Ita Ewa said science and technology is the driver of the economy and the country can only neglect it at its own peril.

He said the government would use technology to bring out hidden wealth in the country.

•From Left: Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir; Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Minister for National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, at the Plenary Session of Nigerian Economic Society’s 53rd Annual Conference in Abuja on Tuesday

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Minister: farmers earn $136m from cassava export to China

ARMERS may have earned $136 million (about N2 billion) from cassava export to China in the last few months under the Federal Government’s Cassava Initiative, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina has said.

Adesina in Abuja, said the country has so far exported 1.1million metric tonnes of Cassava chips to China. He added that farmers have earned close to $136million from the export of the product to China.

The Minister said it was sad that Nigeria was spending N5.6billion yearly on importation of wheat flour, when farmers could earn N254 billion from the substitution of high quality cassava flour for wheat flour in bread production.

He lamented the waste of over 40million mt tonne of cassava produced in the country. He stressed the need to add value to cassava produced in the country, as against the conventional gaari, fufu and starch

being produced.

According to the Minister, Nigeria was partnering research institutions to create best seed varieties for farmers and to accelerate the cassava production.

He unfolded plans by the government to distribute free 1, 293,000 bundles of improved cassava cuttings in the next few weeks to cassava growers in 28 states.

"In Ogun State, 200,000 bundles of improved variety of cassava will be given to farmers: cassava farmers in Borno State are to receive 90 trailer-load of improved variety of cassava cuttings for planting on 150 hectares," he said.

The Minister said the government intended to increase food production to 20 million metric tons of food. This, he said was achievable with additional 17 million metric

UNIDO blames power crisis on inconsistent policies

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HE Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has blamed the power crises in the country on the Federal Government’s inconsistent policies.

Speaking at a forum in Abuja, the Director-General, UNIDO, Dr Kandeh Yumkella, noted that while the current administration’s efforts at fixing the age-long power challenge was yielding results, politicians needed to be told that the energy challenge could not be overcome with quick-fixes.

Nigeria, he said, could not get it

right in the past because of lack of consistent long-term vision linking energy access with industrial transformation.

“What we do in Africa is ad-hoc policy. When power supply goes off, we get the generator.

“We never sat down to ask where we want the nation to be in the next 20 to 25 years, how fast do we want to grow, how much jobs we want to create and what sectors of the economy we need to develop. Instead of putting the generators on, you would have built the hydro power plant and Nigeria has a lot

tons of cassava, one million metric tons of sorghum and two million metric tons of milled rice by 2015.

Adesina said the government was spending N36billion on youth development in the area of agriculture and entrepreneur business so as to encourage youths.

In a related development, the minister has expressed concerns over the importation of finished cassava products of being the largest producer of the commodity in the world.

Adesina made this known in Akure during the inauguration of Growth Enhancement Support for registered cassava farmers in Ondo State.

Adesina, who was represented by the Southwest Zonal Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Talabi Odeyemi, said: “It is disturbing that Nigeria, which is responsible for the largest percentage of cassava production in the world, does not process what it produces.

“Thailand, which is the third cassava producer, accounts for 80 per cent of the finished cassava products across the world,” he said.

Ife said it was imperative for the Federal Government to harness the potential in the sector with aggressive processing drive.

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, said the state had a comparative advantage in the production of the crop.

He said the present climatic factors obtainable in the state supported the cultivation of cassava the length and breadth of the state.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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e-Business THE NATION

Has ministry’s coming changed face of ICT? A year ago, the Federal Government created the Ministry of Communications and Technology.

In this report, AKINOLA AJIBADE x-rays the ministry, one year after its creation.

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BOUT a year ago, the Federal Government created the Ministry of Communications and Technology to encourage the growth of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The development is remarkable because it marked separation of the Ministry of Communications and Technology from Information and National Orientation. This also put paid to agitations that a ministry that is committed to the development of ICT sector in characters and contents be established.

Typical of any new initiative, the government immediately set machineries in motion to make the idea work. It appointed Mrs Omobola Johnson as the pioneer minister for the ministry. Her appointment did not take people by surprise, probably because she came from a core IT background, having graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester and a Master’s Degree in Digital Electronics from King’s College, London.

Before her appointment, she was the Country Director of Accenture in Nigeria.

The strategies With a bag full of ideas, Mrs Johnson hit the ground running with measures geared towards repositioning the industry for an improved performance. On assumption of office in July 2011, she set up a committee to harmonise ICT policies to fast-track the growth of the sector. The committee headed by Prof. Raymond Akwule of the Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja was mandated to collate and study all the policies and subsequently build them into a single broadbased policy that will address the problems in the industry. Consequently, a policy document that would become the bedrock of ICT developments in the country was developed.

Thereafter, the Omobola Johnson led Ministry took proactive steps to tackle problems affecting service delivery in the industry. To achieve this, her ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Works, and came out with the new ‘Right of Way’ guidelines that would ensure good and quality service delivery in the industry. Not done

yet, the ministry also collaborated with the Ministry of Environment to provide guidelines that will address the issue of base stations required for wireless data and voice transmission.

Also, the ministry is in the process of facilitating the build out of a robust, and cost effective broadband network to increase broadband penetration in the industry. This is to accelerate the roll-out of a broadband infrastructure that includes a connected national backbone, regional rings, metro rings, and fibre to the cabinet that would increase broadband penetration from six per cent to about 20 per cent by 2015.

At the government level, the ministry has championed the drive to migrate all governments’ Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the .ng domain. This, the ministry, said has resulted in the registrations of 69,000 email accounts for government’s officials. Besides, the ministry is in the process of developing national internetbased portals that will facilitate easy access to the government information through published and informed website, as well as setting December 2014 deadline for every single federal government MDAs to have a functioning published and inform websites domiciled on the portal.

In the area of local content, the ministry has spearheaded the idea of formulating local content guidelines to aid the growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria. The guidelines which be issued in the fourth quarter of 2012, will help in bringing local added values to the industry.

Local ICT Speaking during a tour of Computer Village, Lagos recently, Johnson emphasised the need for the industry to have locally manufactured ICT devices in the country. She observed that the market is flooded with the imported products, noting that the development is not good for the economy. She said the government would remove waivers on imported products to encourage the growth of local ICT industry.

According to her, the ministry will ensure that made/ assembled in Nigerian ICT brands were more favourably positioned to achieve the na-

•Mrs Johnson

tional objectives of job creation and economic growth. This, among others, made stakeholders to conclude that the ministry has recorded strings of successes within one year of operations.

He said: “We would help in driving the growth of the local ICT industry. We want to grow the industry to an enviable height to foster the growth of the economy. The Computer Village market boasts of numerous imported ICT devices, and if we grow the local industry well the better for the country.”

The Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah said the ministry has done well in the past 12 months.

Juwah said the ministry’s leadership has not only put in place frameworks that stimulate the growth of the sector, but would make the industry one of the government’s major revenue earners. He said innovativeness have been the hallmark of the ministry, arguing that the industry holds a lots of prospects.

covered by the national grid, while 46 per cent are not. Generators have been stolen in our site in Ilesa, Osun State. In United Kingdom, they do not steal generators,” he said.

Of note is the poor service delivery from the telecom operators. The problem remains, despite the minister’s strategy on ‘Right of Way’ in addressing poor service quality in the country.

A subscriber to Airtel, MTN, and Globacom, Dr Niyi Akanmu blamed the ministry for the delay in coming up with a blamed the ministry for delay in coming up with a solution that will address poor service quality in the industry. He called on the minister to be more proactive in ensuring that Nigerians get the best of telecoms services from operators.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of MainOne Cable Company, Mrs. Funke Opeke lamented the low broadband penetration in the industry, in spite of the landing of several submarine cables in the country. She blamed the development on lack of a national backbone infrastructure that should take charge of distribution of broadband services from the shores of the country, to the hinterlands. Although part of the minister’s strategies was the build out of a robust, ubiquitous and cost -effective broadband network aimed at increasing broadband penetration within the country, Opeke is of the view that the delay by government to build a national backbone, would continue to slow down fast broadband and internet penetration in the country. Though the Nigerian Communications Commission has imposed sanctions on MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat for failure of their networks to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set up by NCC. It has also taken other steps to address the problems in the industry, which still has long way to go.

The challenges However, the ICT industry is still grappling with various challenges. The problems not only vary from one section of the industry to the other, but have also impacted negatively on the industry. One of such is power, a development that has cost implications on IT services especially the telecoms sector.

Speaking at an event in Lagos recently, the Chief Executive officer, Airtel Nigeria Limited, Mr Rajan Swaroop said poor power supply has affected the operations of telecom operators in the country. Swaroop said the telecom operators are forced to provide alternative power to mitigate against the effects of cost of production.

“We run a power network. We use generators for our base stations. 54 per cent of Nigerians are

Fed Govt takes broadband to ITU conference

Ndukwe joins RIA board

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ESEARCH ICT Africa Networks (RIA) has appointed Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as a member of its board of directors. RIA is a South Africa based firm that conducts research on ICT policy/regulation to foster the growth of the industry.

The firm, in a statement, signed by its Executive Director of Research ICT Africa and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, Management of Infrastructure Reform and Regulation programme, Allison Gillward noted that “it is a privilege to welcome Dr Ernest Ndukwe, one of the fathers of African telecom regulation and former head of the Nigerian

•President Jonathan

•Ndukwe

Communications Commission (NCC) to assist us in conducting research that would facilitate the growth of ICT. Ndukwe came with a wealth of experiencing spanning corporate and educational industry.

HE Federal Government, through the Ministry of Communications Technology has said it will take Nigerian broadband investment initiative to this year’s world telecoms conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE).

The government said it would use the annual conference to enhance the growth of the industry in Nigeria.

The conference is being organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the global telecoms regulatory body.

The Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson is expected to lead a delegation of industry players, government officials, policy makers, telecoms industry regulator and

several stakeholders including telecommunications companies to the conference.

The delegation is expected to use the occasion to woo more investors to come to Nigeria and invest in broadband in order to boost penetration.

The high cost of bandwidth and its scarcity are part of the reasons why Nigeria will feature prominently at the 2012 ITU conference.

Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, had in a recent forum in Lagos, explained that the poor state of broadband penetration in the country and the attendant high cost of bandwidth, were adversely affecting development in the country.

He said the government would continue to emphasise the need for investment in broadband.

Juwah said although so much progress had been made in voice telephony, data penetration remained low. “Operators in Nigeria spend an average of between $400 million and $500 million yearly on bandwidth imported from foreign service providers and this has accumulative negative effect on the end users who have no choice but to bear the high cost of bandwidth imported into the country, and this is the reason why the minister will be leading delegation to this year’s ITU conference to correct the imbalance by seeking for more investors in broadband development,” Juwah said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Systemic rot The firing of Professor Barth Nnaji only unveils the deeper corruption in the country HERE has clearly been in recent times a growing positive shift in public perception of Nigeria’s beleaguered power sector. For the first time in many years, many Nigerians have words of commendation and encouragement for the authorities in charge of the country’s long-suffering electricity supply network. Yes, the record of over 4,400 Mega Watts attained in the last few months still falls far short of the at least 40,000 MW required for a vast country of over 160 million people. But for a country long accustomed to epileptic power supply, despite perennial promises and billions of scarce resources invested, there was cause for optimism.

Yet, it was precisely when Professor Barth Nnaji should be consolidating on recent successes that the blow fell.

A shocked nation received the news on Tuesday of his ‘resignation’, following alleged conflict of interest arising in the process of the privatisation of the power sector. Relying on reports of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) as well as security agencies that the minister had not divorced his personal interests from his official duties, Professor Nnaji was summoned to the Presidency and asked to resign.

His infraction was the involvement of a company in which he had an interest before his appointment as minister, Geometric Power, in the bids for the privatisation of Afam Generation Company Limited and Enugu Distribution Company Limited. Professor Nnaji’s explanation that he had quit the board of Geometrics and put his shares in the company in a blind trust administered by independent persons apparently fell on deaf ears. What Nnaji did was clearly unlawful and any form of conflict of interest is corruption, whether it emanates from naivety or willful misconduct.

For an embattled and heavily criticised government of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nnaji’s personal misfortune was an opportunity for a public relations coup of sorts. It enabled the government to demonstrate its oft-stated commitment to the highest standards of probity in public life, as well as the sanctity of the Performance Contract Agreement, which ministers signed last Wednesday.

But then, does Professor Nnaji come out as a villain and the Presidency smelling of roses in all of this? Not exactly. True, the former minister has no excuse for not demonstrating enough sensitivity to the provisions of the law as regards conflict of interest by a man in his sensitive position of public trust. However, it seems that

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•Prof Nnaji

Professor Nnaji was a victim more of his own naivety than a deliberate effort to breach good faith. For one, it is noteworthy that the former minister reportedly informed the NCP of the involvement of a company in which he had an interest in the privatisation bid, explaining that he was not aware of the development earlier since he was no more involved in the company’s operations. On the basis of this disclosure, Nnaji voluntarily stepped aside from the consideration by the NCP of the Technical Committee’s report on the privatisation process, despite being a statutory member of the council by virtue of his position. As commendable as this gesture was, it definitely came too late. Professor Nnaji ought to have anticipated the possibility of this kind of clash of interest and acted proactively to prevent any such occurrence. He was inexcusably insensitive to the fact that the several toes he inevitably stepped on in his dogged implementation of the power sector reforms would seize the slightest opportunity to pull him down. His carelessness gave them ample opportunity.

Professor Nnaji’s sudden exit is certainly a big blow to the ongoing power sector reforms. His successor will need some time to study the terrain, familiarise himself with the issues and evolve a working rhythm.

Surely, this kind of unhealthy occurrence could have been avoided if there had been greater thoroughness and diligence in the process of appointing ministers. The Presidency

‘The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed to her present position from the World Bank. In the same vein, the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, built her career with Shell, the petroleum multinational ... While President Jonathan has demonstrated uncharacteristic decisiveness in sacking Professor Nnaji, he continues to dither in dealing as ruthlessly with those ministers that presided over the rot in the management of the purported fuel subsidy’

has nothing to gloat about in this matter. Rather, in the light of this development, Nnaji’s appointment was redolent of carelessness, even incompetence, on the part of President Jonathan. The President certainly cannot claim ignorance of Professor Nnaji’s antecedents in the power sector before his appointment as power minister.

Nnaji had been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power Limited since his return to the country in 2003. The company had been involved in building and managing power stations, both in the East and Abuja, prior to his becoming power minister. Before President Jonathan administered the Oath of Office on Professor Nnaji, was he not appropriately advised as regards his nominee’s active involvement in the power sector and the real possibility of an eventual clash of interest, especially given the far-reaching reforms under way in the sector?

Beyond resigning from the Board of Geometrics and placing his shares in a blind trust, what really was Nnaji expected to do? Was he expected to liquidate his shares in the company, and was he expressly told that? Was he expected to prevent the company from bidding for legitimate business in the power sector and was this made clear to him? In any case, when President Olusegun Obasanjo acquired shares in Transcorp while in office, were his interests not reportedly put in a blind trust to prevent conflict of interest?

If the practice was acceptable in one case, why has it become objectionable in the case of Professor Nnaji?

What we are confronted with is obviously a case of systemic rot.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed to her present position from the World Bank. In the same vein, the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, built her career with Shell, the petroleum multinational.

Yet, the interests of these transnational institutions do not necessarily correspond with those of the Nigerian state. Moreover, while President Jonathan has demonstrated uncharacteristic decisiveness in sacking Professor Nnaji, he continues to dither in dealing as ruthlessly with those ministers that presided over the rot in the management of the purported fuel subsidy.

When he bows to the rule of law and promptly reinstates the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, as recommended by the National Judicial Commission (NJC), we will believe that President Jonathan is serious about probity and integrity in public office. For now, his unfortunate penchant for double standards is as condemnable and inexcusable as the conflict of interest for which he axed Professor Nnaji, the only minister in the Jonathan presidency who has given Nigerians some cause to cheer in the power sector.

Warning: Smoking can kill you’

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OBACCO use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Around 400,000 people die each year from smoking, which cuts lives short on average about 13 years.

And that does not include the 50,000 who die from exposure to secondhand smoke or the 8.6 million whose illnesses are caused by smoking.

Congress took note of these facts when it passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, which requires large, graphic warnings on cigarette packages about cancer, strokes and other deadly diseases caused by smoking. The new warnings were carefully chosen to replace text-only warnings that had become ineffective — “unnoticed and stale,” the Institute of Medicine reported — in the face of the tobacco companies’ long history of deceptive advertising.

The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in a 2-to-1 ruling last week, struck down the new warnings on the grounds that they violated the First Amendment rights of the tobacco companies. It ruled that the government failed to provide evidence that the warnings would reduce smoking rates, and therefore could not justify what it called a restraint on corporate free speech.

But this view ignores that these companies have spent billions of dollars over many decades misleading consumers about smoking’s terrible consequences, and that the warnings require companies to disclose accurate information. As Judge Judith Rogers noted in dissent, there is good evidence that bolder warnings will “alleviate” some of the harm.

“The government has an interest of paramount importance in effectively conveying information about the health risks of smoking to adolescent would-be smokers and other consumers,” she said, and “nothing in the Supreme Court’s commercial speech precedent would restrict the government” from doing that with warnings.

In March, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in a related case, disagreedwith the majority in the District of Columbia Circuit, upholding the new warnings. There is now an important conflict to resolve in the federal circuits about the labeling requirement. The government should seek review of this ruling, and either the full District of Columbia court or the Supreme Court should uphold the law.

– New York Times

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

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•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

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•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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COMMEND Dr Reuben Abati, the presidential spokesperson for a well done job in the piece he wrote on Sunday August 26 to defend his boss, the President which he titled “The Jonathan they don’t know”.

May I remind Abati that he was formerly among the people he referred to as ‘they’ and either sooner or later he will come back and join the people he referred to as “cynics, the pestle – wielding critics, the unrelenting, self appointed activists, the idle and idling…..” because, like his boss, he will not be in Aso villa forever.

The same Abati now calling the opposition and other activ-

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

The Jonathan they don’t know ists “Alaseju” was once known for criticizing governments.

Dr Abati thinks he can be more ‘Catholic than the Pope’ when he said that President Jonathan’s claim that he has no shoe was a metaphor whereas the President never said he spoke in parables when he said he had no shoes. Instead of de-

fending what is not defendable, I expect Abati to have encouraged his boss to declare his assets publicly so that governors and other political office holders can emulate him and thereby reducing corruption among our political office holders.

Dr Abati claimed that “President Jonathan was the first Ni-

geria leader to appoint a woman as his chief Economic Adviser as well as the Nigerian who opened up the Nigeria Defense Academy to woman …….”, But he forgot to mention the difference these women have made since they assumed their posts.

For instance, Dr Okonjo –

UN bombing: whither the victims’ families?

ONFUCIUS said, “to put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivated our personal life; we must first set our hearts right”.

The United Nations is seen as a nation for all citizens of the world. She is believed to be a place of succour and relief to a dying lot. She has over the years since her birth been a pillar of hope and shelter from the storms that rock the impoverished people of this world. She has been out in fight against poverty, AIDS, Malaria, Global underdevelopment. She has through and with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lent support to governments of many developing economies. She has though her Security Council with the support of NATO stood against oppression and injustices in various nations of the world, against wars, terrorism and their likes.

From the lots that make her up, she has been and acted as a mother to the rest. But now, it looks as though all her actions had ulterior motives, hidden agendas and preferences of class and status, for as

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days turn to weeks, weeks to months and now months have become a year since the bombing of her office building in Abuja, Nigeria, nothing has been publicly heard of any effort by her to support the loved ones of the victims of that ill-fated act.

Just few days back, it counted 366 days of that bombing that killed many people leaving their loved ones with sorrow, grief, and a puzzle that is nearing con-

fusion. Yes, it would be a year of a nation not meeting up to the yearnings and security of her people. One year, after that dastard and nefarious act that has devastated many individuals and families. One year, and there is still no public notice or reference of any support, for those the victims left behind.

It cannot be that the mighty has fallen in the midst of the battle.

Has the mother taken sides? Has

she become a shadow of herself?

Has she been feigning, putting the world right? Has she been feigning care all the while? What should we make of all her pronouncement of cultivating a good personal life with her Human Rights Declaration? Has she truly set her life right?

We wait.

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obidinma Abuja

On the new N5000 note

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AST week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a comprehensive review of the structure of the nation’s currency with effect from next year, which would lead to the introduction of a N5,000 bill as the highest naira denomination.

The currency review tagged, “Project Cure”, would allow the bank to convert lower denominations of N5, N10 and N20 into coins, thereby increasing the naira structure from 11 to 12; divided into six coin and bank note denominations.

The apex bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the measure would upgrade the design of the entire existing range of currency denominations in

order to enhance the quality and integrity of the banknotes, incorporate a more effective feature for the visually-challenged, the introduction of new and security features on the redesigned banknotes.

Over the years, the nation has been retarded by the shackles of inflation and devaluation of its currency, although, the CBN claimed that it had curtailed the annual inflation rate below 10%.

In 2011, it increased key interest rate about six times, rising from 6.25% to 12% and on January 31, it decided to maintain the key interest rate at 12%, to reduce the impact of inflation due to reduction in fuel subsidies.

The ravaging effects of inflation caused by high currency

notes are virtually the same everywhere. For instance, Argentina went through steady inflation from 1975 to 1991. In the early 1975, its highest denomination was 1,000 pesos. In late 1976, the highest denomination was 5,000 pesos.

This slide continued until 1992 when currency reform led to 1 new peso exchanging for 10,000 australes. The overall impact of hyperinflation of 1992 is the slide of peso into near oblivion.

The CBN’s decision has been perceived as an attempt to further impoverish the economy with the N5,000 note amounting to devaluation of the Naira. And devaluation is nothing but a reduction in the value of a currency in relation to those goods, services

Iweala who was ranked as no 81 among the 100 most powerful women in the world by the influential American publication, Forbes, has only used her influence to push for the removal of fuel subsidy thereby increasing the suffering of Nigerians; she recently claimed that budget implementation was 56 % when it was clear that this was not the case as the National Assembly has since pointed out.

Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Petroleum Minister has been busy awarding contracts to the Ex – militants. Not to forget the Special Adviser to the President on inter – governmental relations Mrs. Mariam Ali, who is standing surety for Christian Taylor, one of the oil marketers on trial for alleged fuel subsidy fraud and while her step son, Mamman Ali is also among the suspects on trial for alleged three billion naira subsidy scam.

Abati should keep up the good work of defending his boss so that he can retain his job till 2015. But he should be mindful of the way he addressed the activists and the opposition because he will soon join the people he is referring to as “they”; it will soon be time for another king that will know not his Joseph to emerge.

•Ajiboye John Tosin Osogbo Osun State or other monetary units with which that currency can be exchanged. It translates to the official lowering of the value of a country’s currency within a fixed exchange rate system, by which the monetary authority formally sets a new fixed rate with respect to a foreign reference currency, usually the Dollar.

It is therefore most likely to be counter-productive and detrimental to the nation’s fragile economy. The CBN cannot afford to be penny wise, pound foolish. It should, therefore, suspend further implementation of the introduction of the new currency note.

Adewale Kupoluyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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COMMENTS

Apapa Port and the Nigerian economy

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EADING through British documents during their occupation and administration of Nigeria, expansion and modernization of the Apapa Port as the entry point of Nigeria was always top priority. The port itself is not a natural seaport, so enormous amount of money over time has been spent on modernizing the port and on diverting the Atlantic waters through the construction of a moat in Victoria Island to Apapa in order to increase the accessibility of seagoing ships to the Apapa Port. In spite of this, dredging of the port still has to be done on continuous basis. It appears that there are no major natural ports on the Nigerian Coast. The situation in Port-Harcourt is even worse than Lagos and it has virtually been impossible to totally develop the Calabar Port in spite of all efforts in that direction. The ports in the Delta, like Onne, are too remote from the population centre of the country to be viable alternative to Apapa. This is why Tin Can Island Port was built in order to decongest Apapa. As a strategy of decongestion, this has failed. It is now incumbent on the government of Nigeria either on its own or through Public Private Partnership (PPP) to have a comprehensive look at port development in Nigeria.

Olokola, between Ondo and Ogun states, Warri, Onne, Burutu, Forcados, Port-Harcourt and Calabar and perhaps Badagry should be thrown open to development and privatisation in order to facilitate evacuation of goods and export of Nigerian goods to the world market. As at now, it is only those who have to do business in Apapa and who have been stuck for hours and for days that would understand why port development is very critical to the Nigerian economy. I once tried to drive from FESTAC through Apapa in order to reach other parts of Lagos, but got stuck in Apapa for almost seven hours, before I could escape through the terrible transport chaos and this is why this article is being written.

In 1982, returning from the USA, where I had had a national assignment, I actually wept trying to clear my goods at the port. First of all, all the officials of the shipping companies and port authorities that I was dealing with were Indians and as a patriotic Nigerian, I just could not understand this. And as it is characteristic of people from the Orient, I was fleeced to the bones. Yet when I remember colleting a car I imported in 1980 from Europe, in Baltimore the nearest port to Potomac, Maryland where I was living, it took me only about 30 minutes to conclude all formalities and to drive off with the car after payment of something

P

OOR President Goodluck Jonathan. He was at his wit’s end on Monday when he spoke on the state of the nation at the ongoing conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

The president is miffed that he is being held responsible for all the problems plaguing the country.

He believes that he is being wrongly accused because he is not the country’s first president and as such cannot be the cause of all its problems. There, Mr President missed the point. Is he not the sitting president? Answer: yes, he is.

Is it not under his watch that Boko Haram has been terrorising parts of the country? Has power supply improved under him? Has graduate unemployment been addressed by his administration?

These are pertinent questions that the people are asking every where they go. It has even come to the point that they ask if we have a government. We have a government as we all know, but the government appears not to be up and doing. This is why Mr President the people are complaining. Don’ t make the mistake sir of thinking that it is only your predecessors that are not happy with the way things are.

Many Nigerians feel the same way and they are complaining loudly in their homes, churches, mosques, markets, barbers’ shops, bars and hair dressing salons. The people have genuine reasons to complain because they voted for you to improve their lot. Or were you not voted into office by them?

You can only refuse to listen to

like 40,000naira. A situation like this in Nigeria would have left me short of millions of naira after several agonizing weeks of going back and forth.

Of course, there’s no aspect of Nigerian life in which we do not go through suffering in order to transact business.

Even when you have taxes to pay, the tax collector would want you to bribe him/her before collecting your tax. If you are sick and rushed to the hospital and a teaching hospital for that matter, whoever brings you there would have to move from one window to the other paying and collecting receipts which he would have to show to the officer in charge of the emergency ward before you would be admitted and before he would start looking for a doctor to attend to you. If it was a serious case by that time you would have been dead; and the process of collecting your dead body could also become problematic.

As Nigerians, we seemed to be inured to suffering and instead of complaining, we just take it in stride. As individuals, this attitude may be alright, but for the national economy, the bottleneck in Apapa is a cancer which we have to remove by all means. Temporarily clearing trucks and trailers from Oshodi Express roads and the ports is an ad hoc measure which is not sustainable. It has been done before and it has become a recurring decimal and it is only a madman that does the same thing over and over again, even when it is not effective. This is why I’m calling on the government and the private sector to look at ports development in Nigeria, so that our economy can grow.

It was not for decoration that he white man extended the railway to the Apapa Port, but unfortunately, this is now a museum piece. Why over the years, we have not invested good money on the railways beats me. Most of the problems of inter-city road transportation in Nigeria not to talk about the accidents on the roads, occasioning the loss of lives are caused by lack of railways. It is however heartening to hear the recent announcement that the Federal Government is committed to building a standard railway from Lagos to Kano, beginning with the Lagos-Ibadan segment. It is hoped that this segment would have built into it the crisscrossing of the Apapa Port by rail lines so that we can forever remove trailers from the port. This would of course not solve the problem of port congestion in Nigeria until we develop several other ports along our long Atlantic coastline.

The Lagos State government’s plan for a free trade zone

along the Lekki corridor involving the development of a port complex as well as an airport needs to be treated with the urgency that it deserves.

These v a r i o u s developments had better be done now that we have resources to do them, than wait for the time of scarcity which is bound to come because of the rapid depletion of Jide Nigeria’s hydro Osuntokun carbon resources.

The next decade would be critical to the future of Nigeria because we need to put the infrastructure for a sustainable economy in place because the remaining life span of the petroleum fueled economy is probably about 30 years after which time would set in. This is therefore the time to make haste while the sun shines.

‘The Lagos State government’s plan for a free trade zone along the Lekki corridor involving the development of a port complex as well as an airport needs to be treated with the urgency that it deserves. These various developments had better be done now that we have resources to do them, than wait for the time of scarcity which is bound to come because of the rapid depletion of Nigeria’s hydro carbon resources’

Jonathan’s confessions their plaintive cries if you were not voted in by them and by so doing, you will be confirming the belief that the election which brought you into office was flawed. From all indications, the people seemed to have learnt to live with flawed elections, but find it hard to live with a government that has not met there aspirations.

The Jonathan administration cannot hold anybody responsible for its ineptness. It is the sole responsibility of governments worldwide to solve problems. This is a responsibility that cannot be shifted. Forget about the saying that the people are the government. Yes, they are in the sense that they vote their leaders into power, but they cease to be that powerful after the election. Once that right has been exercised, the elected leaders become the government.

Now, government is abstract.

Those serving in it are conferred with authority, which they exercise on behalf of the state. In the exercise of state power, they can do and undo, as long as they are within the ambit of the law. President Jonathan sits at the head of this power wielding group. The president’s authority is derived from his election and subsequent swearing in to office. He derives his power from the people and the Constitution. The president is the face of the country and wherever he goes people will be interested in how Nigeria is faring un-

‘I am sorry to say this, but if what we have seen so far is the president’s best, it is far, far below expectation. I don’t expect him at this stage to be complaining about criticisms, what should engage his mind is how to make Nigeria work again’

der him. What will he tell his fellow presidents, if at a summit, they enquire about Nigeria from him.

Will he say the country is doing well when his colleagues know that things are not that rosy here.

Every country has its problems, but they are not insurmountable.

