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VOL. 8, NO. 2689 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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World mourns Mandela

‘

As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none none of of us us can can truly truly rest. rest world,

•The late Mandela

’

Ex-South African president and anti-apartheid hero dies at 95 Ban Ki-moon, Jonathan, Obama, Zuma, Cameron send condolences INSIDE

•Mandela...struggle was his life, love •Timeline of a great man’s life •The fight for his cash •South Africa: What happens now that Madiba is gone? •Tinubu: end of an era •Amaechi, Aregbesola, Fayemi, Amosun, others pay tributes •AND MORE ON PAGES 2-7&60

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 - 2013)

In memoriam

Mandela… struggle was his life, love The women who married him knew they married a struggle and not a man. It was an open secret that Nelson Mandela was more committed to his struggle to liberate South Africa than his wives and children, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

HEN he was retiring from public life in 2004, his plea was: “Don’t call me, I will call you”. Now, he is in no position to call or be called again. For Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the beautiful life which began on July 18, 1918 ended yesterday. Since he left as South African president after his first term, his health had not been the best. The 27 years he was incarcerated at Roben Island bared their claws. In January 2011, he was admitted to the private Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg leading to speculation about his health condition. He was discharged after two-and-a-half days in hospital and returned to his Houghton, Johannesburg home in an ambulance. In July 2001, Mandela was diagnosed of prostate cancer. He had to undergo a seven-week course of radiation. At 85, he announced that he would be retiring from public life, adding that he did not intend to hide away totally from the public, but wanted to be in a position “of calling you to ask whether I would be welcome, rather than being called upon to do things and participate in events.” And since then, he appeared less in public. Since then he had been rumoured death not less than thrice. The first was two years after he was diagnosed of prostate cancer. CNN mistakenly on its website published his pre-written obituary due to a fault in password protection. Then in 2007, a group distributed hoax email and SMS messages claiming that he was dead, but the authorities were covering up his death. They alleged that white South Africans would be massacred after his funeral. Yet, he was on holiday in Mozambique. Last year too, he was rumoured dead and his family had to deny. Now, there is nothing to deny again. Madiba is no more. The curtain has closed. It has ended for the man born into the Madiba clan in Mvezo, Transkei. The struggle that his life was must have been informed by his experience after his father Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela died in 1927. Following his father’s death, he became a ward of Jongintaba at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni. While at the palace, he heard the elder’s stories about his ancestor’s valour during the wars of resistance. He began dreaming also of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle of his people. He attended primary school in Qunu where his teacher Miss Mdingane gave him the name Nelson, in accordance with the custom to give all school children “Christian” names. He earned his Junior Certificate at Clarkebury

Boarding Institute and proceeded to Healdtown, a Wesleyan secondary school. He thereafter began studies for a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University College of Fort Hare. He could not complete the degree there. He was expelled for joining a student protest. He was undaunted and later completed his BA through the University of South Africa and returned to Fort Hare for his graduation in 1943. In 1941, he met Walter Sisulu, an estate agent in Johannesburg . There he worked as a mine security officer. Three years later, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and helped form its Youth League. He was involved in the congress adopting a more radical mass-based policy, known as the Programme of Action. In 1952, he was chosen at the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign with Maulvi Cachalia as his Deputy. It was a campaign of civil disobedience against six unjust laws. It was a joint programme between the ANC and the South African Indian Congress. He and 19 others were charged under the Suppression of Communism Act for their part in the campaign and sentenced to nine months hard labour suspended for two years. In August 1952, he and Oliver Tambo established South Africa’s first black law firm, Mandela and Tambo. His two-year diploma in law and his BA qualified him to practise law . The authorities became more interested in his activities and it was no surprise that before the end of that year, he was banned from certain acitivities. In 1956, he was tried for treason. On December 5, 1955, he was arrested in a countrywide police swoop of 156 activists. Men and women of all races found themselves in the dock in the marathon trial that only ended when the last 30 accused, including Mandela were acquitted on March 29, 1961. The trial was still on when he married his second wife Winnie in 1958. The March 1960 police killing of 69 unarmed people in a protest at Sharpeville led to the country’s first state of emergency and the banning of the ANC and the Pan Africanist Congress. He was detained during the state of emergency. The trial did not kill the struggle in him. In fact, some days before he was acquitted, he travelled to Pietermaritzburg to speak at the Allin Africa Conference, where it was resolved that he should write to the then Prime Minister Verwoerd requesting a non-racial national convention. He was also mandated to warn the government of an impending national strike against South Africa becoming a republic. And as soon as he and his colleagues were

Mandela and children during one of his last birthdays

•A statue of Mandela in Johannesburg

acquitted in the Treason Trial, he went underground and began planning the national strike, which was called off because of a massive mobilization of state security. In June 1961, the mantle fell on him to lead the armed struggle and establish Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation). And On January 11, 1962, using the adopted name David Motsamayi, he left South Africa secretly, travelled around Africa and visited England to seek support for the armed struggle. He was away for about six months and received military training in Morocco and Ethiopia. He was arrested in a police roadblock outside Howick on August 5, 1962 while returning from KwaZuluNatal, where he briefed ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli. He was charged and convicted of leaving the country illegally and inciting workers to go on strike. The sentence was for five years. He began serving in Pretoria Local Prison in May 1963 but was transferred to Robben Island and returned to Pretoria in mid-June. The authorities were not through with him. In October 1963, he and nine others were put on trial for sabotage. In his famous ‘Speech from the Dock’ on April 20, 1964, he said: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs

be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” It was not until about two months after he made this speech that Mandela and seven other accused, including Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Goldberg was sent to Pretoria Prison because he was white while the others went to Robben Island. That was on June 11, 1964. The spate of tragedies that his life experienced saw his mother dying in 1968 and his eldest son Thembi in 1969. He was not allowed to attend their funerals. At the end of March 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town with Sisulu, Mhlaba and Mlangeni. He was returned to the prison in November 1985 after a prostate surgery and was held alone. After this, he began writing to the then Minister of Justice Kobie Coetsee, who visited him in hospital, to initiate talks between the apartheid government and the ANC. He had Tuberculosis in 1988 and was transferred on December 7, 1988 to a house at Victor Verster Prison near Paarl. Nine days after the unbanning of the ANC, he was released. That was on February 11, 1990. The other Rivonia comrades had been released four months earlier. In 1989, while in the last months of his imprisonment, he obtained an LLB through the University of South

Africa. He graduated in absentia at a ceremony in Cape Town. He would have regained his freedom earlier had he not rejected three conditional offers of release. He spurned one of such offers, releasing a statement via his daughter Zindzi saying “What freedom am I being offered while the organisation of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.” On his release, he said: “Our resort to the armed struggle in 1960 with the formation of the military wing of the ANC (Umkhonto we Sizwe) was a purely defensive action against the violence of apartheid. The factors, which necessitated the armed struggle, still exist today. We have no option but to continue. We express the hope that a climate conducive to a negotiated settlement would be created soon, so that there may no longer be the need for the armed struggle.” A free man, he immersed himself into talks to end white minority rule. He was in 1991 elected ANC President to replace his ailing friend Oliver Tambo. In 1993, he and FW de Klerk jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 27, 1994, he voted for the first time in his life in an election he vied for the presidency. He won and on May 10, 1994 he was inaugurated South Africa’s first democratically elected President. In line with his promise, he refused to run for a second term, thereafter retired from public life and remained in private life until his death.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 - 2013)

In memoriam

Timeline of a great man’s life Year

Date

1918 1925 1927 1934 1937 1939 1940 1941 1942 1942 1943 1944 1948 1951 1952 1952 1953 1955 1956 1958 1960

July 18

1961 1962 1963 1964

March 21 March 30 April 8 January 11 August 5 October June 11

1969 1982 1985 1985 1988

•Mandela as a young man

Robben Island was his home

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island where he remained for eighteen of his twenty-seven years in prison. There, his reputation grew and he became widely known as the most significant black leader in South Africa. He and others performed hard labour in a lime quarry. The Prison conditions were very basic. Prisoners were segregated by race, with black prisoners receiving the fewest rations. Political prisoners were kept separate from ordinary criminals and received fewer privileges. He said as a D-group prisoner (the lowest classification) he was allowed one visitor and one letter every six months. Letters, when they came, were often delayed for long periods and made unreadable by the prison censors. He was allowed to study with the University of London by correspondence through its External Programme and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. While there, the South African intelliegence infiltrated an attempt for him to escape so they could shoot him during recapture. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service foiled the attempt.

1990 1990 1993 1994

November 3 August 12 August 31 December 7 February 2 February 11 March 2 April 27 May 9 May 10

1996 1998 1999 2001 2004 2005

June 1 January 6

2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011

June 11 June 17 July 11 July October January

2011 2011

May 16 June

2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012

June 21 July 18 October 21 December February 25 July 18

July 18

Event

Born at Mvezo in the Transkei Attends primary school near Qunu (receives the name ‘Nelson’ from a teacher) Entrusted to Paramount Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo Undergoes initiation; Attends Clarkebury Boarding Institute in Engcobo Attends Healdtown, the Wesleyan College at Fort Beaufort Enrols at the University College of Fort Hare, in Alice Expelled Becomes a mine night watchman Completes BA through the University of South Africa (UNISA) Begins to attend African National Congress (ANC) meetings informally Graduates with BA from Fort Hare; Enrols for an LLB at Wits University Co-founds the ANC Youth League (ANCYL); marries Evelyn Ntoko Mase Elected national secretary of the ANCYL Elected President of the ANCYL Convicted with J.S Moroka, Walter Sisulu and 17 others Opens South Africa’s first black law firm with Oliver Tambo Devises the M-Plan for the ANC’s future underground operations Watches as the Congress of the People at Kliptown launches the Freedom Charter Stands trial for Treason Divorces Evelyn Mase; Marries Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela Sharpeville Massacre A State of Emergency imposed and Mr Mandela detained The ANC is banned Goes underground; Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) is formed Leaves the country for military training and to garner support for the ANC Sentenced to five years for incitement and leaving the country illegally Sent to Robben Island; Returned to Pretoria after two weeks Charged for sabotage in the Rivonia trial with nine others All except Rusty Bernstein and James Kantor are convicted and sentenced (June 12) to life Thembekile is killed in a car accident Mr Mandela, Sisulu, Raymond Mhlaba and Andrew Mlangeni and later Ahmed Kathrada are sent to Pollsmoor Prison Rejects South African President PW Botha’s offer to release him if he re nounces violence Has prostate surgery Admitted to Tygerberg Hospital and is diagnosed with Tuberculosis Admitted to Constantiaberg MediClinic Moved to Victor Verster Prison ANC is unbanned Released Elected ANC Deputy President Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with FW de Klerk Voted for the first time in his life Elected by Parliament as first President of a democratic South Africa Inaugurated as President of the Republic of South Africa Divorces Winnie Mandela Married Graça Machel on his 80th birthday Steps down after one term as President Diagnosed with prostate cancer Announced that he would be stepping down from public life Mr Mandela announces that his eldest son, Makgatho had died of AIDS complications His grandson Mandla as chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council Turns 90 years old, asks the emerging generation to fight for social justice Votes for the fourth time in his life Is formally presented with the Fifa World Cup trophy His great-granddaughter Zenani is killed in a car accident Attends the funeral of his granddaughter, Zenani Makes a surprise appearance at the Final of the Fifa World Cup in Soweto Celebrates his 92nd birthday at home in Johannesburg with family His second book Nelson Mandela: Conversations with Myself is published Is admitted to hospital in Johannesburg where he was diagnosed with a chest infection. He is discharged after two nights Votes in the local government elections His book Nelson Mandela By Himself: The Authorised Book of Quotations is published Is visited at home by American First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Celebrates his 93rd birthday with his family in Qunu, Eastern Cape Is officially counted in South Africa’s Census 2011 Spends Christmas with family in Qunu Admitted to hospital for abdominal complaint. Discharged after one night Celebrates his 94th birthday with his family in Qunu, Eastern Cape

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 -2013)

Ex-South African president and anti-apartheid hero dies at 95

ELSON Mandela, the revered icon of the antiapartheid struggle in South Africa and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century is dead. He was 95. Mandela, who was elected South Africa’s first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state. His condition deteriorated and he died following complications from the lung infection, with his family by his side. The news was announced by an emotional South African president Jacob Zuma live on television, who said Mandela had “departed” and was at peace. “Our nation has lost its greatest son,” said Zuma. “What made Nelson Mandela great is precisely what made him human,” he said. Mandela, once a boxer, had a

long history of lung problems after contracting tuberculosis while in jail on Robben Island. His extraordinary life story, quirky sense of humour and lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors ensured global appeal for the charismatic leader. Once considered a terrorist by the United States and Britain for his support of violence against the apartheid regime, at the time of his death he was an almost unimpeachable moral icon. The Nobel Peace Prize winner spent 27 years behind bars before being freed in 1990 to lead the African National Congress (ANC) in negotiations with the white minority rulers which culminated in the first multiracial elections in 1994. A victorious Mandela served a term as president before taking up a new role as a roving elder statesman and leading AIDS campaigner before finally retiring from public life in 2004.

“When he emerged from prison people discovered that he was all the things they had hoped for and more,” fellow Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said. “He is by far the most admired and revered statesperson in the world and one of the greatest human beings to walk this earth.” From prisoner to global peace icon He was a global cause celebre during the long apartheid years, and popular pressure led world leaders to tighten sanctions imposed on South Africa’s racist white minority regime. In 1988 at a concert in Wembley Stadium in London, tens of thousands sang “Free Nelson Mandela” as millions more watched on their television sets across the world. Born in July 1918 in the southeastern Transkei region, Mandela carved out a career as a lawyer in Johannesburg in parallel with his political activism. He became commander-in-

chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the by now-banned ANC, in 1961, and the following year underwent military training in Algeria and Ethiopia. While underground back home in South Africa, Mandela was arrested by police in 1962 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was then charged with sabotage and sentenced in 1964 to life in prison at the Rivonia trial, named after a Johannesburg suburb where a number of ANC leaders were arrested. He used the court hearing to deliver a speech that was to become the manifesto of the antiapartheid movement. “During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic Continued on page 60

Desmond Tutu: a colossus is gone

•Tutu

Text of activist-cleric Desmond Tutu’s tribute

ELSON Mandela is mourned by South Africans, Africans and the international community today as the leader of our generation who stood head and shoulders above his contemporaries — a colossus of unimpeachable moral character and integrity, the world’s most admired and revered public figure. Not since Kenyatta, Nkrumah, Nyerere and Senghor has Africa seen his like. Looking for comparisons beyond Africa, he will go down in history as South Africa’s George Washington, a person who within a five-year presidency became the principal icon of both liberation and reconciliation, loved by those of all political persuasions as the founder of modern, democratic South Africa. He was of course not always regarded as such. When he was born in 1918 in the rural village of Mvezo, he was named Rolihlahla, or “troublemaker.” (Nelson was the name given to him by a teacher when he start-

ed school.) After running away to Johannesburg to escape an arranged marriage, he lived up to his name. Introduced to politics by his mentor, Walter Sisulu, he joined a group of young militants who challenged the cautious elders of the African National Congress, founded by black leaders in 1912 to oppose the racist policies of the newlyformed union of white-ruled British colonies and Afrikaner republics. After the Afrikaner Nationalists came to power in 1948, intent on entrenching and expanding the dispossession of blacks, confrontation became inevitable. As the new government relentlessly implemented one racist, repressive law after another, the ANC intensified its resistance until its ban in 1960, when it decided that, having exhausted all peaceful means of achieving democracy, it had no option but to resort to the use of force. Madiba, the clan name by which South Africans refer to Nelson Mandela, went underground, then left the country to look for support for the struggle. He received it in many parts of Africa — undergoing military training in Ethiopia — but he failed to get meaningful support in the West. Upon his return to South Africa, he was arrested by the police and first imprisoned for inciting strikes and leaving the country illegally. Two years later he was brought from prison to face charges, along with other leaders, of preparing for guerrilla warfare. At the end of the trial, they were all sentenced to life imprisonment. In 1964, Madiba was sent to Robben Island prison off the coast of Cape Town as a militant Continued on page 5

President Jonathan

I He was a colossus, says ANC S

N a message on twitter, President Goodluck Jonathansaid of the late Nelson Mandela: “Mandela’s indefatigable spirit will continue to inspire present and future generations of Africans.”

OUTH Africa and the world have lost “a colossus and epitome of humility, equality, justice and peace” with the death of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, the ruling African National Congress

•The late Mandela with singer Whitney Houston

Zuma: our nation has lost its greatest son Text of South African President Jacob Zuma’s speech announcing Mandela’s death

“M

Y Fellow South Africans, Our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation, has departed. He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20h50 on the 5th of December 2013. He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of

the world. His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family. To them we owe a debt of gratitude. They have sacrificed much and endured much so that our people could be free. Our thoughts are with his wife Mrs Graca Machel, his former wife Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with his children, his grand-children, his great grand-children and the entire family. Our thoughts are with his friends, comrades and colleagues who fought alongside Madiba over the course of a life-

time of struggle. Our thoughts are with the South African people who today mourn the loss of the one person who, more than any other, came to embody their sense of a common nationhood. Our thoughts are with the millions of people across the world who embraced Madiba as their own, and who saw his cause as their cause. This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Yet, what made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves. And in him we saw so much

of ourselves. Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together, and it is together that we will bid him farewell. Our beloved Madiba will be accorded a State Funeral. I have ordered that all flags of the Republic of South Africa be lowered to half-mast from tomorrow, 6 December, and to remain at half-mast until after the funeral. As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified. Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family. As we gather, wherever we Continued on page 5

Obama: we won’t likely see the like of him again

ELSON Mandela now “belongs to the ages,” President Barack Obama said last night in mourning the late South African leader and icon. “We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again,” he said as he talked about how the political

powerhouse inspired him. “He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages,” Obama said in brief remarks at the White House. “We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela ever again,” the president said. “So it falls to us, as best we can, to carry forward the example that he set.”

Obama paid tribute to Mandela shortly after the South African government announced the former president’s passing at the age of 95. Obama paid tribute to Mandela in personal terms, noting that his first political action was a protest of South Africa’s apartheid policies. “I am one of the countless

millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life,” Obama said. “Like so many around the globe, I cannot imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set.” He added: “So long as I live, I will do whatever I can to learn from him.”

said on Friday. “His life gives us the courage to push forward for development and progress towards ending hunger and poverty,” it said in a statement.