What is required is pragmatic leadership. If President Jonathan can provide such leadership, Nigerians will be happy. We know that he is not a “miracle worker” because we did not vote for one. We voted for a human being, who like any other person will bleed, if you cut him.

We also know that being human, he also has his shortcomings, notwithstanding the fact that he is president. Presidents are first human beings before being presidents. We understand that he cannot do beyond his human capabilities but as president, especially of a country like ours, he must go the extra mile.

He cannot wish away problems, he must be ready to tackle them headlong, if he wants to make the difference that he promised us in his speech at the NBA gathering. He should learn from former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who took his country from a Third World to a First World.

HE president cannot tell us in all sincerity that he was not aware of the enormous challenges of statehood when he sought office. I can remember him campaigning that he would address these challenges on coming into office. He specifically mentioned that epileptic power supply will be a thing of the past in no time on his assumption of office.

His report card so far in respect of power is nothing to cheer about, except his decision to relieve Prof.

T

Barth Nnaji of his job for alleged conflict of interest on Tuesday. It is rather unfortunate that President Jonathan has not shown sparks of a leader that means business. If he does not know, he should know now that the presidency is serious business. I have said it here and I will say again, at the risk of being called names by his image makers, that he should go back to the drawing board and rethink his strategy for running this country.

I am sorry to say this, but if what we have seen so far is his best, it is far, far below expectation. I don’t expect him at this stage to be complaining about criticisms, what should engage his mind is how to make Nigeria work again. Nothing, Mr President is working in the country today.

If you are asked, what is your achievement since coming to office on May 29, last year, what will be your answer sir? I hope it won’t be that some of your predecessors and the media have not been fair to you in the assessment of your administration. I hope you will learn to accept criticisms as you move on because a man in your position is not expected to be bothered by such things. Uneasy, they say, lies the head that wears the crown.

I do not even agree with you that you are the most criticised leader ever in the world. Were you not in Nigeria when Obasanjo and Babangida were our leaders? Were they not virtually torn apart by Nigerians, including some of those now serving in your administration.

Close your mind to criticisms and fix your heart to the job at hand. Your whining now about ‘undue criticisms’ will not achieve anything if your administration continues on the path it is treading. Let there be a breath of fresh air in your adminis-

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

tration and there will be a change in the way you are perceived.

This is why I am comforted by your vow to leave a legacy at the end of your tenure. But then to do that calls for hard work. I hope it was not a statement made on the spur of the moment, just to impress your audience because very soon we shall be reminding you of the pledge. I pray that when we do that you will not accuse us of “undue criticism”.

Please, let these your words be at the back of your mind henceforth : ‘’I think I am the most criticised president in the whole world, but I tell this noble audience that before I leave, I will also be the most praised president...what I can tell Nigerians is that let those who criticise continue to criticise. We will do our best and as we progress, Nigerians will know the truth and will see that we are committed and will surely transform this country’’.

Mr President, I say amen to that.

After all, the Bible tells us that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. I beseech you to set us free from the bondage of inept leadership by making us know the truth (i.e the stuff you are made of) in good time.

SMS ONLY: 08099400204

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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COMMENTS

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HE Ibibio of Cross Rivers and Efiks of Akwan Ibom separated from their kinsmen in Southern Cameroon by the 1961 plebiscite are the same, sharing personal names, culture, traditions and speaking closely related varieties of IbibioEfik language. Yet off-shore oil wells almost tore them apart following the ceding of 76 off-shore oil wells to Akwan Ibom by the Supreme Court as a result of the loss of the status of a coastal state by Cross Rivers.

The Supreme Court judgment itself is not only inelegant but short-sighted. The respected judges whose high office demands not only ensuring justice but also stability ought to have looked beyond legality to social processes which is far more important than legal considerations. But their loss is Governor Godswill Akpabio’s gain. The ‘offshore wells- overwhelmed’ and ‘oil wealthsoaked’ governor, instead of greed chose to teach the judges as well as his greedy Southsouth colleagues, currently beating drum of war, in the name of‘our people’ they have swindled for years , some lessons on the values of fairness and compromise relationship , the ‘greatest badge of honor’ in a federal system.

It is difficult for a critical observer to see any difference between Cross Rivers’ unyielding quest for a portion of the off shore oil wealth despite not being a coastal state, any less ludicrous , than desperate northern elite’s absurd argument , (allegedly advanced , by Professor Attahiru Jega, INEC current chairman, during the Abacha Constitutional Conference) that ownership of oil in fact resides in the North where it first deposited before sipping down to the coast to settle .

It is on this score one can understand Dr Babangida Aliyu, chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum’s declaration of a long drawn battle for the review of the controversial on-shore/off-shore law.”We need to discuss it so that the interest of our people who elected us will be protected.

Nobody can intimidate us,’’ he had insisted.

This was coming on the heels of earlier claim of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and a number of northern elite that the poverty in the north was accentuated by huge disparity in the sharing of oil revenue between the northern states and the southern oil rich states.

Although the northern elite often put their failure to chart a better future for their people

L

AST week, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a Performance Contract with members of his cabinet. The contract set out timelines for meeting stated goals by members of his cabinet, hence enhancing their ability to be accountable, productive, transparent and focused in their assigned task of improving the general well-being of Nigerians.

As the President noted during the signing ceremony, the exercise was indeed momentous, not just because it is first of its kind since our return to democracy, it was also a bold and courageous commitment to improve performance and deliver quality and timely services to our citizenry. “We have set for ourselves a tough task and there is no going back. Nigerians expect a better deal from government and that is what they shall get, under my watch. And that is what each and every one of you must see as your primary goal,” the President told members of his cabinet at that occasion.

The signing of the performance agreement represents a new threshold in accountability and commitment of public officials to fulfilling promises on which basis they were elected into office. The exercise cannot be described as just another government “ceremony”, as one serial critic said on television. The exercise is even much more important as an indication of the fact that despite all attempts to derail it from its goals- as manifested in the relentless attempts by an insurgent group to instigate ethno-religious conflicts in some parts of the country and unjustified, sometimes silly criticisms from the opposition, the Jonathan administration has been able to effectively keep its eyes on the ball.

I also recall that the President had charged his ministers with nearly these same words when he was swearing-in the last batch of his cabinet last year July. The President had told the then new members of his cabinet that they must prove that they are deserving of the honour of recognition and of the portfolio assigned to them by ensuring that the ministry they head serves the interest of public good, and promotes the highest standards of ethical and

Off-shore oil wells: Greed must give way to compromise on the door step of others, but they like the people of Cross Rivers have the right to feel aggrieved on the issue of off-shore oil wells, some of which are located 200 miles into the sea.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduagnan, the governor of Delta, a former secretary to ex governor Ibori’s administration, claiming to speak on behalf of ‘our people’ instead of the political, military, business and intellectual elite of the zone that have swindled the people for close to three decades, said “our people have for long lived with the stark evidence of a mindless exploitation of the oil resources in their land; the despoliation and degradation of their environments without concomitant benefits to them as a people and to their communities where these resources are.”

No less fraudulent is the federal government’s claim that: “The Presidency views with grave concern the current attempt by some politicians to heat up the polity by seeking to reopen fresh conflict and controversy over the onshore/offshore abrogation law which was enacted by the National Assembly in 2004”.It is as if we have all forgotten that the sixth National Assembly was ‘a cash and carry’ assembly characterized by periodic delivery of ‘Ghana must go’bags as a prelude to discussion of any issue.

The oil-producing coastal states are right in pointing out that the northern elite’s attempt to blame them for the unacceptable level of poverty in the North is in line with its strategy

of blaming others for their self inflicted social problems. It is a common knowledge that northern successive ruling elite since the death of Ahmadu Bello in 1966 perpetuated the policy of of labourer-born-laborer or almajiris-born-almajiris. Members of the cohesive group own oil wells and also set up oil firms for their children. Besides feathering their own nests, no one is accounting for billions collected on behalf of the people in the last 32 years. But this as well, in my view still does not obviate their legitimate demand for a share of the off shore oil revenue.

The thieving past leaders of the oil-rich coastal states are not different from their PDP counterparts from the North. Apart from the good fortunes of the western parts of the coastal states that benefitted from the progressive policies of Awo, Enahoro, Ogbemudia, Ambrose Alli, Donald Duke and now Adams Oshiomole and Akpabio, the picture of the South-south is that of extreme of riches and extreme of poverty.

Like their counterparts in the North, the ‘vulture’(apology to Saro Wiwa) who armtwisted President Obasanjo to sign the offshore bill because of the latter’s desperate reelection bid in 2003, have served none but themselves. Alamieyeseigha was caught in France and Britain with tonnes of his peoples’ stolen money allegedly on the instigation of vindictive Obasanjo. Some of his fraudulently acquired properties in the US were few weeks

Jonathan’s pact with ministers

By Bolaji Adebiyi professional conduct. As the leader of the team, the President had warned his ministers that they will have to battle with different challenges, whether institutional or deliberately concocted even as they strive to implement the transformation agenda of his administration, hence his recourse to the immortal words of late Tai Solarin:”May your road be rough,” in charging them to gird their loins for the battles ahead.

The road has indeed been rough for the administration in the past one year. But the promise of transformation is also undeniably manifesting in the different sectors of our national life as many of the ministers seemed determined to ride the waves, no matter how rough it is to deliver on their mandates. In spite of deliberate frustrations by entrenched interests, the Ministry of Power, for instance, some days ago announced that Nigeria’s electricity generation has attained a new high hitting 4,477.7 megawatts - the highest ever generated in the country. Except for the 170MW being kept as reserve, every power generated is wheeled comfortably through the transmission infrastructure.

Even before this announcement, Nigerians across the country have been reporting improvement in electricity supply to their homes and offices, with many even saying they now go for several days or weeks without experiencing power outages. As a result, the price of Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel used to power generators has reportedly gone down as supply from the mains become more reliable. The improvement in power supply is a culmination of different strategic steps that have been taken by the Jonathan

administration in the past one year to improve the state of power facilities and right the wrongs of the past like lack of clear cut gas supply policy and system to the plants for instance.

The good news, as Power Minister Bath Nnaji has already indicated, is that the power supply situation will even get better in the next few months as new plants that will add over 500MW to the national grid are being completed for inauguration across the country. The number of jobs that will be created in the power generation and supply chains can only be imagined at the end of the on-going reforms in the sector.

Already, many Nigerians are “returning to the land”, to use a once popular phrase, as many new investors are coming to the agricultural sector as a result of the different policies of the Jonathan administration. Significantly, many states of the federation are putting facilities and inaugurating training programmes that will enable their people take advantage of the various incentives already put in place to encourage production of food and cash crops like rice, cassava, cocoa, cotton and the likes.

In the same vein, Nigerians that have had the opportunity to travel through our airports in recent times will confess that a lot is going on in terms of renovation of facilities. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Trade and Investment, also recently reported that government efforts to tackle challenges inhibiting investments in Nigeria is yielding result as investment flow to the country went up by 46 per cent in 2011.

Efforts of Jonathan administration to get more value for Nigerians as reflected in the passage and signing of the Nigerian Content Bill has resulted into creation of hundreds of new jobs and billions of naira

ago confiscated by the American government.

James Ibori is currently serving a jail term in Britain for stealing his people money.

Igbinedion was indicted by the courts.

Like the northern parasitic elite that periodically integrate a few hungry people to form a more cohesive group of vultures, the leadership of the South-south has been doing the same. The latest is the $5.6b contract to ex-militants to monitor pipelines. Bribing a few people to monitor pipelines, a job better done by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, otherwise known as drones widely used for surveillance of pipelines elsewhere in the world, is mortgaging the future of those youths who at the end will remain a liability to themselves and the state.

Those now threatening war and blaming each other for the adversity of their poor, have since independence collaborated in raping their various people. Festus Okotieboh was the finance minister and most powerful of Balewa cabinet. Saro Wiwa was a federal commissioner at his early twenties under Gowon regime adjudged not very corrupt.

Tam David West was oil minister. Dan Etete was Abacha oil minister. It was under Anthony Ani as finance minister that Abacha stole billions of oil money. Ibori literarily sponsored Yar’ Adua’s election with his peoples fund to cover his sordid past. Allison Madueke, the current oil minister is from South-south. All the current South-south governors like their avowed enemies belong to PDP. President Jonathan, ‘their son, our president’ is the leader of PDP. For the way forward, we can go back to ‘The patriots’, (a group of Nigerian intellectuals headed by the late Rotimi Williams), which in 2000 proposed restructuring of the nation into six geo-political zones with a revenue formula based on derivation while revenues from offshore wells go into the federation account .This sound fair for a nation running a federal system where some of the oilproducing states have benefited from policies such as ‘quota system’ and federal character principles .

By the way, the petroleum minister only this July, said revenues from off-shore account for between 30-35% of our oil revenue. It will appear, except to the‘vultures’, or self-serving leaders, that 50% derivation on what is left, if we remove greed, is good enough, if like Akpabio, we value the virtue of compromise relationship in a multi ethnic society.

of new investments in the sector. Recently, the Federal Government also sent the Petroleum Industry Bill, which when passed by the National Assembly will put Nigeria and Nigerians in the driving seat of the country’s most prized asset.

There are many such impactful achievements of the Jonathan administration in the different sectors of the national life that have taken place in the past one year. With the new performance contract, the President will even be able to gauge which member of his cabinet is working in line with the transformation agenda and vice versa.

There is no doubt that the President is committed to delivering on his transformation promise even faster as indicated in the performance bond he has entered into with his foot soldiers. What we can do as Nigerians, the ultimate beneficiaries of that commitment, is to continue to support him.

• Adebiyi, special assistant to the President on media, writes from Abuja

‘There are many such impactful achievements of the Jonathan administration in the different sectors of the national life that have taken place in the past one year. With the new performance contract, the President will even be able to gauge which member of his cabinet is working in line with the transformation agenda and vice versa’

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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NATIONSPORT THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Osaze not ready

Victor Moses set for Chelsea debut Friday

for Eagles, says Keshi

FIFA U-20 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Okparanozie talks tough ahead Mexico clash •Targets more goals •Says dope test was her first

F

•Keshi •Osaze

NIGERIA/LIBERIA CLASH

NFF plans chartered flight for Eagles

ALCONETS’ striker, Desire Okparanozie has assured that topmost in the priority list of the team is to defeat Mexico in the quarter final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Japan and progress to the next stage.

In a chat with NationSport from team's camp in Japan, the dangling forward said she and her teammates are targeting a good game against the South Americans that have also had a good run to this stage of the competition.

Asked what Nigerians should expect, Okparanozie said: "Victory all the way.

A good game from the team. God willing l should score tomorrow. I feel good whenever l score. In a football match scoring is the most important thing and today will not be an exception."

She promised that the determination that has taken the team thus far will come to play in the crucial encounter, adding that the Edwin Okon-tutored side have relied on God's help for success.

"I think this team is better than that of the last edition, because we have scored more goals in three matches we have scored eight goals in the group stage and conceded just one. The last team scored few goals," she said.

Okparanozie said they know a little of the Mexicans and will capitalise on that to check the team, especially the key players which are not new to her.

On the recent dope test she

By Innocent Amomoh underwent, Okparanozie said: "It was a good feeling. I was calm, there was cause for panic. Happy to experience it for the first time in a World Cup. I was not worried because I knew I was clean, but I thank God there were no misconceptions."

The student of the Ozoro Polytechnic in Delta state called on Nigerians to keep praying for the team as they are determined to go all the way in making the country proud.

•Okparanozie

NIGERIA VS MEXICO

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

'Sunshine will go for full points in Tunis' From Tunde Liadi,Owerri

LIBERIA VS EAGLES 2013 ANC QUALIFIER

Keshi to name home based players Saturday •Predicts tough match against Liberia •Ready to play on either Astro turf, grass pitches From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

•Ordega

Claude le Roy confirms for Soccerex Seminar Lagos

Hockey Premier League enters crucial semi-final

Ugo Ukah

I have respect for Mexcico—Okon

undergoes surgery

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IGERIA defender Ugo Ukah has undergone a successful surgery for an arm fracture at the Carolina Medical Center in Warsaw, Poland. The surgery was done under the supervision of Dr. Robert Smigielski on Monday. The former AC Parma defender fractured his arm in a game against Górnik Zabrze and will now be on the sidelines for several weeks.

The towering defender who spent the previous five seasons in Widzew Lodz, on Friday debuted for Jagiellonia and lasted for just 12th minutes before the injury when he was kicked in the hand

by Bartosz Ivan. “After the game, I thought it was a bone that broke, but the scan after the incident showed that two bones were broken,” disclosed Marcin Popieluch,Jagiellonia assistant coach.

Ugo Ukah told MTNFootball.com that he will return to football earlier than the doctors predicted.

“Everything went according to plan. I underwent a successful operation at one of the best hospitals as far as surgery is concerned in the world, Carolina Medical Center in Warsaw,” Ugo Ukah told MTNFootball.com “I was brought in here on Sunday and hopefully I will resume light training with Jagiellonia next week Monday. I should be ready for action in two weeks.” Club doctor Popieluch said Ugo will be out for up to four weeks so as to allow the bones heal well before going back to action.

“I think it will be up to at least three or four weeks before Ugo returns to training with the team. There is no need to hurry him because the bones have to grow together,” he said.

“The hand will be immobilised on the forearm so that Ugo could not move and do not destroy what has already been worked out.”

Rangers declare Ofoedu wanted

•Seizes hitman's entitlements

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

INSIDE NUC to launch eaccreditation portal

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Unknown to many, Kwara State blazed the trail in teachers’ assessment test, which it conducted without a fuss in 2008. When Ekiti attempted to toe the line a few months ago, it incurred teachers’ire. Now Bayelsa is insisting on a test for its teachers, threatening to sack those who refuse to sit for the exam. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE reports

THE National Universities Commission (NUC) will on September 7 at the University of Calabar inaugurate its first-ever Online Programme Acccreditation Portal.

An initiative aimed at automating the accrediatation of universities’ academic programmes, the portal automates the database of universities ...

-Page 28

‘Nigerian/UK graduates, no match’ NIGERIA graduates are no match for their counterparts trained abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions Robert Ikazoboh, has said. Ikazoboh, who has been conducting competency tests for Nigerian graduates for years, do not match their counterparts trained abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom...

-Page 37

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

Three die as cultists clash in Ekpoma IT all started as an argument in a bar. Then, it snowballed into a skirmish. Within two days, two students were dead, cut down by guns and matchetes in a sleepy neighbourhood.

Another student was hit by bullets; he writhed in pains and moved unsteadily until he fell with his face to the ground...

-Page 29

• Dr Fayemi taking the salute from Ekiti NUT members during Workers’ Day celebration

States, teachers tango over test T

EACHERS are vital in the learning process. The success or failure of pupils depends largely on them. This is why whenever there is mass failure in public examination, they are vicariously held liable.

The performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has improved of recent but it is still far from being impressive.

In the 2012 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which results were released on August 10, only 38.83 per cent of the candidates made five credits in English Language, Mathematics and five other subjects - the benchmark for entry into tertiary institutions. Last year, the figure was 30.90 and 2010, 23.71 per cent.

Over time, policy makers have blamed pupils’ poor performance on dearth of quality teachers At the 81st anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abuja on July 10, the Education Minister, Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa'i, said the Federal Government was working on measures to address the problem.

She said: "Over the years, Nigeria has experienced mass failure in external examinations. The poor quality of educational outcome in recent

years is attributable to poor quality of teachers, among others. The Federal Government in an attempt to address this problem is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring quality teacher education and development. This is expected to translate to higher students' achievement and overall educational growth."

Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in a keynote speech at the Isaac Moghalu Foundation (IMOF) Lecture, listed poor quality teachers as a reason the education system is in a shamble.

She said: "The dearth of qualified teachers is a major issue affecting the quality of our education system.

The teaching profession is no longer held in high esteem - a major departure from my school days - and teachers' pay is considerably low, so relatively low-achieving students often enter colleges of education, according to our Federal Ministry of Education. Overall, an

• Prof Rufa’i

•Dr Okonjo-Iweala

estimated 57 per cent of primary school teachers are not fully qualified, according to a recent World Bank report.”

Apparently to address the problem, some states have, in the past five years, initiated programmes to enhance teachers’ quality. The most controversial of such measures is the assessment tests for teachers. The exercise has pitched teachers against their governments. They do not also agree that they are the sole reason for students’ failure.

In 2008, Kwara State tested 19,125 teachers in Primary Four Mathematics when the present Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdulahi, was the Com-

missioner for Education, Science and Technology. The exercise raised a lot of dust in its wake. Only seven teachers attained the minimum benchmark for the test in Mathematics. Only one of the 2,628 teachers with degrees passed the test; 10 graduates scored zero. The literacy assessment recorded only 1.2 per cent pass.

So far, the Ekiti State government has not been able to conduct similar tests for 16,000 primary and secondary school teachers under its Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) because of the teachers’protest.They have rebuffed entreaties by the Education Commissioner, Dr Eniola Ajayi, that the tests would not be a factor in their promotion or retrenchment.

"All over the world, if you fail an assessment, you are given a chance to do it all over again and again. If you have failed it three times in a row, you will tell us what you think we should do. On this first occasion, we cannot tell the teachers to

the years, Nigeria has experienced ‘Over mass failure in external examinations.

The poor quality of educational outcome in recent years is attributable to poor quality of teachers, among others

’

• Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

26

EDUCATION Foundation hosts US Counsul general

Ekiti State teachers have repeatedly boycotted the Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA). In this interview with KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Eniola Ajayi, explains that the exercise is to improve students' performance and not witch hunt teachers.

'Assessment is to enhance teachers’ competence'

W

HAT is the Teachers Development Needs Assessment?

The Teacher Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) is a policy of the state government aimed at tackling the decline in the education sector.

Through the assessment, we will be able to find out the strengths and weaknesses of our teachers, such that that those who are strong can help to mentor others and for those who are weak, can go through appropriate specific training in their area of weaknesses.

It is also in line with best practices all over the world. In United States for instance, if you want to be a teacher, you have to do a board certification, after that you do an annual practice licensing where you are constantly checked and engaged to see whether you are up to the speed with the teaching you are supposed to be doing. We want to know whether our teachers know what they are supposed to be teaching their students and how well they are supposing to be teaching them.

What was the reaction of the teachers when they heard about the Assessment?

We embarked on an advocacy programme in the three educational districts to sensitise the teachers on the need to tackle education in the state. On that occasion, they expressed fear that they believed that about 95 per cent of them will fail. I allayed their fears by telling them that it is a simple test, a basic thing that will help us to know who is who.

But they said the state government •Continued from page 25

go away, nobody does that, we all have children. If they fail the first time they re-take, if they fail the second time, they re-take, but if they fail the third time, then they will tell you to go and learn something," she told reporters in Lagos.

The tests did not hold on June 4 as scheduled. The teachers, acting on NUT platform boycotted most of the 39 test centres across the state, leaving invigilators, security agents and consultants from various universities waiting endlessly.

Governor Kayode Fayemi and others accused them of sabotaging government's efforts to sanitise the education system.After meeting with the national leadership of NUT, the governor said the teachers had agreed to write the tests, though a new date has not been fixed The Ekiti teachers are not happy with the NUT leadership for making such commitment on their behalf.

They opposed the national body, which they said never consulted them before accepting a decision they "see as a matter of life and death."

A teacher at Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, said her only reason for rejecting the test is that “government is actually planning to sack some of us, adding: “We don't know government's intention now. Principals who sat for it earlier are now regretting it."

Another one said: "We will sit for the test if we are clear regarding the intentions of government. No one fears tests. We also test our pupils.

But, really no one can be sure about the real intentions of government.

That's why we don't want to have anything to do with it."

The Ekiti State chapter of the National Parent-Teacher Association (NAPTAN) is on the teachers’ side.

The association said government should reconsider its insistence that

will use it as an opportunity to retrench. If we are going to retrench, we don't need an assessment to do so.

For example, registering students for WAEC, I told them that we are going to do TDNA and they started shouting and I had to explain the modalities and the reasons behind it.

When we started with this publicity we realised that some of the teachers I spoke to at the primary and secondary school levels across each educational district were not relaying the message back to their districts. Every assurance we gave to the teachers that we were ready to put in writing and that it was not for retrenchment seems to fall on deaf ears.

What will happen if majority of them fail the test?

That is why an assessment is supposed to be a periodic thing. We expect to do it annually. If we must do anything in Ekiti, we plan properly.

When the approval was given at EXCO, we agreed that TDNA must be done periodically. All over the world, if you fail an assessment, you are given a chance to do it all over again and again. If you have failed it three times in a row, you will tell us what you think we should do.

On this first occasion we cannot tell the teacher to go away, nobody does that, we all have children. If they fail the first time they re-take, if they fail the second time, they retake, but if they fail the third time, then they will tell you to go and learn something. If you know that you are supposed to sit for an assessment, you are supposed to go

back to your studies which is supposed to impact on the teaching of your students. If we are going to have the test annually, it means annually, we can expect that you read for one month and update yourself. That is what an assessment should achieve.

That is the truth of this.

How often does the state train teachers?

The state organises strategic training for the teachers very often but there is no way we can train 18,000 teachers including their principals at once. What we do is to train them in groups such as the Music teachers, Science teachers, Art teachers etc.

But we found at a capacity building that some people are just there to make noise.

They will be at the back making noise and shouting, and some women come with the babies strapped to their backs, with their house-helps right beside them and they will be feeding the babies. How much can they take from the capacity building? I intend to train 700 music teachers and when I get there to declare it open, only 300 have arrived. We have paid for the training, but they don't show up. Sometimes we can say that the problem of the teachers is themselves.

Are there any sanctions for teachers who failed to perform up to expectation?

The state once made school cert results a measure of the performance of the principals, that was when examination malpractice skyrocketed.

The principals wanted their students to do excellently well, so be-

T •Dr Ajayi

cause of that, they started cutting corners. But now there would be sanctions for bad behaviours and not measuring up to standard. One of our core strategies is in education is to ensure 'old school monitoring '. In the past, it used to be random sampling. At every given term, some schools will not get visiting but in other schools, you may have three groups visiting those schools, from the civil service commission, SUBEB, ministry of education, they all do monitoring.

Though there is a department in the ministry, dedicated to education.

In Ekiti State the state EXCO has just recently approved the establishment of a quality assurance agency.

That is the kind of thing that this agency will address. We are not going to sanction you for the performance of your child to know that it will cost you to do funny things. We will sanction you for not being in class when you should, for not teaching enough hours or covering the curriculum or writing your lesson notes completely. Those are the kind of sanctions we will give. Those are the ways we will help in improving the standard of education.

States, teachers tango over test teachers must write the test, adding that the attempt to enforce it might end up disrupting academic activities.

At a meeting in Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Ado-Ekiti, NAPTAN accused the “government of taking such a serious decision without first consulting with other stakeholders; especially the PTA.” In a communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Pastor Sunday Isikalu; Secretary, Mr Biodun Famoroti and Public Relations Officer, Mr Oke Gbenga, the association warned that the issue might assume worrisome dimension if not carefully handled.

NAPTAN advised the government to organise seminars, workshops for teachers to sharpen their skills as an alternative to the test, adding: “Instead of TDNA, promotional examination should be encouraged for whoever is due for promotion. The government should not have taken such decision without consulting with NAPTAN.” For the Bayelsa State Government, it is either the teachers write the test or they get the best. Governor Seriake Dickson did not mince words when he said primary school and head teachers must pass the tests they will take after a training programme or be sacked.

He said: "The exercise is part of government's plan to make drastic changes in the education sector in line with its free and compulsory education policy. A total of 5,119 teachers and 541 headmasters from public pri-

mary schools in the state are expected to be trained, retrained and be tested on the skills acquired at the end of the exercise."

But, the NUT is against sacking any teacher that fails.

Its Chairman, Comrade Ogola Brandla said: “Teachers are to be subjected to normal training and retraining or workshops and evaluations to be conducted as usual after such programme - though the union has told the governor to only retrain teachers and the word sack should not be there.

“Normally after training, workshop evaluation is conducted as an assessment to ascertain the level of understanding and that is not a true test.”

Besides governments, some academics also agree that teachers must be tested to certify them fit for the classroom.

In an interview with The Nation, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof Muhammad Junaid, said results of assessment tests could be put to many uses.

"The test is important as the teachers assess their students. Through such tests, you will know competent teachers who are doing outstanding work in their schools. It can also be to justify their qualifications, as well to lay off workers, whose employers consider incompetent on the job. It can also be used to detect their areas of deficiency for purpose of trainings and capacity development. When a

time comes to reward good service, the results of the assessment can be one of the yardsticks. So, we also need to tie good performance to good pay."

Former National Universities Commission (NUC) Secretary Prof Peter Okebukola while speaking at the Speech Day, Prize-Giving and Valedictory Service Ceremony of King's College, Lagos last month said: "For federal schools, all teachers, indeed all education officers, should be subjected to a comprehensive standardised test, not the type for promotion examination of the Federal Civil Service Commission but a test of knowledge of subject matter and ability to innovate and be creative in class.

All those who fail such tests should be weeded out of classrooms and "weeded in" to other departments in the Federal Ministry of Education. In state schools, the same treatment should be applied. If the Kwara State example of 2008 is indicative of the national picture, not less than 20 per cent of the teachers will fail the test. To make up for the shortfall, we should undertake fresh recruitment of young and vibrant teachers who are up-to-date in the knowledge of their teaching subjects and competent in the use of ICT to deliver exciting lessons to students."

Not all teachers agree that assessment tests are evil though.

Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Kwara State, Comrade Faruk Akanbi, said the

‘Teachers are to be subjected to normal training and re-training or workshops and evaluations to be conducted as usual after such programme - though the union has told the governor to only retrain teachers and the word sack should not be there...’

HE Ovie Brume Foundation will celebrate the end of the month-long reading programme at the Barack Obama American Corner today by hosting the United States ConsulGeneral,Jeffery Hawkins, who will read to the children, and award prizes to the best readers.

The Ovie Brume Foundation was founded in 2003 to honour Mr Ovie Brume, who died at 29.

Until his unexpected death, Brume was a big thinker who believed that the future of Nigeria lied in its youths, and was concerned that the present generation of business and political leaders were not doing enough to support the country's youths.

The Foundation was, therefore, founded to create an environment where Nigerian youths have easy access to the information and resources required for personal development and success.

It runs after-school programmes for homework assistance and examination prep, computer classes, courses in dance and the arts along with skills acquisition, career development, leadership workshops, and mentoring programmes, free to underprivileged students in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

The Barack Obama American Corner is a partnership between the Ovie Brume Foundation and the US Embassy in Nigeria in which there are a collections of literature of America's best writers, information about American society, how to obtain a visa to study and visit the United States, and be able to browse through many databases to do research in the internet cafe, among others pieces of information. teachers test carried out by the then Bukola Saraki administration assisted in making a distinction between certificate and competence.

Akanbi, who was the NUT chair then, added that the test made the government to discover quality teachers who could train others.

He said: “The test also led to the reorganisation of the state College of Education, Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area into College of Primary Studies. We equally realised that the teachers being churned out did no function effectively in their assigned duties. We were equally able to identify teachers that were outstanding and they were made to train to train mentor teachers.

“The test has assisted us to strengthen the quality assurance bureau through which we were able to harmonise the monitoring and supervision by SUBEB and local government education area.

“There were better roles designed for the supervisors which became hierarchical in nature and better.”

A teacher (names withheld) at Ojodu Abiodun Community High School, Berger, Lagos said teachers were more concerned about the pay than teaching.

"I think assessment tests are needed seriously. I don't mean to be biased but I think some teachers are incompetent. Government needs to conduct the tests. Many of the teachers are mostly concerned about their salaries. They are not concerned about their impact on the students," he said.

However, another teacher who teaches at Speedway College, Ojodu, Lagos said before insisting on tests, teachers must be trained first.

"Before government assesses teachers, they should send them on training first because teachers teach with materials. You can send them on training and assess them based on the training. After all, teachers teach their students before conducting tests for them," she said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

EDUCATION

JAMB to build e-centre

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HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will build a world class, equipped Computer Based Testing Centre (CBT) in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),its Registrar Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has said.

Speaking while receiving the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr Peter Yohanna Ushafa, and a 10-member delegation, in his office, Ojerinde said the proposed e-examination centre would be equipped with ICT facilities that can accommodate 250 candidates.

He said the strategic location of the centre would also provide opportunities for other examination bodies like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to conduct their examinations using the facility.

According to a statement by JAMB

Amosun approves promotion of 4951 teachers

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

spokesman, Timothy Oyedeji, the centre will provide candidates living in surrounding communities like Garam, Kuduru facility for practice session, thereby helping in the development of ICT knowledge.

The Registrar thank the Bwari Council for its support and good neighbourliness that the Board has enjoyed since relocating from Lagos in 1990.

The Registrar said JAMB would comply with the rules that reserve all junior appointments for indigenes of the locality where the office is located.

Earlier, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr Peter Ushafa, had commended the Registrar for the high standard and integrity with which he had conducted the affairs of JAMB since his assumption as the Registrar of the Board.

He said Bwari Area Council is proud to be associated with the Board, adding that many Nigerians and, in-

T •Prof Ojerinde

deed, FCT residents have used JAMB as the landmark to describe the location of the council.

Describing the Registrar as a man of vision, he said as a leader of people desirous of upliftment and development, he is counting on the support of JAMB to realise his lofty ideals of massive infrastructural development of Bwari Area Council between now and the end his tenure.

HE Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has approved the promotion of 4951 teaching and non-teaching staff of the state Teaching Service Commission successful in the 2011 promotion exercise.

Chairman of the Commission, Ms Olubukunola Onabanjo, while disclosing this in Abeokuta, said 3,875 senior and 1075 junior staff were affected.

A statement signed by the Information Officer of the commission, Mr Isaac Oseni, quoted Onabanjo as saying that the promotion will take effect from July 1, 2011 for the seniority purpose and July 1, 2012 for salary payment.

The commission's chairman, according to the statement, charged the workers to reciprocate the gesture by intensifying their effort

towards the success of the rebuilding mission of the Senator Amosun government, assuring that government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the development of education in the state.

Recently, the governor has also introduced incentives to boost the morale of teachers including reviewing the allowance of those in rural areas upwards.

The state has also organised capacity training workshop for 1,000 teachers and school administrators in collaboration with a publishing firm, Learn Africa Plc, and paid burial entitlements to families of dead teachers who died in active service.

Legal council visits Crescent Varsity

A

•The newly inducted members.

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HE Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Lagos State Chapter, has inducted members who are from Nigeria's industries, manufacturing, construction, commerce, and public sectors.

NATE is a professional body of practical Technologists and Engineers, regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), with the major aim of promoting professional excellence among technologists and engineers.

In his address at the event, the Chairman of NATE Lagos branch, Technologist Bartholomew Ukaegbu said the group was established to cater for the professional development/welfare of engineering graduates trained in the

NATE inducts members

By Ramat Musa

polytechnics, as well as the general interest of graduates of technology from either polytechnics or universities.

Being the first induction by the association in Lagos, Ukaegbu said graduates of engineering and technology would be encouraged to join for their own good. ''This is just an awareness to encourage graduates of engineering and technology to join the professional organisation as it is necessary in some other professional courses as it enhances opportunities of securing jobs and contracts. It should be noted that someone was

disqualified during an international interview when he was asked whether he belonged to any professional organisation and he said no,'' Ukaegbu said.

On the importance of the ceremony, the Rector represented by Dean of Engineering Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Rotimi Dinrinfo said NATE is one of the professional association that monitor and regulate how members behave professionally and to make them subscribe to the ethics of the profession.

Representing the National President, Dr Leo Okereke, the immediate President, Mr Ramsey

Nana, advised the new members to be professional in their carrying out their official responsibilities.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Mr Dele Oyewu, representing the Director-General Mrs Gloria Elemo, said the inductees should see themselves as a brand new engineers, technologists by sticking to the ethics of the profession and not only to discharge their duty to the best of their ability, but to the standard of the profession since what the organisation will expose them to will be different from all they have been taught in school.

CTIVITIES to start the academic programmes of the College of Law at Crescent University, Abeokuta reached its climax last week with the visit by the Council of Legal Education.

The visit was to complement that of the National Universities Commission's (NUC) accreditation visit in January in pursuit of approval of the programme.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hassan Kehinde Okeleye said the College of Law (COLAW) would bring the number of colleges in the university to five. Others are: College of Information and Communication Technology (CICOT), College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CONAS), College of Social and Management Sciences (COSMAS) and College of Environmental Sciences (COES).

Dr Tahir Mamman, team leader and Director-general, Nigerian Law School, Abuja said expectedly anything associated with the name of the Proprietor, Judge Bola Ajibola was expected to meet up with standard.

He commended the university for awaiting the council's approval, lamenting that many others had flouted the law by not waiting for Council's approval before starting their law programmes, a consequence of which was that their graduates were not admitted into the Law School.

Responding, Judge Ajibola assured the team that the university would not disappoint in implementing the programme.

"We hope we shall live up to expectation and the standard that is required. I would like to see a good upbringing here of our young ones in our profession," he said.

ICAN recognises Legacy Tutors

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HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has given a nod to Legacy Tutors, Lagos, to prepare students for its examination.

A team from the institute was at the centre Thursday last week for the purpose of inspection and accreditation as one of its recognised tuition houses in Nigeria.

Leader of the delegation, Dr John Enahoro (FCA), said they were satisfied with the centre's facilities.

He said, "The purpose of our visit is to look at what you are doing and to see how your activities will affect future accountants and how good you are training them.

Although, we have come for accreditation, inspection of facilities, the curriculum you are using, teaching capacity, and also to appreciate and support you, but we are being captivated from what

we have seen so far. We are very satisfied with the facilities you have on ground for training, and the standard ICAN curriculum you are using. We are impressed with the professional teaching capacity, decent and corporate lecture rooms with good lightings, and your hostel and bathroom facilities; certainly the atmosphere is conducive, congratulations".

In his response, Seun Oderinde, the finance director of legacy tutors assured the team that the centre will not rest on its oars.

"We have not gotten to where we ought to be. Our focus is to redefine the professional tuition in Nigeria and Africa at large. We intend to continue to impress and take ICAN tuition to the next level," he said.

He appealed to the institute for access to valid information that can help the centre pursue the vision.

• Mrs Sola Iyiola (left) with graduands and teachers of Fesola International Kiddies School, Oko-Oba, Lagos duringtheir graduation.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

EDUCATION FEDPOFFA FILE Students win award STUDENTS of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (FEDPOFFA) have won an award for creating a password-enabled door and medical diagnosis software for hospitals.

The award at an Innovation and Technological Exposition Competition organised by Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) in partnership with the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The students came first in Technological innovation in the competition, outshining their peers from other universities and polytechnics at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Congratulating the team on behalf of the FEDPOFFA management, the Registrar, Alhaji AbdulHamid Raji, said the institute’s students could compete favourably with their counterparts in the country and beyond as far as technological innovation is concerned.

Speaking on the two projects, the Team's Faculty Adviser, Olaosebikan Oyeleke, said the projects were developed to address challenges being faced in the security and health sectors.

He also called for improved partnership with the Team so as to achieve many of its proposed projects.

FME/NBTE praise poly THE Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have praised the polytechnic for being peaceful after the protracted crisis of some years ago.

At the Fourth edition of the yearly July 31 Peace Commemoration Day of the institution, the representative of the Ministry on the Polytechnic Expanded Management Committee (EMC), Mrs Uwem Asomugha, congratulated the management, staff and students for the peaceful coexistence in the polytechnic.

A representative of the NBTE, Mallam, B.M. Bamamu also hailed the staff and the union leaders for their co-operation despite challenges in the system.

Speaking for the Management, the Registrar, Alhaji AbdulHamid Raji, urged workers to continue to cooperate with the authorities.

The chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, FEDPOFFA Chapter, Mr Kamoru Kadiri urged the Management to execute all agreed programmes for staff.

Staff School excels THE Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo, has workers of the Polytechnic’s staff schools for working hard to ensure that the schools maintain their leadership among schools in Offa and Kwara State.

At the graduation of the Women in Technical Education (WITED) Pre-Nursery and Nursery Schools held at the polytechnic mini campus, the Rector, represented by Head, Information and Protocols Unit of the Polytechnic Mr Wole Alawode pledged that the Management will continue to support the staff schools so that they will remain the best.

The Principal of the school, Olayiwola Roberts, said it recorded 100 per cent pass in English Language; Biology; Agriculture Science; CRS; Music; Geography; Financial Accounting and French.

Others are: 97 per cent in Physics and Chemistry; 95 in Economics; 94 in Food and Nutrition and IRS; 89.5 in Mathematics; 89.3 in Yoruba Language; 86 in Commerce; and 83 in Government and Literature in English.

Nigerian students shine in Ghana

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WO Nigerian students: Miss Christiana Esio Udoh and Miss Ita Chinelo Arinmah, have made first class at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana.

Udoh set a record by earning a cumulative average of 80 per cent from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the highest ever in the university.

Udoh did her A-Level at Showers International Christian High School ( SICHS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

in 2008 and was the valedictorian that year.

Arinmah also a SICHS product, made first-class in Business Administration and Accounting. The girls received awards and gifts from many Ghanaian bodies, including a notable female Ghanaian Parliamentarian who gave Christiana a laptop during the convocation on August 17 in Ghana.

In a statement in Port Harcourt,

Mrs Emilia Akpan, Managing Director of SICHS, said four Nigerian students, including Udoh and Arinnah graduated with first-class results from among the 75 Nigerians that graduated at the ceremony. Eighteen of them finished with Second-ClassUpper; 21, Second-Class Lower; while 12 others, pass.

Mrs Akpan said two of the seven Nigerian students who graduated from the university's Medical School and Human Biology were from SICHS. The university's Dentistry depart-

NUC to inaugurate online accreditation portal on Sept 7

T

HE National Universities Commission (NUC) will on September 7, at the University of Calabar inaugurate its first-ever Online Programme Accreditation Portal.

An initiative aimed at automating the accreditation of universities' academic programmes, the portal automates the database of universities with links to NUC for proper management of the Nigerian University System (NUS).

The portal, it will among others, ensure that the Minimum Academic Standard (MAS) in every programme is attained, maintained and complied with.

The new user-friendly online accreditation process will immediately come on stream with real-time updates of information and data management.

Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, in a statement signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr Akinbode Agbaoye, said: "With the

‘Use fermented food’

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Online Programme Accreditation System, the Commission has taken a major stride forward in making access to information more transparent and easier to apply in carrying out its oversight functions."

Okojie added that the project will harvest and display information directly from NUC Portal and databases.

"This allows for a secured, timely and cost-effective database system for all Nigerian universities as it enables them to upload students, academic and non academic staff data, including the entire information on professors. More so, the portal can detect double record input. Should a lecturer's records be in more than one university, the user gets a popup alert?

"The portal is one of the benefits of the National Universities Commission Data Base (NUCDB) project,

By Adegunle Olugbamila

A

•Prof Okojie

launched on November 12, 2008 to make the Commission more effective in its regulatory functions, for improved quality of graduates and programmes in the country," the statement read.

Project Consultant on NUCDB, Hon. Paul Adingwupu, said the portal boasts of well secured features, intended to modernise and improve the inspection and accreditation process.

3,000 pupils attend summer camp

O

VER 3,000 primary and secondary school pupils participated in a week of fun learning at the summer camp programme sponsored by Cowbell Chocolate, a brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited at the University of Lagos.

The camp, which is in its fifth year, featured outdoor recreational activities and skills development, and career counselling from various professionals.

The professionals including a

medical doctor, lawyer, journalist, accountant and others told the children the requirements of their jobs.

Other side attractions included a live performance by two Nigerian music artistes while the event culminated with a raffle draw, in which three pupils aged three to 10 won bicycles.

Mr Kachi Onubogu, Marketing Director of Promasidor said at the close of the programme at the weekend, that the programme was put together by the brand to equip kids on the necessary life’s skills

ment had its first graduation, with one student who passed out from SICHS. In all, Medicine and Surgery had 25 Nigerians out of which nine came from SICHS and same for Optometry which graduated three students with one of them being an ex-student of SICHS. Akpan, who is also the chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter, said Akwa Ibom State and the Southsouth zone produced two of the first class graduates as well as 50 per cent of all Second-Class-Upper degrees. She added that if wellmotivated, students from the Niger Delta excel.

that would assist them to become better citizens of Nigeria.

“It is the practice of Promasidor to get involved in all events that excite children and make such events memorable for them,” he said.

A participant, Master Atoyebi Temitope, a 14-year-old pupil of Great Anchor Secondary School, Lagos said it was exciting and fun to be at the event. “I want to say a very big thank you to Cowbell for all the things they have provided for us,” he said.

PROFESSOR of Food and Industrial Microbes at the Lagos State University (LASU), Senapon Bakre, has canvassed the introduction of traditionally fermented food into the school curriculum.

She said Nigeria is one of the largest producers of cereals in Africa, with many of them having fermented forms that are richer and more nutritious than junk foods.

Delivering the university's 45th inaugural lecture entitled: "Unseen forces: Microbes fermentation and mankind (MFM),", Mrs. Senapon said such step could be a starting point to further enlightenment on health benefits of fermented foods.

She said: "I want the government to introduce traditionally fermented food into the school curriculums. Let us inculcate into the school pupils the health benefit of fermented cereals so that when you teach your children, they will carry it home. You train a child, you train a nation.

"You can see from my research work, we took samples of certain snacks which primary school pupils eat and found out most of those snacks are not hygienic. But, if there is a food policy in which you can give them fermented food instead of buying them these snacks, it would help them improve health wise."

Mrs Bakre argued that though Nigeria remains one of the highest producers of sorghum in Africa, its health value is still being underutilised.

Monarch advises govt on local languages

A

MONARCH and a culture aficionado have canvassed the use of local language for education and business transaction.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesola and Executive Secretary of National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO) Dr Barclays Ayallorama made the suggestion at this year’s edition of the Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP), which ends in Akure, Ondo State, next week.

They urged the Federal Government to stipulate that local languages be used in those ventures as done in some countries.

NICO is running the one month programme during which participants made up of students, civil servants posted out of their states, military personnel, women in inter-ethnic marriages and others, are learning Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo and Izon languages.

During the opening of the programme, Oba Adesida urged the government to expedite efforts in the introduction of the use of local languages as media of business transaction in the three tiers of government.

The monarch also decried the situation whereby most children cannot

• From left: Mr Ojo, Chief of Staff to the Deji, Mr Bayo Aderintan, Oba Adesida and Mr Eriomala at the event.

speak their mother tongue fluently.

He asserted that language plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of culture and should not be neglected Similarly, Dr Ayakoroma appealed to Nigerians to pay unwavering attention to language revitalisation across the country through the use of indigenous languages in legislative business, education, and the media.

Ayakoroma, who was represented by the Director Research and Documentation, Mr Louis Eriomala, reiterated NICO's commitment to preservation of Nigerian indigenous languages and sustenance of her rich cultural heritage through the inclusion of Nigerian languages in the curriculum of NICO Training School, the establishment of cultural clubs in secondary schools and encouragement of indigenous lan-

guage quiz and essay competitions.

The event was treated to colourful and exhilarating cultural performances by NICO South West Zone Theatre Troupe and NICO Cultural Clubs from Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School and Oyemekun Grammar School both in Akure.

The Southwest Zonal Head of NICO, Mr Ohi Ojo, implored Nigerians to participate in the monthlong programme.

29

*CAMPUSES

Award winning students’ finest hour

Remembering ‘the pathfinder’ Azikiwe Page 31

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0802-4550-354 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Three die as cultists clash in Ekpoma Three students were reportedly killed in a bloody cult clash at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. WALE AJETUNMOBI writes.

Christopher Nwokwule and Cynthia Onoriode dated when they were undergraduates at the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin, Edo State.

They got married after their graduation.

JOYCE MARCUS (Mass Communication) attended the wedding in Benin City.

From campus to the altar

•Ambrose Alli University gate

I

T all started as an argument in a bar. Then, it snowballed into a skirmish. Within two days, two students were dead, cut down by guns and machetes in a sleepy neighbourhood. Another student was hit by bullets; he writhed in pains and moved unsteadily until he fell with his face to the ground.

With no help from the frightened populace, the injured young man died on the spot.

This is not a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. It all happened at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

When students resumed for the second semester last July, none of them had the premonition of a violent encounter between two rival cult groups; they were looking forward to a hitch-free semester.

Barely two weeks after resumption, the campus was thrown into turmoil, following the cult groups’ disagreement. At the time of filing this report, residents of the offcampus hostels adjacent to the school were living in fear.

Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, recalled what led to the crisis. According to them, the trouble started last semester when a member of Vikings Confraternity waylaid two students at a quiet off-campus location, dispossessing them of their mobile phones.

Unknown to the attacker, one of his victims was a brother to a Black Axe member. This development re-ignited the age-long war between the rival cult groups. But the fracas, it seemed, was postponed to the current semester.

When the new semester kicked off a few weeks ago, a violent clash ensued between members of the Black Axe Confraternity, popularly called Aye, and the Vikings. This time, the Vikings alleged foul play in the university’s anti-cultism war.

The other group allegedly accused the Vikings of “profiling”.The Black Axe accused Vikings of using its former members now working in the university’s anti-cult unit to spy on Vikings members and activities.

Attempts to settle the rift failed as a member of the Black Axe was allegedly gunned down. In retaliation, members of the Black Axe shot two students.

A final year student, who did not want to be named, said some of the slain students might have been rus-

ticated. He declined giving their names.

“For anybody, who is conversant with happenings at Ekpoma, such killings are regular that no one is surprised any longer. One of the students killed in the latest clash was not in school; he may have been rusticated. But I am sure he must have been deceiving his parents at home. The university management knows what to do if they are serious about getting the culprits,” the 500-Level Law student said.

Others, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, urged the university management to stop the cult clashes within and outside the cam•Christopher and Cynthia •Continued on page 30

•Continued on page 30

•Bishop visits varsity -P32• Council boss pledges support for Corps members -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

The beast in social media interaction

R

with

ENÉ Lodge Brabazon Raymond, popularly known by his pen name James Hadley Chase, was an English writer with whom those of my generation are familiar. You’ve not started reading novels if you’ve not read Chase’ was a popular saying back then. Chase, who died in 1985, is one of the greatest thriller writers of all times. The canon of Chase, comprising 90 titles, earned him a reputation as the king of thriller writers in Europe. Fifty of his books have been made into films. All of his novels were so fast-paced that the reader was compelled to turn the pages in a nonstop effort to reach the end of the book. The final page often produced a totally unexpected plot twist that would invariably leave even his most die-hard fans surprised. Early books did contain some violence that matched the era in which they were written, though this was considerably toned down as plots centred more on circumstantial situations to create the high degree of tension that was the hallmark of his writing.

In several of Chase’s stories, the protagonist tries to get rich by committing a crime — an insurance fraud or a theft. But the scheme invariably fails and leads to a murder and finally to a cul-de-sac, in which the hero realises that he never had a chance to keep out of trouble. Women are often beautiful, clever, and treacherous; they kill unhesitatingly if they have to cover a crime.

So, when the news of the alleged murder of Cynthia Osokogu, the 25 year- old daughter of Major-Gen. Frank Osokogu (rtd) broke last Thursday, it read like one of the plots from the legendary Chase. Two young men, Odera Ezekiel and Okwoma Nwabufor, who claimed they were undergraduates of University of Lagos and Anambra State University (both institutions denied they are undergraduates), allegedly lured the unsuspecting young lady to Lagos in the guise of

Agbo Agbo 08052959489 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com supplying her goods and, in a most gruesome manner, allegedly murdered her. The entire nation was shocked. Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State said they do not have a place in a civilized society.

In the midst of the sad news, I took out time to monitor the social media to gauge the mood and reactions of those in her generation to see what lessons were learnt from the entire episode and what I gathered was a mixture of anger, hate, crass ignorance and in some cases, missing the track entirely. Since the duo initially claimed they were undergraduates, it is possible that they may have been hanging around these campuses giving the impression that they are bona-fide students.

The first set of people I met on the social media were those castigating the late Cynthia for being “loose” or having a hidden agenda for “runs” ( a parlance that could mean anything from sexual frivolity to unwholesome business practice). Reacting to these insinuations, one commentator said:“Those who were castigating the poor girl on the web can now have a rethink; yes she may have been naive to trust her friends on the social network who are of the same tribe with her, but you cannot accuse her of any immoral motive. Those “friends” deceived her that they have clothes to sell to her, which in her innocence she fell for. How many of us Nigerians in trust import and pay for things abroad which are eventually delivered to us? These “friends” have murdered sleep, they have brought untold grief to an innocent family, they will never have peace on earth and a greater punishment awaits them in heaven”

Listen to this; “How can a 33-year old be allowed to remain in school as an undergraduate. At what age will he graduate, at what age will he start seeking for job and at what age will he be able to find employment in Nigeria of today. Our educational policy needs a total review. If a student cannot graduate at most at 28 years, he should be expelled from the school. These people are pure cultists hanging around the campus. Banks and other employers limit their fresh graduate intake to age 25-27 years, and here was a man of 33 loitering around a university campus, an accident waiting to happen. Now this is the result.”

I singled out this comment because many people shared this opinion about pegging the age limit for being in school! I’ll like to point out that education is a fundamental right of all and age should not be a barrier to learning. Just because some people are misbehaving does not mean that students beyond a certain age bracket are evil-minded. In the midst of emotions running riot, we should pause and ponder; If Cynthia had told about five persons about her business venture, it is possible that one of them would have told her to be cautious and tread carefully.

“Do we now say these guys were not well brought up by their parents or they just decided to live their lives carelessly,” says a concerned parent. “Parents, please let’s always pay our children unannounced visit in school on campuses, when they are out let’s do a thorough check of their room/apartment, ask questions about them from their friends, course mate, course advisers, teachers, roommates etc. We are not perfect but we should not cease from praying for our children. Imagine if they had succeeded in their mission and Cynthia was still alive with a total loss of memory of all that happened. They sure would’ve been living large and be the envy of their colleagues. This is an eye opener for students out there, be careful what you wish for, who you hang out with and never be carried away by other student’s way of life cause you never can be too sure what the source is. Okwuoma Echezona Nwabufo and Ezekiel Odera Ilechukwu Olisa may God almighty Judge you.”

Three die as cultists clash in Ekpoma •Continued from page 29

pus. They urged the management to scrutinise the membership of the anti-cult unit.

According to them, some ex-cultists, who claimed to have renounced cultism, are still neckdeep in the practice. “They hang in there, feeding their members with security information” said a student in Chemistry department.

Not done yet, the cultists were said to have taken the battle outside the campus, provoking a statement from the university, following reports of a crisis in the school.

In the statement, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Chris Adamaigbo, said there was no crisis on the campus.

The statement reads:“There was no clash in the university, let alone the killing of students. The management urges the public not to always associate what happens in town with the university.”

Reacting to Adamaigbo’s statement, a student of Political Science, who craved anonymity, said on most occasions, management was not aware of what transpired offcampus.

“Though, the campus is peaceful

but the people killing themselves in Ekpoma are students of an institution. If they are not our students, who are they then?” he queried, urging the university authorities to strengthen security around the off-campus hostels.

Speaking to our correspondent on phone, Edo State Police Command spokesman Anthony Airhuoyo, confirmed the incident, but declined further comments. Attempts to get the Students’ Union Government (SUG) officials for comment failed as CAMPUSLIFE learnt the body had been proscribed.

F

In the course of my social media research I also came across those who were of the opinion that facebook be banned, and they are many. Though it is sad that some people have completely bastardized the laudable concept/idea behind sites such as facebook, which is essentially to serve as a veritable avenue for people to meet and socialise, this notwithstanding, we will not expect Mark Zuckerberg to shut down his money spinning site because of a murder in Nigeria. Instead, we should concentrate on letting people be aware that there are murderers, pedophiles, human traffickers, 419ers, drug dealers and other criminal elements in cyber space as there are preachers and educational institutions, in essence, maturity and foresight is required.

It is an irony that Mark Zuckerberg designed this social media while still studying in the university, at his dormitory! Then, some months ago, he went for an IPO and raised $100.04 billion in 48hours when he decided to go public with shares of his company. Is the Nigerian youth different? What is wrong with our youths? Couldn’t the duo have channeled their act toward positive goals? Others are celebrating success and breakthrough in different endeavours whilst ours are celebrating fraud and yahoo yahoo.

When will they start using their fertile minds to start inventing? Agreed, we may live in a suffocating environment, but researches have proven that nations make progress in the midst of challenges, ask the Japanese, Koreans, Brazilians etc.

Just like Mrs. Joy Osokogu, Cynthia’s mother advised youths to be very careful in their dealings, I’ll add that this should serve as a big lesson and eye opener to our young girls who are bent on either Facebook, BB etc. or nothing else, they should be careful how they go about their desire to be recognised and want to socialise, as it has its own perils as we’ve seen. Parents should also ensure that their children are not given too much freedom when it comes to socialising.

Some parents are of the view that the only way to express love to their children is to spoil them with material things in addition to giving them unhindered access to the kind of life they are not mature to handle. This is a wrong route to travel.

OR undergraduates, dating is part of campus life. Some see it as fun; others are serious about the relationship. From campus, some students sign a life-contract called marriage. This is the story of Christopher Nwokwule and Cynthia Onoriode, who graduated from the Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Benin.

They met as freshers in January 2009. While Christopher studied Accounting in the Faculty of Social and Management Science, Cynthia read International Studies and Diplomacy at their Faculty of Arts and Education. Despite the distance between the faculties, their paths crossed and it was love at first sight.They were also fellowship pastors.

The love birds shocked their colleagues in the graduating class of 2012, which is known as Class of Perfection - they got married two days after Christopher’s final exam.

In a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, Cynthia relieved how it all started.

“From the first day Christopher asked me out, he told me he wanted a marriage relationship. So, we had to work it out,” she said: adding “Christopher is all I want in a man and I am grateful to God for giving him to me.”

Not a man of many words, Christopher described Cynthia as “a won-

From campus to the altar •Continued from page 29

derful person and I love her so much.”

When CAMPUSLIFE asked him why they tied the nuptial knot immediately after graduation, Christopher said: “It was not a decision I made in haste during the period of our final exams. The agreement had been reached a year ago. We are adult and mature. We feel comfortable now that we are out of school.”

On whether the unemployed love birds won’t regret their decision, Christopher said he started his music career at 18 but “I was called to the ministry at the age of 21, which made me to leave music for a while even after I launched an album.”

“I have a registered company and we are starting soonest. What we have left to do is technical matters,” he said.

Cynthia said she supports campus dating if it leads to marriage.

‘It was not a decision I made in haste during the period of our final exams. The agreement had been reached a year ago.

We are adults and mature. We feel comfortable now that we are out of school’

Entries for the 4th CAMPUSLIFE Annual Awards •Oyo State Corps members during the sensitisation rally on child labour to Oja Oba Market located in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area PHOTO: TUNMISE OLADIPO

Between September 6 and 30, entries will be received for the 4th CAMPUSLIFE Annual Awards coming up later in the year.

Correspondents should watch out for details.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

31

CAMPUS LIFE The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has honoured Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe posthumously.

UCHE ANICHEBE (500-Level Law) reports.

Remembering ‘the pathfinder’ Azikiwe

•Chief Ezeife....after the programme

Y

EARS after his death, Dr Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe still lives in the memory of many, including students. Last week, the late Azikiwe virtually resurrected at a programme, held

by Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The event was the first of its kind in the institution. It took place at the expansive university auditorium politicians, principal officers of the university, SUG officials and students.

The late Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president and a foremost nationalist, was an indigene of Anambra State. In 1991, after Enugu was carved out of the old Anambra State, the former Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTH) was named after him.

The guest speaker and former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, presented

•UNIZIK gate

a paper entitled:Revisiting the Legend: Dr Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe.

Ezeife extolled the late Azikiwe’s

virtues of Zik, saying erudition, foresightedness, commitment and vision were part of the quali-

ties that defined his personality.

“Zik was original and a thoughtful man. Even in death, he is most qualified to be called a living legend,” he said.

Ezeife said: “To Zik, the challenge before Nigeria was the need to restore the dignity back to the country. Azikiwe was a pragmatic politician par excellence, who was concerned about the liberation of Nigerians from all works of life from the psychological and physical effects of neocolonialism.”