Tinubu: end of an era

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu reacted this morning to the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela: The former Lagos governor said: “Mandela’s death signals the end of an era of the generation of African leaders who never coveted power, but used power for the good of the greater number of their people. Africa has indeed lost an Icon, a formidable figure, a man of character and conviction and a political leader unequalled in the history of Africa. His demise is a great loss to Africa. I extend my sympathy to the government and people of South Africa and to the wife and family of Nelson Mandela.” Tinubu went on: “He represented the moral compass in African leadership and the reference point for transparency and good governance. For long, his compelling story of struggle, prison life and journey to power will remain a classic and a tonic for others that may come after him. The Mandela story will forever resonate across the world and though retold over and over, will never lose its effect and power.

“Mandela demonstrated to the world that the black man is of a higher conscience, strong conviction and brilliance, compassionate and able to master his destiny. That is part of what Mandela represented. He made us proud as Africans. He led and showed us the way. He challenged us to heed the higher calling of selfless service. But much more, he boosted the African spirit and carved a new reputation for Africa in the global world. “Mandela left a legacy of quality leadership, selfless service and sacrifice and a people centred governance. His legacy will endure. From his life, other African leaders are challenged to do right by their people and submit to democratic ideals. Sadly, we have seen more African leaders jettison Continued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 -2013) Cameron, Miliband: he was a hero

NITED Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mandela yesterday. He said: “A great light has gone out in the world. Nelson Mandela was a hero of our time.” The flag above Downing Street is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect. Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted the world had “lost the global hero of our age” while Prince William said the news was “extremely sad and tragic”. He added: “Nelson Mandela

showed us the true meaning of courage, hope, and reconciliation.” Speaking outside Downing Street, the prime minister said: “Meeting him was one of the great honours of my life. “My heart goes out to his family - and to all in South Africa and around the world whose lives were changed through his courage.” “We were just reminded of what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family right now”

Continued from page 4

the people of this country and in the cause of humanity. This is indeed the moment of our deepest sorrow. Yet it must also be the moment of our greatest determination. A determination to live as Madiba has lived, to strive as Madiba has strived and to not rest until we have realised his vision of a truly united South Africa, a peaceful and prosperous Africa, and a better world. We will always love you Madiba! May your soul rest in peace. God Bless Africa. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.”

Zuma: our nation has lost its greatest son

•The late Mandela poses with former heavyweight boxers. Mandela was a boxer

Ban Ki-moon expresses profound sadness

E C R E T A R Y GENERAL Ban Kimoon has expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Nelson Mandela, extolling the life of the late human rights lawyer, prisoner of conscience, international peacemaker and first democraticallyelected President of postapartheid South Africa as an inspiration for all. ‘Madiba,’ as Mr. Mandela was affectionately known, passed on this afternoon at his home in Johannesburg. He was 95. “Nelson Mandela was a giant for justice and a downto-earth human inspiration,”

Mr. Ban said at UN Headquarters in New York. “On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa and especially to Nelson Mandela’s family, and indeed our global family.” Mr. Ban noted that many people worldwide were greatly influenced by Mr. Mandela’s selfless struggle for human dignity, equality and freedom. “He touched our lives in deeply personal ways. At the same time, no one did more in our time to advance the values and aspirations of the United Nations.”

“Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us – if we believe, dream and work together for justice and humanity,” said the Secretary-General. “His moral force was decisive in dismantling the system of apartheid,” said Mr. Ki-moon “Remarkably, he emerged from 27 years of detention without rancour, determined to build a new South Africa based on dialogue and reconciliation.” Mr. Mandela devoted his life to the service of his people and humanity, and he did so at great personal sacrifice, said the Secretary-

General, who said he was moved by the late leader’s “selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose” when the two men met in 2009. “Let us continue each day to be inspired by his lifelong example and his call to never cease working for a better and more just world.” Recalling his memories of meeting Mr. Mandela, the Secretary-General said he had been deeply touched and inspired. “When I praised him for his lifelong contribution to end apartheid he said ‘It is not only me, but hundreds and hundreds of known and unknown people that contributed.’ That has stuck with me ever since.”

Desmond Tutu: a colossus is gone Continued from page 4

guerilla leader, the commanderin-chief of the military wing of the ANC, Umkhonto weSizwe, committed to overthrowing apartheid by force. When he emerged from prison in 1990, his eyes damaged by the blindingly-bright limestone quarries in which prisoners had been forced to crush rock, and having contracted tuberculosis as a result of prison conditions, he might have been expected to come out hell-

bent on revenge and retribution. White South Africans certainly feared so. On the other side of the political spectrum, some of his supporters feared that after campaigners had lionised his role in the struggle, he might turn out to have feet of clay and be unable to live up to his reputation. None of this would turn out to be so. Suffering can embitter its victims, but equally it can ennoble the sufferer. In Madiba’s

case, the 27 years in jail was not wasted. Firstly it gave him an authority and a credibility difficult to attain in other ways. No one could challenge his credentials. He had proved his commitment, his selflessness through what he had undergone. Secondly, the crucible of excruciating suffering which he had endured purged the dross, the anger, the temptation to any desire for revenge, honing his spirit and transforming him into an

icon of magnanimity. He used his enormous moral stature to good effect in persuading his party and many in the black community, especially young people, that accommodation and compromise were the way to achieve our goal of democracy and justice for all. Cliton mourns FORMER United States President Bill Clinton said last night Continued on page 60

It’s time for celebration, reflection, says Fayemi

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi spoke this morning on the passage of the icon Nelson Mandela. He said: “The passing of Nelson Mandela after his prolonged hospitalisation should not be a cause for sadness on any account. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and offer our prayers to them and the people of South Africa. But we also recognise that his passing at the ripe old age of 95 is a fitting crown to the rich full life that Madiba lived, playing a starring role in what is surely the 20th century’s most compelling odyssey of human freedom from tyranny. “Rather than mourning, Mandela’s transition into glory should be an occasion for celebration and reflection. Firstly, we celebrate the final consummation of a life well spent. The phrase “a life well spent” which is commonly used in obituaries has become an overworked cliché but in the case of Madiba it is not a cliché at all. It is more than worthily applied to describe a man who expended his energies in the service of humanity, risking everything including his life to actualize the ideal of freedom. It is this exemplary life that we have much

cause to celebrate. Even, as we revel in the honour and blessing of having lived to witness the life and times of one of history’s most iconic political figures, we must also ponder his luminous legacy. His death closes an epic story of the triumph of the human spirit over injustice and tyranny. “Born into a country characterised by apartheid and racial hate, where the black majority was ruled by a white supremacist minority, Mandela discovered his cause and his life’s mission early enough. As the liberation movement’s most prominent militant leader, Mandela had been effective as a shadowy and elusive figure orchestrating sabotage attacks on government facilities and showcasing the ability of a long-oppressed people to fight for their freedom. “But as a prisoner, he became the symbol of apartheid’s oppressive inhumanity. It was Mandela’s face that readily came to mind when people the world over thought and talked about South Africa. His imprisonment helped to mobilise global public opinion and a campaign for international sanctions against South Africa, as well as near uni-

versal censure and isolation of the apartheid regime. It was this suffocating and strangulating isolation of South Africa as a pariah state and mounting unrest on the streets that finally compelled reformist elements within the establishment to renegotiate South Africa’s destiny. When Mandela was finally released from prison in 1990, after nearly three decades in the custody of the apartheid state, he emerged as a figure of unparalleled moral authority. “Mandela successfully negotiated constitutional black majority rule – achieving one of the core aims of the ANC. In so doing, he had to navigate a turbulent period of transition during which chronic violence between Xhosas and Zulus, and between white right wing extremists and black zealots threatened to degenerate into civil war. Remarkably, Mandela emerged from prison preaching forgiveness and reconciliation as the only path to a new and sustainable South Africa. He understood that even as white domination had proven repressive and unjust, so too would black domination prove to be unsustainable. He insisted on the democratic and multi-racial vision enshrined in the freedom

charter, the guiding document of the liberation movement. “He wisely charted a course between the two extremes of black anger and lust for vengeance on one hand as well as white fear and resistance to change on the other. The challenge of doing so was immense because white extremists and black extremists were threatening to unleash death and destruction. Many watchers felt that a racial civil war between whites and blacks and even war between ANC cadres and the Zulu Inkatha Freedom Party were inevitable. Mandela’s conciliatory posture helped to defuse those tensions and shepherd the nation through a transition process that culminated in his election as the first democratically elected president of the country. This is how South Africa was transformed from an apartheid state to a multi-racial democracy – the rainbow country. “It must be said that the work of liberating South Africa was not Mandela’s alone and he has never claimed any such messianic mantle for himself. His iconic status as a pivotal figure in the odyssey of South African liberation Continued on page 60

are in the country and wherever we are in the world, let us recall the values for which Madiba fought. Let us reaffirm his vision of a society in which none is exploited, oppressed or dispossessed by another. Let us commit ourselves to strive together – sparing neither strength nor courage – to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. Let us express, each in our own way, the deep gratitude we feel for a life spent in service of

Amaechi remembers ‘a legend’

HE Chairman of the Governors Forum and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi said this morning of the late Nelson Mandela: “He was a legend. A true African hero. He led the fight against apartheid that brought democracy to South Africa. “As President, he led South Africa extremely well and became a symbol of good and

exemplary leadership in Africa and beyond. “History will always remember Madiba, he became the symbol of hope for all. Indeed the world has lost a fine, great and wonderful person. Humanity has lost one of its finest. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the government and people of South Africa. The world has lost a hero. Adieu Madiba.”

Obi: Africa has lost great son

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi last night mourned Nelson Man-

dela. He said: “Africa has lost one of her greatest sons and a champion of selfless service to humani-

ty. He lived his life for his people and for humanity and challenged abonoxiuos policies that militated against humanity and paid dearly for it. Mandiba, may Africa continue to produce true statesmen like you.

Amosun mourns Madiba

GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described

former South African President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela who passed on yesterday at the age of 95 years as a colossus, who bestrode the African continent and indeed the world. Amosun, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, noted that Mandela’s life was one that truly ran its full course. “His 27-year imprisonment in the course of struggle for end of oppression of the blacks by white minority, eventual release from incaceration following the collapse of apart-

heid and emergence as the first black South African President in a multi-party democracy are milestone events that will remain indelible in the annals of the world,” the governor said. Amosun noted that Mandela’s discountenance of vengeance against officials of the former apartheid government and voluntary refusal to seek a second term in office “are among the qualities that places him in the pantheon of great leaders.” He expressed the hope that leaders across the globe, especially in Nigeria would imbibe the sterling qualities of Nelson Mandela. “This is the only way we can truly honour his memory,” Amosun said.

Mandela lived without prejudice, says Aregbesola

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola spoke last night on the passage of Nelson Mandela, saying he doubted if another like him would come this way soon. He said: “There goes the conscience of the world. He lived without prejudice. I doubt if there could be

anyone like him in the nearest foreseeable future. “We celebrate his life and dogged struggle, even in death. “On behalf of the State Government of Osun and all those who are committed to the deepening of democracy, I send my condolences.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 - 2013)

In memoriam

South Africa: What happens In his lifetime, even when illness made him redundant, it was as though South Africa will be unable to exist without Dr. Nelson Mandela. What lies ahead now that he is gone?

E was not dead when the apprehension began. Dr. Nelson Mandela was old, frail and living in seclusion in his Johannesburg home. As they were praying for him, many South Africans were also not unaware of the fact that their nation, which showed such promise when it broke the shackles of apartheid by holding the first all-race elections in 1994 and electing Mandela as president, had not lived up to their expectations. Not a few felt were Mandela in good health, he would have helped out. There are reasons for the apprehension. A report showed that in 2012 corruption deprived the country of nearly 1 billion rand ($111 million) in taxpayers’ money. One of the latest scandals which shook South Africans’ confidence in their government was when the authorities let a chartered plane carrying about 200 guests from India land at a South African air force base ahead of a lavish wedding hosted by a politically connected family. They are also worried about graft, high unemployment and other problems, a development which made them compare their present leadership with Mandela’s. Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu believes the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has not been fair to the people. Tutu said in a May 10 article in The Mail & Guardian, a South African newspaper: “The best memorial to Nelson Mandela would be a democracy that was really up and running; a democracy in which every single person in South Africa knew that they mattered, and where other people knew that each person mattered.” He said the country needs political change and that criticism of the ANC has so far been muted because South Africans felt it would be a “slap in the face to Mandela” who once headed the liberation movement-turned political party. Unemployment in the first quarter of 2013 was over 25 per cent, which was caused by weak economic growth and layoffs in the troubled mining sector and other industries. There is also poor delivery of water, electricity and other government services, which has led to protests. The economy is not doing well. Europe, its biggest export market, is mired in recession. Mining output fell in February and again in March. Consumer confidence is at a nine-year low. Massmart, partowned by Walmart, reported disappointing sales figures. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for pay rises of up to 60 per cent, just as gold and platinum prices are falling. The metal-workers union

wants a 20 per cent pay increase for all its members. Strikes hit Lonmin’s platinum mine in Marikana, where dozens of striking workers were killed by police last August. The threat of unrest goes beyond the mines. Mphumzi Maqungo, NUMSA’s national treasurer, said: “If no agreement is reached, workers will have no choice but to go to the streets.” There is a 6 per cent inflation cap. Gill Marcus, the central-bank governor, warned that “the risk of a wage-price spiral remains high”. The wonder is that unions can ask for such pay deals when so many people are out of work. But the unemployed in South Africa cannot price themselves into work because of strict job-protection laws. The workforce is divided between privileged “insiders” and mostly young “outsiders”. As in the bits of Europe with hard-to-fire workers and high unemployment rates, those in work have many out-of-work dependents to support, so feel justified in their wage demands. The ANC leadership started to worry out loud earlier in the year. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan told parliament: “If we do not resolve our labour-relations challenges, we will all be losers, we will see deteriorating confidence, job losses and business failures.” President Jacob Zuma said: “We should demand better salaries and working conditions, but we may not wreck the economy.” South Africa has a mixed economy with a high rate of poverty and low GDP per capita. Unemployment is high and South Africa is ranked in the top 10 countries in the world for income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient. Unlike most of the world’s poor countries, South Africa does not have a thriving informal economy; according to OECD estimates, only 15 per cent of South African jobs are in the informal sector, compared with around half in Brazil and India and nearly threequarters in Indonesia. The OECD attributes this difference to South Africa’s widespread welfare system. World Bank research shows that South Africa has one of the widest gaps between per capita GNP versus its Human Development Index ranking, with only Botswana showing a larger gap. After a 1994 government policy brought down inflation, stabilised public finances, and some foreign capital was attracted, however growth was still subpar. From 2004 onward economic growth picked up significantly; both employment and capital formation increased. South Africa is a popular tourist destination, and a substantial amount of revenue comes from

•Mandela (second right), with Kofi Anan (left), Desmond Tutu (right) and others.

•Mandela celebrating his 93rd birthday with family in 2011. His daughter Zenani standing behind him.

tourism. Illegal immigrants are involved in informal trading. Many immigrants to South Africa continue to live in poor conditions, and the immigration policy has become increasingly restrictive since 1994. The South African agricultural in-

dustry contributes around 10 per cent of formal employment, relatively low compared to other parts of Africa, as well as providing work for casual labourers and contributing around 2.6 per cent of GDP for the nation. Due to the aridity of the

land, only 13.5 per cent can be used for crop production, and only 3 per cent is considered high potential land. The government’s Black Economic Empowerment policies have drawn criticism from Neva

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 - 2013)

In memoriam

now that Madiba is gone?

•Mrs. Mandela (left) greeting the Queen. With them is the former South African leader

•Mandela’s daughter and grand-daughhter

Makgetla, lead economist for research and information at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, for focusing “almost exclusively on promoting individual ownership by black people (which) does little to address broader economic dis-

parities, though the rich may become more diverse.” Official affirmative action policies have seen a rise in black economic wealth and an emerging black middle class. Other problems include state ownership and interference, which im-

pose high barriers to entry in many areas. South Africa has been experiencing a “brain drain” in the past 20 years. The skills drain in South Africa tends to demonstrate racial contours given the skills distribu-

The fight for his cash BEFORE his death, two daughters of Nelson Mandela appeared intent on suing him for control of his artworks and companies to gain access to the millions of euro they generate for the trust of the former South African president. A legal tussle over the rights to these assets that stretched back to 2004 turned ugly this year after new documents in the case were lodged in court. “Makaziwe and Zenani have sought leave to file answering affidavits in the interdict application (Mandela’s 2004 application) on the basis that they are the sole authorised representatives of Harmonieux, Magnifique and Tinancier Investments and Holdings Ltd (also wholly owned by the Mandela Trust),” Chuene said in papers filed. The move by the sisters followed a separate attempt by them to get a court order instructing Chuene, advocate George Bizos SC and Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale to remove themselves as trustees and directors of the Mandela Trust. The women also asked the three men to resign as directors of Harmonieux and Magnifique, companies set up to channel proceeds from the sale of Mandela’s

hand prints. The proceeds to date are estimated at more than Rand 15 million (•1.24 million). In his replying affidavit, Chuene said the three trustees had refused to release the trust’s money to the daughters unless they could produce a legal justification for doing so. He said their application was motivated by a desire to get access to their father’s money and to sell his artworks, and that Mandela did not want his children involved in the management of his cash or artworks. Sexwale told a local newspaper that “what they are doing is to strip and divide amongst themselves.” These developments concerned South Africans who feared this could cause the “father of the nation” personal turmoil at a time when his health was frail. Mandela’s extended family is large. He was married three times. Shortly after the row first came to the fore, most of his grandchildren sought to dispel the notion they were “insensitive money grabbers” in a statement issued to the press. “Our mothers, aunts and lawyer have our full support” they said, adding that the court action was not about “money and exploitation of the Mandela name”.

tion legacy of South Africa and has thus resulted in large white South African communities abroad. However, the statistics which purport to show a brain drain are disputed and also do not account for repatriation and expiry of foreign work

contracts. In the first quarter of 2011, confidence levels for graduate professionals were recorded at a level of 84% in a survey. How the country surmounts these challenges after Mandela remain to be seen.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS

Amosun mourns ace broadcaster Peter Okodua From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

OGUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said he was “shocked and saddened” by news of the death of a renowned radio presenter in the State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Mr. Peter Okodua. In a statement, Amosun said: “Peter Okodua was a thoroughbred professional, revered media practitioner and cerebral presenter, who popularised newspaper review on OGBC in the 90s and anchored the popular current affairs programme, Sunday Morning Live, for over two decades on the same station. He has certainly left his footprints on the sands of time.” Amosun commiserated with the family of the deceased, management and staff of OGBC and the people of Edo State, where the late sports journalist hailed from. He prayed to God to grant Okodua’s soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from Ilesa pupils at the interactive forum, tagged: Gbangbadekun, held at Ilesa Grammar School ...yesterday.