He enjoined students and politicians to promote the ideologies of the late Azikiwe if only to foster unity and development.

Director of Wisdom Foundation, Mr Emeka Asogwa, urged the students to emulate the exceptional qualities of Azikiwe. According to him, “every name is a product of achievement. One of the reasons behind the name of Zik of Africa is personal development. Zik was a man of books; he was a voracious reader. Diligence has no substitute. The time has come for the youth of today

to brace themselves up and impact on the society. They must also cultivate the habit of reading because today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader.”

The event also featured entertainment, in which some models displayed T-shirts inscribed with the names and picture of the late Azikiwe. The audience was later thrilled by dance performances by some student associations.

The SUG president, Victor Onuegbu, described the late Azikiwe as the greatest Nigerian that ever lived. He said: “A golden fish has no hiding place.

Excellence is always spotted and rewarded. It, is, therefore not a thing of surprise that the Great Zik has been immortalised by the government that named some symbolic monuments after him which include the N500 note, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, UNIZIK among others.”

Present at the occasion was a former Commissioner for Environment in Anambra State, Mike Ebgedike, member of the House of Representatives, Kenechukwu Chukwuemeka and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof Austin Nyeonyelu.

At the end of the programme, Tobe Obodochi, Mass Communication student, said: “This programme is a clear indication that the officials of the SUG have purpose and direction. I am greatly impressed and I am certain that Zik of Africa would feel immensely elated by this honour done to his memory.”

Another student, who came from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), said: “The event was a spectacular one. I praise the SUG officials for appreciating one of the prominent founding fathers of Nigeria. It is my opinion that if the philosophies of Zik are followed to the letter, Nigeria will be extricated from the shackles of colonialism, and we will witness massive change and prosperity.”

Students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) have elected new union executives. VICTOR NWOKEDI (200-Level Polymer and Textile Engineering) reports.

T

HE announcement jolted students. The management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) penultimate Monday dissolved the Students’ Union Government (SUG). None of the union’s officials believed the news until the authorities unfolded plans to conduct fresh election, which came up four days later.

The tenure of the disbanded SUG was rocked by crises, which led to the suspension of the union president, Otis Elendu, 400-Level Food Science and Technology, and his Director of Transport, Chima Alloziem, 400-Level Civil Engineering.

Since there was little time for campaigns, students contesting the election mebarked on horse-trading immediately, the election date was released. Some used text messages to canvass for vote; others openly talked to voters to realise their ambitions.

The aspirants’ target was the fresh students, considered to have voting power than their senior colleagues.

The belief was that the freshers could easily be hoodwinked.

Buchi Okafor, 100-Level Electrical and Electronics Engineering, told CAMPUSLIFE: “Some of the aspirants interrupted our lectures daily to get support. They offered us mobile airtime and writing materials with their names inscribed on them.

They believed that was the only way they could get our attention.”

To ensure a hitchfree exercise, the Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Prof Ogbulie, held a meeting with the contenders before the election. He instructed them not to induce the stu-

FUTO holds SUG election •Students on queue to vote during the (SUG) election

dents with money, urging them to base their campaign on issues.

A source in the DSA office said the advice was to prevent the recurrence

of what happened in the past when SUG members, used money to win election. He said: “they spent exorbitantly to win elections and after

they assumed office, they involved themselves in all sorts of shady deal to recoup their ‘investment.” The source said any aspirant that induced

•Godson...the president-elect

the students with money during the campaign would be disqualified.

This measure went down well with many students. Henry Asapokhai, 300-Level Industrial Physics, was happy with the decision.

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

32

CAMPUS LIFE

Faculty inaugurates exco

T

HE Nigeria Universities Education Students’ Association (NUESA), a faculty association at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has a new leadership. The association’s affairs had been overseen by a caretaker committee since 2010.

The association conducted election recently and Lucky Obeten was elected president. Other top officials are Lovina Asukwo, Vice President and Egwu Inyangn, General Secretary among others.

From Emmanuel Ahanonu and Unimke Ipong UNICAL

Lucky thanked the students for electing him to pilot the affairs of the association. He vowed he would never allow his personal interest to override that of the association. Certificates of “call to duty” were handed over to the new executive members. The chairman of the caretaker committee, Nelso Ubong, handed over relevant documents to the new president.

PHCN orientates students

S •Reverend Iheagwam with his wife and FUTO students during the visit

T

HE Anglican Chapel of Light (ACOL), Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO), last Sunday, witnessed a blissful service as Anglican Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Reverend E.U. Iheagwam, visited the chapel.

The atmosphere was filled with joy as members of the congregation celebrated the awaited day.

The visit marked the Bishop’s last Episcopal function. Reverend Iheagwam visited the church with his wife. The ceremony featured programmes that included confirmation of communicants, induction of 22 ladies into the Anglican Girls Guild (AGG),moving over of the chapel to its permanent site, which was termed crossing from

Bishop visits varsity chapel From Chiemeriwo Okereke FUTO

Egypt to the Promised Land and launching to equip the new church building.

At the service, the Chaplin of the chapel, Venerable Kelechi Okere, presented the candidates to the bishop who in turn confirmed them during the service. In his speech, the visiting Bishop commended the members of the chapel for their effort towards the building of the church. To the confirmed candidates, he said: “To whom much is given, much is also expected.”

The FUTO Vice-Chancellor, Prof

Chigozie Asiabaka, who was represented by his deputy on Academics, Prof C. Onwuagba, in his speech, appreciated the bishop for the visit. He remarked that the excellent performance of the students both in external and internal examinations was as a result of the permeation of the word of God into the students. He thanked the Bishop and wife for the inspiration they have given to the students.

At the ceremony were Reverend Joel Chima, Venerable Ezenwa Ucheghara, Venerable Benjamin Nkwocha, Reverend Chukwuma Chigozie and Reverend Eugene Amadi among others.

TUDENTS undergoing their Industrial Training (IT) at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Power Plant, Ughelli, Delta State, have been taken on a tour of the power plant by staff of the Safety Unit of the power company.

An official in the unit, Mr Gabriel Binite, explained that the monthly exercise was aimed at enlightening the students on the safety precautions that needed to be taken as well as the activities of the firm. Benite enjoined the students to be safetyconscious, saying “when you are told to do something, look properly to

A

FTER being suspended for a year, the legislative arm of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Students’ Union Government (SUG), bounced back. The parliament was inaugurated penultimate week amid excitement by students.

The event took place at the Old Senate chambers under tight security. It started with swearing-in of hall executives, which comprised of hall governors, Secretaries and the welfare officers. This was done by the president of the union, Ayi Imah.

The election of the four principal officers of the parliament followed immediately. Three students vied for the position of speaker. They were Eme Bassey Effiom, Godswill

T Niger Delta students elect leaders

S

TUDENTS of Niger Delta under the aegis of Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) went to the poll last week to elect leaders that will oversee the affairs of the union for another year.

The election, which was held amid tight security, was conducted by an electoral committee headed

by Samuel Koklette. National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) officials were at the venue to monitor the exercise.

The election was held at Okirika town, Rivers State, with eight delegates representing each state constituting the Niger Delta region.

The northern and eastern zones sent 15 delegates to vote on their behalf. Before the commencement

From Emmanuel Shebbs UNICAL

of the election, there was accreditation of the delegates, which was done at the entrance of the election venue. The exercise lasted two hours as delegates screened by security agents.

Before voting commenced, the delegates were lectured on how the voting should be done. They were equally advised to drop acts that may send them to jail.

NIDSUG Legal Adviser, Mr Kalada Nonju, advised the students to avoid rigging. He urged them to vote the candidate “of your choice and go.”

The election commenced after the distribution of voters’ card to

the delegates. They were lined up in a single file to cast their votes under the watch of a host of observers and security agents.

After the election, collation and counting of the votes began immediately. This was done by the electoral chairman while the agents of the candidates watched as he counted.

Tombara Yalah was returned as the president. Other elected officers included Onyinyechi Agu, Assistant Financial Secretary, Mercy Iziebge, Tresurer, Frank Ojukwu, Provost and Obada Akpomiemie, Senate President.

Tombara said: “I thank the students for believing in my programme. I want to assure them that the mandate will not be abused.”

ensure that there is no danger and if you think there is danger, request for protective equipment.”

The students were taken from one unit of the power station to the other and were lectured on the principle governing the generation of electricity. Benite said the power station used gas to generate electricity, noting that the gas is usually obtained from the Natural Gas Company of Nigeria and Shell Nigeria Limited.

He pointed out harmful materials in the company to the students to ensure their safety.

Union parliament returns

Leaders for Catholic students

•Some of the students during the voting exercise

From Philip Okorodudu DELSU

HE Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), St Joseph with the Workers Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka chapter, has inaugurated executive that will oversee its affairs for the next one year.

The NFCS comprised three sub chapters in the school hostel, Ifite environ and the temporary site, which is made up of students living at the temporary site of the university which is the mother chapter. At the permanent site, the ceremony started with the holy mass which was officiated by Reverend Father Chika Okpalaeke and Father Matthew Udobi. The priests praised the outgoing

From Emmanuel Shebbs and Davidson Maduagwu UNICAL

Otu and Emmanuel Ulayi.

Godswill stepped down, leaving the stage for Bassey and Emmanuel. After the election, 110 votes were cast, out of which 30 were given to Bassey while Emmanuel had 76. Emmanuel became the speaker.

The SUG President Comrade AyiEkpenyong inaugurated the principal officers telling them to start up with their parliamentary duties.

One of the parliamentarians, said: “We can say that the students’ union government is complete.”

Other principal officers are Tony Igbinoba, Deputy Speaker, Obeten Okoi, scribe to the parliament and Godwin Michael, Sergeant at Arm. From Oluchukwu Igwe UNIZIK

executive members for their efforts in promoting the catholic faith in the school. He equally enjoined them to be the backbone of the new officers.

In his speech, the outgoing vice president, Nnaemeka Onyebueke, urged the new executives to formulate policies that will take the association to an enviable height.

Joseph Obasi, who emerged the overall president, thanked the students for electing him and promised to “live the faith” which is the motto of the association.

Other executives of the permanent site included Austin Ezenwa, Vice President 1, Lilian Njoku, Vice President II, Charles Ozonze, General Secretary, Esther Nkemjika, Assistant Secretary, Cynthia Uzoma, Financial Secretary 1, Deborah Odimegwu, Financial Secretary II, Joseph Uchechukwu, Public Relations Officer among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

33

CAMPUS LIFE Varsity holds orientation for sandwich students

T

HE Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), held her orientation programme for about 1,160 sandwich students, who were admitted into the university for the 2012 academic session. The ecermony took place at Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Batho Okolo, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Malachy Okwueze, who welcomed the fresh students to the school. He advised them to make good use of the resources provided by the university and shun examination malpractice, cultism and vices that could terminate their studies.

The Director, Institute of Education,

Education students elect officers •Some Corps members during a advocacy rally in the local government recently

Council boss pledges support for Corps members

T

HE Caretaker Committee chairman of Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Honourable Idris Lapade, has promised to give adequate support to Corps members posted to serve in the council to make their service year memorable.

He stated this last week when the state co-ordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Pastor Alao Olanipekun, and his management team paid him a courtesy visit as part of the familiarisation visit to the council secretariat.

From Musliudeen Adebayo IBADAN

The council chair, who praised the scheme for impacting knowledge and skills on its members, also hailed the coordinator for using diplomatic approach in handling and settling various issues brought before him by the council.

Lapade, who promised to donate benches to the NYSC orientation camp at Iseyin before the next batch of Corps members are mobilised, also promised to rent a befitting house to be used as temporary

corpers’ lodge in the local government to ease the suffering of corps members posted to the council. He said the lodge would accommodate the Corps members pending the time the permanent lodge would be donated by the council.

Olanipekun, in his response, praised the council chair for his vision, urging other political office holders to extend the same gesture to the serving youth. The session was attended by the scribe of the council, Adamu Bello, Information Officer, Adesola Busari, principal officers of the council and Corps members.

Muslim graduates give scholarship to students

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From Mosur Abdulrahmon IBADAN POLY

The lecture was delivered by Arch. A. Obatade of the Oyo State Ministry of Works. He urged the students to be serious with their studies and also join the alumni when they graduate from the institution so as to contribute their quotas towards the development

of the association. He also advised the students to be technologicallyinclined for self-reliance.

The Acting Rector of the poly, Mr F.A Adeniran; Oyo chapter PIMGA president, Mr Musbaudeen Adesina, Mr Qozeem Olawoyin, Mr Adegoke Abdulah, Mr Mudathir Abdulrasheed, Abideen Ladeji, Ismail Ogunlade and Hajia Aminat Adeagbo among others were at the event.

Prof Nkadi Onyegegbu, said the Institute would ensure that the basic needs of students would be met. She urged the students to attend lectures.

A top aide of the VC, Mr Gab Ndu, who was represented by Mike Asogwa, encouraged students to visit the websites of the school for information about the university for guidance.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Director of Curriculum, Prof Chris Onwuka, Co-ordinator of Women Studies, Prof Julie Ibiam, coordinator of Teaching Practice, Prof Joy Nwoji and her assistant, Mrs Uche Uzodimma.

From Musbaudeen Shekoni LASU

Meanwhile, Gbolahan Oladejo, 100Level Economics Education, who contested for the office of the AGS described the exercise as a sham. He said his opponent was campaigning during the election, which was against the rule of the exercise. “To have lost the election does not mean we should cause fracas. It means we have not worked hard enough but I believe I can still get there next time,” Gbolahan told CAMPUSLIFE. After the exercise, Sherif Bello was returned as the president-elect while Folashade Abolade became the Vice President. Others are Yoosuph Sulaimon, General Secretary, Muatapha Okoya, Assistant General Secretary, Felicia Ajao, Financial Secretary, Mariam Sule, Treasurer, Akeem Akinola, Public Relation Officer, Yusuf Lasisi, Sports Director and Muhees Badmus, Internal Auditor.

Campus journalists honour NUJ chair, others

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HE Polytechnic Ibadan (IBADAN POLY) Press Council has honoured People who have contributed to the development of the council. The honoured included Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Adigun, chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Olugbenga Opadotun and Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Bosun Oladele among others.

Adigun was honoured as “Astute Legislator of the Year” while Opadotun bagged “Role model” award, while Oladele also bagged “Role Model” award. The award was part of the activities marking the press year of the council. The event took place at the institution’s assembly hall.

At the event were Comrade Rotimi Babalola, who represented the NUJ chairman, Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Millennium Development Goals, Mr Ganiyu Fawole, Acting Rector of the polytechnic, Mr. F. A. Adeniran and former members of the council among others.

The four-day event also featured a seminar on career and life after graduation, presentation of papers, visit to media houses such as Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), orphanage homes and a football com-

•From left: MGA president, Muslim Abdulrahman, Mr Adeshina, Ladeji, Ismail, Abdullah and Adeniran

HE Muslim Graduates’ Association (MGA) at the Polytechnic Ibadan (IBADAN POLY) has presented scholarship worth N200,000 to students of the institution. The association presented the cheque to beneficiaries during its annual celebration held recently at the Middle Belt New Central Mosque. It was tagged Towards our Alma Mater.

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HE Nigerian Union of Education Students Association (NUESA), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, has held its election for new set of leaders. The election, which was held in the faculty last week, commenced around 10:45am and ended at 3:15 pm with over 490 students present at the poll to cast votes.

Only the positions of the president and the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) were the only posts contested for while aspirants for all other offices contested unopposed. Sadiq Mustapha, 200-Level Economics Education, said the election was fair.

From Olanrewaju Ajala UNN

From Musliudeen Adebayo IBADAN

petition.

The Press Council chairman, Temitope Enisomo, who presented the award to the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) lawmaker representing Akinyele constituency 11, said: “The award was in recognition of the lawmaker’s contributions to the lives of the youth, education and grassroots development programme such as provision of scholarship to the two pupils who represented the local government at the maiden edition of Florence Ajimobi inter-schools debate competition.”

Oladele, represented by the Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Information and Orientation, Ademola Solalu, in his lecture on youth and national development, described information as a critical source of power that must be utilised by youth for accelerated development.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sango Police Station, CSP Funmilayo Akinfenwa, who bagged “Role Model” award in women category, praised the students of the institution for the diplomatic ways in organising their protests and registering their grievances. The DPO urged them to be security-conscious.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE), Jos has held the third edition of its Legacy Awards and Festival in celebration of media students in tertiary institutions. JOHNPAUL NNAMDI (400-Level TV Journalism) reports.

•Some of the award recipients after the programme

OR the students, it was their finest hour. They have one thing in common: they have had distinguished themselves in the media industry. Penultimate weekend, they were honoured at the Legacy Awards and Festival, a yearly event, organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE). The event was organised to celebrate students’ creativity and excellence.

In the previous editions, only students of the college were celebrated. This year honour was extended also to the students of the National Film Institute (NFI) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

Activities that marked the programme included seminars, film previews and the award night. The workshops were organised to give the students a feel of what they would encounter in media and film industries by professionals in the fields.

David Uro, a documentarian, facilitated the documentary class; Sani Mu’azu, a film maker, lectured the students on film direct-

F

•A student being presented an award

Award winning students’ finest hour ing. Others were Iliyasu Kassim, who took the students on voiceover and screen writing and Ibrahim Dung, a photographer, for photography class.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, one of the organising officials Nasiru Idi, said planning the programme was challenging as the organising committee was confronted with financial and logistics challenges.

The awards night, which came upon the third day had in attendance students and staff of the TV College and dignitaries including the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. John Clark, Rector of TV College, Dr Ayo Fasan, Senator Victor Lar, chairman, Plateau House of Assembly Committee on Information, Hon Diket Plang, deans of faculties and heads of departments.

In his remark, Clark praised the

management of TV College for the event and pledged that the Plateau State House of Assembly would support the college in subsequent editions of the festival. He also advised students to take their studies serious.

He said: “To be relevant to the society, you must be serious with your studies and shun cultism, prostitution and other vices.” He, however, admonished the students to aspire to be good leaders and as potential media practitioners, be balanced in their news reportage.

The highpoints of the award night included a performance by the college’s drama club, Fly High crew, and presentation of categories of awards.

Abdulmalik Yusuf’s work won Best Fiction while Monsurat Adelekan was adjudged as the best Photojournalist. Best Presenter went to Aisha Zakari, as Ebere Iwonu

won Best Actor and Ashimana Ahue awarded Best Actress. Lawrence Dudu won Best Advertisement as Jibril Mailaifia won Best Editor, while Grace Akwe’s Street Voice won Best Musical.

A documentary, Dog Market, was adjudged the Best Documentary, while a film, Unheard by Joyce Ikeogwu was awarded Best Sound.

Joy Akuson appeared to be the star female of the night. She won Best Producer, Best TV Programme and Best Narrator. Kelly Agbo carted away the biggest prize, Best Director.

Also, some of the invited guests were honoured with awards. In the politics category, Icon of Politics award went to Sen. Lar while Honourable Clark was awarded as Peace Ambassador. The Academic Secretary of TV College, Mr Yakubu and Dr Fasan were awarded Patron and Grand Patron respectively. Rec-

ognition awards also went to Mr Niyi Oladotun, a staff of the college, and Hon Diket Plang, while the Pioneer Award was given to Alpha Vyapbong, the initiator of the Legacy Awards and Festival.

The head of panel of judges, Sani Mu’azu, noted that creativity, uniqueness, technicality, performance and visual interpretation were the criteria for judging the entries.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, an award recipient, Joy Akuson, who is a student of NTA TV College, said: “I feel honoured. I thank God, my lecturers and all those who have worked tirelessly to make this possible for me.”

Kelly, a student of NFI, whose film clinched four awards, said: “I consider this a huge achievement because it is a result of hard work. I appreciate TV College for making this possible.”

As part of activities marking their week, Ondo State students at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) visited the Badagry Slave Port. TOLULOPE OGUNLEYE (HND I Computer Science) writes on the excursion.

Memories of a sad era

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NDO State students studying at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) have visited the remnants of the slave port of Badagry.

The students under the banner of National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) embarked on what they described an “educative tour” to celebrate their cultural week. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, the president of the association, Paul Anjorin, HND II Computer Science, said the students visited parts of the country last year, but adding that the tour is to educate members about the struggle and pain “our fore fathers went through in the slave trade era.”

Clad in Ankara attires, the students converged at 10am last Thursday on Ikorodu campus for the trip.

At Badagry, their bus stopped at Mobee Royal Family, the original slave relics. In orderly manner, the students filed into the museum for the business of the day.

Speaking to the students, an instructor and member of Mobee family, Abiodun Mobee, told the students that the Mobee dynasty of Badagry was as old as Badgagry his-

•Some of the students posing before the slave chains in Mobee Museum

tory. “High Chief Mobee, by historical account and oral tradition, was the traditional head of Boekoh quarter, which is one of the eight quarters that make up the Badagry township. And the name Mobee was given to him by his business partners, who were white people, be-

cause he always told them whenever they came for business that they should mu obi je (take kolanut and eat). But the white people misinterpreted it for Mobee,” Abiodun said.

He showed the students the historical elements in the museum and explained their uses one after the

other. Some of the items found in the museum were the neck chain, leg and ankle chains and mouth padlock. The instructor said the neck chain was originally 50 meters long to hold about 100 slaves. He said the chain was fastened around their necks and padlocked. “The leg chain

was used to lock the left leg of one slave to the right leg of another slave to ensure difficult movement for the slaves and the aim was to restrict their movement and prevent them from running away when the neck chain is removed,” the instructor explained.

Another historical item shown was a water bowl, which is made of metal, from which the slaves bowed to drink water with their hands chained. Also, the visitors were shown the first Bible in Nigeria.

After leaving Mobee family museum, the students moved down to the slave port and crossed the ocean to the other side to see the path through which the slaves were transported to Europe and America.

The route is called “The Original Slave Route”. Along the route were three ‘vital’ points - point of no return, attenuation well and grave yard.

Point of no return in the slave trade era was the point at which captives could not be brought back to the shore. The “attenuation well” was the point where the enslaved drank from the well and lose their memory. . The “grave yard” was where they gave all the dead slaves mass burial.

A student, Ayotola Akinyombo, HND I Computer Science, said the •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

35

CAMPUS LIFE

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T is with mixed feelings that I welcome you home from the recently-concluded London 2012 Olympics. For days, you stuck out your chest, brandishing the green and white colours at the historic sport event. As Lenrie Peters noted in his poem, “we have come home”. Blessing, you have come home from a bloodless war. But I doubt if your booths are full of pride.

In the build up to the event, I read about you on the pages of national newspapers. From afar, I could perceive the strength in your veins, the vigour and your resolve to scribble your name in history books. Little wonder, as you set out to run at the preliminary stage, I rooted for you.

I expected to see your lips kissing the golden crown. In fact, I sat impatiently at the front of my television set. But I stayed glued to the TV because of my likeness towards you. I told whoever cared to listen that you were hitting the shores of Nigeria with gold stick in your hand. A silver medal did not cut the ice with me, I boasted. You proved my predictions correctly.

That was why, as you set out to run at the final stage, I haboured no doubt in my mind about your victory. With a patriotic smile, I told my cousin sitting beside me: “Blessing is the next bomb man, you watch out.” But as the race kicked

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IME is a great determinant of the productivity in everyone’s life. Consequently, everyone tries to make something meaningful out of it, which perhaps explains the common saying – “no time”. This means that everyone is conscious of the fact that time waits for no one. It keeps going until you realise its far spent. Wherever or whoever you are today is a sum of what your time has been spent on. In other words, time has made you what you are or what you are not. Time is the reason everybody wants to move forward and progress in life, because nobody wants to remain where he was two years ago.

Funny enough, research has it that the set of people that waste time most are the youth, and this group includes students. It is not surprising considering the activities in which students get themselves involved on campus. The ones that are useful for their productivity and the ones that are not useful. The question is: “does the student find certain unproductive

Dear Blessing Okagbare off, I was startled watching your sprinting legs tucked in between your ‘tail’. My face soon cut the mien of a joker. “What…what…” was the only word I could mutter as I struggled to convince myself that it was somebody else on the track. “Yeh! This is not Blessing I know”. But all that is history now.

The race hard barely ended when someone fingered unseen hands as cause of your failure. I am no spiritualist but that is not to say I deny the existence of terrestrial power. I know there are witches and wizards in your village and mine. But I don’t believe their enchantment tied up your legs on the London course. I knew that performing miracle in London would be a task difficult to pull off except you were a cheetah. I knew it. And I wished I could whisper it into your ears.

Remember, you only trained for three months. Now, how do they expect you to beat someone who has been hitting the training ground years before the contest?

How could you have defeated someone who has all facilities, motivation and assistance at her disposal? Are you aware that we have no standard basketball court in Nigeria? That is a nation of over

150m million people. Again all that is now history.

But I still believe in you. It was not your fault, believe me. You are a victim of an unreasonable society. Your experience is a reflection of a system that has lost touch with reality. It is a society where people sleep in the night and expect miracles to wake them from their beds. A classic depiction of faith without works. That is the irony of Nigeria. Students enrolled for exams without preparation. They rely on the materials from “miracle centres” and dishonest means to scale through the exam hurdle. Parents pay mercenaries to write exams for their wards. Yet, we expect such kids to graduate and defend their certificates. That is a society built on falsehood.

Incompetence is a symbol in this clime. People assume political power even when they cannot lead their families. All they need is a steady allegiance to a god-father somewhere to cow everyone to submission willy-nilly. With some dirty cash to throw around, you are sure of having results turned upside down in your favour. What is the thrust of our political debates?

Are they built on the strength of

ideas and merit? So, I am not surprised that we are not making any significant progress as a nation.

That a nation with over 150 million citizens could not clinch a medal at the Olympics calls for nationwide mourning. But who really cares? As I pen this piece, I am sure stacks of press releases are hitting the media, vowing to reclaim Nigeria’s lost glory in international competitions. A number of ad-hoc committees would also be set-up. For many of us, it’s a familiar note; same tone, same duration and same pitch.

Blessing, you wanted the best for your country. I know you feel let down at the moment. I also know that some people would call you names. But take heart and look ahead. Blessing, as I watched a programme on Chinese Cable Television (CCTV) last week, I observed that some Chinese athletes are already training for the 2016 Olympics that will be hosted Brazil. That is the spirit of success. But here we want it quick, shoddy and shabby. We want quick admission into the universities. We desire quick job, quick marriage, quick visa, quick promotion, quick chil-

Time and its management

By Adebayo Caleb activities productive?”

However, for one to be able to distinguish his or her productive activities from the unproductive ones, that person must have set goals and those goals will help him or her understand the science of time management.

Time is given in equal proportion to every person, and additional time is not what we need, it is more planning, and the ability to manage the time we have. As long as one doesn’t understand time management, no time will ever be enough. One will never be able to meet deadlines and you will find yourself starting to read for a test at the deadline. Time management is what distinguishes successful students from unsuccessful ones.

The ability to manage time gives one a feeling of satisfaction and con-

tentment. It also makes our life simple and enables us achieve our set goals. It gives one a satisfying feeling to achieve everything planned for. Even before that hectic day of lecture, one has enough time to read books, work out assignments, take a nap, and even has time to exchange banters with friends. But without planning, it would be like everything hits you unexpectedly.

First of all let us understand that goal setting is only a tool in the wheel of time management. Time management involves a lot more. The personal time assessment is another necessary tool for time management. The personal time assessment is a tool that helps one to estimate how much time he spends on everyday activities. To put together this tool, one must first calculate the average time he spends

on major activities in the week, apart from studying and miscellaneous activities.

After that, one share the remaining hours left for reading time, trying as much as possible to cut out irrelevant activities, and although some activities may not be irrelevant, they may not be altogether necessary. This tool helps one to study hours separated from every other hours of the day, hence reducing the possibility of interrupting study period.

The personal assessment tool also helps one to formulate a proper reading timetable or what is called a study formula. This will also help one form a to-do list which will all be in line with the goals he has set.

We must ensure to set both long– term and short term goals and also, monitor our progress using the

On education standards’ free fall

By Gerald Nwokocha

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HE standard has crashed!

Now, Nigerian graduates cannot read and write. Our teachers do not know what to teach. Some of our first class degree holders, the very best the system can produce, cannot pass interviews. Our medical laboratories cannot diagnose malaria correctly. Nigerians now go to India to get their appendix removed.

First class degree holders are now

required to count money in our banks. Nigerian welders are being trained abroad to work at home. Do we need an Indian prophet to tell us that the standard has crashed? Very soon our fishermen, cattle rearers, tailors and carpenters will need to undergo training in India to be able to serve our country.

“Nigerians have lost confidence in themselves and in their country,” was the expression of Dr Tosanwumi Vincent Otakunefor, a university don who had his education both in Nigeria and overseas.

He is the founder and executive secretary of Alpha Education that seeks to change the abnormalities in Nigeria’s education system. Who will rescue our schools?

The trend of bad education is disturbing and points to the fact the political elites have betrayed this generation. When the youth of a nation, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow, lack basic education, it portends great danger for the future of that nation. The Nigeria institutions of learning have continued to produce graduates illequipped to compete with their peers across the world. The available jobs in multinational companies in Nigeria are occupied by foreigners because our graduates do not have the necessary skills.

The problem with the Nigeria’s education system is not that of policy formulation but commitment

to implementation. Over the years, we have witnessed series of reforms geared towards improving the standard. But it appears anytime a good idea is introduced in form of a policy, such idea is expressed to be committed to trash bin. This situation had been responsible for decay and the rot in education sector today and this in turn is a true reflection of the general problem militating against the development of the country.

The curriculum of Nigeria’s education is out of sync and needs to be reintroduced to reflect the 21st century realities. Let us talk about the increasing illiteracy. There is an increase in the rate of dropouts in Nigerian primary and secondary schools especially in the Southeast of the country. Despite the rapid growth of Information Technology in this century, the facilities are still elusive in our system.

The establishment of “sub-standard private schools” that make the rot we are experiencing to become worse is another to be looked into.

Many private schools in the country breed educated illiterates!

The leaders are sending their wards to schools abroad while our own institutions are left to decay.

Over the years government has refused to invest in public schools. The result of the action is the downward spiral we are witnessing in the standard of education.

In Germany, the standard of education in public schools is the same with that of private schools and therefore there is almost no need to send kids to private schools. More so, most private schools in Germany only exist for special purposes such as language barrier.

In Brazil, there is an outstanding difference in the standard of education in public and private schools, private schools are more efficient in the basic education level while public and federal schools are better equipped at university levels. There is presently a Bill to be approved by the Brazilian legislature to make children of government officials to enroll in public schools.

If Nigerian political holders do send their children to public schools, they will ensure they invest in these schools so their children get the best education. Till date, the growth of the nation’s schools has been crippled by poor funding, which has made it difficult for the products of the school to compete favourably with their counterparts in advanced countries.

There is an urgent need to discourage Nigerian public officials from sending their wards for schooling abroad except for specialisation at postgraduate levels or for courses not offered in the Nigerian institutions.

Gerald is a corps member, NYSC Abuja

By Gilbert Alasa dren, and quick wealth. No wonder we get quick institutions and governments that give quick failures. What a quick generation!

Gilbert, 400-Level Foreign Languages, UNIBEN goals we set to see how far we have gone. We must rate ourselves and be honest in the rating. It gives a boost when one realises that he is doing well.

Another tip is: strive to avoid procrastination. Procrastination is the thief of time. It encourages laziness and negligence. Tomorrow already has enough troubles of its own, so when we see something you have to do now, let us do it now. If not, we may just end up rushing to do a forty-page assignment two hours to the submission deadline. Also, let us try to combine activities and place activities according to priority. We must ensure to put first things first.

If we, as youth, could only learn the science of time management, I believe our country will be a better place and youth will begin to come up with better ideas. Remember, time waits for no one.

Adebayo, 300-Level Law, OAU

Govt officials donate to students’ lab From Johnpaul Nnamdi TV COLLEGE

STUDENTS have been advised to leverage on every opportunity to bring out the best in them. This charge was given by the Mr Chris Kwaja, Director of Research and Planning with the Plateau State Government. Kwaja spoke during a courtesy visit to his office by Television Journalism students of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE), Jos. He also urged the students to seek peaceful means of making their grievances known to the school management.

Kwaja later donated N50, 000 to the students to buy equipment to the college’s news room. He said there was need for media students to be in tune with the changing trends and digitalisation in the media industry.

In his remark, the president of by Television Journalism Students’ Association (TEJOSA), Lengshark Gotodok, appreciated the gesture of Kwaja and promised that the donation will be used to improve the state of the news room.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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CAMPUS LIFE

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NUC accreditation excites Crawford varsity

HE Vice-Chancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Prof Samson Ayanlaja, has said the success the institution recorded during the recent accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission was a testimony to the determination of the university to provide globally competitive education to its students.

This was contained in a statement signed by the VC after the NUC released the results of the accreditation it conducted on courses offer by universities in the country.

According to Ayanlaja, the rating of the university’s programmes by the NUC was an attestation to the fact that “Crawford programmes are all in excellent in content, context and operation.”

Giving a breakdown of the NUC results, Ayanlaja stated that the Accounting, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Economics, Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Marketing, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations department full accreditation.

He added that the Biochemistry, Microbi-

From Damilola Olayemi LAGOS

ology, Industrial Chemistry and Physics with electronics also earned full accreditation status, while Geology and Mineral Sciences had earlier been given clean bill of health by the Commission.

Ayanlaja, however, stated that the Computer Science and Information and Communication Technology courses had interim accreditation status, adding that efforts were on going to rectify the deficiency observed by the NUC. “The result of course represents our concerted efforts aimed at providing our students and members of staff the needed impetus to excel in their chosen careers. We are poised to seeing that our burning aspirations and heartfelt desires to produce well-rounded graduates molded in the fear of God are achieved,” he stated.

He added that the result was an indication that the institution was on the right path of fulfilling its goals of producing world beaters.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

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TUDENTS of Anambra State studying at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have urged Governor Peter Obi to pay their bursary and scholarship funds. The students under the banner of the National Association of Anambra State Law Students (NAALS), begged the governor to borrow a leave from his colleagues in other part of the country, who never delayed the release of the funds for their student.

The NAALS president, Marvelous Offodile, made the call at the annual public lecture and award presentation of the association held last week. The ceremony was organised to honour Igbo in Plateau State, who have distinguished themselves in their studies in the last one year.

Marvelous criticised the Southeast governors for abandoning the scholarship scheme which was helping students to cope with academic demands. He said: “Why is the government refusing to pay such scholarships and bursary allowances? The government of Anambra State in particular has not been fair to us at all. We

Students urge govt to pay bursaries, scholarships From Esther Mark UNIJOS

are calling on the stakeholders to prevail on the government to pay our bursary as we are rightly entitled to the funds, which help our educational pursuit.”

A total of 13 dignitaries spanning across language and ethnic differences were awarded, including the Eze Igbo of Jos, Prof J.O.C. Obilom, who was awarded the Exemplary Leadership in Nigeria and beyond Award.

Students win Idea Trophy contest

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HREE students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, have won the 2012 Idea Trophy contest for undergraduates in the country.

Idea Throphy competition was organised

by Unilever Nigeria to challenge undergraduates to think outside the box and proffer creative solutions to problems.

Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State were joint winners of the maiden edition of the competition, 2011.

The winners are Brenda Agidi, Owolabi Opeyemi and Adeyemi Williams. Their project, which focussed on the best way to market Lifebuoy soap, one of Unilever’s products, was adjudged the best of the seven that qualified for the finals by the judges.

For their efforts, the winners, who were rewarded with one IPAD 3 each, would also represent Nigeria at the global version of the competition later in the year. They will also visit South Africa to meet with the African leaders of Unilever in Johannesburg.

The second position went to the students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), Niger State. Each of the three students went home with a laptop each. The winners of the third position got a black berry each.

One of the judges, Mrs Uwa Osa-Oboh, said the teams were judged on feasibility of idea, relevance of presentation and concept, originality, and simplicity of idea and mea-

From Damilola Olayemi ABU

surement of impact.

She, however, commended all the teams for their efforts.

“All the teams did very well. The value of this is not so much about the awards but the journey they made so they are all winners,” she said.

Speaking with journalists after receiving their awards, Agidi, a 400-Level student of Geology, said her team members contributed N73, 000 to implement the case study given them by Unilever.

She said if they had not won the contest, she would not have had any regret, saying the knowledge she gained was unquantifiable.

“I would not have felt any regrets if we had not won because what we have learnt is more valuable than the gifts. We are grateful for the advice we got from personalities like Prof. Pat Utomi. It is not just about academics,” she said.

Though the students that represented the University of Lagos failed to impress the judges, they agreed that the experience and the exposure they got for participating was worthwhile.

“We will not forget the experience we have gained and the privilege and the opportunity we got rubbing minds with the top management of Unilever and other respected professionals during the boot camp organised for finalists

FUTO holds SUG election •Continued from page 31

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE before the election, Henry said: “This will minimise corruption among the SUG officials.” Another student, Chigozie Ozofor, said: “Voting will not be influenced to favour any candidate.

Students will no longer be lured to vote due to the financial benefits they receive from aspirants.”

The eight-man Independent Student Electoral Commission (ISEC) set up by the management was led by Uzochuks Nwosu.

Controversy broke out when members of the ISEC accused the management of interfering with the electoral processes. The commison complained that it was not given free hand to carry out their duties as an independent body.

The complaint arose after the DSA singlehandedly screened the aspirants for the election, without carrying the ISEC along.

The SUG constitution empowers ISEC to screen the contenders.Defending the action, Prof Ogbulie said the management’s intention was to checkmate corruption and prevent unfit candidates from contesting.

A member of the ISEC told CAMPUSLIFE: “For the management to screen candidates without our contribution, it means they lack faith in us. Why did they appoint us, if they didn’t believe we can carry out the work

effectively?”

The elections kicked off at about 9am on Friday. Each student voted in his department. It was carried out electronically. The elections for the hostel officials were equally held in the exercise.

Raymond David, 200-Level Mechanical Engineering, said: “Although, there were irregularities at the beginning, I am happy the elections went peacefully.” The planning of the election was not that good, said Adams Offor. The final year student of Polymer and Textile Engineering complained that there were logistics problems.

Ekene Ogbu, 100-Level Industrial Microbiology, said: “The elections went well. All we did was to click the name of our preferred candidate for each office and that was easy.”

At the end Godson Okereke, 300-Level Project Management Technology, was returned as president-elect. He defeated three candidates. Vivian Monye, 300-Level Geology, was elected as the Vice President, Bruno Okonkwo, Project Management Technology, emerged Secretary General. Others elected are Chisom Duru, Assistant Secretary General, Ogechukwu Igboke, Financial Secretary, Pius Akhigbe, Director of Welfare, Henry Ezeamigi and Director of Transport among others.

Memories of a sad era •Continued from page 34

excursion was “very educative”. He said: “I have read about it but now I have seen for myself how our country men suffered during the slave trade era. I had a very educative experience here in Badagry slave port.”

Another student from the department of Civil Engineering, Tolulope Gbadehan, said the tour was an opportunity for him to learn history at the places where it broke. After the tour, the students sat at a point to relish their indigenous delicacy called pupuru.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

37

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE VC inaugurates shopping complex THE new Shopping Complex of the Staff Co-operative Multi-purpose Society Limited of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has been inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Bandele Oyewole. The opening was part of the 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the society.

Commending the leadership of the Society for the initiative, Oyewole reiterated his administration's commitment to putting in place a befitting staff housing scheme soon.

The Director, Co-operative Services, Ogun State, Alhaji Kamorudeen Shokoya, called for judicious use of resources.

The President of the Co-operative Society, Prof Adewale Dipeolu, described the complex as another effort at improving the welfare of members and increasing the socio-economic activities of the university. The Director of Co-operative Services, Ogun State commended the way the society is run.

"I am impressed and amazed at the performance of FUNAAB Cooperative Society. It is one of the societies we are proud of in Ogun State; that is why I am here, to give them a well-deserved honour," he said.

While conducting guests round, the Vice-President of the Society, Alhaji Adedo said the complex has 38 rooms with essential facilities.

•From left: Mr Ikazoboh and Manager, Business Development, Dragnet, Mr Emmanuel Elosia, at the 5th anniversary Press Conference of the forum at Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

‘Nigerian graduates no match for UK counterparts’, says report

N

IGERIA graduates are no match for their counterparts trained abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions Robert Ikazoboh, has said.

Ikazoboh, who has been conducting competency tests for Nigerian graduates for years, do not match their counterparts trained abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom.

During an interview with The Nation, he urged the Federal Government to take neps to reverse the trend.

He said if Nigeria must attain its Vision 20: 2020, concerted efforts must be made to improve the human capacity competence of its graduates.

His firm concluded that graduates trained in its are 17 per cent less competent than those trained in Europe after analysing the data it gathered in the past five years from employment tests for leading multi-national companies in

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Nigeria and UK. “Using the Dragnet Graduate Standardisation Examination (GSE) which offers an independent source of reliable information of graduates leaving our tertiary institutions and seeking employment opportunities, the nation can obtain some insight into the comparative performance of our graduates.

“Since November of 2007, Dragnet Solutions Limited has been involved in testing Nigerian graduate applicants. The data so far gathered offers the nation a rough cut insight into the quality of our graduate human capital.

The tests measure reasoning ability in the workplace. In particular, the tests are basic aptitude tests concerned with verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning for the workplace. One of the insights that the data analysis shows is that the average qual-

ity of human capital being produced in Nigeria is 17 percent lower than that of the UK,” he said.

For Nigeria to have the right crop of workers to implement the Vision 20: 2020, Ikazaboh advised the Federal Government to embark on a nationwide assessment of graduates to determine their aptitudes and stop-gap measures to correct any problems.

He said: “Such a measuring exercise must be instituted such that it takes a life of its own and continues year on year. Having a snap shot measurement alone will not offer much in terms of information.

“The data collected must offer a time series plot of our progress or otherwise across a number of periods. With time series data, information will be made available to our national planners, education authorities and other relevant agencies and bodies to help decision making for either corrective or supportive action as the case may necessitate.”

Students shine in contest THREE FUNAAB students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have emerged second out of the 68 teams that participated in an "In' genius project competition version 1.0", held recently in the University of Lagos. They are Ademolu Tolulope, Ebenezer Adiyeloja Oluwatobi Ibrahim and Odubena Abiodun, all 500-Level students.

In a statement signed by the Acting Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. O. S. Olokode, stated that the students' Project entitled: "Diamagnetic Levitation of Vehicles", supervised by him, was responsible for the laudable feat. He added taht the students were presented with a Trust Fund cheque of N1.5 million.

Workshop for rural women GENDER segregation and poor participation of women in the rural areas in the entrepreneurial sector has been identified as a major cause of the prevailing poverty and hunger in Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oyewole stated this at the Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Vocational Workshop in soap making for women farmers from FUNAAB's extension villages.

He lamented the alarming rise in poverty level in the Sub-Saharan Africa, stressing that the barriers of self-empowerment and self-reliance being faced by women, especially by rural women, are critical to poverty alleviation.

"When a woman is financially independent and has the capacity to meaningfully contribute to the fulfillment of her family's financial needs, everyone will be happy and the family's stability will be guaranteed," he said.

The Director of Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof Carolyn Afolami, said the centre oragnised the training to enhance the incomes of the farmers.

"The training aims at equipping representatives of women farmers from our extension villages across the State with knowledge and skills in soap production, for enhancement of income-generation of the beneficiaries," she said.

The communities represented at the workshop included Iwoye-ketu, Boodo, Ogijan, Kofesu, Ojoo and Agbade. Others were: Ogboja, Odogbolu, Isaga, Ode-lemo, Itesi-Ajegunle, Ijemo-Fadipe and Egbeda.

Female undergraduates urged to aim high

Y

OUNG women in Africa have been advised to aspire to greater heights and be change agents in their societies.

They were also enjoined to look for role models who will motivate and guide them in their chosen careers.

Head,Communications, MultiChoice Nigeria, Segun Fayose, gave the advice when 20 female undergraduates of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) visited the MultiChoice Headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos. The visit was part of the "Take a girl student to work day" project organised by the South African High Commission in Nigeria to mark that country's Women's Day. While welcoming the students, Fayose said the proverbial glass ceiling, which in the past stood against women aspiring to certain positions in the corporate world, no longer exists.

"Education is the first stepping stone to a bright future. With very good education and planning, anybody, whether male or female, could become what she or he wants to be.

There are lots of examples of women occupying the apex positions in their organisations and contributing positively to developing such organisations. We encourage you to dream big and aim high," he said.

The students were treated to a tour of the organisation during which they enjoyed mentoring sessions with Ayo Ajala, Head of Human Resource; Akin Salu, Head of Marketing; Dolapo Oni, co-presenter of

M-Net's 53 Xtra, Solafunmi Sosanya and Bukola Onabanjo both line producers from M-Net's 53 Xtra and Jara.

Also impactful was the session by Ziba Ozor, a former participant of the programme and currently a customer service representative of the Churn and Retention unit of MultiChoice Nigeria. She spoke about how her participation in the maiden edition of the programme taught her to network properly, a skill that may have put her at an advantage in joining the company.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Ms. Ayinke Lawal, a final year Mass Communication student, said: "This was really a great experience. Prior to this, my perception of the work-place was stiff and extremely formal, but at MultiChoice, everyone is professional. It is really a lively environment."

• The Ag Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin (right) and Ambassador Shoji.

Japanese envoy harps on quality education, culture, others

N

IGERIA'S quest for economic development will be helped by quality education, cultural revival and intolerance for graft, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, Ryuichi Shoji, has said.

He spoke in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, at the Fourth Public Lecture Series organised by the Post Graduate School of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

In the lecture entitled: "Democracy, technology and development", Shoji said education must be strengthened and science and technology encour-

From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

aged.

He said Nigeria needs lots of good and devoted young engineers, scientists, experts to make use of the existing technology or invent new ones for the development of the society, which can be achieved through a sound education system.

"For a society to produce good number of excellent engineers and researchers in the field, it is important that the educational basis be widened, that universalisation of basic education be achieved and its quality be

improved. It is just like an edifice with a pyramid structure. As young leaders, you are the top of this pyramid, recruited and supported by the base. The wider and more solid the base of the pyramid is the higher its top can reach," he said.

On corruption, he said for Nigeria to be among the leading economies of the world, there must be total paradigm shift from corrupt governance, to genuine commitment in nationbuilding.

Shoji said a survey on poverty profile in Nigeria this year revealed that though Nigeria's Gross Domestic

Product (GDP) has more than quadrupled since 1999, it has not had the same impact on individual income.

He noted that the implication for the poor is that despite the growth, they suffer more, adding that the proportion of the population living in poverty (core and mild poverty) increased even more rapidly than the population.

"When we now look at the proportion and the number of people living with a daily expenditure of less than one dollar per day, it shows that almost 60 per cent of the population falls into this category,” he said.

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

EDUCATION

Ambassador urged to check miscreants’ activities at borders

UNILORIN FILE NASU honours 21 retirees THE Registrar of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Mrs. Olufolake Oyeyemi, has hailed the institution’s retirees for contributing to its success.

Speaking during the presentation of awards to retired members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), UNILORIN branch, Mrs Oyeyemi said the retirees would forever remain a part of the university’s success story.

The Registrar said: "The fact that UNILORIN is adjudged one of the best in the country is because of the founding fathers that include you all. We are happy that you gave your best when in service."

"You should continue being good ambassadors in any community you find yourselves so that the University of Ilorin's flag would keep flying," she advised.

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HE Vice-Chancellor Littoral University, (Institute D'Enseignement Superieur De Littoral), Port Novo, Republic of Benin, Prof Oyebode Ayeni, has appealed to the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lawrence Obisakin, to curb the activities of miscreants at both countries’borders.

He implored the envoy to hasten the issuance of passports to Nigerian students in Benin.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Ayeni spoke at the welcome breakfast meeting in honour of Obisakin by the Littoral University and Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Port Novo.

He said despite the hospitality enjoyed by Nigerian students and others in their host-country, the miscreants, activities renamed a stain on the country's image.

The atrocities, including fraud at the borders, he said, were capable of dis-

couraging anyone from doing legitimate business in Benin.

Ayeni said: "We continue to enjoy all these close affinity despite the activities of some unscrupulous elements from both countries. We wish you will use your good offices to curb the activities of miscreants at the boarders of both countries, who engage in extortion, robbery, hooliganism and embarrassment of immigrants. This is important because, we never know when we

'Oloyede's success not by chance' FORMER Vice-Chancellor of AlHikmah University, Razaq D. Abubakre, has described outgoing Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN Prof Is-haq Oloyede as a man who is not afraid of hard work.

Abubakre made the observation at reception he held for members of the university management.

In his sermon the Chief Imam of the University, Prof. A.G. Oladosu, said Oloyede performed well. Responding, Oloyede thanked those present for honouring the invitation.

He said the university is a collective project where everyone should readily lend their support.

Varsity receives support materials TO support the implementation and sustenance of water resources development and management, the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna, has presented some support materials to UNILORIN. The materials, comprising 10 desktop computers, a laptop computer, one V-SAT and its components, a multimedia projector with screen; three DeskJet printers and 10 UPS, were received through the NWRI Building Network, North Central Regional Centre (NWRCBNET-NC), based in the university.

Speaking at the presentation, the Executive Director NWRI, Kaduna, Dr O. A. Bamgboye, represented by the Institute's Director of Training, Mr. O. O. Oni, said the network centre was established to carve a niche by facilitating research endeavours aimed at solving problems within the community.

“We are impressed with what we have seen so far, you have covered enough ground and have even overtaken other institutions that have started implementing the MoU," he said.

• Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye (second left); National President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS) Mrs Hajia Fatima Abdul Rahman (second right); Chairman, Lagos State Uinversal Basic Education Board, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu (right); and Chief Micheal Adegoke at the opening of ANCOPS National Executive Council Meeting at the NUT Pavilion, Ikeja …on Tuesday.

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof Osayuki Oshodin, will in November clock three years in office. In this interview with OSEMWENGIE BEN OGBEMUDIA in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the professor of Physical and Health Education speaks on some of the changes he has brought to the institution.

'We are proud to be Nigeria's best, says UNIBEN VC

B

Y November, you will be three years. So, how has the journey been so far?

UNIBEN has moved from its lowest height to greater height. When I took over, I moved around and discovered that the facilities were in very bad shape. If you move around today, you will discover that so many projects have been completed; some are still on going; while many places have been renovated so they will be conducive for teaching and learning.

Also, we now have more equipment courtesy of Tertiary Fund. Overall, we are maintaining our number one position in the nation and number 31 in Africa, and we hope to be among the first 100 in the world if we continue at this rate of development.

What is the relationship between the management, unions and students?

Very cordial. This is a participatory administration where everybody is involved - the unions, and other residents of the community. We run a full community system here where

every aspect of the area is involved in the administration. We do not have anything to hide. We tell the unions the way things are and they are quite understanding.

Would you agree that the relationship between the management and students have equally reduced cult activities?

Yes. And that is because students just need the basic things. They just need water and light to read their books.

And when, as a leader, you are able to provide that, you have solved half of the problem. As long as the place is conducive for them to live and read during exams, they would not give you any problem. One thing I will always advise vice chancellors or administrators - don't get involved in the election of any student leaders.As for me, I don't. I believe any leader can be elected; and then you work with any one in power. It is when administrators get involved in those petty elections that you get yourself into complications. Don't forget that I am a former dean of

Make use of libraries, lawmaker pleads

Don leads Education Deans THE Dean of the Faculty of Education, UNILORIN, Prof Adekunle Olorundare, has been elected the National Chairman of the Committee of Deans of Education (CDE) in Nigerian Universities.

The election took place during the yearly conference of the body at the Delta State University, Abraka.

Olorundare, who emerged unopposed for a second tenure of two years as Dean, said the overwhelming support his nomination received "shows that people like what we are doing and appreciate the leadership."

have a beneficial investor amongst us from abroad on feasibility study of our environment.”

He said the establishment of the university was meant to address the yearnings of Nigerian immigrants, craving education in Benin, adding that the university comprises 95 per cent Nigerians. He implored the ambassador to ensure that only those mechanism who can produce Littoral identity cards or letter of acceptance as claims of their studentship would be allowed into the country.

He said: "Littoral University is a Nigeria business conglomerate in Republic of Benin. We have been operating under the laws of the country preparing students in learning and characters. We wish you use your good offices to relapse the entry of our students at the border only if they can produce our letters or identity cards and we shall make effort to liaise with your office to issue them official passport. This is required so as not to delay their admission process in the university and, therefore, jeopardise their future."

Ayeni said Nigeria and Benin have a long history dating back to precolonialism days. He described the relationship between the two countries as complementary, noting that the duo shares same food, have intertwined language, and have intermarried over the years till date.

Obisakin thanked the university and NIDO, urging Nigerians in Benin them to be good ambassadors of their country and law-abiding.

He said: "I enjoin all, whether Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba or any other tribe to continue to embrace peace; avoid violence and all forms of vices. This is how we can give our country a good image back home."

The ambassado promised to hasten the issuance of passports to Nigerians.

A

MEMBER of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry 1 constituency Hon Ibrahim Layode, has urged parents to encourage their children to make use of libraries to enhance their academic performance.

Layode spoke at the presentation of photo cards to prospective General Certificate of Examination (GCE) candidates of Badagry origin as part of his efforts to develop education in the area.

The lawmaker noted that students these days have neglected libraries which are places of study and research that would enhance

By Oziegbe Okoeki

academic performance.

Layode said: "We have more than enough libraries spread across the state, where students should engage themselves to read and prepare for examination".

"Today's presentation of photo cards to the 300 students in Badagry is a fulfilment of my promise during the electioneering campaign to contribute to the development of education and to support the state government to bring education to the doorstep of individuals who cannot afford to buy educational materials for their children."

•Prof Oshodin

students. I am very experienced in the business of students’ activities.

Gully erosion threatens UNIBEN. What are you doing about it?

I have to resolve to an in-house thing. This is because the problem of gully erosion is a big one. So, I am appealing to government at all levels, from federal to state and NGOs. I have not received any help yet. What I did was to constitute a body made of experts. You know we have faculties here that can handle such things as well. But our major problem is funding. This body has just come up with a proposal on how we can handle it and what we are trying to do is to source for fund to do a main shifting so that the gully will not continue to expand until we get help from various organisations or governments that we have appealed to. We have even lost one or two houses as a result of this gully erosion. We pray that somebody comes to our rescue soon.

Recently, the Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie, announced the scrapping of part time programmes. What is the situation right now, and what happens to the students?

The directive (suspension) is for all universities in Nigeria; and by that suspension, it means there are no more new admissions. For me however, the NUC is doing a good job by looking at how the old student got in. I must confess to you that parttime programme was bastardised in this country.

A situation where a facility can accommodate only 200, but because of the money, some institutions will admit 2,000 for a programme. Can an individual lecturer teach 2,000 students conveniently in a class? It does not make sense. That is what the NUC is trying to correct. It is not that they took the action without considering so many things; NUC wants to streamline things in such a way that teaching and learning actually takes place.

What legacy do you wish to leave at the end of your tenure?

So many. I have put food in people's mouth. I have brought back UNIBEN as UNIBEST. If you go to Ekehuan campus, it was an eyesore. I have revived the place and I will continue to do more within the limit of the fund.

Thank God that TETFund is helping me a great deal and that programme has really contributed to the development of the university system in Nigeria. It also has a dedicated and hardworking Executive Director.

We have streamlined many of the programmes we have here. In our last accreditation, I cannot give the percentage but I can tell you comfortably that we are close to 100 per cent, or at least above 95 per cent full accreditation of our programmes.

Programmes that were interim before are now accredited. We almost lost our College of Medicine; at a time it was suspended; we got it back to life.

They have full accreditation right now.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, AGUSUT 30, 2012

EDUCATION GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

GRADUATION

• Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola with pupils of St. Saviours School, Ebute-Metta when he visited the school.

Jonathan warns against scholarship abuse in Bayelsa

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has warned against politicising the scholarship scheme. Anybody caught playing politics with the scheme will be dealth with, he said.

The scheme, he said, is only for best and deserving students.

The President spoke during an interactive forum with 100 graduands who benefited from the scheme which he initiated when he was the governor.

The beneficiaries had goal one of the four topmost schools in the country. The schools are- Bowen College, Lekki , Lagos; The Bells Comprehensive Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; Nigerian Turkish International College, Abuja; and the Vale College, Ibadan.

The President’s warning followed reports that some politicians were jostling to include names of their children and

By Issac Ombe

relatives among the 200 best students being selected by the Governor Dickson’s administration.

Jonathan warned that if the best are not allowed to benefit from the scheme, the state may be the worst for it.

The President recalled that the first 100 beneficiaries were chosen on merit.

He said: “I don’t even know any of them (beneficiaries), not even their parents.”

Another aim of the programme, Jonathan said, is to develop the human capacity base of Bayelsa students in order to make them more competitive and dynamic in their search for top quality jobs in the oil and gas industry.

“Every child has the opportunity to excel and should be encouraged to harness his or her God-given potentials, he said lauding Governor Seriake Dickson for sustaining the

initiative.

“I quite appreciate Dickson. This programme almost died, but he brought it back,” Jonathan added.

In his remarks, Governor Dickson expressed his administration’s determination to support the graduands to any university of their choice.

He directed the Ministry of Education to work out modalities to further assist beneficiaries who have already gained admission into universities within and outside the country.

The governor said the selection process might be repeated following the President’s suspicion.

He promised the process would be competitive and fair to ensure that only the best pupils emerge.

“You should see yourself as role models for the younger generation”, Dickson told the graduands who were in their schools’ uniforms.

‘Don’t give up, pupils told

E

VERY session, Mind Builders School, Lagos, builds its end-of-year prize giving and concert programmes around a theme that rings through almost all the presentations by the various classes.

As the pupils of the Omole Phase 2 arm of the school resume for the new session next month, they will have the lessons learnt from the theme of the last concert perseverance to guide them.

During the colourful event, each of the classes presented songs, poems, dance, drama that highlighted the virtues of perseverance in pupils and adults.

Chairman of the Mind Builders Board of Governors, Mr Tunde Falore, urged parents to bridge the gap between the home and the school by reinforcing values the pupils gain at school. That way, he explained, pupils would get total education.

"I want to appeal to parents to join hands with the school management in ensuring that what they teach at home tallies with what we teach in school. This way, we will be sure that we are contributing to the education of a total child," he said.

Like Mind Builders Omole, the other branch of the school located in the Central Business District (CBD), Alausa also centred its concert programme on 'responsibilty', which was the theme.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Underscoring the importance of choosing a theme, the School Administrator, Mr Olatunde Opeyemi said it provides an avenue through which the school can inculcate into the young ones positive values that will make them responsible adults.

"If you look at the political scene in Nigeria, our leaders have failed us. We are trying to inculcate in our pupils that whatever position they find themselves they must be mindful of their position and be responsible. The other theme is Perseverance because you have to be diligent in all that you do. If you are not diligent, you cannot make it in life," he said.

Speaking on perseverance, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Tunde Odanye said many of today's revolutions were achieved through perseverance. To this end, he urged the pupils never to give up on their dreams.

He said: "If we take a look from all hugely successful people starting from Martin Luther King to Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Zuckerberg, they all had dreams they were not willing to let go of, and eventually with commitment and perseverance they were able to achieve these dreams even if posthumously as in Martin Luther King's case.

It is said there is no sin in trying and failing, the sin is in failing to try, and like we

are all taught at a very early age in school, if you try first time and fail, try try try and try again till you succeed."

Prizes were presented to outstanding pupils, members of staff and parents who have supported the school.

Parent of the year, Mrs Temidayo Ogan admonished parents to invest quality time in raising their wards.

"My advice to parents is that family should stay together. In a home where both parents work, either one with the lesser paying income should sacrifice and stay home to be with the kids in their formation years. You have got to get it right communicating with them. From age two, they can listen to you. From ages five to six, they don't trust you if you have not been there for them," she said.

• Cultural display during the event.

Principal canvasses moral training with sound education

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OLICY makers have been urged to design education curriculum that emphasis moral rectitude and academic excellence.

Speaking at the third graduation of S.T & T. Rejency College, the principal, Margaret Ibru said it was worrisome that society no longer placed premium on moral values.