4.572-metre snake killed in Ekiti

15-feet (4.572 metres)snake has been killed by a 23-year-old herdsman, Bayo Ibrahim, close to the Ado-Afao-Ekiti road in Ekiti State. Spectators called it various names, including “Aminurin”, “Ojola” and “Ako Monomono”, which are all Yoruba names for a massive snake. It was learnt that the snake had been killing domestic animals, including dogs, sheep, goats and chickens. The size of the snake attracted spectators from as far as Odo-Ado, Oke-Ila, Basiri, Nova Road and GRA in AdoEkiti, the state capital, to the sparsely-populated Afao road, turning it into a Mecca of sorts. The spectators said: “We have never seen anything likethis”; “Is this what we have been living with?” and “This is the wonder of the year in Ekiti”. They pushed one another to catch a view of the snake, which some said was big enough to feed, at least 40 sturdy men. Ibrahim, who hails from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, said he saw three snakes while grazing his herd close to the road and killed them with a cutlass. He said: “I am a cattle rearer. I saw three snakes in a small bush and killed them

•The snake on display...yesterday. From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

with my cutlass. I sold two yesterday for N10,000 each. I have also sold this last one for N10,000 to that man.

Northeast to boost agriculture

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

OVERNORS of the six Northeast states rose from the 2013 Economic Summit in Gombe with the decision to develop a comprehensive regional agricultural master plan. The governors, in a communiqué at the end of the summit, also agreed to allocate 10 per cent of their annual budgets to agriculture and research. The plans to promote institutional building process for value chain approach as well as to promote agricultural value chain and clusters were also central to the decisions reached under the agriculture subtheme. They all agreed to begin by conducting agro-potential studies for all the states, even as fostering stronger partnership and conclusion as well as promoting agricultural accountability were equally considered necessary to scaling up agri-business in the Northeast.

“I have killed about 12 of such snakes. They always kill our dogs and goats. But they have not killed any person. They do not kill by biting. They roll round their prey and suffocate it, until it dies. If you

want to kill them, aim for the head and do not miss it, because if you do, it can be fatal. If you are scared, do not go near it, but if you are sharp and quick, you will kill it easily.”

Many spectators said it was strange to see such a long and thick snake. Ajayi Adekunle said: “To me and most of us here, it is new. I have seen such snakes many times in movies, but

never in real life. It will easily kill and swallow humans. You can see how big it is. Even a car cannot kill it. I urge people living in this area to be careful, as more of this snake may still be around here.”

Woman demands N330m damages from rape suspects

BUSINESSWOMAN, Mrs. Ngozi Ugwu, has sued three persons – Kazeem Mohammed (40), Tobi Daramola (19) and James Anieskin (19) – at the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, for alleged defilement and torture of her seven-year-old niece. The Area Crime Officer, Idimu Police Command, Lucy Abimbola, a chief superintendent of police; the Police Prosecutor of Court 6, Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Miss

By Joseph Jibueze

Anthonia; and the Lagos police commissioner are joined as respondents. The applicant is demanding N100 million from each of the first three respondents as damages for “violating” the minor. She is also demanding N20 million from the first respondent and N5 million each from the second and third respondents as general

damages. Mrs. Ugwu said the respondents are her neighbours at Greenland Estate on the LASUIsheri Road in Alimosho, Lagos, where she lives with her husband, two kids and niece. She said sometime in January, she noticed blood stains on her niece’s pant and was shocked when the minor told her Mohammed, Daramola and Anieskin had been “defiling” her. Mrs. Ugwu said she was told

the suspects had been perpetuating the crime in her home whenever she and her husband were not home. She said the suspects threatened to kill the girl with a knife, if she told anyone, adding that they gave her (the victim) Five Alive juice and Gala to pacify her. Mrs. Ugwu said: “I reported the matter at the Ikotun Police Station and the third respondent was arrested, but the first and second respondents absconded.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

BUSINESS

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Okonjo-Iweala’s position on ECA confusing’ From Bisi Olaniyi,

Port Harcourt

HE position of the Fi nance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the Excess Crude Account (ECA) is misleading and a threat to the practice of fiscal federalism, the Rivers State Government has said. Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, in a statement, said Mrs.Okonjo-Iweala should always base her arguments on fact and figures, and not sentiments or politics, so as not to mislead Nigerians. She said the Rotimi Amaechi’s administration is interested in knowing how much we have earned from our crude oil sales in the last year, and the percentage of the 2013 budget that was funded from crude oil sales revenue. The Rivers government reiterated that there was a position of the National Economic Council (NEC) on the issue of the Excess Crude Account (ECA), which was that the savings in the ECA, belonging to all the states, would not to be touched. It noted that the NEC’s position was in tandem with the position of the Finance Minister that the ECA was savings for all, to be set-aside for the rainy day and not to be “shared” in the manner she now seemed to suggest. She said the Amaechi’s administration found it curious and very disturbing that “our” rainy day savings had been “shared,” in complete breach of the known procedure for doing so and in what might be considered an under-the-table and clandestine manner.

“Until recently, the Nigerian banking industry had not given much attention to sustainability beyond ticking off environmental impact assessment on checklist for credit risk assessment for evaluation of loan applications, other jurisdictions have for decades been engraving sustainability ethos in their financial system,” –CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Nigeria’s economy is doing well, says IMF

HE nation’s has per formed well in the course of 2013, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has said. The verdict was based on IMF’s findings when its mission visited Nigeria last month to consult with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonoIweala. In a statement, IMF said the mission visited Nigeria during November 13-26 to conduct discussions for the 2013 Article IV consultation, adding that it met with the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, senior government officials, members of the Legislature and representatives of the private sector. It explained that at the conclusion of the visit, the Fund’s Mission Chief and Senior Resident Representative in Nigeria, Gene Leon, said: “Nigeria’s economy has continued to perform strongly in 2013. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew by 6.8 per

•GDP grows at 6.8% By Simeon Ebulu

cent in the third quarter of 2013 (compared to third quarter 2012), supported by robust performances in agriculture, services, and trade.” He said oil theft/production losses, have adversely impacted export receipts and government’s revenues, leading to a significant drawdown from the Excess Crude Account. He said inflation declined to 7.8 per cent (end-September 2013) from 12 per cent at end 2012, in part owing to lower food prices and monetary policy implemented by the CBN. The exchange rate has been stable, and the banking sector is well capitalised with low levels of non-performing loans. Leon observed that although the outlook is positive, “risks need to be managed. Growth is projected to increase to about 7 per cent in 2014, while inflation should remain subdued in the single digits.” He warned that Nigeria could be affected by a decline in oil prices, the pace of recovery in global economic and financial

conditions, capital outflows, continued losses in oil production, or increased security concerns, assuring however that the economy can manage such shocks given a relatively flexible exchange rate regime, improved financial crisis management capacity, and a stable banking system. He said fiscal buffers are low and a sustained high rate of growth is needed to reduce unemployment, and poverty. “Fiscal consolidation is progressing well, and the momentum needs to be preserved through the on-going election cycle. He said key public financial management reforms are underway, including the implementation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and integrated information management systems, but lower-thanbudgeted oil revenues are impacting budgetary plans at the federal, state, and local levels; He highlighted the need for rebuilding fiscal buffers to manage oil revenue volatility, adding that moving towards a sustainable non-oil primary deficit path will require a re-

solve in continuing fiscal consolidation, including through resisting procyclical election spending, mobilizsing non-oil revenue, improving efficiency in the public sector, and strengthening transparency in oil sector governance. He said: “The current monetary stance is appropriate and should remain geared towards sustaining low inflation and a stable financial system. Managing liquidity in the banking system remains a priority, and will be aided by the implementation of the TSA and prudent fiscal management. “Likewise, the CBN has maintained stability of the naira, containing inflation and facilitating business confidence. However, the continued importance of oil receipts and the magnitude of portfolio flows, present potential vulnerabilities, and exchange rate flexibility may be a useful tool in the event of persistent pressures. Ongoing initiatives to strengthen the supervisory framework, including supervision of banking groups, should continue, and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s activities phased out gradually. “To promote inclusive growth and mitigate the impact

Rescind decision on refineries’ sale, PENGASSAN urges

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

of vulnerabilities, on-going structural and institutional reforms should be pursued resolutely. The 20/20 Vision and the Transformation Agenda should provide a framework for ongoing reforms, including the privatisation of the generation and distribution of energy, initiatives to increase food security and viability of agriculture, and programs funded through the Universal Basic Education Commission to improve human capital development. He said access to financial services for small-and mediumsized enterprises, which have been key in many countries to enabling all to benefit from growth, could be improved. He said other initiatives to improve the business environment and investment promotion could support diversification across sectors, but should be underpinned mainly by improvements in productivity and competitiveness. Growth in the next decade will need to rely on the continued implementation of reforms to strengthen institutions, improve efficiency, and prioritize quality infrastructure investments. “The mission would like to thank the authorities and technical staff for their excellent cooperation.”

• From left: Executive Secretary/CEO, Financial Reporting Council, Mr. Jim Obazee, Group Mnaging Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, during the 10 th Annual Financial Corporate Financial Reporting Forum held at Sheraton Hotels, Lagps...yesterday.

Attempts to end fuel subsidy fraud mired in confusion N

IGERIA’S drive to clean up a gasoline subsidy scheme that soaks up a fifth of federal spending is mired in confusion, with the government’s anti-graft investigators and fuel importers at odds over attempts to root out massive fraud. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that importers will be prosecuted if either of Nigeria’s two anticorruption bodies finds evidence they are defrauding the scheme, the total cost of which was N1trillion ($6.3 billion) last year. According to Reuters, some firms under investigation by anti-graft officials are still receiving cash, even though Finance Minister Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that

• Fuel subsidies soaked up 20% budget By Akinola Ajibade with agency report

only those whose subsidy claims are proven legitimate will be paid. A parliamentary inquiry said last year that it had found evidence of huge fraudulent payments in the fuel subsidies, provoking a public outcry. Under the scheme, importers apply to the government for subsidy payments. If successful they buy gasoline on the international market which is then sold in filling stations at the heavily subsidised price of about 60 U.S. cents a litre.

Last year’s inquiry by the lower house of parliament found that dozens of importers had claimed up to $6.8 billion between 2009-11 for fuel that was never delivered or diverted to neighbouring countries where prices are unregulated. Subsidies were being claimed for almost twice as much gasoline than Nigeria consumed, it reported. A separate presidential inquiry produced similar findings. Okonjo-Iweala has since tried to bring transparency to the scheme by withholding payments for claims until they are

verified, and periodically publishing what Nigeria pays to fuel importers. She acknowledged that some firms felt unfairly treated but said they had to prove their claims genuine. “Some people thought they were being witch hunted and the government said: ‘no, if you produce evidence to exonerate yourself, you’ll be cleared and can claim’,” she told Reuters. Yet late last month the finance ministry announced subsidy payments to three importers that anti-graft officials are investigating for fraud. While such payments don’t break any rules, they are contrary to the ministry’s own policy of not paying firms under suspicion. Estimates show the gap between subsidy claims and likely actual consumption is shrinking, but discrepancies

HE Petroleum and Natu ral Gas Senior Staff Asso ciation of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on yesterday urged the Federal Government to review its decision to sell the nation's refineries. PENGASSAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseyi Gambo, told the News Agency of Nigeria that government should fast-track the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill rather than outright sale of the refineries. He said the Bill has provisions that would address and proffer solutions to the problems of the ailing refineries. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, had on November 18, announced that the four ailing refineries would be privatised by the first quarter of 2014. Also the Head of Public Communication, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Chigbo Anichebe, had said that the privatisation of the refineries would be part of ongoing oil sector reform. However, Gambo said that the association was not averse to the sale of the refineries, provided it would be the best option. ``But we are saying that it is not the best option and it is not the best solution. Nigerians will not get the best out of this; it will just enrich some individuals to the detriment of others. ``That is why we are advising the Federal Government that it is not the best option for the country. But, if the Federal Government insists on privatising our refineries, it should be transparent and should be done through the Nigerian Stock Exchange where everybody will participate in the process.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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BUSINESS

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SHOPPING

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

From offline to online shopping, the beat goes on Although the sector is young, more stores are springing up like mushrooms online.There is a shift from offline to online shopping , TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

NLINE shopping is offering an opportunity in the retail industry, and people are fast embracing it. Today, virtually everything is bought online from clothing to food items to mobile phones, electronics, home appliance and even real estate. Since the advent of online stores in Nigeria less than two years ago, people seem to patronise them more often than before, thereby developing trust for the market. The stores include Kaymu, Lamudi, Carmudi, Hellofood, Jovago and Easy Taxi. Though some of them are would-be African Amazon, they intend to propel the continent’s rising middle class consumers out of the street markets and straight into their websites. Their key, they say, is the smart phone, which is already helping people brush aside the lack of reliable transport or fixed phone and Internet connections. In Lagos for instance, most people have phones, but there are few malls for the large number of inhabitants. People are hungry for consumption and they feel this is the right time to leapfrog over to ‘offline’.

Though e-commerce is still in its infancy in most African countires, a market research firm has suggested that Nigeria would almost triple its online purchases in three years to more than $1 billion by 2014. These stores have promised to bring street market to emarket. To achieve that and get a head-start in the online market, they spend heavily, following Amazon’s model, to grab market share and establish brand. Developers are rushing to build more malls to serve Africa’s rapidly expanding middle class, and are struggling to keep pace with the demand for more consumption. Often, they are hampered by hefty costs and the difficulty of securing land titles, not to mention the kind of security issues highlighted by the deadly attack on a high-end Nairobi mall in September. Yet the online store has succeeded in erasing the thought of “if it doesn’t work perfectly, it is a scam”. That is why the idea of paying cash on delivery or using credit cards when goods are delivered was introduced to build trust. They have also found solutions to logistics and payment problems, to create loyal and satisfied customers.

For example, lamudi.com.ng is a real estate classified portal that enables realtors, landlords and sellers reach the widest audience while making it easier for home buyers and renters search for homes, apartments, commercial properties, and land using their criteria and give them access to most listings. It launched operations in 13 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Now, the company has registered several million search requests worldwide. Last year, the global Internet users accounted for 2.4 billion people, with growth mainly being driven by emerging markets. With its service, Lamudi supports this ongoing shift from offline to online, saying it is a real game changer. In a market in Nigeria where the internet penetration is on the increase, already more than 5000 realestate agents are registered on Lamudi. Searching and finding properties on the internet really has hit a nerve in emerging markets. The website hits an all-Lamudi websites increase by up about 97 per cent monthly. User behaviour on Lamudi shows that the peaks for searching are not in the morning, but between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. With Lamudi’s Alerts,

people will never miss the latest news on any property again that meets their criteria and preferences.Checking newspapers every morning for properties is old fashioned and not needed anymore. People have the opportunity to save time and money marketing their properties themselves. Price transparency reduces the amount of time both parties spend haggling about price for properties. Sellers and realtors have a platform to market their properties, and customers know what they get for their money. This online store fulfils the needs of customers by making it possible for a steady growing middle class to find the perfect property online. jovago.com is a leading online hotel booking service

that provides customers with the best hotel booking experience with fast, detailed, reliable and easy-to-use services. Carmido is the premium online car dealership portal in Nigeria that provides buyers with a large section of detailed vehicle models as well as car dealers, a platform to showcase their cars to a large homogeneous audience from the comfort of their homes. Easy Taxi connects drivers and passengers in a smooth, easy and safe way. It’s simply to download or open the Easy Taxi app, available for iOS, Android and the new BlackBerry devices from the the Google Play Store, App Store and Blackberry World, confirm pickup point and order a cab with the press of a button. In seconds you’ll receive confirmation of the

name, photo and car model/plate of your driver, and will be able to follow the vehicle’s location in realtime as it approaches you. Kaymu online is a market place where buyers and sellers can meet and make the best deals for used or new products, such as smart phones, computers, fashion and clothing, home appliances for the cheapest price. Thanks to the fixed or auction pricing system. Hellofood is an innovative online food delivery service that provides the best and easiest way to order takeaway food online from a variety of restaurants and fast foods at the same time proving restaurants with a platform to market their meals to a large and diverse consumer base.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SHOPPING

Unilever re-launches Knorr beef, Chicken cubes

NILEVER Nigeria has re-launched its seasoning cubes Chicken Cubes and Knorr beef. It hosted consumers from different sectors of the society, to an evening of comedy, entertainment, and great food tagged, “Come Taste the Knorr Difference”. According to the firm, the Knorr seasoning in Nigeria was reformulated to give better taste, saying it is a winning concept with a compelling insight and proposition for its consumers to buy into.

Not only was the product repackaged to deliver superiority on taste, but it also it has a brilliant new packaging that attracts consumers. The new and improved Knorr cubes are said to bring out the best in dishes, with tantalizing flavour. The new Knorr cubes cost the same as the old; some of its key attributes include the Knorr beef is three times; it is meatier, both variants have an exceptional new packaging with an appetite appeal through the food visual on the pack and they are easier

to crumble. It also scored best on overall opinion, overall taste and overall appearance during its testing phase in Nigeria. The Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc Mr David Okeme said the new cubes are better than others in the market and be liked by consumers. Also, the Category Manager, Savoury, Mrs. Bolanle Kehinde-Lawal, urged consumers to buy the new Knorr cubes, especially at the festive season, to prepare meals and celebrate with loved ones.