Ms Ibru said: "In Singapore, they don't search for leaders because they are everywhere.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we don't learn from history,

By Dawodu Olawale

which is why we can ask today: where are the children of our yesterday and present leaders? They are nowhere because they have not placed emphasis on the moral side of children training. They have only been concerned with the academic training.

She continued: "Periodically, we develop a theme.

Last year, our theme was: Preparing the youth for Nigeria.

This year, the theme is Pro-

tecting their Conscience and Preserving their Innocence.

We want our students to understand their role from now to the future in the Nigerian society.

She said the school scored 100 per cent in the West Africa School Certificate Examination (WASCE), with 25 of them recording A1 in Mathematics.

The school Administrator, Mrs Ngozi Nwadialo, said the school was able to achieve the excellent grades in

WASCE because of the high standards maintained by the school.

According to the administrator, the school prepares the students ahead for external examinations by making them begin writing General Certificate of Education (GCE) by the time they are in SSS2, so that by the time they are writing WAEC in SSS3 they would have developed a mindset for external examinations and overcome the fright.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

40

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

To parents, again!

L

AST week, Salaried Students addressed the practice of parents going overboard with the luxuries they give their undergraduate children.

Kofoworola This week, my meeting with a bright young man, whose achievements however means Kofosagie@yahoo.com that he relates more with my 08054503077 (SMS only) superiors, moves me to address a parent-related issue again this week, the value of parental attention.

There she goes again! Some readers might muse to themselves. Yes, here I go again. I have found out that life is not difficult for some people. They have a smooth sail through school - moving from nursery through primary, secondary, and the university without hassles. Upon graduation, they may even get support from their parents to do their masters. Shortly after earning their second degrees, they get good jobs, marry, and start the same cycle all over again - this time, for their own children.

It may seem so unfair that life can be so good for some people without doing much. But if we check closely, their parents played an important role in helping them on the path of well being.

Many will argue that the children I have described above can only come from families with lots of funds. It is true that 'money answereth all things' but it is not the principal thing. Parents who have to do a lot of budgeting to make ends meet can also help establish a solid foundation for their wards. All they need to is to ensure they get the required attention. This means not delegating the responsibility of being their children's first teachers irrespective of whatever schedules they must meet to put food on the table. Counseling, giving instructions and ensuring they are followed, establishing discipline, and monitoring school work are part of the job description of a parent.

Parents often give teachers in school more work than they should handle when education should be a partnership between the home and the school. If children are taught one thing in school and meet another at home, it can be pretty confusing for them. Recently, I read an online post about how a toddler was fond of biting other children in the daycare she attended.

Nothing the teacher said or did could stop her until the day her father came to pick her up. Welcoming his angel as the loving parent he was, the teacher heard him saying "now I am going to eat you up" while he pretended to bite her stomach. What he did not know was that his daughter had been literarily 'eating other children up' thinking it was a loving thing to do. She stopped only after the teacher told the father of the impact of his playful action.

However, not all parents appreciate it when teachers call their attention to the anti-social behaviour of their wards. They get upset, claiming "that cannot be my child." Some even go ahead to call the teacher unprintable names. Such behaviour only set children on the wrong track.

Children that excel and are well behaved in school are largely able to do so because their homes are stable - not necessarily that they have all that money can buy. Their parents enjoy stable relationships with each other, or even when they are from single homes, the parent in charge goes the extra mile to keep them on the straight and narrow path.

As a final word, I want to advise parents to endeavour to attend programmes in their children's schools. The young man I mentioned earlier was a star student in his school days but despite winning almost all prizes yearly, his parents never visited his school. He was never happy about it. His achievements meant nothing when there was no daddy or mummy to celebrate him.

Belo-Osagie

•Chairman, Governing Council, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Prof Oladapo Afolabi (right) with members, Alhaji Ali Oyedeji and Dr Adepeju Esan at a workshop for academic staff of the institution on the use of technology application for teaching and learning organised by Prof Folahan Ayorinde of Howard University, USA.

Lagos urges private schools to implement HIV/AIDS curriculum

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HE Lagos State government has urged private secondary schools to implement the Family Life HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) Curriculum.

At a meeting with proprietors and teachers in private secondary schools held at the Action Health Incorporated, Yaba, Lagos, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo said the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among youth called for collaboration to tackle the scourge.

Quoting statistics from the 2010 National HIV Zero prevalence sentinel survey, she said the prevalent rate among youth aged 15-24 was 4.2 per cent.

She said the government's effort at addressing the epidemic through curriculum implementation has been worthwhile in junior second-

By Miriam Ndikanwu

ary schools.

In addition to Social Studies and Basic Science, which contain the FLHE curriculum, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) recently extended its infusion into seven other subjects,” she added.

Mrs Erogbogbo hoped that the coming on board of private schools would ensure effective implementation of the curriculum and also foster improved cordial relationship between teachers and government.

She added: “Furthermore, this meeting will enable us understand issues of HIV/AIDS and the need for the promotion and provision of enabling environment for FLHE implementations in our schools.”

Chief Executive Director of Action

Counsellors launch magazine

Health Incorporated, Nike Esiet, a facilitator at the programme, engaged the participants on methods of identifying, analysing and counselling the pupils on Family Life HIV/AIDS. Chief Education Officer at the Ministry, Mr Lamidi Abiodun said the meeting was to acquaint private school heads with the right techniques to pass on the right messages to youths, adding that peer educators and teachers will be trained in this regard.

He said: “It's not as if the curriculum stands alone as a subject, but the concept of this subject has been infused into existing school subjects and they are things like puberty, adolescence, love, dating, friendship and skills like assertiveness, body image and self esteem which are in subjects like Social Studies in the junior school level and basic science.”

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S the Counsellors Association of Nigeria (CASSON) holds its national conference at Ile-Ife this week, a new magazine, "De Counseillier" by the Lagos State chapter of the group will feature prominently.

The magazine was launched last month by the Counselling Unit of the Lagos State Education District II at a ceremony attended by the TutorGeneral/Permanent Secretary of the district, Mrs Ajibike Ogunsanwo, and many dignitaries.

The publication, the first of its kind by the body in Lagos State, aggregates the experiences of counsellors in the unit on various issues of importance in grooming children into well-adjusted adults.

It featured such articles as: "Moral decadence in modern society"; "The need for vocational education"; "Tips for raising a child's self esteem"; "The youths as nation builders", and "Translating ideas into reality."

Others are: "In defence of the dull child"; Adolescence pregnancy; "Good home training and ethics in counseling" and "Needs for all inclusive schools."

Mrs Lizzy Ometan, Director, Guidance and Counseling for Education District II, who edited the magazine, said the publication gives counsellors an avenue to reach out, saying as role models, counselors need to reach out and share with pupils, parents and teachers from their repertoire of knowledge.

"Counsellors are supposed to be teachers, role models and mentors.

As role models, they are meant to reach out. If they don't, the children will not know the right way to go," she said.

Despite funding challenges, Mrs

From my Inbox

• The magazine

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Ometan said the magazine will be published bi-annually.

"This is the first magazine by CASSON in Lagos State. But the circulation will go beyond Lagos.

We will distribute it during our national conference ending on August 31. The second edition will come out in October preceding the

CASSON Lagos conference which holds in November. We faced a lot of challenges funding the magazine but we will continue," she said.

Dignitaries at the launch included Mr Mike Asuquo, who represented UAC Foods; Mr C.G.O. Akoroda of Teriwyn-G Consulting Ltd, Ogba; CASSON Chairman (Lagos Chapter), Dr Ayo Badejo, and the Vice-Chairman, Mr J.O. Akanni.

From my Inbox Re: Salaried Students (Thursday, August 23, 2012) I was touched by your publication in The Nation on Thursday, August 23. I like you to advice female students who risk their lives for money travelling up and down while in campus. Many have lost their lives. I know the pain I went through in school. Parents should teach their children how to manage. Things can change.

Please set up an NGO to educate students and others. Dutch, Delta State.

Thanks for the write-up. A topic like this should come often.

Train up a child the way h e should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. 080233341---.

Thanks so much on your advice to parents. Lots of them mislead their children all in the name of taking care. You must be good at home, no doubt! 07038853---.

Kofo, your write up is fantastic. Edward, Benue State.

I enjoyed your column titled Salaried Students. Indeed, many, if not all of them will find it difficult picking up salaried jobs after graduation against the background of poor pay. Imagine somebody whose monthly upkeep is N100,000 aside from other allowances taking up a job of less than N30,000 a month that cannot even take care of transportation and recharge card let alone buying corporate dresses and eating good food. Parents should not pamper their wards. Wards too should adjust by cutting luxuries and going for necessities as you did during your undergraduate days. PALMER.

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NATURAL HEALTH

Memories of August and Dr. Pottenger’s cats (3) ‘Every day the average heart, your friend, beats 100,000 times and pumps 2,000 gallons of blood for nourishing your body. In 70 years, that adds up to more than 360 million (faithful Heart beats). Please be good to your heart … for a long, Happy, healthy life.’

- PAUL BRAGG.

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OODBYE August. Welcome September? No. September 2012, for me, will have a tinge of August. For it is on September 22 that the earthly remains of BABA ALAJO SHOMOLU, 97, will be interred in his village, Isonyin, near Ijebu-Ode. He slipped away quietly at about 1.00 a.m on August 18, adding to my list of one August arrival on this earth and two pervious August departures. The manner of his departure suggested, a weak heart and, perhaps, low blood pressure in addition, two common causes of earthly demise these days.

My mother died on August 5, 1959 after having her fifth child, the fourth boy, because, muscularly, she was too weak to expel the placenta, and died of prolonged bleeding. On August 26, 1998, my father retired for the night after watching NTA network news at 11.00p.m. Soon, he began to cough, and the cough would not abate. In love, he was given a glass of water in the hope that it would help. But the cough persisted. Maybe it added to the blood volume later and gave the heart more work to push blood around. As he walked slowly to the hospital opposite the house, he complained that his legs were getting heavier. Apparently, blood flow to the limbs was inadequate. In hospital as the doctor was checking the pulse and all that, he stepped out of the flesh and, within 30 minutes, communicated his passage to me in a dream. BABA ALAJO SHOMOLU played a significant role in my family’s life after the passage of my mother. He was my maternal grandmother’s only surviving sibling. He was born the first to arrive in a set of triplets. His father was not in town, probably dead. Elders of the extended family decided these was a bunch of babies too many to handle. In those days, women fended for themselves and their children. Marriage was based on the concept of the woman as a GARDEN in which the man, as gardner, cultivated his crops, the children. Today, the LOVE and COMPANIONSHIP concept has replaced that to some extent, although ECONOMIC CONTRACT exerts a pull. So, according to the story my maternal grandmother told me, one of the triplets was buried alive. Under what criteria this happened, I do not know. I recall, however, that, in the evening, maternal instincts led my grandma to the buried site, and she exhumed the body, just in case the baby was alive. If it was, she planned to flee the village with it. But, alas, the baby was dead! By the time the story of the triplets reached the Awujale of Ijebuland and he directed they be brought to his palace for him to adopt them, the harm had been done. The young Taiwo, baptized into the Anglican Church as Alphaeus, and grew up with his brother who died in his youth of yellow fever. Alpheus Taiwo Olunaibe learned tailoring in Lagos and travelled to The Cameroon where he lived for many years.

One of the events of his life which makes him worthy of mention, I believe, is the system of traditional banking which he helped to organise and sustain for which he earned the nickname BABA ORI MI PE BI ALAJO SHOMOLU. Literally, this means MY BRAIN IS AS SHARP AS THE THRIFT COLLECTOR’S IN SHOMOLU. From his residence, first in Abule Ijesha (10 and 12 Odunukan Street) and later 77 Olorunkemi Street, Shomolu, he rode on a bicycle, collecting daily thrift (savings) from marketmen and women all over Lagos. He chose specific days to visit Olaleye Market in Shomolu, Awolowo Market in Mushin, Sand Gross Market in Lagos Island etc. Even at the age of 75, he was a common sight handwheeling his Raleigh bicycle up and across the pedestrian foot bridge at Onipanu on Ikorodu Road, to connect Awolowo Market in Mushin from Shomolu. It was at that age we his children and nephews persuaded him to retire from the road work, and he agreed after some of his children agreed to immediately take over the business. One of them was a food technology undergraduate at the then University of Ife who quit schooling on this account. Although Papa had thousands of daily thrift depositors and kept ledger records, he did not have to check the entries to tell any of them his or her balance, which was always correct, and for which reason he earned his nickname. His health had been failing in the last two years, that is from about 95. He had cataract surgery in one eye. Later, he complained of body pains. He did not wish to be taken to hospital. He sent for me. But he had, by the time I arrived. In hospital, I found he had not moved the bowels for about one or two weeks. Cow milk is mucous forming and constipating. Yet this was what the doctor prescribed to add protein to his corn pap stare diet. Didn’t the doctors know about Whey Protein, Spirulina, Aloe Lite, Moringa olonfera proprietary free form amino acids such as AMINO BALANCE and Bragg’s Liquid Aminos? Anyway, I took him off the cow milk since the family had to provide the meals. During visiting time, I inserted one capsule of Udo’s Choice Probiotics into his anus. This single capsule is said to contain about 10 billion live friendly bacteria cells at the time of its manufacture. The following day, the POOP ran. And BOSE, his daughter, and later his nurse, continued the ritual at home. By looking at his skin, I sensed the body was gravely ill and told his children so. For the skin, like the tongue, is a magic mirror of the world within. Almost everywhere, there were dots of discoloured or white-bleached skin resembling vitiligo and indicative of free radical damage which was better countermanded with powerful antioxidants. The hospital ran no tests for candida or even possible prostate enlargement when the urine failed to flow well. Even when I met his doctor to suggest this, he waved it off saying papa’s health symptoms were age-related. I thought that wasn’t fair. Should the old be

abandoned to the symptoms of aging? I did not know Papa was back in hospital early this month for a few days. His health picked up one day or two after he returned home. Then, on the night of August 18, he pressed his bedside bell to call Bose into his bedroom. He wanted to wee. Bose did not mind him soiling the clothes which she would clean up later. But he preferred to be a man and asked to be lifted up. As soon as she lifted him and he made the effort to wee, his blood pressure must have drooped, beyond safety level, his head drooped, and he became heavier, the soul having stepped aside of the body…he was gone! The news, like the appearance of my father to me in the dream, reminded me immediately of Richard Steinpack’s book, HOW IS IT THAT WE LIVE AFTER DEATH, AND THE MEANING OF LIFE. An era of the cycle begun 97 years ago in which many of us swung for decades will close on September 22. It will be a tinge of my August memories in September. I will remember always this soft-spoken father and friend who bore no guile in his heart. Even if you disposed him of all this property, all you’d hear him say was “THAT’S ALRIGHT”! The thrift collectors of Lagos will miss their father figure. So will St. Saviours Anglican Church, Abule-Ijesha, his Church, so will Dada Aladelokun of The Nation Newspaper who interviewed Papa at his 90th birthday party and hoped to be at the 100th, so will all of us who knew him. He is one more reason, from my Memories of August, we should all pay attention to the health of our hearts. So, we return to the business of keeping our hearts muscular, yet elastic, preventing blockage of blood vessels which feed it or take blood to other parts of the body, keeping the heart valves functional for optimal blood flow in this wonderful organ, making blood vessels viable and well dialated to prevent resistance to blood flow which elevates blood pressure, and restricting from the diet such things that may cause circulation disaster.

Irresistibly, I am reminded of CoEnzymeQ1o.

CoenzymeQ1o Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol?

‘We have heard that patients in advanced cardiac failure, who had only a few months to live, under close medical care, have revealed almost miraculous improvement after treatment with CoQ1o, and such is a step of progress in cardiology. Proof of effectiveness of CoQ1o is now known to medical science… Proof of the safety of CoQ10 is known’ Speaking is Dr Karl Folkers, the world’s leading authority on CoQ1o, the amazing fat soluble, general antioxidant of our time.

I will come to Dr Folkers later. Often, Prof Sole, an American cardiologist, is my doorway to a CoQ1o discussion because he once exhibited the lack of information about natural medicines many doctors in Nigeria still display. Prof Sole referred one of his patients with a “bad” heart for PACEMAKER surgery. The pacemaker is a battery which charges the heart’s natural batteries that are failing to properly recharge naturally. The pacemaker surgeon placed this patient on a three-month wait. Meanwhile, the man told his friend his heart was so bad be may die before he got help. His friend told him his own doctor gave him CoQ1o and he didn’t need surgery. The patient took CoQ1o while waiting for his surgery. But the pacemaker doctor found the surgery unnecessary during a pre-surgery review of his case months later, and sent him back to his cardiologist. Dr Sole reviewed the case and expressed dismay, saying he wouldn’t have believed what he saw had he not personally examined the patient months earlier. Unlike some doctors who encourage their patients to throw their food supplements away and fake dangerous drugs instead, Dr Sole advised his patient to carry on with them, and sought more information on the supplement for his practice.

Incidentally, Dr Fredrick L Crane, in the same country, had discovered C0Q10 in 1957, more than 30 years earlier, at the University of Wisconsin. In 1958, the man who today is regarded as the world’s leading authority on C0Q10, Dr Karl Folkers, working at Merk Laboratories, had discovered the chemical structure of this important antioxidant. In that year and in 1986, 28 years after, he won the prestigious PRIESTLY MEDAL award of the American Chemical Society for his research on C0Q10, Dr. Michael Schacter, M.D., F.A.C.A.M., is one of many doctors who prescribe and personally take CoQ1o for their health. He reports many studies on C0Q10. In one of them, 14 cancer patients on the toxic thermotherapy drug. ADRIAMYCIN were investigated on the capacity of CoQ10 to prevent damage to their hearts

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

by this drug, Adriamycian poisons and damages the heart. Seven of the patients who were given CoQ10 exhibited no heart problems. But the seven others who were not given CoQ10 expressed cardiac toxicity. In another study, a side effect of the anti-cholesterol drug MEVACOR was moderated with CoQ10. This drug lowers the LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol fraction which oxidizes or degenerates easily under oxidant free radical influence to clog the arteries and thereby damage them. The use of MEVACOR takes no cognissance of studies which show that cholesterol builds up to supranormal levels in the blood because, among other things, there are not enough vitamins, minerals and cofactors such as CoQ1o in the blood to help the liver convert excess cholesterol to bile, which aids the digestion of fats. In any case, one of the greatest sins of MEVACOR is that it blocks the metabolic pathway through with the body makes its own protective CoQ1o, thereby creating a CoQ1o deficiency and many resultant implications. In this study, Dr Schacter reports, all the subjects who were not given CoQ1o along with Mevacor had reduced levels of this antioxidant in their tissues whereas those given CoQ1o supplement had no depletion. Dr. Schahter would say later: “Unfortunately, most cardiologists are unaware of this fact and do not give patients CoQ1o.”

CoQ1o works in various ways to keep cells healthy. There are about 100 trillion cells in the adult human body. Each cell is like an engine which produces energy, among its various functions.

The sites where energy is produced are called mitochondria.

The more CoQ1o there is in the body, the more the mitochondria a cell makes, and the more the energy it produces for you.

The cell burns glucose and fats for energy in the mitochondria.

CoQ1o is like the matchstick struck to burn oxygen for the burning of glucose and fats in the mitochondra. The production of energy ends in the production of toxic or poisonous waste products which can harm the cells. As an antioxidant, CoQ1o neutralizes them. So vital is CoQ1o to mitochondrial health that a recent study found that, even in the egg of old women, CoQ1o enhances mitochondrial efficiency. This has led to suggestions that ectopic pregnancies may be occurring probably because the fertilized egg does not have enough energy to travel down the tube to the uterus or because there was not enough signalling from the uterus to guide it down there. This is also an energy concern. In cancer research, it is known that a cancerous cell is equipped by Nature to commit suicide using the P53 gene. It is suggested that it is probably lack of energy that makes this impossible. Does a man in coma have the energy to take his life?

In a Swedish study reported at the Eighth International Symposium on Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of CoenzymeQ1o, in November 1993, held in Stockholm, Sweeden, Dr Knud Lockwood M.D., and Dr Karl Folkers, Ph.D., presented a paper on 32 “high risk” patients treated with nutritional supplements, including CoQ1o. The supplements were1% 2,850mg of Vitamin CÏ% 2,500 in of Vitamin EÏ% 96, 667 iu (58mg) of Beta Carotene. 387mcg of Selenium 1%1.2gm of Linolenic Acid, Omega 6 (GLA) Ï%305gms of Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA) 1% 90mg of CoQ1o.

None of them died 24 months after, by which time no fever than six would have on conventional therapy. Many had rapid remission of their breast cancer. One good news was that when the daily dosage of CoQ1o was increased from 90mg to 290 mg, the tumours were no longer felt in 30 days and, “60 days later, the cancer had disappeared from the mamogram” and “there were no trace of the mass on the X-ray”. Dr Folker followed the patients for 15 years and many of them had no traces of cancer.

There was the case of another “high-risk” woman who underwent “non-radical breast surgery” and took 300 mg of CoQ1o afterwards. In three months, her cancer disappeared. This may be good news as well for Nigerian women afflicted with uterine fibroids and breast lumps and men with prostate enlargement, all of which have grown in epidemic proportions.

The heart, understandably because of its work load has 10s times more CoQ1o than any other organ of the body. CoQ1o literature is filled with reports of many studies. In one, 225 mg of C0Q10 taken daily reduced hypertension in 85 per cent of 109 subjects. Dr Folkers has found one-fourth less C0Q10 in the blood of heart disease patients than in people with healthy hearts.

About 75 per cent of the patients with heart disease whose heart tissue he examined had hearts deficient in C0Q10. In one. Italian study involving 2,500 patients, 80 per cent of 1,113 with heart failure (average age 69 years) improved by taking 100 mg of C0Q10 daily with their conventional medicines. In Sweden, low blood levels of C0Q10 was found to cause the death of heart patients. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the Japanese began to check C0Q10 blood levels in heart patients. By 1986, more than 10 million Japanese had been taking C0Q10 for heart conditions.

Today, Japan controls the production and marketing of C0Q10 worldwide.

There are two types of C0Q10…UBIQUINONE and UBIQUINOL. Ubiquinone is cheap but it is not readily available because it has to be digested before it is absorbed and, in that process, some of it is lost. Ubiquinol is absorbed far more readily, and is more expensive. For better absorption, C0Q10 is better taken with an oil based meal. Sometimes, I take it with olive oil or coconut oil.

A DISCUSSION of the health of the heart is inexhaustible. Last week, this column featured HAWTHORN BERRIES and MAGNESIUM. On another day, there will be time for Lecithin, Camitine, Vitamin E, Wheat germ oil, Beta carotene, Selenium, Calcium, Nitric Oxide, Policosanol, Octosanol, Red Yeast rice, Chromium ... and lots more. Memories of August are like some bitter-sweet foods which taste bitter at first but sweet later. The departure of a loved one may leave a bitter taste on the tongue at the time of death. But, in the end, a beautiful experience arises from knowing and avoiding the pitfalls and waterloo of the departed and scaling the hurdles, and helping others, too, to scale them over. Goodbye, August. Welcome, September, with a tinge of August.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Mixed reactions by politicians, lawyers and rights activists have greeted the proposed dialogue with Boko Haram sect by the Federal Government. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU captures their optimism and reservations.

• Dr Jonathan

• NSA Dasuki

• IG Abubakar

Boko Haram: Politics of dialogue S

HOULD the Federal Government dialogue with the Boko Haram sect? Opinion is divided on the issue. Some politicians believe that the move by President Goodluck Jonathan to hold talks with the sect is in the right direction, stressing that dialogue is the language of democracy.

However, other Nigerians believe that the decision may have further underscored the confusion in high places and timidity of the Federal Government. According to them, the President may be laying a dangerous precedent by holding dialogue with people who act like terrorists. They also cautioned the government against conferring unearned status and inadvertently validating the claims by the sect through dialogue. But those who favour dialogue maintain that the option could yield positive results.

Former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo said dialogue should be given a trial. “It is my candid opinion that the federal government should dialogue with Boko Haram. I believe that it will lead to a lasting solution”, said Adebayo. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain believes that dialogue may unravel the personalities behind the violence and the motivation behind the sect’s activities, thereby bringing the arsonists from invincibility to visibility.

A political scientist, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said dialogue is a legitimate means of resolving crises and building brotherhood.

He reminded those against the measure that peace returned to the troubled Niger Delta, following dialogue between government and militants. He however, said that dialogue with the sect may require more political and professional skills.

Ajayi, the Head of Political Science Department, Ekiti State University, added: “There is nothing wrong in dialogue with the sect. Dialogue is a tool for crisis resolution and peace-making by warring parties. Dialogue with the sect will enable government to know the real grievances of the sect, the reasons behind their actions and what can be done to appease the group and elicit from them solution possibilities.

“It will also bring the two sides to a negotiating table. The advantage is that it will make government to know the actual members and leaders of the group, who cannot ordinarily be disclosed under normal situation. There is a precedent. Government negotiated with the Niger Delta militants and it yielded positive results in terms of relative peace in the region”.

The university don urged government to discard the fear of being labeled “ a government that hold talks with terrorists” by foreign powers, pointing out that the expected dividend of peace overrides the stigmitisation that may follow dialogue.

A human right activist, Lanre Suraj, supported the line of thought. “ A responsible and serious government must know the importance of dialogue on every thorny issue”, he said, advising the President to employ all constitutional and legiti-

mate means to ensure security in the country.

“Dialogue with any disgruntled stakeholder is in the collective interest of the system. This is not limited to Boko Haram.

If every war and conflict ends with a dialogue or discussion, why not avert the cost of a violent conflict and start embark on the resolution of the disagreement with dialogue. This is better”, Suraj added.

But another pro-democracy activist, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, disagreed with this view, saying that dialogue with the sect is “unwise and improper”. He described the members of the sect as criminals and murderers disturbing the peace of the country and bringing agonies to families.

“They have murdered children, mothers, fathers and youths for a cause that is not only laughable, but stupid. To engage them in a dialogue is to celebrate criminality because they are hardened criminals that have nothing to offer, except blood and tears. My fear is that, tomorrow, another useless group will follow their footsteps and the cycle of violence and stupidity will continue”, he fumed.

In another vein, Igbokwe clarified that he was not against any move that would end the orgy of violence and killings, adding that it may not be a sign of weakness for the federal government to engage them.

Former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic Olawumi Gasper, an engineer, berated the government for proposing dialogue with the enemies of the country. He described the move as defeatist, adding that it portends danger to the country.

The former Rector said, while dialogue is good, it is absurd that government representatives would now be meeting a group of faceless terrorists wielding dangerous weapons and holding the country to ransom in the name of peace and quasi-unity.

Gasper blamed the confusion on the collective disquiet and inaction, which have resulted in the colossal loss of innocent lives. He urged the President to rise up to the occasion as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”The nation requires a sound and effective local and community intelligence framework. This should further be

‘Boko Haram is a home grown terrorism whose adventure has caused the federal government and the country much embarrassment. It is on record that the insurgency of the sect is the worst security challenge the country has faced in recent time’

complemented by military action. Our actions must be nonpolitical, brutal and forceful within a short span of three months, with all borders closed during the operation period. We must commence these military actions before Christmas, which will herald the beginning of political activities leading to the next presidential election”, he said.

To Yinka Odumakin, the proposed dialogue with Boko Haram is suspicious and questionable. To butress his point, he said it is confounding that the same federal government that once derided the sect by describing it as a faceless group turned around to proposed dialogue.

The former Afenifere Publicity Secretary also said that government may be beating about the bush and conveying an impression of seriousness. He said the former Security Adviser, Gen. Patrick Azazi, had attributed the activities of the sect to PDP, wondering why government failed to look in that direction in its search for solution.

“All we are saying is that the federal government should end the activities of Boko Haram. One minute, government says it is a faceless group. The next minute, it announces plans for talks. That means that they may not be telling us the whole truth about the Boko Haram phenomenon. Azazi said it is the creation of PDP. Let the patrons dialogue among themselves”, Odumakin added.

A University of Ibadan teacher and security expert, Dr. Soji Aremu, warned against embarking on a fruitless venture.

He doubted the success of any dialogue with the sect. “Lessons from other countries like Australia, India and Pakistan have shown that dialogue with insurgent groups have never produced the desired peace. What such countries did is to rise to the occasion by raising combined military and police counter terrorism force driven by intelligence and well informed community, said Aremu, who teaches Counselling Psychology at the Premier University.

“Boko Haram is a home grown terrorism whose adventure has caused the federal government and the country much embarrassment. It is on record that the insurgency of Biko Haram sect is the worst security challenge the country has faced in recent time.

“Dialogue with the sect is a misnomer and antithetical in counter terrorism. Actually, there is nothing bad in dialogue, if it is a war situation and the opposing or warring faction is known. But in the case of Boko Haram, which is an insurgency, it is out of place in any known security parlance to dialogue with a faceless organisation. Only a dialogue with a known organisation and or organisationnthat is fighting ideological, economic or political war is appropriate. The idea of dialogue in the first instance is a failure on the part of the government to curtail the insurgency through combined security agencies”, he added.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-8-12

NSE to launch new index

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) plans to launch a new index to track the performance of the industrial goods sector just as the stock market sustained its bullish rally with substantial gains by food and beverages stocks.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, yesterday at the interactive session between management of First Aluminium Nigeria Plc and the investing public at the NSE, said the new index for the industrial goods sector might be launched in January 2014.

The industrial goods sector, where First Aluminum has been listed since November 5, 1992, has 27 companies with 26 on the main board and one on the second tier market. The yearto-date performance of the sector is 8.54 per cent, 5.64 percentage points below average stock market return of 14.18 per cent.

Onyema said there were indications that the Nigerian industrial goods sector could do better when compared with performances of similar indices in other jurisdictions.

He challenged First Aluminium Plc and all the companies quoted in the building materials sub-sector to increase their efforts in dealing with current housing deficit confronting the country.

Citing official statistics, which indicated that Nigeria’s housing deficit currently stands at about 16 million housing units, he

•Market rallies on

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

said: “If we are to have a solution to this problem, companies quoted in the building materials subsector of The NSE will have to rise to the occasion by providing quality materials that are priced within the reach of average Nigerian.”