• From left: Seguin; Muftau Fasasi, Finance Director, UAC Restaurants Ltd; Mark Hedderwick, Managing Executive Emerging Markets and Director, UAC Restaurants Ltd; Dada and Houten.

Mr Biggs, Coca-cola hold promo

R Biggs, Nigeria’s indigenous quick service restaurant, and Coca Cola are set to reward customers with the first-ever Coke Cup promo. The promotion, which will push 120,000 CocaCola cups into the homes of many Nigerians, is geared towards giving loyal consumers an adventure to spice up the season. The cups have five colours; black, yellow, green, blue and red. According to the Marketing Manager, Nnenna Azuka-Onwuka, the cups are exquisite and once you collect one col-

our, you want to collect all five. “It is a collector’s item and we want them in as many homes as possible,” he added. Managing Director, UAC Restaurants Limited Derrick Van Houten said: “Between November 22 and January 12, during which the promo will last, consumers can collect, one, more or all of the five cups. These cups are a collector’s item; you don’t want to have one colour and not the other.” To collect the cup, a consumer will buy products worth N1,500, including a Coca-Cola product from

any Mr Bigg’s Restaurant, and get a free cup. ‘’We see this as an exciting adventure for the consumers as there is always something different to look forward to. It is an interesting quest which will keep the consumers coming back for the next cup colour and then the next one and so on until all five colours have been collected,” Hosten added. Mr Bigg’s and Coca-Cola officials are excited at this opportunity to deliver another innovation first to consumers; it is the brands’ little way of saying thank you to their loyal consumers.

Konga cuts prices

HE year has been quite eventful for Konga.com. It won the online retailer and best emerging brand of the year at the Marketing World Awards. Also, it moved to a new 120,000 sq feet fulfillment centre and celebrated its first anniversary. For all these achievements, Konga.com has started the Christmas season in grand style with the Konga.com Fall Yakata Christmas Sale. It had the Black Friday to Cyber Monday offers , ushereing in many more deals and offers. The store described the sale as the biggest ever than any other retailer online. According to them, Yakata means “all the prices don fall yakata.” Just like the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in the United States and Europe, Konga.com is offering price slashes. The Play Station 4 is being sold for N60,000 instead of N138,000, Ruby Woo lipstick that is N4,000 now costs N2,000 while Tecno Phantom A+ phone that was N39,000 has been reduced to N19,000. Also, Christmas clothes that are sold for N30,000 now go for only N10,000.

• From left: Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Thabo Mabe; Deputy Director, Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi and Mr Okeme during the relaunch at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

Sade Foods holds wine tasting

ADE Foods International, marketers of Chateau de Lengoust, a new world-class wine, produced in Pomerol, France, has held its second wine tasting at The Balmoral Event Centre in Oregun, Lagos. The wine, which comes in attractive red colour, smooth taste, fragrant aroma is produced for the high class in the society. Last week, it was also tasted at the Ikoyi Club, where the organisers came up with a survey and the result was encouraging. Guests who tasted the wine praised it. The wine’s importer, Mr Damilola Akinnagbe, said: “We are optimistic that Chateau de Lengoust wine is bound to grow in respect to value and volume. It is also

competitively priced in a way that it is affordable to everyone who wants quality.” He added: “Our bottles of wine are mainly patronised by top retail stores, restaurant owners, hotel beverage directors, distributors and importers.” Château de Lengoust is a native of Pomerol in Bordeaux region in France. The grapes used in this bottling are actually clones of vines from this region. The region is well known for it’s excellent wineries with centuries under their achievement belts. the wine with its smooth taste and its fragrant aroma is produced to perfection for the ‘high class’ in the society, but this excellent product is competitively priced in such a manner that it

is affordable to everybody who wants quality. ‘’From top to bottom, our wine is getting excellent complementary from people who are buyers from the top retailer stores, restaurant owners, hotel beverage directors, distributors and importers. ‘’We are proud to say that this wine is feature in most exclusive clubs and hotels in the country with repeat SALES. Château de Lengoust sells itself because a taste of it will convince you that this wine is in a class by itself. This is the finest wine for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, chieftaincy, Thanksgiving, Christmas hampers and Simply treating yourself to a quality wine by enjoying what nature has to offer.”

• Mrs Damilola Akinnagbe, Château de Lengoust importer giving out the wine free at the event.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS ‘Granting farmers loans’ll reduce poverty, unemployment’ e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

HE ‘Egbe Agbe Onigari, Akinle-Ijebu’ has called on the Federal and state governments to reduce poverty and the high rate of unemployment in the country by assisting cassava farmers with soft loans. The group said cassava is now a “golden crop,” adding that promoting agriculture could solve the challenge of hunger, poverty, increased social vices and unemployment ravaging the country. Speaking at the bi-Annual General Meeting of the association in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, its Chairman, Chief Baderin Parakoyi, said a critical analysis of the economic situation of the country revealed the need for diversification from oil to agriculture. The meeting, which has as theme: ‘Way out of the food and

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda

unemployment crises in Nigeria,’ was addressed by the Chairman of the Adenle Farms, Alhaji Wasiu Adenle. The major reason the government relied on oil money, the University of Lagos graduate turned cassava farmer, said, was the criminal neglect of the agric sector by successive administrations. “Cassava is now a ‘golden crop’ across the world, where over 2,000 different products can be extracted. Nigeria is currently the largest producer of cassava in the world with annual production of over 34 million metric tonnes. Yet, there is glut in cassava production in the country mainly because of the absence of adequate processing of the crop into many products,” he said. Assisting the farmers, he said,

would encourage them to cultivate more, hence there will be increased farm activities, while hunger, poverty and unemployment would be reduced. However, Adenle identified paucity of funds and implements as the major problems confronting the farmers. He said they were interested in supplying several tonnes of cassava to many of the agro-allied industries in the country, such as Dangote Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria Limited and Okin Biscuits, which they could not do because of insufficient funds. At the meeting, the association released a 12-point communiqué on the way forward to boost food production in the country. These are: There is an urgent need for inter-agency interaction for expedited information

flows, facilitated and desirable synergies; private sector and other stakeholders should build co-operative linkages with farmers to catalyse a paradigm shift built on greater productivity; entrepreneurship and technology infusion into the nation’s farms; government should streamline taxes to encourage agric enterprises through incentives; and the government, in partnership with the private sector should also provide adequate training for farmers to ensure international best practice. Others were that CBOS, NGOs and co-operative societies should be used to mobilise and direct agriculture since they are based at the grassroots; government should lease out storage facilities like silos, scattered over the country to farmers on group basis; government

should create a fund to finance long gestation agricultural projects and managed through private sector involvement; both the federal, state and local governments must increase budgetary allocation to agriculture by at least 10 per cent initially and 20 per cent subsequently; agricultural loans must be kept at single dignity through strengthening agricultural credit guarantee schemes including incorporating appropriate incentives; priority attention must be given to the provision and rehabilitation of basic infrastructure most especially water, road and power to promote agricultural growth; and that federal, state and local governments must explore investment opportunities in agriculture; and that only politicians with good agricultural policies should be elected.

Drought-tolerant maize variety coming, says IITA

• A cassava farmer

How to encourage farmers, by experts

XPERTS have called on the government to pay more attention to agriculture to boost income and nutritional needs of the people. They suggested building more storage facilities and granting credit facilities to farmers. This, according to the experts, would encourage them. To reduce poverty and earn foreign exchange, the Executive Chairman of Adetona Farms, Chief Waheed Adetona, said the government must step in to facilitate access to basic staples. He said such intervention should focus on raising farm output, increasing people’s income and facilitating constant supply of food stuffs to the market at affordable prices. He told The Nation that the availability of storage facilities in response to increase in farm output, would encourage more Nigerians to go into agriculture, and reduce the poverty level. Some farmers would engage in roots and tubers cultivation if storage facilities are available to keep their harvest, which makes up a large proportion of their income and diet. Adetona said: “Root crops contain about two-thirds of their weight as water. This gives two

major problems: transportation and perishability. For example, cassava starts to develop a blue or brown discolouration after 24 hours. Within 48 hours, it starts to rot through the action of fungi and bacteria. If there are no storage facilities or central processing unit for cassava, yams and cocoyam, these tubers must be consumed soon after harvest within the producer’s own locality. “Distance to urban markets and the poor condition of rural roads, often mean that farmers have to accept poor prices offered by the local traders, hence the need for the construction of storage facilities very close to the farms where the crops are grown. “From cassava are staples like gari, fufu, lafun (cassava flour) and tapioca. Beyond their high caloric nature, they have more potential for yield improvement and conversion into a range of convenience products, but this will require research in food technology to design appropriate small-scale equipment for their manufacture.” He added: “In Nigeria, most of the population live in the rural areas and practise subsistence farming. Among the main crop grown for home consumption

are root crops. Processing root crops into convenience foods will improve their being accepted by the urban population. This will lead to expanded markets and thus encourage the increased production of root crops.” Use of processed food based on local products to replace imported food stuffs, he said, would naturally, conserve foreign exchange. “During drought, cassava is often the only crop that survives. Unfortunately, root crops only attain special status in time of war, calamity and famine. Yet these are staple crops that farmers are already familiar with. Root crops have high tolerance for the poor soils resulting from reduced fallowing and population pressure on the land and, in the case of cassava, tolerance for periods of drought in encountered in arid areas. Processing of root crops could also provide cottage industry employment for rural people. “Cassava, when properly processed as gari, is safe and convenient to eat and may be stored for up to a year. Matured cassava plants can also be left in the round for up to three years. In Nigeria, cassava is usually the last crop in the rotation system, as it will produce reasonable yield on depleted land,” he said.

HE International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has embarked on some researches to produce drought-tolerant maize to boost agriculture in the country. A maize breeder at the institute, Dr. Sylvester Meseka, made this known when he addressed a group of scientists who visited the institute’s research farm in Ikenne, Ogun state. The scientists are Fellows of Biosciences for Farming in Africa (B4FA). Meseka said the development of the variety was imperative because of the effects of climate change, adding that the new maize seeds have the capacity to resist and withstand any form of drought that could plague the country. “We are developing a maize variety that would be good for farmers in the marginal rain areas, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria where the rain pattern is too short. So, you need to have some of these varieties there. “We should not forget the fact that due to climate change, the rainfall pattern has changed; we are looking for more varieties that are not only drought-tolerant but also tolerant to heat stress,’’ he said. He said the experiment is being conducted using the irrigation system of farming, adding that the seeds would only be watered for 28 days and left to germinate. He said apart from its resistance to drought, the new maize variety is also resistant to diseases such as stem borer disease. He said crops that were able to sur-

vive and produce significant yield will be selected and multiplied for further distribution to seed companies. Besides, Meseka said the institute would develop flood-resistant crops that could withstand flood, since flood occur ever so often due to climate change and rainfall patterns. On the various varieties of seeds developed and released so far, the breeder said that 370 varieties had been released this year, in collaboration with the institute’s international and local partners. He said “Hybrid and Open-pollinated varieties’’ were some of the new seed varieties that were released. Meseka said that the “Pro-Vitamin A’’ variety was also one of the varieties released this year to help nourish the human body. “So many varieties have been identified, screened and released. “370 varieties have been released this year alone; some of them are the ‘Hybrid and Open-pollinated varieties’ that have been tested together with our partners. “Among the varieties released this year is the ‘Pro-Vitamin A variety’, which, if eaten, would increase the level of Vitamin A in the human body. “This is because we found out from our survey that there is a glaring deficiency of these micro-nutrients in so many areas and it is a consequence of poverty,’’ he added. IITA is one of the world’s leading research institutes which are striving to find pragmatic solutions to the problems of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in Africa.

Katsina farmers get N217.9m loan

HE Federal Government has disbursed N217.9 million as loan to 1,453 members of Cassava Growers Association in Katsina State, to boost cassava farming. The loan, secured from the Bank of Agriculture, was disbursed to some of the beneficiaries by the state Commissioner for Agriculture,Alhaji Musa Adamu in Dutsinma, Katsina state. Adamu said the loan was in recognition of the state’s position as one of the leading cassava growing areas in the country. He said the state government planned to establish a marketing board, to provide market

opportunities to farmers, so as to boost agricultural production. The commissioner pledged that the state government would continue to give priority to agriculture to empower the people and ensure food security. Adamu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds. The Secretary of the association, Alhaji Hassan Yunusa, said each farmer would receive N150,000, and commended the Federal and the state governments for the support. He called for the establishment of cassava processing factories in the state to encourage its production and generate employment.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

AGRICBUSINESS

Poultry producers in Lagos are enjoying growth with the support of the state government and its Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP), DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Poultry revolution in Lagos

HERE is a revival of the poultry industry in Lagos State, thanks to the government’s steadfastness and determination of local citizens. Aiyedoto, a suburb in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, is home to many poultry farms. On all but a few farms, chickens and turkeys are major enterprise with output largely consumed by customers across Lagos. Poultry raisers produce either eggs, broilers or turkeys. Facilities, equipment and rations used are similar. Jude Okwudili, one of the beneficiaries of the state government’s assistance through the Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP) is an accountant. For Okwudili, chief executive of Platter J. Nigeria Limited, poultry is a lucrative livelihood option. Seeing the immense potential of the business, he has decided to take up poultry activity on amass scale. Initially, he had 200 birds. He has 6000 birds. He started in 1995. He started with one pen. He has four large metal pens which he got on subsized rate through the assistance of the commercial agriculturedevelopment programme. Even though he has had his own fair share of challenges, he is happy what the support of the government has been to him. He started with 200 birds on this farm. His profit was very small then. The theory, according to him, is that the more birds one has, the more profitable the business becomes. But he did not have enough money to expand. The CADP has made him a big time poultry farmer. His farm is located on a government-owned Aiyedoto farmland. He has acquired two hectares of land outside the estate to build pens to increase the number of birds in stock, as well as build ponds for fish production. “It is from the proceeds of the business I was able to acquire a university degree from the Lagos State University (LASU) on part-time,” he said. Not only did the business provide the money for his education, it also allowed him time for his studies. He has a large hatchery. This has reduced the cost of production and ensure quality chicks. He got the support of the state government through the commercial agriculture development project. He is encouraged by the success and the huge demand from villagers, and customers who come from far and near to buy eggs and poultry products. The Lagos State government encourages the farmers to form cooperatives. This helps the farmers bargain in the market. Input are provided to the farmers at a fixed price, lower than the prevailing market price, round the year. The services are provided to members at their door steps. This way, the farmers are not affected by price fluctuation on input. The income will fluctuate only with skill,manual input and management of the individual farmer. Okwudili said poultry is the livestock sector that has experienced the greatest success in increasing

• New poultry products distribution tricycle

productive efficiency, whether in terms of cost, feed efficiency or output per worker. Since feeds alone consist of 65 per cent of the cost of production, the government supports individuals to establish feed business. Emmanuel Iregbeyen, chief executive, Emiraz Livestock Services, has been able to establish a small feed mills at Aiyedoto Farm Settlement at Ojo. He started with a twotonne feed mill in 2004. With the support of the state government through the CADP, Iregbeyen told The Nation he has increased his production to eight tonnes daily. Poultry feeds consist of 60 per cent of maize. He depends on the maize by local farmers and procure concentrates from other places. At present, 230 farmers are involved poultry at the Aiyedoto Farm Estate alone. The activity benefits over 1000 Nigerians. Some rural educated youths are also earning their livelihood from the business. Executive Director Landmark Farms, Mrs Udeme Udom James, said movement to the farm settlement has increased because the state government created access roads to the estate. She came into the estate in 2010. She started with 2500 birds. Now, she has 10,000 birds. Apart from imparting financial and economic independence to the families involved, the activity has helped in improving the standard of living of the people. Mrs James, who studied Economics at LASU, has gained enterprising skills through this activity and hence her bargaining power has increased. Mrs James said the state government is building the industry, noting that it is doing using the best technology and innovation, and transforming it into an effective tool for uplifting the economy. The industry, she said, is providing jobs to rural people. As more rural people do not possess land, the animal husbandry practices, such poultry comes in handy boosting rural incomes, thereby reducing poverty. It is also wellknown that poultry is an excellent converter of wasteful nutrients from oil extracted cake such as groundnut cake, rice gram and soybean meal into a better quality nutrition through meat and egg. Aiyedoto Farm Settlement is a

good example of what can be achieved by the government, working with the local people with the determination to boost agro business. Farmers are trained on scientific rearing of backyard poultry, disease management, the necessity and supplementation of minimum concentrate feed and mineral mixtures for maintaining production. Mr Babs Olayade, the Chief Executive, Jiyo Farms Limited, also started at Aiyedoto Poultry Farm Estate over 20 years ago. He started with Jiyo Farms Limited. He started as a backyard farmer of meat production, that is, broiler. He used to buy about 100 chicks. With that he found out that it was a profitable venture and then decided to come over to Aiyedoto Poultry Farm Settlement where he was given his own facility and pen house. This enabled him to produce commercially. He was doing poultry production, rearing broiler to a marketable size and selling to poultry meat processing firms. Later, he added egg production. He has benefited from CADP. “In production, they are there for us and in packaging and marketing, they have also done well. We have benefited from battery cages, which have saved us from a lot of problems such as transmission of virus as well as boost our production by reducing the breakages of eggs. “In marketing, in fact, I have benefited greatly through the procurement of packaging materials as well as branding materials not forgetting tricycle and that is why my product is seen everywhere. Also, in training and capacity building, the government has really helped. We have a lot of workshops and seminars at interval. We also go on agricultural fairs to showcase our products which is a plus to me and my farm.’’ He continued: “Prior to CADP in-

tervention, Jiyo Farm used to stock 750 birds, but with encouragement from CADP with what we see at the seminars and workshops, the stocking has increased to over 2000, improving the yield from 60 per cent to 70 per cent. ‘’Besides, the capacity of eggs produced in crates before the intervention was 25, but it has increased to 46 daily. During festive period, the sales of birds also added to the yield in sales as a bird can be sold for N1000 to N1200 each.” The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said the major sectors of food chain have received a boost in form of capital investment for development of facilities. According to him, investment in infrastructure is the best way to generate long-term economic growth. He said the government would support investment in the poultry sector in the state to create jobs. According to him, the primary production of poultry meat and eggs is an important contributor to income on many farms. Food security, the commissioner added, is fundamental to achieving access to adequate, affordable and nutritious food supplies sufficient to avoid hunger and stunted development. To this end, he said the state is determined to improve on her poultry estate initiative. He said there are about 4000 poultry farms in the state, a development which made services provision difficult and expensive. Despite this problem, he said the poultry estate initiative would be rejiged to help the situation. Projects to improve poultry production include the 10,000 broiler capacity house, Araga, Epe, Egg Production facilities, Agric-Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) commercial unit, Araga, Epe, 60,000/

annum capacity broiler house, processing centre at Erikorodo, 250 Birds/HR Processing Centre Aiyedoto Farm Settlement, Ojo. Yet, the industry is under pressure.Compliance with regulations, rising input costs, and consumer demand for competitively priced products that are healthy and reared with high regard to welfare, put pressure on it to come up with more innovative ideas. Air and water pollution caused by poultry production has become a problem. Many farming areas have increased the number of non-farmer residents who have no patience for farming, environmentally aware, and are willing take action in the government or with the media to halt such activities.

‘In marketing, in fact, I have benefited greatly through the procurement of packaging materials as well as branding materials not forgetting tricycle and that is why my product is seen everywhere. Also, in training and capacity building, the government has really helped. We have a lot of workshops and seminars at interval. We also go on agricultural fairs to showcase our products which is a plus to me and my farm.’

‘Poor infrastructure hinders export growth’

DON Dr Nosiru Onibon has identified lack of sufficient infrastructure and skilled labour as the bane of the nation’s agricultural and export growth. He spoke at a forum on the need for the country to grow the non- oil export and agro processing facilities in the country. The Lagos State University

(LASU) lecturer said unavailability of sufficient labour in a single location was responsible for the low value addition to commodity for export. According to him, some labourers are not skilled in cashew processing, urged the government and the private sector to train the youth in such areas. He said the cost incurred to proc-

ess raw cashew nuts in Nigeria is higher than that of India. He noted that such processing challenges made the cashew business unattractive. “There is an urgent need to get many of our crops processed in the country itself thus generating additional foreign exchange and provide large-scale employment for the people,’’ he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Egypt’s latest constitution

Nigeria House • It makes no economic, cultural or diplomatic sense to sell our mission house in New York

HE Nigeria House in New York has been in the news for the wrong reasons. Some unseen persons seem hell bent on selling the monument for no cogent reason. We are bothered that if the process is not halted, this could be another attempt at indiscriminate disposal of one of the country’s legacies spread across the globe. Representative Yakubu Dogara alerted the House of Representatives to the impending sale through his motion that was roundly adopted by the lawmakers. Dogara averred that some officials have prepared a disconcerting official repair bill of N2.754 billion on the Nigeria House for government. Their sinister motive for doing this was to lay the foundation that would easily mislead the government into taking a misplaced decision to sell the house. The house has however mandated its committee on foreign affairs led by Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje to conduct a public hearing on the matter. We are happy at the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs’ swift summoning of principal personalities in the matter. These dramatis personae are or were at one time or the other involved in the management of the Nigeria House. They should tell the nation what they know about why and what informed the move to sell that monument. Those invited: Prof Viola OnwuluriMinister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibi-Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign affairs, Prof Joy Ogwu, current Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, Nigeria’s ambassa-

dor to the United States, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN, Aminu Wali, current Nigeria’s ambassador to China and former permanent representative to UN and Olugbenga Ashiru, former foreign affairs minister, among others. It is indefensible that this New York edifice that still serves as the official residence of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the Consular-General is being contemplated for sale. Virtually all former Nigerian representatives to the UN lived in the house that was reportedly bought in 1961 by Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, from the famous John Rockefeller family at the sum of $1 million. The historic edifice sits on over 16.6 acres of land in one of the acknowledged most expensive areas in the world. Everything should be done to stall the move to cheaply sell the Nigeria House whether directly or through proxy to selfish powerful elements in the society. The move to sell at all is ill-conceived since it portrays the government as not thoughtful. It is under one of the administrations controlled by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that monetisation policy was introduced. Under the policy, government houses were sold to top ranking officers of state while government was imprudently made to rent some of these sold properties at exorbitant rents for the same officers. What is the wisdom in this ill-conceived monetisation idea? So, it would be difficult for those hinging the case for the

sale of Nigeria House on the failed monetisation policy to successfully push their position. The nation should learn to guard and preserve her monuments, which include the Nigeria House. Moreover, the government, through several officers of state, has come out to deny insinuations that the nation is broke. Our doubt is reinforced by the fact that if the country is not broke as officially touted, why then is the haste with which the edifice in New York was being planned for sale, obviously without transparency? Even if the edifice is no longer of immediate use to the country, it should be rented out and the hard currency made on it deployed for meaningful use. This is better than the obtuse surreptitious attempt to sell the house.

‘The nation should learn to guard and preserve her monuments, which include the Nigeria House ... Even if the edifice is no longer of immediate use to the country, it should be rented out and the hard currency made on it deployed for meaningful use. This is better than the obtuse surreptitious attempt to sell the house’

Appropriate punishment

•Rape, incest should be punished with 25-year jail term

HERE has been a sharp increase in rape cases in the country. Daily, old and young women, as well as children are reportedly raped, evoking pity from people with conscience. Yet, not much has been done or is being done to curb the practice and deter offenders. This seems to have informed the commendable step taken by Senator Chris Anyanwu who introduced a bill in the Senate to make stiffer punishment for offenders. The senator and her colleagues, assailed and provoked by reports of offenders who could not be charged to court by the police, and the fate of cases eventually taken to court, have called for life sentence

‘It is not enough to introduce stiffer punishment for offenders; the whole gamut of administration of justice should be reformed. The police have proven inadequate to handle rape matters; we, therefore, call for a special unit in the force to be trained in the delicate issues involved. Minors who are victims, especially, should be carefully handled and made to go through counselling by psychologists’

for anyone found guilty of having unauthorised carnal knowledge of another. The Sexual Offences Bill is still in the upper legislative chamber. The provision of the law at the moment is inadequate to tackle the crime. Rape victims are sometimes so shattered by their experience that they are unable to pull through. Others, because of the stigma attached to reporting the case and the attendant social cost, refuse to approach law enforcement agents for redress. Sometimes, victims are asked embarrassing questions by the police and, in some cases, those who should offer them protection end up taking advantage of them, too. A law that prescribes seven years imprisonment for such a heinous crime is certainly out of tune with current reality. Rape infringes the rights of the woman; it could affect the reproductive system and sometimes leads to sexually transmitted diseases. It is known to have led in some cases to dissolution of marriages and break-up of relationships. When the very poor are affected, the fear of stigma and poverty combine to keep the victim from seeking medical examination and treatment and, sometimes, these have dire consequences. We note, too, that it is not only women who are raped; there have been a few cases of gang-rape of men. This is a trend that should be nipped in the bud. Teenagers are sometimes forced into sleeping with older women in position to exert authority over them.

We call on the National Assembly to impose a 25-year jail term on those tried and found guilty of the offence. This should be enough to deter those who might have been led to the crime by a social push, while permitting the necessary lessons to be learnt. It is not enough to introduce stiffer punishment for offenders; the whole gamut of administration of justice should be reformed. The police have proven inadequate to handle rape matters; we, therefore, call for a special unit in the force to be trained in the delicate issues involved. Minors who are victims, especially, should be carefully handled and made to go through counselling by psychologists. Cases of rape taken to the public hospitals should be treated free of charge in order to encourage the poor access to treatment. The courts have not been of much help. Judges are known to insist on unassailable evidence before victims could have justice. It is a known fact that, in most cases, before such matters are reported, the evidence is destroyed. Besides, insisting on corroboration of evidence is a tall demand as the act is usually committed in dark places and behind closed doors where there are no witnesses. The demands on evidence should be relaxed if convictions are ever to be made and the society thus saved the indignity and trauma that come with rape.

GYPTIANS are squandering another chance to build a broadly inclusive democratic system with the latest constitutional revisions. The new charter defies the revolutionary promise of the Arab Spring by reinforcing the power of institutions that have long held Egypt in an iron grip. The Constitution, approved by a 50-member citizen committee on Sunday, replaces one imposed last year by the government of President Mohamed Morsi, who was deposed in July, and his Muslim Brotherhood allies. It is expected to be ratified by a popular vote in a referendum within the next 30 days. Most Egyptians are not practiced in civic activism after being disenfranchised for decades under President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in 2011. But they would be wise to read the new draft Constitution thoroughly and demand that the writers alter its provisions. On paper, it appears to grant citizens important new rights, including criminalizing torture and human trafficking and requiring that the state protect women from violence. But some of the language is vague and could even enlarge the influence of the military, the police and the judiciary, which worked to overthrow Mr. Morsi and outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood. The military won significant autonomy in the 2012 Constitution; the new one would extend that by giving the military the authority to approve the defense minister for the next two presidential terms. It would also allow the military to try civilians in military courts, a practice that has been long opposed by democracy activists. The new constitution would require that a council of senior police officers be consulted on security policy, which would very likely ensure that there will be little, if any, meaningful reform that could bring the army and police firmly under civilian control. Egyptians understandably want more stability after nearly three tumultuous years. But expanding powers for the security agencies would be disastrous for democracy. In recent days, there has been a crackdown against thousands of largely liberal and leftist activists who protested a new law effectively banning demonstrations, the government’s latest attempt to curb dissent. Mr. Morsi and his supporters went too far last year in ramming through a Constitution that greatly enhanced the role of Islamic law and restricted freedoms. This new constitution is equally flawed because it was drafted with minimal input from Islamists and could further crush the Brotherhood by banning political parties based on religion. A last-minute change in one provision has also raised the possibility that the army may not allow elections for a new Parliament before elections for a new president — a promise it had made earlier. That move might make it more likely that Gen. AbdulFattah el-Sisi, the defense minister, would win the presidency if he runs. In the final analysis, the real test of any constitution is how it is carried out in practice. Egypt’s recent history, sadly, offers little assurance that any improvements in constitutional language will be honored. – New York Times

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THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: In last four weeks, The Nation has written five editorials, several commentaries, features and stories about the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, the latest of which is the editorial of Monday December 2, titled: “What Is NNPC Hiding?” In the editorial, The Nation made reference to the report of the Berne Declaration whose allegations are wild, baseless and completely unfounded. It will be recalled that upon the release of that report, NNPC had publicly denounced it and gave a detailed account of how government equity crude is sold. For the benefit of those who did not see that statement, the corporation had stated that it sells government equity crude to oil lifters on annual contract basis. The selection process is transparent and competitive and involves the publication of advertisements in both local and international media calling for Applications for Lifting of Nigerian Crude Oil on Contract Basis. That traders lift crude oil according to their contractual agreements applicable to all without exception on Free on Board (FOB) basis and all proceeds are paid directly into designated Central Bank of Nigeria Crude Oil Sales Account. Furthermore Nigerian crude oil is sold at published official selling price (OSP) which in not only benchmarked to the internationally recognized pricing institution – Platts – but is regularly subjected to critical analysis of market fundamentals and price determinants at global level. Since OSP differentials are crude stream determined, it stands to reason that they cannot be manipulated to favour an individual or group of traders as being insinuated. NNPC had also noted that at the moment there are 50 subsisting contracts none of which has a monopoly or exclusive right to lift any quantity of Nigerian crude oil. As the editorial noted, the House of Representatives has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations in the

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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

Re: What is NNPC hiding? Berne Report. What we expected The Nation to do was to wait for the outcome of the investigation before indicting the corporation if it is found culpable. In a failed attempt to make a case against the NNPC, the editorial claimed that the NNPC failed to remit “$13.9 billion representing the difference between $20.9 billion said to have been realized from oil sales between January and August 2013, as against the $7 billion actually remitted to the Federation Account during the pe-

riod.’’ The editorial also alleged that the NNPC routinely defies bodies like the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee. But this is not true! This is aimed at creating a negative public perception about the corporation. NNPC has honoured invitations by committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Where, due to prior commitments it is unable to go, it has always informed the committees in advance. On the alleged differentials in

money paid into the Federation Account, what the editorial failed to say was that the figures quoted emanated from the NNPC and were given to members of the House Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) when they came to the NNPC on oversight duties. It might interest Nigerians to know that revenue from crude oil comes from various sources: crude oil sales proceeds, royalty and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT). These are paid into various accounts of the federation with the Central Bank of Nigeria,

mention that the attitude of the major contractor, CCECC and the supervising agency, LAMATA, is making the whole project look like a waste of time and resources, financial and human. The road diversions and closures as well as the deplorable state of usable portion of the stretch are causing serious discomfort and unquantifiable waste of productive time to residents along that axis. On a bad day, people spend six hours driving to and from work on the road, arriving their various places of work already spent resulting in low productivity and dwindling economy on the long run. Agreed that the attitude of drivers, commercial and private alike, contribute to the problem we face but it is rather unfortunate that road traffic managers are helpless due to the nature of the diversions, which makes control and enforcement almost impossible! I must not fail to commend the efforts of LASTMA officials on this stretch. They are presently work-

ing in extreme conditions. Yes they are! The most worrying and disturbing part of the closures and diversions is the recent closure of the Uturn by Mallo Filling Station which leads into Fela Ahmed Street, the major entrance into Agric-IshawoOwutu. This closure is ill-conceived. The closure of this major U-turn can only be seen as a policy somersault on the part of LAMATA as a government agency and the supervising agency for this project. It is now a daily occurrence to spend an average of two hours between Ogolonto and the new U-turn some 800metres ahead at Haruna bus stop. It is totally a betrayal of common sense on the part of the initiators. God forbid a situation where an emergency occurs around Agric, and one must get to Ogolonto or Haruna bus stops to make a turn before getting to the Ikorodu General Hospital at Ota-ona, the only government hospital in the entire

by the various agencies responsible for handling oil matters. It is the sum total of all these monies that make up the $20.9 billion. NNPC had explained this process to members of the committee who were satisfied with the explanation. Again, since the editorial acknowledged that the House of Representatives has set up a committee to investigate the differentials, we expected The Nation to wait for the findings of the committee. Once again, we wish to stress that the NNPC has nothing to hide. The current management of the corporation has been working assiduously to change public misperception about the corporation. And no amount of blackmail would distract it from its objective of making NNPC a global national oil company. • Adamu Gwazuwang, Abuja

That diversion by LAMATA, CCECC in Ikorodu

IR: The extension of the BRT corridor from Mile 12 to Ikorodu by the present administration in Lagos State could not have come at a better time. I am more convinced that the Babatunde Raji Fashola led government in the state is truly planning for the future of Lagos as mega city. No one can contradict the fact that the future of Lagos lies not in the fully built-up Ikeja or Victoria Island or Yaba but in the interior and developing localities of Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and others, and any government that is truly desirous of planning ahead must begin to expand and upgrade infrastructures around these places. Words may not be enough to convey our appreciation to the BRF government for this timely intervention in the road infrastructure and transportation system of Ikorodu. This project is truly timely. However, while residents of Ikorodu continue to bear the inconveniences that come with a project of such magnitude, it is pertinent to

Ikorodu! Definitely, the victim would have reached heaven three times before getting any medical attention. The road is being done for the people to enjoy and they truly deserve to enjoy it when it is completed and the money expended will have come to waste if the people suffer for government’s commitment to their cause. While the governor and government has demonstrated and fulfilled its electoral promises to make life better for the people, agencies like LAMATA and its contractor, CCECC should not make mockery of government’s sincerity by not listening to the people and sharing their opinion on a facility they will be enjoying, after all, the people cannot not relocate to Beijing or Guangzhou or Shanghai even if their interest are not properly protected in the place of their birth! • Yomi Ajayi Ishawo Road, Agric-Ikorodu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013 16

COMMENTS

Another class story (2) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

HERE is a patience of the wild that holds motionless for endless hours the motorist at the police checkpoint, the kidnapper in his lair, the assassin in his ambuscade and the public officer in his perch – this patience belongs primarily to the predator while it hunts its prey. Oftentimes, it manifests in uncontrollable spasms that have seen us bury our best and elevate our worst in abject negation of the cycle of the universe and morality. But who needs morals in a nation where fair is foul and foul remains fair? A great majority of Nigerians of commonplace roots live through each day without ever contemplating or criticizing their living conditions. They find themselves born into dehumanizing squalor or somewhat indecent circumstances and they accept such sordidness as their fate – thus they exhibit no conscious effort to better their lot beyond what their immediate circumstances dictate. Almost as impulsively as the beasts of the wild, they seek the satisfaction of the needs of the moment, without much forethought and consideration that by sufficient endeavor, they just might improve their living conditions.