He reiterated the need for quoted companies to provide timely information to the investing public.

“Quoted companies should endeavour to raise the quality of their investor relations programmes including disclosing information about their companies to stock market stakeholders regularly,” Onyema said According to him, it goes without saying that if stockbrokers do not have adequate information about a company no matter how great the prospects of such a company, it will be difficult for them to appropriately price its stock.

He added that without timely and adequate information, financial journalists and analysts alike will be unable to appropriately represent the company in their write-ups and analyses while rational investors will find it difficult to invest in a company they do not have adequate information about.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market continued its

upswing yesterday as Nestle Nigeria rallied to all-time high of N550 per share.

The benchmark index at NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), improved by 0.59 per cent to close at 23,670.11 points. Also, aggregate market capitalisation of all equities added N44 billion to close higher at N7.534 trillion.

Investors traded a total of 272.774 million shares worth N1.224 billion in 3,800 deals. This was against 239.69 million shares worth N1.7 billion exchanged in 3,760 deals on Tuesday.

Nestle Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N24.94 to close at N550.

First Bank of Nigeria also posted a 14-month high at its closing price of N13.51.

Flour Mills of Nigeria chalked up N1.50 to close at N53.50 per share while Presco grew by 49 kobo to close at N15.49 per share.

First Bank gained 26 kobo to close at N13.51 per share.

Unilever rose by 22 kobo to close at N35.25 per share.

On the other hand, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria led the decliners with a loss of 26 kobo to close at N30.54. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) dropped by 17 kobo to close at N5.70 per share. Red Star Express lost 13 kobo to close at N2.57 per share. May & Baker Nigeria dipped by 7.0 kobo to close at N1.40 per share.

The financial services led the activity chart with a turnover of 233.474 million shares worth N842.390 million in 2,182 deals. This was followed by the conglomerates with 13.563 million shares worth N20.294 million in 154 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-8-12

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

CBN disburses N198b agric funds to farmers

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed a cumulative N198.173 billion to 258 beneficiaries participating in the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).

The beneficiaries also comprise 30 state governments that accessed the sum of N38.0 billion, as at July this year.

The amount, given out in the last four years, was part of the N200 billion mapped out by the apex bank for the

Stories by Collins Nweze

purpose.

“Since inception in 2009, the CBN has released the sum of N198.173 billion for disbursement to 258 beneficiaries made up of 228 private promoters and 30 State Governments that accessed the sum of N38.0 billion,” the apex bank said in circular posted on its website yesterday.

It said that during the period under review (July 2012), the sum of N2.589 bil-

teau State equally accessed N2.0 billion from Fidelity Bank among others.

The apex bank said that the number of State Governments participating in the Scheme stands at 30, adding that these State Governments accessed funds for on-lending to farmers’ unions, cooperatives and financing of other areas of agricultural interventions in their various States.

The data also showed that from January to September 2011, the sum of N2.263 billion was released to four banks, with respect to 11 CACS projects. Also, from inception to date 16 banks, namely; Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Oceanic Bank Plc, Skye Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Union

lion was released to six banks with respect to seven CACS projects bringing total releases by the CBN since inception in 2009 to N198.173 billion.

The data showed that Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accessed N0.50 billion each from UBA and UBN Plc respectively; Bauchi State got N1.0 billion each from UBA and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc respectively while Rivers State accessed N4.0 billion from Zenith Bank. Pla-

RenCap: Diamond Bank may slash dividend

D

IAMOND Bank Plc is likely to lower its dividend payout ratio and capitalise the bulk of 2012 earnings to boost its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, has said.

In an emailed report obtained by The Nation, RenCap said the lender has threepronged plans targeted at achieving this objective.

Firstly, it wanted to raise capital from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) from where it got $100 million in second quarter of 2012 from AFREXIM at seven per cent. More recently, it raised $70 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) at six per cent.

The bank also wants to raise capital from commercial banks, a plan that is already inprogress and finally, it wanted to reduce its dividend payout ratio and capitalise the bulk of 2012 earnings.

“Diamond Bank recently concluded a $70 milion convertible tier two capital raising from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This is a seven-year fully convertible paper that forms part of the bank’s overall capital-raising drive of $750 million over the next two years to fund growth and business expansion,” the report said.

These steps became exigent after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the minimum Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) for Nigerian banks with international operations to 15 per cent from 10 per cent in its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines – 2012 to 2013 released in January 2012.

Diamond Bank operates with international banking licence.

This according to RenCap, implied that Diamond Bank was in breach, as its CAR in first quarter of 2012 was 12 per cent. The bank promptly increased the size of its planned tier two capitalraising programme to $750 mil-

lion from $200 million.

RenCap was however worried about the potential for significant dilution of existing shareholders although the lender remains one of its top picks among the tier two banks.

It said that its valuation assumptions are unchanged, retaining a buy rating on the stock, though the target price is now nine per cent lower at N3.3 per share as against N3.5 per share, largely due to the dilution effects.

At current prices, its revised target price implies 23 per cent potential upside.

RenCap however, said it was pleased with the lender “because if the capital comes in now, the conversion is delayed until anytime from year four.” It said the final conversion price will be calculated at a premium to the pre-determined conversion price, and this premium will rise with each passing year from year four. RenCap also confirmed that the coupon is attractive at six per cent.

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

U

NITY Bank Plc has won the certification of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for information security.

The certification according to a statement, qualified Unity Bank for ISO 27001 ISMS, which is an international recognition for the Bank’s management practices covering people, process and technology in the area of information processing.

In a notice to the Bank, this month, ISO, which is the world’s largest developer of voluntary international

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 29-8-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

NESTLE FLOURMILL PRESCO FIRSTBANK UNILEVER CCNN ASHAKACEM GUARANTY ACCESS ZENITHBANK

525.06 52.00 15.00 13.25 35.03 4.22 9.50 17.91 7.70 15.55

C/PRICE

550.00 53.50 15.49 13.51 35.25 4.43 9.70 18.02 7.80 15.65

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C/PRICE 0.52 0.63 6.28 4.20 2.70 0.84 5.37 0.78 1.50 3.01

CHANGE 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

24.94 1.50 0.49 0.26 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.11 0.10 0.08

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 29-8-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE GOLDINSURE 0.53 JAPAULOIL 0.64 DANGFLOUR 6.30 DANGSUGAR 4.22 DIAMONDBNK 2.72 NEIMETH 0.86 UBN 5.40 UTC 0.82 BAGCO 1.54 FCMB 3.05

tion, the Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Ado Wanka said the achievement is indicative of the hard work staff, Management and Board of the Bank had put in over the years since the bank came into existence about six years ago.

Much more, Wanka said, it is part of the larger plan to rejuvenate the bank and place it on a position to compete locally and internationally.

The formal presentation of the certificate to the bank is expected to take place in September this year.

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

standards, said the certification is for a period of three years after which the bank will be re-examined for renewal of the certification.

Industry analysts believe the feat achieved by the bank puts it on international pedestal as a financial brand and guarantees its customers peace of mind in the area of information integrity.

Only three other Nigerian banks - First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc have attained this international standardisation status.

Reacting to the certifica-

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

which accounted for 31.86 per cent of the value of enterprises financed.

These activities were distantly followed by marketing, storage and input supplies which registered 8.43 per cent, 3.88 per cent and 1.35 per cent.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Unity Bank wins ISO certification for information security

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Bank of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa, Unity Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Sterling, Citibank, Mainstream Bank and Wema participated under the scheme.

An analysis of projects financed under CACS by value chain showed that out of the 147 CACS private sector sponsored projects, production accounted for 44 per cent and dominated the activities funded while processing gulped 42.18 per cent.

These activities were distantly followed by marketing, storage and input supplies, which registered seven per cent, 6.12 per cent and 0.68 per cent respectively.

With regards to value of funds released, processing accounted for 54.48 per cent followed by production,

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.16 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 108.57 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.76 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,736.24 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 9.75 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,177.59 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.01 108.28 0.74 1.10 0.91 1,733.14 9.28 1.33 1.80 7,958.01 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

56

NEWS

Akpabio calls for domestication of treaties

13 die in Edo road crash From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HIRTEEN persons were yesterday killed in an accident on the Auchi/Okene Expressway.

The accident occurred at Ewu in Edo State. It involved an 18-seater bus ; No 655 AS, and a truck carrying iron rods.

Twelve passengers in the bus and the truck conductor died.

The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Auchi, Mrs. Affiong Nseobot, confirmed the accident. She said the brake of the truck failed and it ran into the bus.

The survivors were taken to the Irua Specialist Teaching Hospital. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary.

IPMAN: no plan to sue Delta Govt

By Augustine Avwode

T

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Delta State chapter, has denied the report that it is planning to sue the state government for multiple taxation.

IPMAN State Chairman Chief Akpos Edafevwotu described the allegation as false and a calculated attempt to jeopardise the cordial relationship between IPMAN and the state government.

In a statement yesterday, Edafevwotu said: “We were quoted out of context. I said the association would dialogue with the state government to resolve the issues of multiple taxation.

The state government is a faithful ally of IPMAN and no dispute between us can lead to litigation. The report is a figment of the reporter’s imagination.”

PUBLIC NOTICE OBASUYI I, formerly known and addressed as Victor Jesse Obasuyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Victor Jesse Efe-Ekhianruwa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I formerly known and addressed as MR. [KA] AWOBIYI OLUFEMI OLUSOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MR. [KA] OLUSOLA OLUFEMI[KA]. This surname shall also apply to my wife Oluwakemi Ibilola and child Demiladeayo. All former documents remain valid. [KA] University of Lagos, Nigerian Law School and the General public please take note.

AUCTION SALES The general public is hereby notified that the following Vehicles and order House items shall be Auctioned 21 days after this publication, Claimants should report at the Nigeria Police Station Divisional Headquarter Nkpolu, Oroworukwo mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt.

1) Mercedes Benz 230 Reg No BZ 843 P.H.C 2) Mercedes V. Boot Reg No CR106 P.H.C 3) Nissan Sunny Reg No FR775 A.A.A. Signed: Victor Obeahon.

•Akpabio

A

KWA IBOM State Governor Godswill Akpabio has called for the domestication of treaties to encourage economic development and peaceful co-existence between Nigeria andits neighbours.

Akpabio spoke yesterday when the House of Representatives’ Committee on Treaties and Agreements, led

by Mr. Yakoob Alebiosu, visited him in his office inUyo, the state capital.

He said there is need to do

away with some treaties.

Akpabio said: ‘’Since 1914, Nigeria has entered into many treaties. How many of the treaties have been implemented? I think some treaties should be done away with and some encouraged to facilitate economic development and peaceful co-existence among nations.’’

Lamenting the loss of the Bakassi Pennisula to Cameroun, he said 80 per cent of Bakassi’s population are from Akwa Ibom.

Akpabio said before the creation of Bakassi in 1995 by the regime of the late General Sanni Abacha and its hand over to Cross River State, Bakassi was, during the 1953 population census, part of the defunct Eket Di-

vision.

He said inhabitants of the Pennisula used to pay taxes to Eket Division In 1995, according to him, Col. Yakubu Bako, the then Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom, used the state’s fund to build health centres in Bakassi.

He regretted that the state was not invited by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when the case was being decided.

Akpabio advised the committee not to meddle in the recent Supreme Court Judgment, which handed over 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom, because, in 2005, the apex court ruled in favour of Akwa Ibom in a case that was instituted by Cross River State.

Akpabio said his administration is ready to negotiate with Cross River State on how much should be paid to it.

Aliebiosu said the committee was created as a result of petitions from different groups.

He stressed the need for the House to domesticate some treaties and agreements.

Alebiosu said the committee was on a fact-finding mission to revisit the Bakassi Pennisula Green Tree Agreement and into petitions.

He said there were issues of breach of agreement after the ICJ handed over the area to Cameroun.

Obasanjo preaches unity

F

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to unite to fight the nation’s challenges.

Obasanjo spoke when he hosted the leadership of the Amalgamation of the Niger Delta Youths for Peace Initiative (ANDYFPI) at his Hilltop home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He said: “If all elders sincerely work together for a better Nigeria, all the challenges threatening our unity would be history.

“Whatever achievement I recorded during my tenure was possible because of my love for Nigeria. I urge

•Mark, Dame Jonathan, Dangote, others for honour youths, elders and every stakeholder to come together and sincerely work for the unity and progress of this great country.

“That way, we will be able to achieve the desired development and peace we crave.

ANDYFPI President Henry Nwabueze said the group would hold its National Annual Achievement Awards today at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Those to be honoured include Obasanjo; Senate Pres-

ident David Mark; First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo.

“Others are Prince Arthur Eze; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu; Chairman, African Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Petroleum Minister

•Obasanjo

Diezani Alison-Madueke; former Information Minister Prof. Dora Akunyili; Wife of former Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Onari Duke; and Alhaji Asari Dokubor, among others.

ASUU’s nationwide solidarity strike holds today

T

HE nationwide solidarity strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) holds today.

It is in solidarity with the association’s members at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, who are protesting the reappointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae as the Acting ViceChancellor of RSUST. ASUU’s National Presi-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

dent Dr. Nasir Isa yesterday said there was no going back on the strike.

The solidarity strike is to compel Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to rescind his decision on Fakae’s reappointment.

Dr. Isa said the union would ensure that due process is followed in the VC’s appointment.

ASUU,RSUST chapter, has been on an indefinite strike since August 13.

On August 15, the union’s Chairman, Dr. Felix Igwe, was attacked during a congress on the campus.

The attack forced Igwe into hiding, as he has been alleging a threat to his life and family.

Igwe said the union has not been invited for dialogue.

Dr. Isa, at a news conference in Abuja last week, described the activities of Amae-

chi and Fakae as “illegal and immoral”.

He said the right things should be done at the 32year-old university.

Dr. Isa accused Amaechi and Fakae of using armed policemen and students to disrupt the union’s congress on August 15.

He said RSUST was being governed arbitrarily, stating that Fakae’s appointment in 2008 did not follow due process.

Robbery suspect held in Benin

A

SUSPECTED member of a gang, which specialises in robbing telephone service operators in Benin, the Edo State capital, has been arrested.

Acting Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ugbekun Police Division, Abiodun Osifo said Enehizena Odemwingie (32) was arrest-

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

ed in Ikpoba Hill about 9pm at the weekend, after the gang allegedly robbed a woman.

He said Odemwingie and two others at large were returning from the operation when members of a vigilance group stopped them.

Osifo said the suspects, who were on a motorcycle, refused to stop and the vigilance group gave them a chase.

He said the motorcycle crashed and two of the suspects escaped, but an injured Enehizena was apprehended.

Osifo said one single barrel gun, a live cartridge,

three phones, cash and GSM recharge cards of various network providers were recovered from the suspect.

Odemwingie said he drove the motorcycle, while the suspects at large robbed the woman.

Police spokesman Anthony Airhuoyo said the suspects would be charged to court after an investigation.

Uduaghan mourns ex-speaker, Ogwu’s mum

D

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has commiserated with the family of the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Young Igbrude, who died on Monday.

He said: “It is heart-rending that Igbrude died at an age that cannot be particularly considered as ripe. His death is painful, shocking

and devastating, particularly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family”. Uduaghan urged the family to take solace in the contributions of the late Igbrude to the state’s growth.

The governor also commiserated with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Ogwu, on the death of her mother, Mama

Regina Maduemezia.

In a condolence letter to Prof. Ogwu, Uduaghan said the late Mama Maduemezia would be remembered as a devout Catholic with a warm heart, a mother to many and a great lover of education.

He said her selfless service to humanity would never be forgotten.

The governor said: “Hav-

ing evidently preserved mama’s enduring legacies and held-out the torch consistently through your outstanding academic, diplomatic and professional accomplishments, I have no doubt that your sense of character and the lasting legacies your mother has left behind for posterity will console you during this challenging period.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

57

NEWS

Jonathan to flag off 1,500 jobs in Anambra

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is expected in Anambra State to-

day.

He is expected to inaugurate private projects and those executed by the state government.

Governor Peter Obi told The Nation yesterday in Awka, the state capital, that over 1,500 direct jobs and

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

over 10,000 indirect jobs had been secured by Nigerians and Anambrarians, in particular, from the companies to be inaugurated by the President today.

Decrying the allegation that he owns some of the companies to be inaugurat-

ed, Obi said: “When I invited Mr. President to inaugurate Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company and Juhel Pharmacy, they said it was my company. Today, Innoson is a brand name in Nigeria. It has over 1,300 direct employees and creates hundreds of thousands of indirect jobs. Go and see what Juhel is doing.

“Now, I have invited Mr. President to commission Orange Drugs, which will be employing about 300 people; Krisroll Company will employ about 300; SABMiller Brewery will employ over 500; so will Orient Petroleum. This means that Mr. President will be inaugurating over 1,500 jobs during his visit, not to talk of the

Suspected ritualists behead girl

A

16-year-old girl, Nwanneka Odah, was killed yesterday in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State by suspected ritualists.

She was murdered opposite Nawfia Comprehensive Secondary School by three men, who pretended as if they wanted to buy groundnuts from her.

The victim’s cousin/

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

guardian, Mr. Friday Ogalagu, said: “I was not there when it happened, but I was told that my sister was stopped at the roadside by three men, who said they wanted to buy groundnuts.

They said one of them was dressed like a mad man.

“Eyewitnesses said when my sister bent down to put the

groundnuts in a nylon, one of them brought out what looked like an axe and beheaded her. A motorcyclist in transit saw what happened and stopped, but my sister’s killers ran into the bush.

“I was contacted when people started making enquiries about Nwanneka’s parents. I have been training her since she was a child.”

Ogalagu said the body had

been deposited at the morgue of the Amaku General Hospital, Awka.

He said the late Nwanneka’s parents, who live in Ebonyi State, have been contacted.

Police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe confirmed the incident. He said the case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Bank manager kidnapped in Awka

B

ANKERS and residents of Awka, the Anambra state capital, are gripped by fear, following the kidnap of the Manager of a branch of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Tochukwu Nnadi.

He was abducted about 7:30am yesterday in Iyiagu

Estate on his way to the office.

One of Nnadi’s colleagues, who did not want to be named, said the kidnappers were yet to contact anyone.

He said: “We do not know what Anambra State is turning to. They wanted

to close the branch because of the rising insecurity, but some of us summoned the courage to continue working here.

“Nnadi was coming to the office when he was abducted. We learnt that his kidnappers laid ambush in two cars, a Chrysler and

“End of Discussion”, with the doors open.

“People said when they sighted Nnadi’s car; they blocked him and took him away. Honestly, everybody is afraid.”

Police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe said the kidnap had not been reported.

NOA chief: strip criminals of National Honours

•Omeri

F Mike Omeri – the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has his way, convicted holders of National Merit Awards would be stripped of their titles.

Omeri recommended that the honours bestowed on such recipients should not

I

AIG, police commissioners meet to curb crime

T

HE Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9, Mr. Solomon Olusegun, has met with police commissioners on how to curb crime in the Southeast.

The meeting was held at the Zonal Headquarters in Umuahia, Abia State.

Olusegun said the spate of kidnapping and robbery in the Southeast is unacceptable.

He said “although the crime rate had reduced” since he assumed office in May, there was need to do more.

The AIG praised the Enugu Command for ensuring the safe release of Prof.

Cyprian Onyeji, the ViceChancellor of the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), who was abducted on August 15 and was freed after nine days.

only be withdrawn but replaced with ‘ex-convict’ tags to serve as deterrent to others, describing as unacceptable that recipients of national honours engage in criminal practices.

The NOA chief was explaining why the Federal Government cannot confer national honours on representatives of all professional bodies in one fell swoop.

He disputed claims that no teacher was on the list of 70 nominees for national

awards, saying those who had thought in the classrooms and moved on to other professions were still teachers, whose contribution to national development earned them the nomination.

He said the task of re-orientating Nigerians was gradually achieving the desired result, adding that a better funding of NOA would widen the scope of the gospel.

The agency, he said, has been striving to reactivate

all its offices across the 774 local government areas in the country.

Assuring that the mandate given to him by President Goodluck Jonathan was achievable, Omeri urged the Federal Government to raise the subventions to the agency for enhanced efficiency.

He said NOA officials would continue to use the doorsteps of royal fathers, the clerics (in Churches and Mosques) as well as community leaders for their enlightenment and advocacy programmes

Arik Air begins Douala flight

A

RIK Air, West and Central Africa’s largest commercial carrier will today begin commercial services between Lagos, Nigeria and Douala, Cameroon. The airline will subsequently operate three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The outbound flight will depart Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 11:10 am (local time) and arrive in Douala International Airport, Douala at 12:40 pm (local time).

Inbound flight will leave Douala at 1:25 pm (local time) and arrive in Lagos at 2:55pm (local time).

The Lagos-Douala route is Arik Air’s second foray into Central Africa coming after the inauguration of LagosLuanda (Angola) route on December 13, last year.

The Lagos – Douala route will be served with a Boeing 737-700 Next Generation aircraft. The 737-700 is a two class compartment and the configuration is 12 Business Class seats and 112 Economy Class.

Business Class

passengers can enjoy a 44" seat pitch, cradle style seat while Economy Class passengers will equally enjoy plenty of room on the one hour 10minutes flight with a seat pitch of 34".

Arik Air’s Executive President/Managing Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue said of the new service: “This is another exciting moment for us all at Arik Air launching our first new international destination in 2012. Douala is our 10th African point and the third sub-Saharan destination.

Boko Haram: ‘Christians’ll take up arms soon’

T

HE Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, the Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, has said Christians may soon take up arms in self defence, if the killings by the Boko Haram sect continue unabated.

He said Christians will no longer watch religious extremists butcher their loved ones, but would rise up in

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

defence of their lives and faith.

The cleric spoke at the Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during the media briefing of the Odenigbo Annual Lecture.

He said it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens and urged

the Federal Government to sit up.

Archbishop Obinna said: “It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to protect all citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, in any part of the country, but in a situation where it fails to do so, we will take up arms and defend ourselves.”

thousands of indirect jobs, which can be more than 10,000.

“SABMiller is the only Fortune 500 company in the Southeast. I am not looking for a job in any of the companies. We are trying to create an environment for Small and Medium Enterprises to thrive, so that we can engage our youths meaningfully.”

Obi urged residents to come out en masse to welcome the President.

On the effect of poor power supply on industrialisa-

tion, he said the power sector would improve once it is privatised.

Obi said the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has said it would build a world-class stadium in Awka. He said his administration has invested N15 billion in the future of the state.

On the high crime in the state, Obi said there is no crime-free society. He said there is more crime in New York than the entire Nigeria.

PUBLIC NOTICE EDO UNITED FRIENDS’ CLUB, PORT HARCOURT,RIVERS STATE This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied to the CAC for Registration under Part C of CAMA, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Chairman - CLEMENT OKOUGBO 2) Secretary - GODSTIME IDAHOSA 3) Member - VICTOR EGHAREVBA 4) Member - WILSON OKOMA 5) Member - OSAZUWA JOSEPH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES SECTION A: To bring all Edo State indigenes together irrespective of religious background.

SECTION B: Unity and progress, love and togetherness.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General CAC, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: GODSTIME IDAHOSA

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

58

NEWS

Court dismisses suit against Wada

‘Stop donating to Boko Haram’

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja and Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

T

HE Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State, codenamed “Operation Restore Order”, yesterday warned the public not to donate to the Boko Haram sect.

It said any donor under any guise would be treated as a terrorist.

The task force, through its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said: “The JTF in Maiduguri has observed with dismay, the attitude of some people, particularly traders, regarding their civic responsibility in the fight against terrorism in Borno State.

“An example was when the task force conducted a search at the Monday Market and recovered arms and ammunition. A day after the search, some members of the Boko Haram went to the market and made the traders to pay compensation for the arms and ammunition.”

He went on: “A search was also conducted at the Gamboru Market during which arms and ammunition were recovered by the task force. As a result, some Boko Haram members made the traders to compensate them for the arms and ammunition recovered by the JTF. We warn individuals and groups to desist from such unpatriotic acts as both the giver and receiver of such money will be treated as terrorists and dealt with.”

The task force reiterated its commitment and determination to maintain law and order and protect the citizens.

It urged the public to make use of its hotlines: 08064174066, 08085464012 and 08054429346 to give information about the sect, promising confidentiality.

•Wada

A

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, yesterday dismissed a suit filed by Jibrin Isah Echocho against Kogi State Governor Idris Wada.

Echocho, the winner of the January 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, and a governorship aspirant, Oyebode Makinde, are challenging the swearing-in of Wada as governor.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, presided over by Justice Zainab Bukalchuwa, had remitted the case to the trial court.

Delivering judgment, Justice Abdul Kafarati said Echocho lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit, having not participated in the governorship election that brought Wada to power.

Besides, the judge said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

Since the election took place in December and the action was filed in February, Justice Kafarati said it is a post-election matter which only the election tribunal can adjudicate upon.

He dismissed the suit as an abuse of court process and awarded N100,000 against the plaintiff.

At the last sitting, Echocho argued that his case was different from that of former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, which the Supreme Court declined jurisdiction on.

His counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), maintained that the judgment of the Supreme Court, which nullified the tenure elongation of five former governors, including that of Kogi, was not an issue in Sylva’s suit unlike now.

Besides, he argued that in the case of Bayelsa, it was Sylva who went to court to invalidate the primaries which he won, while Echocho was in court to validate his own.

Blaming the Independent

•Mixed reactions trail verdict National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the confusion in Kogi, Olanipekun argued that it was the commission that got the judgment, which sacked the former governors and thereby reactivated the earlier People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries conducted in January 2011 ahead of the May 29 exit date.

He said the present cause of action arose at the instance of the Supreme Court judgment on tenure elongation.

Wada won the primaries before the INEC postponed elections in five states, including Kogi.

The action followed an Abuja Federal High Court’s verdict which held that the tenure of the five governors was beyond May 29, 2011 having won rerun elections.

When the commission released a new date for the election, Kogi PDP conducted another primary election in September in which Wada emerged as winner.

He won the governorship election, defeating the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), former Governor Abubakar Audu.

The Supreme Court in its

January 27 judgment, ruled that the tenure of the governors elapsed on May 28, 2011.

By the judgment of the court, Olanipekun said the September 2011 primaries won by Wada had become extinct and no longer applied because it was not conducted within 150 days to the exit of former Governor Ibrahim Idris.

Olanipekun argued that in the case of Bayelsa, it was Sylva who went to court to invalidate the primary which he won, but Echocho had not gone to court on his own, rather his cause of action arose at the instance of the Supreme Court judgment on tenure elongation.

Adopting his written address, Wada’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), argued that it was not in dispute that there were two primaries held in January and September, 2011 and that the plaintiff participated in them.

There have been mixed reactions over the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi described the ruling as a victory for democracy.

He noted that the state would begin to witness rapid devel-

opment as the litigation had hindered development and was a distraction.

Awoniyi hailed the judiciary,describing it as the bastion of democracy. He assured that the present administration would follow the recommendations by the Think Tank Committee to the letter.

Echocho said the judgment is against the golden dawn in the state that bears the cradle of the Kogi people.

The petitioner, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Phrank Shaibu, said the judgment is the first phase as the team would never give up until true justice is dispensed.

He said: “The struggle has been tough. It has taken the best of our human and material resources. But we have resolved that we would never let go.

Kogi is our fatherland, a collective patrimony given to us by our progenitors.

“It is our responsibility to leave it better and greater than we received it. Our team of lawyers shall move to the higher courts at the shortest possible time. We are encouraged by the presence of fearless men and women of the bench in our present-day judiciary.”

Traders, students protest Offa Council chair’s removal

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ANY traders and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State yesterday staged a peaceful rally in support of the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Prince Saheed Popoola.

The Kwara State Local Government Election Petition Tri-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin bunal two weeks ago nullified the election of Prince Popoola and ordered a rerun within 90 days.

Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASEC) cancelled the poll conducted on October 30, 2010,

following a violence that marred the exercise, and ordered a rerun in January last year.

At the end of the rerun, KWASEC declared Popoola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) winner of the poll.

Dissatisfied with the rerun election, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate in the poll asked the tribunal to nullify Popoola’s election, alleging that it was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the electoral act.

Members of the association of motorcyclists and express riders in the local government, holding brooms, the symbol of the ACN, were also not left out of the rally that began at the Owode main market in Offa.

The protesters carried placards, danced and sang in support of the council boss, saying he is the choice of the

people.

Some of the placards read: “Offa needs Saheed to continue, his reign has given us peace; give us our mandate back;” “Saheed Popoola is our choice;” “NURTW Isokan branch supports Saheed Popoola;” “Offa is meant for justice, equity and fairness; carry go Saheed;” “Saheed Popoola is a God-fearing leader; peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice; our mandate must not be jeopardised- reinstate Saheed Popoola” and “Owode Market Offa says no to political liability.”

Addressing reporters on behalf of the traders, the Owode market leader, Hajia Simiat Olatunji, said the Popoola administration has lived up to the expectation of the electorate. She added that he brokered peace among the warring associations during a communal rift that could have resulted in

a serious crisis.

The traders said he had built 19 roads in the local government, adding that the Ifokanbale Housing Estate his administration embarked upon would provide affordable accommodation for the indigenes.

They urged Offa people to forget their political differences and support the present administration to ensure growth.

A students’ union leader at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Ahmed Ayodimeji, said: “We are here to fight for the yearnings and aspirations of our people. We need justice and peace because we voted for Popoola. It is only a land of peace that can germinate the seed of progress and development. Let them reinstate Popoola. We are saying this on behalf of over 17,000 Nigerian students in Federal Polytechnic Offa.”

•A cross section of the traders and students protesting the removal of the Offa Local Government chairman...yesterday.

Fulani, Hausa return to Bogoro Council

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BOUT 150 Fulani and Hausa, who fled Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State during the ethno-religious crisis, have returned to their homes, as peace has been restored.

The restoration of peace followed an initiative by the Sayawa and Hausa living in the area, who assured that they would live in harmony.

During a visit to Governor Isa Yuguda at the Government House, Bauchi, a group, under the

From Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

aegis of Sayawa-Hausa-Fulani Peace Movement, said the communities in Bogoro Local Government have resolved to return to the area and live in peace irrespective of ethno-religious and political differences.