However, a certain percentage – constituted by men and women of higher status among the nation’s working class – guided by personal ambition, consciously strive in thought and will to attain more privileged status that remains the exclusive preserve of more fortunate members of the society; but very few among these are concerned enough to secure for all, the advantages which they seek for themselves. This explains the number of self-centred and treacherous human rights activists, women’s rights activists, journalists and columnists parading our streets. Very few men are indeed capable of that kind of love that drives martyrs to persistently rebel against glaring social evils in the interest of less fortunate members of the society. But there exists a few however, that are truly bothered by the impoverishment of their fellow citizens occupying the lower rung of the societal ladder regardless of any risk or discomfort it might attract to them personally. These few, driven by compassion tirelessly seek, first in thought and then in action, for some way of escape; some new system of society by which life may become richer, more joyful and devoid of avert-

‘It’s about time poor, struggling members of the nation’s working class learned to scorn the maxim that holds that if their stomachs be full, it matters little about their brains; the paths to stable peace and security winds between honest toil and dignified manhood’

N the context of the third anniversary of the swearing in of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola as the fourth democratically elected governor of the state of Osun on November 27, 2010, the title of this essay would suggest that Aregbesola is posing a performance indicating an eventual rating of historical magnitude. That immediately raises a question of what constitutes history in relation to the role of individual. It is true that irredeemable idealists start out with a mindset to make history. But as Karl Max puts it, “Men make their own history but they did not make it as they please”. They do not make it under circumstances chosen by them, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past”. History making and the role of individuals in history is thus not a function of the individual’s wish to make history. Rather, it is the situation on ground and the creative interpretation of that situation in the context of balance of social forces that constitutes the making of history. Let me start with the proposition that no governor in Nigeria inherited a more horrible objective situation than Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Aside from the fact that the state is one of the poorest states in the country, there was a crisis of alienation in terms of a total disconnect between the government and the people with all its consequences. There is history in the speed and deftness with which Aregbesola regime was able to recognize this dangerous gap and successfully restore responsibility and responsiveness to governance. His arrival in the Government House on November 27, 2010 signaled a new dawn for a state hitherto ravaged by the locusts, savagely raped by interlopers imposed by do or die political brinkmanship and bogged down by a huge debt burden. Dilapidated infrastructures, an abysmal low workers’ morale, disorganized education sector, health sector which was on life support; unacceptably low internally generated revenue stared him in the face. With doggedness, determination, commitment, diligence and well thought out policies, Aregbesola tackled headlong the problems confronting the state one after the other. That Osun is now marching assuredly, proudly along-side other states in the Nigerian federation, is an Aregbesola achievement. This restoration is a product of a moral warfare against any elite attributes that goes against the grain of service, discipline, social commitment and honour; mass mobilization based on personal touch; social justice in which all interest groups such as farmers, women, traders, the elderly and workers are made the concrete objects of governance; the educational revolution of the regime and the heavy intervention in infrastructure development particularly, the development of Osogbo commensurate with the status of a state capital. As the leading provider of the perspectives and the key sustainer of the tempo of this praxis, Aregbesola emerges as an archetype of Plato’s Philosopher- King, not in the sense of an all-knowing leader

able evils that mars the present. But surprisingly, such men oftentimes, fail to curry the support of the very victims of the injustices they wish to remedy. More unfortunate sections of the Nigerian population are hopelessly ignorant, apathetic from excess of toil and disillusionment, apprehensive through the imminent danger of instantaneous chastisement by the holders of power, and morally defective owing to the loss of selfrespect resulting from their degradation. To excite among such classes any conscious, deliberate effort in pursuit of general improvement of the status quo proves basically a hopeless task, as antecedents of such efforts have proven. Thus despite our claims to modernity, higher education, sophistication and relative rise in the standard of comfort among wage-earners in the country, the Nigerian society or working class to be precise, have failed woefully to achieve better living conditions and a better society even in the throes of rising demand for more radical intervention and reconstruction of the social order. It is no surprise however that the Nigerian working class has persistently proved a dismal failure. And the reasons are hardly far-fetched: Nigerians have a problem with differentiating between appropriate and inappropriate political behavior. That is why the nation’s democratic experiment like any other system of governance practicable by us was doomed from the start. What exactly has democracy offered? A 4-1-9 progressive plan that booms circumspectly like it had been doctored as part of a cold-war era propagandist scheme? But despite our self-righteousness and persistent cynicism with the current order, we really cannot explore a more worthy alternative than what we have now. The average Nige-

rian can’t bear to be led by a truly honest, visionary and accountable leadership. That explains why we opted for the incumbent leadership. It’s the way we are programmed to live. I’d say we possess an overwhelming and oft-convincing inclination to self-destruct, thus our lack of a coherent and defensible political ideology essential to the evolution of a progressive leadership and state. The average Nigerian is no more electable than the leadership he endures yet he loves to speak truth to power even as he functions simultaneously to smother his own voice in the riotous gabble of his exultation of the same ruling class whose end he claims to pursue. No matter who is elected, the demographic and economic realities of Nigeria will persist, and there is a very limited range of politicallyviable solutions for dealing with them. No man; be he a distinguished columnist, lawyer, soldier, or public officer in any office can command the tides of history. The few that appear to have done so–the Napoleon’s, Caesar’s, Hitler’s–were really nothing more than the most capable at making it appear that they command the tides, when in fact they were simply skimming along with them. Thus the need for the Nigerian working class to consciously evolve in thought and will in pursuit of a more balanced social order. Such conscious evolution could only be achieved by a re-orientation in scholarship and purification of thought and action. The foundations of scholarship and knowledge must tirelessly reconstructed to guarantee more progressive responses to internal problems of social advance — problems of work and wages, of families and homes, of morals and the true value of life; and all these and other inevitable problems of civilization

must be resolvable largely by an average member of the working class by reason of his exposure and constitution. This informs a greater need for study and thought and an appeal to the rich experience of past and current mistakes in the journey towards the avoidance and reduction to the barest minimum of future foibles. The answer to Nigeria’s widening income and social gap – which has so far manifested in preventable crises and persistent state of insecurity – is to found an educational process geared to steer successfully, the commonplace trains of thought away from the dilettante and the fool stereotype. It’s about time poor, struggling members of the nation’s working class learned to scorn the maxim that holds that if their stomachs be full, it matters little about their brains; the paths to stable peace and security winds between honest toil and dignified manhood. That proverbial better society that we seek calls for the guidance of skilled thinkers, the loving, reverent comradeship between the low income earners and ambitious middle class emancipated by training and culture. Such human elements would no doubt be conscious of the fact that not even the sustenance of oil subsidy, higher wages and a fairer economic system could protect its members from the usual handicaps and monstrosity constituted by the incumbent and predatory ruling class. Hence they would be able to understand that such social enterprise and gesture towards change must be mooted and achieved by the working class itself in further substantiation of the working class’ capacities to assimilate the culture and common sense of modern civilization, and to pass it on, to some extent at least, to posterity.

1080 days of Aregbesola administration By Lanre Aminu but in the sense of the person whose experience and exposure in life is such that he or she is capable of informed and balanced decisions. Aregbesola draws attention to further reflections on Plato’s argument that leaders must be prepared for leadership. In a typical third world country like Nigeria, as Aregbesola always tell any one who has the patience to listen, leadership is beyond building roads, providing boreholes, renovating schools or rehabilitating dilapidated structures, important as these are. For almost any body can do that. Leadership is also and more importantly, about mass mobilization as the corner stone of governance. The situation in most part of Africa requires leaders who consistently alert the mass of the people on certain requirements of modernisation, however one understands the concept. That is one way of dealing with the problem of cultural constraints on development the way many African radicals and leaders like Nkrumah, Cabral, Nyerere have tried to do. All great modern leaders like Mao, Lee Kuan Yew, etc did so, including leading personal campaigns against things as little as people’s personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, inertia and lethargy, adventurism, drug abuse and so on and so forth. It is very good for instance, that it is gaining popularity, that it amounts to inviting Governor Aregbesola’s trouble to be seen by him or his aides on environmental sanitation that you are not cleaning your environment or throwing refuse indiscriminately on the street. It is also history-making anywhere in the Third World that a leader will provide monthly stipend to the poor, vulnerable elderly. The recruitment of50,000 unemployed graduates for community service, sending 30 unemployed youths to Germany for modern training in agriculture, re-training of 300 artisans, Information and Communication Technology training for 5000 unemployed youths through OYESTECH, selling of cheaper fertilizers to farmers, free training of 3000 youths in tailoring, giving loans to youths interested In agriculture, setting up of farm settlements to train unemployed graduates, free meal for primary school students, building of modern markets for traders and the farmers train project. These are encapsulated in the Aregbesola administration’s six-point integral action plan that seeks to banish hunger, unemployment, restore healthy living, promote functional education and enhance When governments in developing countries are withdrawing social protection for their citizens in order to appease the market –oriented international community, the Governor of

the state of Osun, Aregbesola, is reversing the trend by bringing back the idea of social protection for the elderly and the unemployed youths. Governor Aregbesola’s larger-than-life resolve to guard his hard earned integrity by fulfilling his constitutional assignment and social pacts with the people of the state is worthy of commendation by all and sundry. He has demonstrated the capacity to solve problems and make positive changes in the lives of the people. The innovations and ingenuity he brought into government business has translated into increase performance in all sectors. He understands the difference between being a politician and being a leader and that leadership must be marked by explaining, convincing and winning over the other half, not by intrigue, cynical manipulation and diabolical politics which explains the leadership disaster at all levels in Nigeria today. His reward is the popular surge that makes crowd control and arena management such a nightmare anywhere Aregbesola goes throughout the state. The bond between the government and the governed has unleashed the dynamism that defines the ‘The New Osun’ since November 27, 2010. It is true that a lot of these revolve around the Aregbesola persona, rhetoric, radius and dynamism; however, it is also acquiring a momentum beyond Aregbesola as a person. What is happening in Osun should interest all of us with particular reference to the leadership requirement for transformative politics in the present epoch. It must interest students of political development because it is history in the making. . • Aminu is the National Coordinator, Oodua Youth For Good Governance

‘His reward is the popular surge that makes crowd control and arena management such a nightmare anywhere Aregbesola goes throughout the state. The bond between the government and the governed has unleashed the dynamism that defines the ‘The New Osun’ since November 27, 2010’

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 , 2013

COMMENTS ‘Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a cleverer devil’ -------C.S Lewis ORMER South Africa’s president, Nelson Mandela, an exceedingly revered global statesman, in one of his most quoted words, once averred: “Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.” The universally acknowledged role model obviously knew what he was saying. What the statesman was referring to is education with values that is capable of positively impacting lives of individuals and turning the fortunes of any nation around for good. Is Nigeria promoting that kind of valuable educational system in her territory? The above question becomes more apt in view of the lingering tussle between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government over an agreement signed by the duo containing how to address largely issues of lecturers’ allowances and generally, matters of poor infrastructure in universities. ASUU members in federal universities and those on solidarity support from state-owned ones have been on strike for over five months now. This column vividly recollects that the ASUU leadership, at the height of the simmering battle, had a belated meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and some undisclosed resolutions were agreed upon. ASUU promised to table the resolutions before its members before calling off the strike. This decision had come with a cost. It was while travelling to Kano State venue of the ASUU-NEC to deliberate on the outcome of that presidential meeting along with others that former ASUU president, Professor Festus Iyayi died in an accident involving a Kogi State governor’s convoy. Beyond this sad incident is also the fact that majority of campus branches of ASUU reportedly voted subsequently in favour of discontinuing the strike but an adamant ASUU national executive looked the other way by even coming up with new conditions. This might be responsible for why ASUU members in some universities are reportedly seriously willing to return to their classrooms. The essence of this column is not to justify centre government’s shameful refusal to meet its obligations to ASUU and the federal universities. There is no doubt that the government has failed woefully in making the citadel of education in its care compete favourably with the best in the world but the

OWARDICE, unbeknownst to many is a deceptive pathological condition. A coward always wears the camouflage of bravery and courage yet he is merely a weasel. Like a bully, he is imbued with the inexplicable urge to hurt and torment others but he cannot stand a prick of the pin. He will rouse a murderous mob but will tunnel into the ground when blood begins to flow. Such is the state of mind of some Nigerians who have made it a pastime lately to beat the drums of war and destruction over the 2015 presidential election. One such person is Dr. Junaid Mohammed, a Russian-trained physician and a veteran politician who made his mark as an acolyte of the great Malam Aminu Kano. Once upon a time, Mohammed was one of the most personable, well-spoken and well loved-politicians across even ethnic zones of the land. He was considered a ‘radical’ politician with progressive and people-oriented ideas. He was supposed to have drunk from the fount of that apostle of talakawa politics and perhaps ought to have been the touch-bearer of that ideological school, inheriting Aminu Kano. But Junaid Mohammed like a storm-tossed ship has not been able to find any political relevance since the demise of his mentor. He has moved from one party to another, from one ideological extreme to another and aligning with some strange bedfellows or another all in search relevance and even gravy. Our most beloved Junaid Mohammed, that eloquent young man in the House of Representatives of the 80s has in his old age ironically, grown into an ethnic jingoist and rabble-rouser. In an interview in last Sunday Sun, he simply broke the bounds of decency and decorum expected of someone who ought to be an elder statesman and nationalist. Asked whether President Goodluck Jonathan should run for a second term in 2015, he had this to say: “He is humble enough to know the consequences of his action, should he insist on running. But let me warn that he should not do anything that would plunge the country into avoidable anarchy.” He spoke further: “Quote me, if Jonathan insists on running, there will be bloodshed and those who feel short-changed may take the warpath and the country may not be the same again. His running will amount to tak-

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Adamant ASUU, recalcitrant presidency truth of the matter is that ASUU cannot remedy this anomaly by unreasonably continuing its on-going strike. This is however not to mean that the federal gov- Prof. Nasir Isa-Fagee ernment should stampede the union into going back to the classroom. Therefore, the ultimatum issued by the government for the lecturers to resume is obtusely tyrannical, but the lecturers’ recalcitrant posture is equally condemnable. It is difficult for any rightthinking man to justify a strike that has been on for over five months with attendant paralysis of university education. The other time, the police traced the increasing rate of youth involvement in crime to the closure of public universities arising from the protracted ASUU strike. The lecturers cannot be indifferent to this serious allegation of deliberately creating a situation of artificial idleness among the youth of this country. It is not in doubt that this government, like past successive administrations in the land, lacks sincerity and focus in educational policy formulation and implementation. Despite this, my mind, over the past months, has been wandering and attempting to discern ASUU

members’ patriotic zeal to national cause and commitment to deepening academic pursuits. This column is, however, compelled by experience to ask: How many genuinely com•Jonathan mitted lecturers do we have in Nigeria? Until recently when the National Universities Commission(NUC) came up with a mandatory order that lecturers must possess a doctorate, most of the lecturers had been idling about with master’s degrees that were as old as more than a decade. Again, what manner of lecturers would wait to be compelled to go for a doctorate when ordinarily that should be a thing of pride and professional fulfilment in their calling? Most present-day lecturers get to the classrooms to teach education without values and in the end, succeed in breeding youths that are clever devils. When this distasteful habit/trend is combined with the inept administrations that litter the entire federation, then the society definitely suffers. The Nigerian public is battle-weary because previous ASUU strikes had yielded more money for the lecturers that collected their arrears of salaries from successive ad-

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS 08111526725, email:steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Junaid Mohammed and other cowards

ing about 85 million northerners for a ride and that is half the country’s total population. So, there will be bloodshed. We don’t pray to get to that level before his ethnic and tribal advisers pull him back.” Apparently, Mohammed has joined the bandwagon of the North-for-president-in2015-or-no Nigeria campaign. In his obvious anger he was unguarded and uncontrolled in his utterances. He even rained abuses on the president: “We now have this nincompoop as president.” We may not like Jonathan but he remains the president of Nigeria and he occupies our sacred stool. We can correct and even upbraid without lapsing into naked and personal abuse. Our elders especially must set that example of civility in political discourse for the younger ones. One is particularly nonplussed by Mohammed’s invocation of violence and mayhem upon his fatherland should he and his part of the country fail to grab power once again in 2015. It is quite a puerile and infantile notion to think that any part of the country can be intimidated into surrendering power to another by mere threat of violence or even actual acts of bloodshed. It never happens that way. Second, statements like this do the North no good and it triggers that annoying sense of birthright and entitlement to the throne. That is not on and it is never acceptable. The North has held the number one spot longer than any other part of the country and unless it is tell-

ing the rest of us that it is indeed a birthright, others are equally entitled to it as well. Need we also remind that no president relinquishes power on account of threats of bloodshed and prospect of violence; not when he is constitutionally entitled to contest for another term in office? Power is gained through strategic thinking, building of consensus and pushing of laudable policies to the people, the ultimate beneficiaries. Lastly, whose blood is Dr Mohammed bringing to the altar for sacrifice? Of course not his children’s or his family members’ and surely not his own or his close friends’? It brings us back to the logic of the coward: he is often quick to pledge the blood of others in exchange for his selfish ends. But call for his own head and he dies before you unsheathe your sword. Have you seen our Mujahideen Asari Dokubo recently, the one who wears permanent scowl just to scare the rest of us? A few hours’ arrest recently in the Republic of Benin rattled him so much that he sings like a troubled canary about enemies of President Jonathan’s second term who pursued him across the border. Jonathan must have a second term even if the heavens fall, he declared extending that weird logic. The same manner our octogenarian Papa Edwin Clark finds every opportunity to say to us, woe betide you all if Jonathan does not return. But these are old tricks deployed by cowards when they sense an imminent defeat and

ministrations. Yet, the wasted precious time of students that were compelled to stay at home is irreversible. Some students are already saying that some leading unionists among the lecturers are already dreaming of turning this parents’ sadness called ASUU strike into future opportunities to secure juicy appointments. What a country! This column still remembers that former military tyrant, Ibrahim Babangida, used prominent lecturers in the so-called citadel of learning to initiate policies that plunged the country into political and economic doldrums. Those that could not secure appointments have become tin-gods on campuses. It is on record that very few among those lecturers command the respect of their students today. Yes, we blame those in power but within the universities, most lecturers are tyrants in their own right. This column notices an obvious contradiction and illegality in the on-going ASUU strike. Assuming federal universities are in shambles, the most sensible thing is to allow federal lecturers fight for their rights. What could be the justification of state universities’ lecturers for joining the strike? Even if it is to drum up support for their federal colleagues, it should be noted that a solidarity strike that is lasting over five months is one with luck that is being pushed too far. The most indefensible contradiction by lecturers that are supposed to have a better understanding of the principle of federalism is the decision by state universities lecturers to join a strike with an outcome that would not benefit them. Lecturers in federal universities cannot negotiate a contract with a federal government and expect such to be binding on governors that control state universities/lecturers. Perhaps, it would not be out of place to see a courageous student in the ensuing months ask his lecturer this simple question: Under a federal system sir, is it right and legal for state universities’ lecturers to join their striking federal counterparts in a solidarity strike for over five months? Readers’ guess is as good as mine! At this point of the ASUU strike, however, the union must sheathe its sword so that it can live to fight another day. The latest protracted strike with the federal government is further destroying the educational sector that is already a wreck. The recalcitrant presidency should see the need to develop the decrepit universities. Also, the adamant lecturers must realise that they can get their salaries in arrears, but the time lost is irreplaceable for the suffering students and their groaning parents.

loss. In 2015, what will be, will be – as has been ordained!

LAST MUG: Gov. Amosun’s tower and aspects of S.W. integration

I was waiting for the right moment to comment on the laudable South West integration agenda when I learnt about Gov. Ibikunle Amosun’s tallest building in Africa project. While one would return to the emerging flaws of the integration soon, Expresso humbly appeals to the Ogun governor to shelf the idea of a tower (of Babel?) which is a mere ego trip and holds no economic good whatsoever. All over the world, governments hardly build skyscrapers; they are economic propositions of individuals. Is the Cocoa House for instance fully occupied? Is it yielding revenues? Is it well maintained? We feel insulted when our governors tell us they travel abroad to seek investors; such anachronism really need to be jettisoned. And the Malaysians partnering Ogun to build a white elephant will do well for us developing our agro-industrial estates based on oil palm, cocoa, maize and cassava instead of building us a tower of wastage. It is the same ego-tripping that governs the rash of airports in Ekiti and Osogbo when the ones in Ibadan, Akure and Benin grossly under-utilized. Why not modern light rail lines that link major cities of the Southwest? Or are these airports and towers what the integration document ordered?

‘We feel insulted when our governors tell us they travel abroad to seek investors; such anachronism really need to be jettisoned. And the Malaysians partnering Ogun to build a white elephant will do well for us developing our agro-industrial estates based on oil palm, cocoa, maize and cassava instead of building us a tower of wastage’

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

POLITICS In this piece, Michael Udenta attributes the feud between Enugu State Governor Sylivan Chime and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to conflicting political interests, ahead of 2015.

Chime, Ekweremadu: What went wrong?

T came as a rude shock to many followers of Enugu politics when Bethel Onyenyiri, the Special Adviser (Projects) to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President issued a full page advertorial on December 1, 2013, accusing the Enugu State governor of plans to sabotage federal projects in the state by the number two man in the upper legislative chamber. The big allegation left many of us wondering what really went wrong between the two men, especially going by the fact that they had enjoyed a very cordial relationship before now. It was always common sight to see Ekweremadu climbing the podium at different fora in Enugu to praise Chime for bringing about peace in the state and also for his accomplishments in office. Indeed, these achievements are well felt and celebrated in the State even though the governor prefers to do his work quietly. Of course, it is common knowledge that both men parted ways when the governor openly backed Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as the Nsukka cultural zone, to produce his successor in 2015. His reason was that the other two senatorial districts – Enugu East and Enugu West – had occupied the Lion Building top seat through Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani (1999 - 2007) and Chime respectively. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state caucus was to endorse the governor’s position, based on justice and equity. Senator Ekweremadu was deeply outraged by Chime’s stance, which was a knockout punch on the his ambition to succeed the current occupant of the gubernatorial seat, since both gladiators hail from Enugu West senatorial district. It is unclear if the governor has any interest in the senatorial seat which Ekweremadu, as feelers indicate, wants to keep. If Chime decides to run, can Ekweremadu withstand the man who has the entire structure under his armpit? But are these issues strong enough for Ekweremadu’s aide to accuse a sitting governor of plots to “disrupt/destroy” federal projects attracted to the state, especially the Enugu West Senatorial District, by the Deputy President of the Senate? Did he make such an allegation with the consent of his boss? As if that was not enough, another advertorial signed by one Chief John Okafor for Greater Awgu Forum went to even a more ridiculous extent to insinuate that Chime was after Ekweremadu’s life! It has not been surprising going by the above situations and the

•Ekweremadu

•Chime

‘Nigerians have always been witnesses to feuds between past Presidents of the Senate and their governors, and also the conspiracies between Abuja politicians and their home state governments. The crux has often been about the quest for power and representations. This is what the current bad blood is all about’ political permutations in the State that the governor has been at the receiving end of negative media articles, often written with pseudo names and canvassing support for their masters and/or sponsors. The current attacks are taking the whole thing to the extreme. However, for those who know Chime as a man of peace, the allegations are such rib-cracking theatrics, only good enough to be played out in the Nollywood. It is even so as John Okafor who signed the other advertorial bears the same name with the popular comedian known as Ibu. It is quite unfortunate how some people can take a single individual’s personal disappoint-ment to such a laughable level. I was even more bemused that Bethel Onyenyiri, who was Chime’s former commissioner, signed that advertorial. It is true that he is, today, an over-fed Man

Friday to Ekweremadu, but common decorum would have taught him some restraints when talking about his former boss. The enticement may be huge today but a man of conscience would have delivered the message in a more decent manner. Chime and his men have shown great maturity by not responding to the cheap blackmail from Ekweremadu and his own team. But Onyenyiri has laid himself bare for his lack of respect. The other day, I read an article where it was chronicled how he shortchanged the Enugu State citizens as a commissioner during Chime’s first term and how he bought refurbished transformers instead of new ones for which money was given. Now, I quote an article published in The Sun newspaper of Tuesday, December 3, 2013: “This is not about Onyenyiri, who lost his

From left: Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Improper Land Allocation in FCT Bimbo Daramola with a member of the committee, Hakeem Ayedun, during the hearing on the Improper Land Allocation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the National PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE Assembly, Abuja

position as a commissioner due to incompetence. Perhaps, the time will come when he will tell his Enugu Agu Achi community in Oji River Local Government Area how he, as a commissioner, installed only one transformer out of the five that the state government procured to give electricity to his own people. This is just about his performance and/or indiscretion in a project in which his folks were to be the beneficiaries! It was worse for other communities where Onyenyiri dumped refurbished transformers even when money was paid for new ones. The painful outcome was that these refurbished transformers, all packed up soon after installation. The people of Ubahu in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Ogirishi in Nkanu West, Nomeh in Nkanu East, Awgu and other local government councils are still gnashing their teeth in frustration over the faulty transformers which Onyenyiri personally purchased. He was subsequently dropped by Chime when these findings came to the fore, even as the state government has begun to replace those faulty transformers.” Nigerians have always been witnesses to feuds between past Presidents of the Senate and their governors, and also the conspiracies between Abuja politicians and their home state governments. The crux has often been about the quest for power and representations. This is what the current bad blood is all about. The difference between the Chime/Ekweremadu rift is that one, without showing any proof, he is now accusing the other of plans to “disrupt/destroy” projects that he attracted. Without holding brief for anybody, I believe that it is going to a ridiculous extent to accuse a governor of any such plot just because as Onyenyiri put it, there was a “clandestine meeting.” What a lame talk! Have they reported this matter to the police or other law enforcement agencies? Have they all the facts to back such weighty allegations? Or must we play politics with people’s names and reputations just because of power? The elections are too far away to warrant such dirty tantrums being thrown. It is not too late for Chime and Ekweremadu to come to the roundtable and iron out their political differences because power comes from God. If not, nobody should heat up the polity because we enjoy the peace and unity in Enugu State today. Udenta contributed this piece from Enugu

National conference: Yoruba leaders raise consultation committee By Chinenye Muojekwu

ORUBA monarchs and leaders have endorsed the proposed national dialogue, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to remain faithful to the agenda. The traditional rulers hailed the President for responding to the collective yearning for a platform for discussing the national question as the basis for forging unity among the component units of the federation. Rising from a meeting convened by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, at Ile-Ife, Osun State, the leaders resolve to collate ideas from the six Southwest states, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states, ahead of the dialogue. To harmonise the Yoruba agenda, the meeting set up a three-man committee comprising Chief Olu Falae, Gen. Alani Akinrinade and Dr. Kunle Olajide to make consultations with the various groups and interests in Yorubaland on the conference. A statement by Mr. Yinka Odumakin on behalf of the leaders said that the monarchs enjoined the people to participate at the conference. He said: “The meeting fully endorsed the proposed national dialogue and enjoins Yoruba people in the six south west states, parts of Kwara, Kogi, Edo,Delta and Niger States and Yoruba in the Diaspora to fully participate in the conference to realise our aspirations for Yoruba autonomy within a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria” At the meeting were Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir. Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Gen. Akinrinade, Prof. Adenike Grange, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, Mr. Segun Ojo, Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Chief Adekunle Olaiya, Comrade Wole Aina, Prof. Micheal Opeloye, Senator Tony Adefuye, Dr. Olajide, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, Dr. Amos Akingba, Admiral Akintunde Aduwo, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador and Otunba Gani Adams.

• Akinrinade

From left: House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, Hon. Emeka ihedioha; Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Tsokwa and House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, at the committee’s public hearing in Abuja.

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

A 16-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

PAGE 25

•Mokola Bridge

ITH a population of about four million, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, holds a unique place in the history and politics of the Yoruba of Southwest, Nigeria. Home to all the sub-tribes of the Yoruba nation, especially, the Oyos, Ibadan, the largest city in Africa south of the Sahara, is a typical African town grappling with the challenges of transition from an ancient settlement to a city in the 21st Century. Rustic roofs, heaps of refuse, flying dirts, untarred roads and rickety vehicles used to announce arrival to this city of many hills that serves as the political capital of western Nigeria. But not any longer as the state government, under its urban renewal programme, is changing the face of

Ekiti’s rocks of ages •PAGE 32

Ibadan wears new look as Oyo govt transforms ancient city In this report, BISI OLADELE captures the captivating images of the emerging modern city and government’s efforts at making Ibadan even better Ibadan and other major towns in the state to bring them up to a modern city standard. Beautiful landscapes, modern buses, clean environment, expanded

and tarred roads and free flow of traffic are giving the capital city a new and befitting look. Though the old, historic buildings still stand tall, new structures and a

Oyo community in desperate need of help •PAGE 35

beautiful environment are redefining the fortunes of Ibadan and raising the hope of an even better tomorrow for a city that once languished in abandonment. Standing side by side the

historic 25-storey Cocoa House at Dugbe in the commercial heart of the city is the largest shopping mall

The short but memorable reign of Oba Adesida •PAGE 38

•Continued on page 26

‘ THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Ibadan wears new look as Oyo •Continued from page 25 in Nigeria, the Heritage Mall The new look of the city is courtesy of the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who mounted the saddle on May 29, 2011. The governor, who said environmental change was a cardinal part of his vision for the state during the swearing-in at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), has rolled out several initiatives that are giving the city and other major towns in the state a new image. Travellers from Lagos are now welcomed by the alluring green lawn and flowers beautifying the Challenge/Lead City Bridge by the toll gate at the Ibadan end of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. Also the road medians from the toll gate to Soka area have been beautified. The beautification and the cleanliness of the long stretch of the road which used to be an eyesore for travellers and residents are a huge relief. The impact has also been made more visible by the demolition of make-shift shops at the former toll gate. While the beautified bridge used to house the mentally deranged and miscreants, the former toll gate looked like a village market for trailer and other commercial drivers in addition to motor park touts. Sex workers and traders in illicit products also found their peace there. The beautification of Iwo Road interchange is another high point of the new face of Ibadan. During its infamous years as home for drug addicts, miscreants and motor park touts, the interchange gave Ibadan an image of a violent city. For instance, several people, including passengers and other travellers were killed by feuding touts in the early hours of June 6, 2011. It was the height of the violence that ruptured the state’s branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the time. But, last year, the governor ordered the demolition of all shanties around the interchange. The development sent off all miscreants and touts who were using it as their hide-out while the area was fenced off with iron bars. Then green lawn and flowers began to grow in a once-hoodlums’ den while members of the state’s Youths Empowerment Scheme (YES-O) and traffic officers were stationed around the interchange all day to ensure compliance by road users, particularly commercial drivers. The result is free flow of traffic, sanity around the interchange and a beautiful landscape. From the interchange to Ojoo, the end of the expressway, the governor embarked on beautification of the median, to the delight of travellers, residents and passers-by. Short iron poles painted in the yellow and maroon colours of the state logo line both sides of the median from Iwo Road to Ojoo. Between are green lawn and flowers beaming beauty to passers-by. At the Ojoo end, the dualisation of the IbadanOyo Expressway led to the demolition of virtually all illegal structures at the popular open place. The project also produced a large roundabout that gives the city a pleasant view. The site of the roundabout used to be scenes of fatal accidents in the past involving mostly heavy duty trucks and fuel tankers colliding with passenger buses and cars. This is no longer the case. Today, those entering Ibadan from the Oyo route after a long time would marvel at the massive change. The dualisation of Ibadan-Oyo Road was undertaken by the Federal Government but it complements the change Ajimobi brought to the city, especially at the Ojoo end. From the Ile-Ife entrance into the city, a modern motor park at WEMA Bank area of New Ife Road cleared off commercial drivers that created traffic snarls around the interchange. For inter-state travellers who nursed headache on the thought of passing through the interchange, they are today surprised at how large the space around the interchange is due to the relocation of commercial drivers from the area. From the Iwo entrance, the dualisation of the road undertaken by the Senator Rashidi Ladoja and his successor, Adebayo Alao-Akala not only beautified the area but set the traffic free. Though the new dual carriage way suffered abandonment before Ajimobi took over, he has rehabilitated some bad portions of the road, thereby giving the city an attractive look. For people entering Ibadan from Eruwa, aside the cleanliness that stares them in the face from Ologuneru area, the dualisation and beautification of Eleyele-MagazineAleshinloye-Dugbe Road announces the modern look of the city. So also is the Chal-

•Once notorious under bridge at Molete

•Eleyele-Dugbe Road

•Iwo Road interchange lenge entrance from the toll gate. The road is being dualised. The Eleyele and Challenge dualisation are near completion. A four-lane road from New Garage to Challenge is also in

the works to usher in motorists/travellers coming into the city from Ijebu Ode People entering Ibadan from Abeokuta now enjoy freer movement. The ever-busy Apata

portion of the Ibadan-Abeokuta Road has been widened towards Abeokuta through Omi-Adio. Within the city, major roundabouts have been beautified. The beautification is not just limited

‘ THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

govt transforms ancient city ‘ Within the city, major roundabouts have been beautified. The beautification is not limited to those on the popular Ring Road. The Beere Roundabout and Total Garden Roundabout are other examples. They glitter in ‘precious’ stones and shining lights

•Ojoo end of Ibadan-Oyo Express road

‘

•Dualisation of Ogbomoso Roads

•Entrance into the city via Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to those on the popular Ring Road. The Beere Roundabout and Total Garden Roundabout are other examples. They glitter in ‘precious’ stones and shining lights.

Among other infrastructure giving Ibadan a new look is the flyover at Mokola Roundabout. The flyover has freed the roundabout from traffic gridlock since its construction.

In Oyo, the dualisation of Owode-Iseyin Road and Owode-Aafin (Palace) Road is near completion. The two roads give the town a new look with widened roads for improved traffic.

A similar project on two roads are close to completion in Ogbomoso in the northern part of the state. In all, the roads construction, beatification and environmental sanitation combine to give Oyo State a huge lift in outlook which will ultimately open up the state to more investments. The facelift being given to Ibadan and other major towns and cities in the state, to Dr Festus adedayo, special adviser on Media to Governor Ajimobi is better appreciated when contrasted with what the situation was before the advent of the Ajimobi administration. “To appreciate what this government has done in the areas of infrastructural renewal and environmental sustainability, you only needed to know what was on ground prior to 2011 when we came in. This will put in perspective the widespread enthusiasm of the people of Oyo state about ongoing developments in the state and even those passing by who give government kudos for its foresightedness and commitment to the development of the state. “As the governor often says, our government did not just pick infrastructural and environmental renewal out of the blues. We are reacting to the stimuli of development which states that, like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, after security of lives and property, which our government has ensured in the last two and half years, aggressive infrastructural drive and environmental renewal are next on the ladder, followed by education, health services and the like. “You will recall that Oyo State had this renown of being a violent state under the reign of (former Governors) Ladoja and Akala. To the glory of God and the leadership sagacity of Governor Ajimobi, that has been stemmed. Now, at the level of infrastructure, not that Akala and Ladoja didn’t construct roads but they were substandard ones which lasted for less than 6 months. And you couldn’t blame them; they did all within their grasp and depth. But our people can see the difference now. The erstwhile dirtiest city in Nigeria is now an aesthetic delight and the quality of roads our people only saw in Abuja are now being replicated in Oyo State. “This focus is yielding results. Investors now have renewed confidence in our state. The environment is appealing and road network is expanding. Companies are springing up in Ibadan because, with government’s concentration on the environment and aesthetics, Oyo is now the destination of investors.” With this urban renewal programme, could Ibadan be on the way to becoming a mega city?

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

HE thoughts that dominated my mind as the bus sped towards Government House in Ado-Ekiti, where I will join about 20 other civil society leaders for a dinner with the governor of Ekiti State were not about the promise of the fine foods and hospitality but about the possible hostile reception from the governors’ protocol. I was worried that I was not properly dressed for dinner; worried about the long protocol, the mean looking policemen armed with AK-47 rifles and barking out orders. I was concerned about security aides giving multiple instructions just to find faults with your presentation and finally I was apprehensive that the long protocol would eventually deny me the chance of the dinner with the governor. It was the 6th National Consultation on the Environment organised by Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoEN), which was held in Ado-Ekiti from November 28-29, 2013. The conference with the theme: “Our Forests, Our Life” was a radical approach to the issues of deforestation and land grabbing by multinational corporations. ERA/FoEN had insisted the communities must resist taking over of the existing forests through the introduction of the United Nation’s Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) programmes. On the evening of Thursday, 28th November, Governor Fayemi invited the civil society leaders to an interactive dinner at Government House. The activists were led by Godwin Uyi Ojo, the Executive Director, ERA/FoEN; Akinbode Oluwafemi, its Corporate Accountability Director; Leslie Adogame; Professor Margaret OkoroduduFubara of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University and other leading civil society activists. But on arrival at the Government House, I was shocked at how little protocol was attached to activities in the official residence of the governor. He lives simply, making do with what was only necessary. As soon as the protocol was informed of our arrival, we were ushered inside. The governor surrounded himself with no airs and the officials put on none of those pompous attitudes which journalists detest. There were no endless array of state-of-the-art vehicles in the garage. I saw no “mean looking” policeman at all. After moving through two rooms, we went into the dining hall where the governor and those who arrived early were seated. While I had been worried about the right attire for the occasion, I discovered the governor was dressed with the greatest simplicity. He wore a stripped white and black polo shirt and black trousers. He wore black comfortable shoes and, for the first time, I saw him without his glasses and cap. He looked different. LIVING SIMPLE The dining room of the Ekiti Government House bears none of those bourgeoisie ornaments. It was a simple room with modest furnishing. At the centre of the room is a long dining table which could sit approximately 15 guests. We were more than 20 so makeshift arrangements were made for us with two other tables placed by the sides. The governor sat at the head of the centre table, directly behind him, a large picture of Jesus sitting at the last dinner hung beautifully on the wall. Directly under that picture was the Nigerian Coat of Arms. At the other end was a glass cabinet filled with exquisite China porcelain. By the side of the cabinet was a small television set from which a local soap opera was blaring out. From all indications, the television has not been connected to one of

When SEUN AKIOYE was invited to a dinner by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, he was worried about putting on fine manners, wearing the appropriate costume and other etiquettes usually associated with such events. But, as he found out, the governor is not only an excellent host, he is also a pleasant and easy to please gentleman.