The communities led by Hakimin Bogoro (District Head) Husseini Haruna Yakubu hailed the government for the measures it had put in place to ensure that peace was restored.

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

59

NEWS

Post-election violence likely in 2015, says NSA Dasuki

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IGERIANS were yesterday warned of the likely consequence of the growing tension in the country after the next general elections.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki (rtd) said the tension could trigger postelection violence in 2015.

Col. Dasuki spoke at the opening of a two-day workshop on “Security challenges of Election management: Matters arising from 2011 and participating 2015”.

It was organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert Foundation.

The NSA charged the various security agencies to map out strategies ahead of the polls to prevent the country from being plunged into avoidable crisis.

Warning that the violence for the next election would come from different angles, the NSA said extra efforts must be made to curtail the likely challenges.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Admitting that there cannot be perfect elections, Col. Dasuki urged Nigerians to take advantage of the lessons learnt from the 2011 polls.

He said: “The competition among politicians may be more intense in 2015. So, more tension should be expected. Nigeria can get anything right when there is the determination and political will on the part of critical stakeholders to achieve success...No two elections are the same; 2015 is likely to bring new challenges.

“There could be possible violence but with a different angle to it, not only post-election but before and during, because of the prevailing security situation, unless the security situations gets better before then.

“There are likely to be challenges however well prepared a country may be, especially in the provision of election security.

The unexpected could happen;

a good example was the postelection violence, which was not expected, especially in context and magnitude.

“Thorough preparation and coordination of information, strategies and operations among various security agencies would always be necessary for successful conduct of elections.

“The security agencies, INEC, politicians and the general populace must harmonise their world views, be on the same page, as in the case of the 2011 general elections.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar identified a good security arrangement as essential in any democratic success.

He listed the present security challenges in the country to include: the menace of Boko Haram in the Northeast; the Niger Delta crisis; kidnapping and armed robbery in the Southeast; ethno-religious/political crisis in Plateau State; recent trends of explosion with attendant casual-

‘Nnaji’s resignation will pave way for transparent transaction’ Continued from page 4

•Dasuki

ties in some parts of the country and political upheavals in some parts of the country.

The police chief said: “A dispassionate examination of the security challenges, with a view to preventing any reoccurrence in future elections is most pertinent and must be accorded all the attention due to it. The security situation in the nation is presently bedeviled by some threats that are being brought under control.”

INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega said the commission would do everything possible to get it right in the 2015 general elections.

country.

“Ordinarily, in the past, this could not happen. We are not against the reforms in the PHCN; all we want is uninterrupted power supply in our house. Are we getting that?

No. So, anything that can be done to let that happen, the union will support.”

In a statement, the NLC said: “We are pleased with the forced exit of Prof. Bart Nnaji who until last night was a major problem to renewed effort aimed at reactivating the power sector having compromised the Office of the Honourable Minister of Power with his personal business interests, and being oblivious and a stumbling block to industrial peace and harmony in the industry.

“Reports are already in the public domain on Prof. Nnaji’s record of financial recklessness, high handedness and diversion of major businesses meant for PHCN to his private companies as well as compa-

Nnaji’s exit won’t affect privatisation process, says minister Continued from page 4 selection process. These actions, remain focused on delivering

He said: “I would like to reiterate that before I accepted to serve as minister, I resigned my directorship of all companies that I had interest in and put my shares in those companies in a Blind Trust; this means that I was not privy to the day-to-day business decisions of those who ran this Trust.

“In addition, I publicly declared the participation in the privatisation process of a foreign company that did business with a company that I had interest in.

“This fact came to my knowledge only during the course of evaluating the consortia that were bidding for PHCN successor companies. Consequently, I also voluntarily rescued myself from participating in the

I should think, are in line with the finest traditions of transparency and accountability in governance.”

Nnaji said that his resignation gives him the opportunity to go back to his integrated power projects, which according to him, have been designed to accelerate the development of the nation.

He paid glowing tributes to the staff of the Ministry of Power, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and other agencies for their “dedication to duty, hard work, patriotism and commitment to the common good which have, in spite of all odds, completely moved the power sector in a new direction to the benefit of all our people” He pleaded with the staff of the ministry and its agencies to

reliable, steady power to the nation and to accord his successor the same level of co-operation and commitment to achieve the goal. Nnaji also expressed gratitude to Nigerians from all parts of the country and overseas for their support and solidarity since his resignation was announced on Tuesday.

Rather than halt the privatisation, Nnaji’s resignation will give credibility to the process. Information Minister Labaran Maku said yesterday at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

According to him, other members of the council would have wished Nnaji was around to complete the process, but he had to go.

“Let me put it this way, the reasons why Prof. Barth Nnaji re-

signed are already known to you. Let me put it clearly that Prof Nnaji resigned to give credibility to the power sector privatisation process and the statement issued by the special adviser to the President on media affairs yesterday was very clear and explicit -that the former minister resigned his position to give credibility to the process of privatisation of the power sector. It should be very clear to us.

“All of us in government are prepared to do everything possible to ensure the credibility of the process and this is exactly really the intention of the minister when he resigned his appointment following issues of conflict of interest. It is something that should rather reinforce confidence in the process,” he said.

on the effect of the resignation on government efforts to stabilise power, the minister said: “ Well, yes, we definitely would have loved that Prof Barth, who had put in a lot of energy in this process, was there to complete the process or see it to greater fruition but, as you know, governance or government is a continuum and you know there are institutions in place and there are processes in place. I do not see the present gains that we’re beginning to see in the power sector being obstructed in any way by the decision to resign. I see rather greater momentum coming on board and I believe that the government and the Ministry of Power, particularly, will work even harder in the months and the years to come to give this country very stable power supply.”

nies he has vested interests.

“While we welcome his long awaited exit, we call on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately institute a thorough investigation into his tenure as minister in the Power Ministry.

“We also call on Mr. President to create an atmosphere of fairness and justice for speedy resolution of all outstanding labour matters in the process of disengaging some PHCN employees, which Prof.

Nnaji stalled before his exit.

“The contentious issue of severance benefits is never an issue that cannot be resolved through dialogue, but Nnaji chose to heat up the system by blocking every avenue for dialogue and invited armed military personnel to intimidate workers under spurious pretences.”

Ex-heads of state, governors fight dirty over power firms Continued from page 4

companies to submit their letters of credit is September 18, 2012 while October 2, 2012 is the deadline for short listed bidders for distribution companies.

“Consequently, NCP’s approval will pave the way for the opening of financial bids of the short listed investors.

“The BPE will on September 25, 2012 open the financial bids of prospective investors for the generating companies while October 10, 2012 is the date for the opening of the financial bids for the distribution companies.

“The announcement of the preferred bidders for the generating companies is October 9, 2012 while October 23, 2012 is the date for the announcement of the preferred bidders for the distribution companies.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

60

FOREIGN Plane hijack rumours lead to drama at Dutch airport

Shafiq on Egypt airport’s watchlist

F

A

PASSENGER plane was forced to land at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and boarded by Dutch forces amid fears of a hijacking that proved unfounded.

Dutch F-16 fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft, en route from Malaga, Spain.

Once it landed at Schiphol it was boarded by armed security forces who discovered the false alarm.

A miscommunication between the pilot and the control tower reportedly triggered the confusion.

“There was never any danger. There was a lack of communication between the pilot and the tower and the airport has activated the security protocol,” a spokeswoman for Spanish carrier Vueling told Reuters news agency.

Dutch broadcaster NOS spoke to a passenger who said the situation on board had been “calm”.

It was the second drama at the airport on Wednesday.

Earlier, part of Schiphol was closed and flights delayed after a suspected World War II bomb was discovered by workers digging near Pier C, which connects the main plaza with Departure Hall One.

•Shafiq

ORMER Egyptian prime minister Ahmed Shafiq has been placed on an airport watchlist, meaning he may be arrested if he tries to return.

He left for the United Arab Emirates after losing the presidential election to Mohammed Morsi in June.

General Shafiq, who was appointed prime minister

by Hosni Mubarak shortly

before he was overthrown in 2011, is under investigation for corruption.

He is alleged to have illegally sold land to the expresident’s sons.

The implications of being placed on a borders watchlist and given a travel ban are unclear, but in similar cases in the past the person has been detained on arrival.

Mr Shafiq is believed to

still be in the UAE, where he travelled shortly after losing a bitterly-fought presidential election to the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi earlier this year.

Before he became prime minister at the end of Hosni Mubarak’s rule, Gen Shafiq had a long career as head of the Egyptian air force.

He faces allegations of selling state land to Mubarak’s two sons, Gamal and Alaa,

who are now in prison facing corruption charges.

Their father has also faced corruption charges and is serving a life sentence for complicity in the killing of protesters during last year’s uprising.

There were protests earlier this year when three other ministers from the former regime were acquitted on charges of squandering public funds.

Egyptian troops step up campaign against Sinai militants

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GYPTIAN security forces have killed 11 militants since launching an offensive in the Sinai peninsula earlier this month, the defence ministry has said.

The operation, launched after 16 border guards were killed in an attack on 5 August, has also led to the arrest of 23 suspects and sei-

zures of weapons.

Forces would be redeployed on Wednesday to “complete the hunt for terrorist elements”, the ministry added.

The build-up of troops and heavy weapons has caused concern in Israel.

Since 1982, when Israeli troops withdrew, Sinai has

remained under a special security regime mandated by the peace treaty the two countries signed in 1979, which restricts Egypt’s freedom of military action.

On Monday, Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi stressed that his country was committed to all international treaties and, without

Indian Supreme Court upholds death sentence for Mumbai gunman

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HE Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the death sentence for Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, the only surviving gunman from the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

A trial court sentenced Kasab, a Pakistani, to death in 2010 on charges of murder, conspiracy and waging war on India.

The High Court of Mumbai upheld his conviction and sentence in February last

year. Now, the Supreme Court has done the same, rejecting his argument that he hadn’t received a fair trial.

“The court has had a chance to appreciate the evidence completely,” Gopal Subramaniam, a lawyer for the prosecution, said after the verdict. He noted that Kasab had been provided with state-appointed lawyers for his different court hearings.

With his appeal rejected by India’s highest court, the options are running out for

Kasab. He can still file a review motion with the Supreme Court. If that fails, he can submit a clemency petition to the president.

During the November 2008 assault on Mumbai, 10 heavily armed men attacked landmarks around the city, including the luxury Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and Oberoi-Trident hotels, the Victoria Terminus train station, and the Jewish cultural center, Chabad House.

naming Israel, said no other states should worry about its actions in Sinai.

“Egypt is practising its very normal role on its soil and does not threaten anyone and there should not be any kind of international or regional concerns at all from the presence of Egyptian security forces,” he said.

Egypt launched “Operation Eagle”, which has involved thousands of troops backed by tanks and heavy equipment, after the 16 border guards died in a raid on their base near the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip.

After killing the soldiers, the militants crossed the border with Israel in an apparent attempt to carry out another attack. However, they were killed in Israeli air strikes.

No-one has said they were behind the attack, although suspicions have centred on jihadist groups which are known to operate in eastern Sinai.

In the first few days of Operation Eagle, security forces carried out several raids on alleged militant hideouts, but none have been reported since.

Troops also set up checkpoints on main roads and around the main towns of northern Sinai. Initially, some were targets of hit-andrun attacks.

The campaign is being led by the Defence Minister and head of the armed forces, Gen Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who was appointed by President Mursi in a shake-up of the military’s leadership on 12 August.

On Monday, the military’s chief-of-staff promised local leaders that his troops will “not permit any criminal hideouts in the land of Sinai, and current measures taken ensure that no innocent will be harmed”.

Lt-Gen Sidqi Subhi also said they did not aim to “counter thoughts with weapons, but they raise arms in the face of those who carry arms”.

BASHI DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION JOS, PLATEAU STATE The Bachi Development Association having seriously looked into the recent security, political social economic development in the area found it expedient to hold a congress meeting.

The meeting which was well attended took place on Monday 20th August, 2012 at Government Secondary School Bachi, discussed extensively the issues and came out with the following resolutions: • Unity: The Congress resolved to put aside differences that are detrimental to the corporate existence of the district and be united more than ever before, form a common front for development.

We noted with dismay, the disunity that hitherto existed amongst us that has left us stagnant in terms of infrastructural development and also gave room to the security challenges affecting us.

• Security: It will be recalled that for over 10 years, there has been ceaseless and unprovoked attacks on almost all the villages in the district leading to the death of over 120 people, destruction and burning of property, houses, crops, farmlands etc.

Still fresh in our memory is the gruesome attack on Bangai, Sopp and the genocide in Mashe where 67 people were killed and burned which led to the death of our illustrious sons/daughters including Distinguished Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon. Gyang Fulani.

The meeting unequivocally condemned this unproved attack and we are equally aware of plans to dislodge us from our God given inheritance.

We want to use this medium to state in categorical terms, haven exhausted ALL patience and avenues to restore peace and abate this wanton killings, we are left with no option than to resist any such attempts by any means possible, meanwhile we are still calling on Government to fish out the perpetrators, as we know most of them and have identified them, they live with us, we have submitted their names to Government and other security Agencies.

We also want to condemn the demand by the Hausa/Fulani delegation to the President for the use of our land as grazing reserve.

We cannot live our ancestral land for WHATEVER REASON!!!

We equally demand that ALL constituted reports of Judicial Commissions of Inquiry be implemented IMMEDIATELY. • DEVELOPMENT: Due to the agrarian nature of our people, we implore on Government to hasten its commitment to construct our road network, this will not only aid the farmers in transporting their farm produce, but will equally attract investors in the agro allied industries, as well as curb this security challenges.

• VISITS: The Association wishes to acknowledge and appreciate the condolence visit by His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, The Gbong Gwom Jos and that of the Governor of Plateau State Da Jonah David Jang, over the demise of our distinguished Senator Gyang Dantong. We are indeed, deeply over whelmed with this show of love and concern, we are mindful of the fact that during the Governors visit, he directed the immediate commencement of the construction of road network in the district, this has now given us hope and some sense of belonging.

Our heart goes to President of the Senate, David Mark who did not only come to visit us also attended the burial of our son.

To other distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, may the Lord bless you richly.

We equally appreciate the sympathy and show of love of all well meaning individuals, groups and local and international organizations that have extended to our people at home and those that are displaced. We have receive a lot of sympathy visit and relief materials that have reduced the plight of our displaced persons.

We want to call on both the Federal and State Governments to immortalize the late Senator Gyang Dantong by naming some important monuments after him.

Finally, we wish to call on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, under the able Chairmanship of Dr. Haruna Dabin to cede the vacant position created by the demise of our son, Senator Dantong to Bachi, as has been the practice under similar circumstances.

Similarly, we are appealing to the Plateau Northern Senatorial District as a whole to see reason with our case and support our call to enable us complete our mandate earlier given. This gesture will be appreciated, you can be sure as always, it will be will be reciprocated in due cause.

Thank you. !!!

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

61

SPORT EXTRA

Keshi plans to invite Utaka •Moses, Ambrose to storm Abuja Monday

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ALIAN AERBIN FC, China striker, Peter Utaka is on the verge of returning to the Super Eagles’ fold as the Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi declared his interest and his intention to see the former Belgium based player exhibit his attacking qualities in his presence.

Keshi, while reacting to questions from battery of sports reporters in Abuja yesterday, disclosed that he has not shut his doors behind Utaka junior who plies his

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja ftrade in the Chinese Super League and another China based strike sensation, Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Keshi signified his interest in Peter Utaka that has painted the Chinese Super League with goals, scoring 17 goals in 23 appearances for Dalian Aerbin.

According to Keshi, “I may like to see Peter (Utaka) because I never met him before.

But Yakubu

EKO 2012: Ondo will excel at the zonal elimination —Manager

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ENERAL Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs. Idowu Akinbulumo is optimistic of excellent performance from the state contingent at the forthcoming National Sports Council (NSC) South-West Zone II elimination billed for Ekiti State in spetember .

The general manager made this declaration with our reporter in a telephone chat that the state has the athletes that can do the state proud at the ball games elimination that will involved them with Osun and host Ekiti state.

In her words, she said “We are not going to leave any chances slip bye at the event because all eyes will be on us being the strong force in the zone.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure and maintain our position as the leading state among other contemporaries”, “Ondo state is known for sporting excellence that is why all our athletes understand what it entails to be at the top of other contenders. “ We had done it before by clinching all the available slots in the ball games, and this time around we are not going to leave any slots behind for others”, “For years now Governor Olusegun Mimiko has been the brain behind the sudden transformation in sports sectors, he has made it possible in lifting the morale of sportsmen and women across the state.

He never allowed us to lack anything as hardly any competitions in the country and

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin -City international that we will not take part”, “There is no time that the state team have competition and we informed him that he will said there was no money, he always made funds available at all time and one can see the results both national and international” “I know quite well that the duo of Osun and Ekiti will like to pose some résistance in denying us some slots, but it will be difficult for them as we cannot afford to play second fiddle behind any state based on our pedigree”.

It could be recalled that Ondo state emerged fourth position at the 17th edition of the festival tagged Garden City Games and held in Port-Harcourt.

MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship in round of 32

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S the teams aiming to make it to the final stage of the season five of MTN Lagos Street Soccer Championship continue to be prune down, all is now set for the round of 32 this weekend across five centres.

With matches in both male and female events holding this weekend, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has reaffirmed its commitment to rid the tournament of irregularities.

With most of the protests resolved by the LOC, 32 teams that scale it to this stage of the competition will engage one another in another round of matches

COD Utd, Bolton hold free soccer clinic in Lagos

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S part of its Football in the Community project, COD United Football Club of Lagos last week organized a free soccer camp for kids at the University of Lagos Sports Center.

The camp which had over kids in attendance was facilitated by coaches from COD United FC and Bolton Wanderers FC. Speaking to reporter during the camp, director of football, COD United, Ayodeji Adegbenro said the free soccer camp was the Club's own way of giving back to the society. "We have always said youth development is one area that we are extremely passionate about. Just two months ago, we took a team of young men from all over the country to Portugal to play at the Iber Cup and our performance was top notch even though we were slightly unlucky.

Bringing coaches from Bolton Wanderers to train talented young Nigerians at absolutely no cost is another way of showing that we really want young Nigerian talents to get the best opportunities possible to express their God given gifts.

Coach Mick Wild also added, "

(Aiyegbeni) I know very well, I have had him long time in the national team. I know him as a player and what he can give. But Peter yes, I might extend invitation to him because I have never seen him play. He has to show me what he can do.

“I don’t have problem with any league but what I am concerned about is the good welfare of my players and the performance level of the players and of course the commitment. If you want to give us 120 percent then you are welcome on board. But if you want to come on holidays, this is not a place for holidays”, Keshi warned.

The Big Boss also confirmed the absence of wing sensation, Bright Ejike Ezoenyi who is undergoing trials with Olympic Marseille of France, while Uche Kalu too was not in camp as he has also travelled to Turkey to join First Division side, Caykur Rizespor.

He also disclosed that he expects all invited foreign players to hit Bolton White Apartment, Abuja Camp of the Eagles latest Monday. “I am expecting all the invited overseas based players to be here in Abuja latest next Monday. I am aware that Efe Ambrose and Victor Moses have matches to play for their clubs in Israel and England on Sunday. So latest they should be here on Monday”, Keshi assured.

we had a great time with the youngsters. We saw a lot of enthusiasm,energy and some of them have real potential. We are glad to work with COD United to contribute our bit to ensuring that young people in Nigeria get the benefit of superior training. Its important that they are exposed to these drills at a young age as that can now form the basis for their future development. COD United's coaches are highly skilled with regards to training youngsters and their help was crucial because of the large turn out we witnessed."

to determine the last 16 teams for this year.

According to the LOC, as teams progress, their prize money for making it to the next stage also improve.

“We will continue to check irregularities as the competition winds up and we will ensure that we bring sanity to the competition.

We want teams to adhere to the rules of the game as every team taking part in this year’s tournament has been given the rules and regulations handbook before the commencement of this year’s tournament and for us at the LOC,we will adhere to the rules.

Any team found guilty of going against the rules will be sanctioned or fined, while any officials engaging in cheating will also be dealt with appropriately,” they said.

The centres that will host the matches are Love Garden in Surulere,Elegbata Sports Centre in Lagos Island, Oworonshoki Youth Centre, Festac Grammar School and Ojo Oniyun Youth Centre in Ebute Metta with defending champion, Lawal Akapo still in the race for the title.

For the handler of Akapo, Ishola Sakiru, the aim to retain the title remains their priority. "We are going to take any chance as we are working hard to ensure that we retain the title as the first team to achieve this feat," Sakiru said.

•Coach Mick Wild and Mark Willis working with youngsters at the free COD United clinic held in Lagos

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

THE NATION THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

63

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TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7, NO.2,233

‘I am sorry to say this, but if what we have seen so far is the President’s best, it is far, far below expectation. I don’t expect him at this stage to be complaining about criticisms, what should engage his mind is how to make Nigeria work again’ LAWAL OGIENAGBON

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

S

ENIOR public officials in Nigeria, including Ministers and members of the National Assembly like to travel abroad as often as possible. Virtually all of them have the opportunity of doing so while holding public office. The practice is not limited to Nigeria. It is one of the many perquisites of public office which public officials enjoy. They should not be begrudged for this. There is nothing wrong with this privilege as public officials have a lot to learn from such foreign trips. They need to keep themselves abreast of important global developments and best practices in their area of state duties and responsibilities.

The world is changing more rapidly than ever before. Foreign travel brings states and public officials closer together by providing them with the opportunity of exchanging views and ideas on global problems and challenges. It can promote foreign trade and global prosperity. It has the potential of assisting public officials in having a better understanding of the current global challenges. New ideas, technologies and economic management strategies are emerging that public officials need to learn and embrace as they could be of immense benefit to a developing country such as Nigeria. Foreign investment is of crucial importance worldwide and some of these foreign trips can assist a country to attract foreign investment. So, there should be no serious objection to foreign travel by public officials, provided the purpose is clear and it is in the overall interest of the country. It is the reason that there is a generous and adequate financial provision in the recurrent budgets of the governments for these foreign trips by public officials. It is not my intention here to criticise foreign trips by public officials where such trips are paid for by the government. The frequency and usefulness of such officially sponsored foreign trips, even by state governors, is another matter entirely. Some of it is wasteful and of no direct economic or other benefit to the nation.

What I find objectionable are foreign trips sponsored either by foreign or local organisations that have the potential of damaging the public or national interest. For far too long, Nigerian public officials have benefited from such foreign trips sponsored by foreign agencies that cannot be said to be in the interest of the country. A few of such cases come readily to mind here. First, during the recent investigation of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Chairman and some members of the House Capital Markets Sub-Committee were reported as asking and being offered a trip abroad to be sponsored by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was revealed during hearings by the House on the matter that the demand and offer were made at a time when the House Sub-Committee was investigating alleged wrong doings and colossal financial mismanagement of public funds by the Commission. The purpose of the sponsored foreign trip offered to members of the House Sub-committee is quite clear. It was to compromise members of the House Sub-Committee. Certainly, it was morally wrong of the

RIPPLES

N5,000 BANKNOTE’LL WORSEN ECONOMY, say NLC, ACN

...economy that is already in COMA

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

On sponsored official foreign trips

•Ex-Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market Herman Ihembe

House Sub-Committee to have asked the Commission for a sponsored foreign trip at a time when the Commission was under investigation by the House. It was also wrong of the Commission to have agreed to sponsor the proposed foreign trip, particularly when it knew that a previous foreign trip by the Chairman of the House Sub-Committee for which the Commission paid was not made by him. Funds advanced for the foreign trip were simply diverted to private pockets. No refund to the Commission was ever made by those involved. The House is currently correctly investigating this gross abuse of office and public trust for which the Chairman of the House Sub-Committee has been justifiably suspended. It has to be acknowledged that the possibility of gross abuse of sponsored foreign trips by public officials is one which many of the Western democracies, including the United States and Britain, have had to contend with too.

More recently, it was reported that the Ministry of Aviation had offered to sponsor some members of the House Sub-Committee on Aviation on a foreign trip for the purpose of undertaking a study of the civil aviation industry in some foreign countries. It is possible to argue that such a foreign trip by the House Sub-Committee is desirable in the wake of the large number of plane crashes in Nigeria in recent years. But the offer from the Aviation Ministry must be regarded as scandalous as it came immediately after the Dana Air crash in Lagos in which over 150 people died. The causes of the plane crash are local. A trip abroad by the members of the House Sub-Committee is unlikely to add any valuable information to that available locally. But if the House thought that such a foreign trip was necessary then the cost involved in the foreign travel should be its responsibility and not that of the Ministry of Aviation. Quite appropriately, the offer was rejected by the House Sub-Committee as well as the Senate as it was a clear attempt by the Ministry of Aviation to compromise members of the House, who were investigating the causes of the Dana Air crash.

There are far too many of these sponsored trips abroad by public officials in the country.

Many of these trips involve senior public officials holding very sensitive positions in the country. Some of these sponsored foreign travels have something to do with procurements by government agencies of fat and inflated contracts. It must be expected that public officials who accept sponsorship of these foreign trips would tend to be favourably disposed to foreign agencies offering them sponsorships.

It is during some of these sponsored foreign trips that dirty deals, detrimental to Nigeria’s economic and financial interests, are made be-

HARDBALL

tween Nigerian officials and the foreign agencies that sponsor these trips abroad. The financial loss to Nigeria from these shady deals is quite colossal.

In some cases, public officials collect official allowances for these trips even when they are being sponsored for the trips by local or foreign agencies. Many of these sponsored foreign trips by public officials go unreported as they are carefully concealed from the public.

There are cases in which senior public officials collect funds, even from international organisations, but fail to make these trips. The funds are usually not returned to the sponsors, but simply diverted to private purposes. The culture of sponsored foreign trips has grown in recent years among senior public officials in the MDAs. Some junior officers who challenge or expose this practice have been punished by being denied promotion or transferred to other departments as trouble makers.

Now, the time has come when the authorities should insist that existing regulations on sponsored foreign trips be strictly adhered to by all public officials, including Ministers and members of the National Assembly. Cases abound in other foreign countries of public officials compromising their countries while on foreign sponsored trips. Basically, offers of sponsored foreign trips should not be accepted where such offers could lead to the officials involved being compromised in any way, or where it could damage the public or national interests. For members of the National Assembly this is largely a matter of personal judgment and the decision to accept a sponsored trip abroad is, in the end, a matter of personal discretion. But this is an ethical matter and the National Assembly should work out rules and guidelines that will ensure that the current widespread abuse of this privilege is curtailed. When a matter comes before the House on which a member has undertaken a sponsored trip, such a member should be made to declare his interest in the matter.

Far more damage to the political and economic interests of the country is done by senior civil servants who go abroad on sponsored foreign trips during which they compromise themselves and the country by entering into official commitments that tend to undermine the national interests. In the case of senior civil servants, the authorities should ban the acceptance of sponsored foreign trips completely, except from reputable and established international organisations, such as the UN Specialised Agencies and other similar multilateral agencies. No self respecting state, except the poorest, should allow its officials to accept offers of sponsored foreign travel.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Nigeria should have given Obasanjo tenure extension

C

HIEF Olusegun Obasanjo is once again stoking the embers of the rot and confusion in the electricity sector. But first, let us take a short digression. In 2008, it will be recalled, Nigeria was treated to a riveting story of electrifying intrigues probably never before heard (forgive the Jonathan hyperbole) in this country. It was kick-started by the House of Representatives, which claimed some $16bn had been spent on electricity projects during the Obasanjo years, and anchored, through a probe panel, by chairman of the Power and Steel Committee in the lower chamber, Mr Godwin Ndudi Elumelu. In six months or so, and despite many high-powered distractions involving bribery allegations against the panel, the report was eventually submitted. First it gathered dust spectacularly, and then Elumelu himself became the target of intrigues and allegations, effectively rendering the report absolutely nugatory.

During the probe, which was carried out in the early part of the Umaru Yar’Adua presidency, Nigerians will also recall that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was invited to testify. At first he met the invitation with unrestrained truculence, then when he finally deigned to look in the direction of the Elumelu panel, it was to give it short shrift through a terse and impudent letter that denounced the cultural

rudeness of asking an elder like himself and a former president to boot to testify before young panellists. He didn’t openly say so, but it was clear Obasanjo’s understanding of democracy and the rule of law meant he thought a president, whether former or serving, was above the law, and indeed close to a deity.

In the letter, Obasanjo agreed some money was spent on the electricity sector, but argued it was nothing like the $16bn claimed by the House of Representatives. Now, for someone who was remarkably reticent while the Elumelu probe lasted, it is interesting he has suddenly found his voice, a voice that now rings forth in his usual stentorian fashion. However, on Tuesday in Lagos, the former president told a bemused audience at a lecture organised by Nigeria Leadership Initiative that the reason his electricity project failed to deliver on the promise he gave at the beginning of his presidency was because he did not have enough time to implement it. He got money too late in the day to do much with it, he whined. He compensated for the failure, he added for effect, by leaving a host of other great and mighty achievements for his successor to inherit.

Would to God we knew the mind of Obasanjo. Those who observed him on Tuesday during the lecture saw him spoke with enormous self-satisfaction. You could almost feel

that he sensed his impending canonisation in the face of the lethargy and ineptitude of his successors. Recall that when he assumed the presidency in 1999 he gloated there was nothing left of the mighty achievements he left when he vacated the leadership of the country in 1979. Well, that ironic and dramatic mannerism of his to always compare one incongruous before with another incongruous after was again summoned at the Tuesday lecture.

It was clear he wanted us to regret pushing him out when he finished serving his two terms, though he schemed for a third term or at worst a tenure extension, the kind he cheekily recommended for Senegal during the February presidential election when Abdoulaye Wade played tomfoolery.

With all the unlawful spending and all the proselytising talk about his special place with God, Obasanjo failed to get an extension to ‘complete’ his projects. He actually thinks if we gave him another full term he would get the job done which he couldn’t do in eight years. Maybe we should have obliged him in order to prove him wrong, as he always is about everything. But knowing his legendary lack of focus and exuberance, it would neither have profited Nigeria nor done him any good to give him an extension. Indeed, it would have been a reckless and imprudent waste of precious time.

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