Fayemi: An activist in Government House

•From right: Fayemi, Ojo and Prof Amini Awah those pay-per-view channels. The fridge was in the other corner and the door to the kitchen was by it. When the fridge was opened, I was shocked to find it was not filled with assorted drinks and wines but with soft drinks, fruit wines and plenty of water. The buffet table was by the side of the dining table. There were about five servers, all males, wearing white apron with the inscription: “ Ekiti State, Ile Iyi, Ile Eye.” They were eager to please and quickly offered their services if the guest had any problems. There was rice (varieties) and pounded yam and efo with assorted meat. I checked the plate of the governor and saw he had taken jollof rice and fish. The governor ate normally but with relish. At first, everyone dined in silence until Ojo began to discuss salient issues on politics, that was when I discovered one of the ways to get the best out of the governor is at dinners. Fayemi didn’t want to be the centre of attention, so he gave ample time to his guests to express themselves. He spoke politics and development issues with Ojo and Ekiti State issues with Akinbode who is an indigene. It didn’t take long however for him to know Akinbode is a Lagos/Ekiti man.

The Fayemi outside is the same at dinner. He spoke and laughed freely, sometimes using his hands for emphasis. In the midst of the chatter, Ojo suddenly asked: “Governor, what will you say is your greatest achievement?” “My greatest achievement” Fayemi repeated. For a few seconds he seemed to be in a state of philosophical reflection, I searched his eyes to penetrate his thoughts while considering some of the laudable projects he had done executed wondering which one would be his greatest achievement. When he spoke, he shocked all of us. “ The social security is very popular, but I would say it is the value re-orientation, that is more important to me. But, in political terms, you can’t see or feel value, it is intangible, you can only see the results that value has generated in terms of changes in attitude and the infrastructural renewal. “Before we came on board, a lot of damage was done to the system. We have also done a lot in infrastructure renewal in the communities. It is sad that we have to start rebuilding infrastructure, but our public schools have improved, I am always happy when I remember that the pass rate in

‘

The issue with the civil society is that no matter how bad politics is, a man with that background will still be better because, outside of politics, you have several other groups that you are answerable to; they are monitoring you so you cannot afford to disappoint

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our public schools have improved from 20 to 70 percent.” Akinbode nodded in agreement and Fayemi continued: “I can tell you that we have recovered from the years of the locust; we have stability now and we just need to build on that.” “Please continue in that line,” Ojo admonished. This drew laughter from the hardcore civil society activists and Fayemi got the message. “Do we have a choice?” the governor asked. There were several murmurs from those who sat at the other tables, it was not clear what the argument was about but there was silence when Fayemi began to speak, this time with more seriousness. AN ACTIVIST IN POLITICS “The problem with coming from the civil society is that you have many monitors who are waiting to see if you will abandon the ideals you fought for on the other side.” This drew another round of laughter and the governor turned to Tunde Akanni, one of the old breeds at the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), now a lecturer of journalism at the Lagos State University. “These are things that have become permanent in your life just like the religious doctrines and teachings that you were brought up with. They are internalised, so it is very difficult, even in partisan politics to abandon the ideals because there are many comrades here with me. How can I convince people like Wale Adeoye that Ekiti State will not have Freedom of Information Bill? “The issue with the civil society is that no matter how bad politics is, a man with that background will still be better because, outside of politics, you have several other groups that you are answerable to. They are monitoring you so, you cannot afford to disappoint.” The guests appreciated this frank admission from the governor but, before the euphoria could die down, Ojo

told the governor on behalf of his colleagues that the civil society would continue to monitor progress in Ekiti State. The governor smiled. Akinbode spoke about security in the state. “ Many people are talking about the Peace Corps.” “ I know my Peace Corps are very popular for several reasons,” the governor interrupted, explaining the different sections of the initiative and the duties and responsibilities of each. But Akinbode was not giving up. “You have been accused of promoting state police.” The governor laughed. It was clear he had been asked the same question many times. “I don’t want to talk about state police because it is like you don’t want a federal police. But I do, it’s just that I know there is a limitation to what the federal police can achieve. There is no developed country in the world where you have a single police unit. It is just not practicable.” By this time, everyone had joined in the conversation and after about 10 minutes, the meeting had been divided into mini-groups with some arguing animatedly with each other. Betty Abba, the gender-focal person for ERA/FoEN, cleared her throat and indicated she wanted to ask a question. All eyes fell on her as she expressed her concerns about the recent merger of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She wanted to know if this will not taint the progressives. A pin drop silence descended on the room after this question with everyone unsure how the governor - who is also the chairman of the APC governors – would escape this tricky issue. At this time, the servers went round pouring wine into the glasses of those who wanted, a few accepted, I de•Continued on page 29

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

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An activist in Govt House •Continued from page 28 clined and the governor took Fanta. When Fayemi spoke, he thanked Abba for asking that question and began to talk about how compromises are important in politics. He said the challenge with civil society is the generalisation that everything government is bad. He called attention to the fact that most of the ‘rebel governors’ were the shining stars of PDP. He said many of them have progressive credentials and they will not have any challenges imbibing the clear democratic markers of the APC. “We have a primary responsibility to rescue this country first, and when we are in that kind of situation, you have to look for like minds and work together to save the country. We have no choice in APC but to set clear markers in our party manifesto so that we can win the trust of the people. The governors who just came in have distinguished themselves in their states. So there is no problem at all about the merger, it is for the best of the country.” There was heartfelt applause after this speech and someone asked if the governor thought he has won the heart of the Ekiti people. “If you go around asking about me, people will say yes, he’s a good man, he’s building roads and infrastructure. Things are moving but he doesn’t share money,” the governor said amid laughter. This is what he called stomach infrastructure. He said he has been able to eliminate the distribution of the commonwealth of the people to certain interests at the expense of the masses. “I don’t have money to dash to people and that’s not very popular. But I share money in a different way, you don’t have to know me to get your share or do baba rere, two fingers in the air before you get your share. The social security safety net is part of it and that is why they call me Oko Arugbo,” the governor said. Ojo wanted to know what Oko Arugbo meant, he must have given it more seriousness than intended. The governor gladly explained. The governor also chided his colleagues: “ We need to stop this puritanistic approach that everything government is bad and everything civil society is good. We should partner and not build Chinese walls between us.” It is amazing how much the governor still know about the civil society, who has moved on and what another is currently doing. It was apparent he had kept a tab on them, monitoring their activities. He told them: “You need to focus on local resource generation because when you rely on funding from outside donors, you only do what they want you to do and not necessarily what is good for your country. Let your campaign be issue based and partner with the government for development.” The dinner ended at 9:pm and the activists took the time to take photographs with the governor who, despite his tight schedule the following morning, was humble enough to accede to every request.

Tackling emerging health issues in a potential megacity

YINDAMOLA Ademola, an expatriate, moved into Lagos on transfer from one of the Western states. He was able to secure an accommodation with ease. His house is bounded by a school on the left; a worship centre is in front while an event centre is on the right side. Oyindamola found it stressful resting during the week when he comes from office early due to the clatter of the pupils in the school. The incessant call to worship by the worship centre won’t allow him relax, as well, even at night due to their vigil. He does not look forward to his weekend with excitement because of the activities of the event centre. He thought Lagos is a megacity, a sort of Eldorado. But his three months experience does not prove that. He is not the only one exposed to such nuisance as even public facilities are not left out. Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, for instance, is squeezed in between a stadium and a private hostel, with a boarding school. A worship centre is also in its front. The patients do complain of insecurity, because should fans go wild after a sports event, they can burst into the hospital’s premises and wards. The road to the hospital is narrow and emergencies are atimes delayed from coming into the hospital’s premises promptly. The hospital’s management is considering requesting that the road be turned to a one-way lane. Orile Agege General Hospital, Oke Odo, is also sandwiched between an expansive church building and high residential buildings. The generator sets of residents run almost 24 hours for seven days of the week. The noise and fumes of the sets disturb the patients endlessly. These hospitals are not the only victims of the stressors - noise and fumes – from generator sets in the city of Lagos. Residents by and large are at the receiving end. Not only of these pollutants, but of other things experts describe as stressors, such as uncontrolled traffic, chaos

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

at open markets, moving of cattle in the dead of the night on roads, harassment bytouts and hoodlums and unsolicited cleaning of cars’ windshields by urchins, amohg others. The list is endless. According to experts, in mental health, stress is a part of everyone’s life and natural activation of the body’s stress-response system gives you extra strength and courage to be alert and stay focused. However, chronic stress can threaten your physical and emotional well-being and trigger health problems, such as anxiety disorder, depression, sleep problems, diabetes, heart disease, digestive problems and many psychosomatic illnesses. As part of its effort to make Lagos livable, the state government has held a conference to examine the implications of attaining a megacity status as well as focus on the health and social issues that characterise a megacity. The conference tagged The Livable City; Preparing for the mental and social health needs of the Lagos Mega City drew participants from the state’s Executive Council and other policy makers Lawmakers, city planners, journalists, public opinion leaders, leaders of private industry, leaders

in the health, education, environment and social welfare sectors, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the general public were there. Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris speaking on the objectives of the conference said: “We are focusing on topics such as Society and Crime, Mental Health Services in a Mega city, Environmental Psychology: The interface between our environment and us; Social services and welfare - the role of the government.” Idris noted that the objective of the conference was to learn from the experiences of other cities that have faced the mega city and rapid urbanisation challenges, stressing that the deliberation of the conference involved participants taking stock of existing health and social infrastructure for dealing with the emotional well-being of citizens, critique of the plans and structure that are in process, and charting a pathway for development that comprehensively addresses the problems. These could be said to have been achieved at the two-day workshop involving sociologists, psychiatrist, psychologists and other social scientists. It is expected that a document with a multi-sectoral strategy for integrated development of mental and social health needs of the Lagos megacity would be pro-

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It is hoped that the implementation of deliberations at the conference will help chart a positive and realistic course towards making the evolving megacity of Lagos one of the most livable cities of the world

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duced soon as an off-shoot of the conference. Idris explained that Lagos as a megacity faces some unique challenges, such as a relatively tiny landmass and a clustering of the population which leads to density of up to 20,000 per square metrr in the metropolis and 4,193 per square metre in the whole state. He said: “The rapid urbanisation and general infrastructural developments in communication technology, transport networks and expansion of educational and employment opportunities in public and private organisations are among measures that are designed to improve the quality of life of the people. ”The health facilities and scope of services offered are being expanded at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, and private sector involvement in the health sector is being fostered through a variety of government initiatives.” The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adesina, said one of the major sociological challenges posed by a rapidly urbanising environment like Lagos was the wide variety of stresses placed on the society, adding that the effect may be logically anticipated to deepen and expand needs for social and psychological services as well as to create new needs and demand the creation of services that were not previously necessary or anticipated. She said: “The conference has afforded the state government the opportunity to have a clearer understanding of the emerging issues that come along with a megacity and how to implement short-term and long-term improvements in livability, in an emerging megacity like Lagos. ”It is hoped that the implementation of deliberations at the conference will help chart a positive and realistic course towards making the evolving megacity of Lagos one of the most livable cities of the world,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

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Industrialist urges better attitude from workers N industrialist, Gabriel Isinkaye Abiodun, has said poor attitude of some employees to work is contributing to the high level of unemployment. Many industrialists have been frustrated in their bids to set up businesses in the country because such attitude, he said. Speaking in an interview in AdoEkiti, Abiodun, the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperous Royal Hotel and Resort Centre in Ado-Ekiti, also said the people of Ekiti State must find means of positively engaging their youths, adding that producing graduates without gainfully engaging them was a wasted effort. This is just as legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has lauded him for believing in the Ekiti project. Babalola, who stated this when Abiodun visited ABUAD Farms, near Afe Babalola University, said he was happy that somebody like Abiodun was investing heavily in the state. “If we have more people who believe in the Ekiti project like you and I, the state will be better for it. When I wanted to establish the university, many wondered why I want to locate it in Ekiti State, but my answer was charity begins at home and if we do not develop the state, who is going to do so for us? Aare Babalola said. The legal luminary urged Abiodun to have the faith that his business in Ekiti would thrive, saying Abiodun’s bold steps would encourage others who may be doubting viability of businesses in the state. Going round ABUAD Farms before joining the renowned lawyer in his school, Abiodun praised the

If we have more people who believe in the Ekiti project like you and I, the state will be better for it. When I wanted to establish the university, many wondered why I want to locate it in Ekiti State, but my answer was charity begins at home and if we do not develop the state, who is going to do so for us?

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owner for taking such a gigantic step. He said the examples shown by Aare Babalola convinced him that investing in Ekiti would be worth while. He challenged other rich Ekiti indigenes to come and invest at home, noting that producing graduates without gainfully employing them would eventually be counter-productive. He enjoined those employed by others to have a positive attitude

By Ayeni Olalekan

to work, saying, “The poor attitude of most employees to work is appalling and is fuelling unemployment in this country. Most people do not see the jobs they are engaged to do as their own. Many small and medium businesses have collapsed on account of that. People want to run others down,” he said. He added that already he had employed 180 hands in the running of the resort centre, stating that when fully operational, more would still be engaged.

Abiodun, who is committing over N1 billion to the hotel and resort centre in Ado-Ekiti, appealed to government to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive through tax holiday, patronage, provision of municipal services among others. The resort centre has a garden that can accommodate 250 people, a 50room hotel, shopping mall, gym, an event centre, two halls, open space that can sit over 3,000 people, a discotheque, among others.

Govt to boost economy activities NE of the ways to increase commercial activities in any society is to make the road network perfect.” This was the submission of the Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Olatunde Adepitan, at the stakeholders meeting held at the council secretariat to carry the residents along on the road construction project of the state government. “His Excellency has once again come to the rescue of the people of Mushin Local Government. The road linking Isolo to Mushin from the Oshodi-Apapa-Express Road to Mushin Market from Agege Motor Road, has kicked off,” the chairman said. Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, said the governor considered the strategic location of the road and the tremendous impact on road users. He appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to complete the work on schedule. He said no building would be demolished in the course of the

Yuletide: FRSC urges discipline among motorists

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HE Agbado Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Babatunde Farinloye, has urged road users to be well behaved during and after the festive period. He made the plea at the ‘Ember’ month’s campaign rally organised by his command in conjunction with the Agbado Branch of the Ajowa Tipper/Lorry Owners Association of Nigeria, at the Salolo Garage, in Lagos State. Farinloye said activities multiply during the season, noting that people travel a lot, thereby causing congestion on the roads. These have increased the number of crashes on the road, he added. He said: “Motorists are expected to embrace self discipline and carefully drive to save lives and ensure no other road contestants are endangered while at the wheel. No motorists is expected to harass, oppress and intimidate other road users.” Farinloye said the campaign theme was: “Attitude, the change we need on our roads”. He urged motorists to shun negative behaviours such as speed craze and rough driving, dangerous overtaking, road rage, transfer of aggression, over confidence, impatience and use of phones while driving. Assistant Corp Marshal, Zonal Commander, Lagos and Ogun, Mr Kabiru Ademola Lawal, represented by Mr Akinola Gabriel, warned drivers against reckless driving and urged them to obey traffic rules and regulations to keep the roads safe, particularly during the festive period. He advised that motorists should drive carefully and be patient, adding that impatience is one of the lead factors that cause road accidents. He warned drivers to check their state of their health regularly and shun driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading, overspeeding and lack of vehicle maintenance. The President-General, Ajowa Tipper/Lorry Owners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Waheed Tomori, thanked the FRSC for the campaign and advised that enlightenment campaigns should be held frequently. He appealed to the government to repair the roads, saying they have become death traps to users. At the event were the Transport Manager, Finecoat Paints, Mr Olufemi Kazeem; FRSC Ota Unit Head of Administration Mr. Jeffrey Otubu, represented the Unit Commander, and Director, Tracy Water, Mr Richard Ibe. Drivers were tested free at the event.

•From left:Hon. Adepitan, Eng Johnson, and Mr Lawal at the meeting

road construction, adding “ those who observed the right of way have no reason to fear. For those who encroached on the right of the way, the encroaching area will be affected to the extent of the defaulting, for those whose fence has been removed, the constructor will rebuild the fence to restore the security of the people”. Johnson also assured the residents that all the providers of basic amenities like water corporation, telecommunication have been contacted to re-lay their cables so that the users of these items would not be affected in any way.

He asked the residents if they would support the construction going on in their area and they answered in affirmative, saluting the administration of the Governor of Lagos State Mr Babatunde Raji. A community leader in Mushin, Mr.Ade Shoyebo, said: “The prize of land and accommodation will appreciate astronomically; the residents are very lucky because of the dualisation of the strategic road”. Johnson said for those whose houses might be affected slightly and have genuine complaints,

compensation would be paid by the state government. Present at the meeting were the Assistant Director, Ministry of Works and Infratructure. Mr Akindele Ayinde; Assistant Surveyor-General, Lagos State, Mr Sarafa Lawal; His Royal Highness, Oba Lateef Dauda, the Onitire of Itire Land; the Olu of Mushin, Oba Fatai Aileru; Council Manager, Mushin Local Government, Mr Rasaq Olayinka, landlords, tenants, artisans and others.

•Farinloye

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

OR Mr Leo, popularly called Yellow, a young business executive, no other bus holds so much fascination than the midi-yellow buses, known by the locals for its alluring sobriquet-Molue. Found almost on all routes in the state, at least up to the early 90s, the Molue, has so much history, and holds so much fun for commuters. Like Leo, virtually all adults living in the state has, at one time or the other, ridden the Molue in the past. Noted for its affordability and ruggedness, the Molue is regarded as the opium of commuters, because of the near absence of a government’s response to providing the public with alternatives in road transportation. A common sight on Lagos roads until a few years ago, the Molue was the king of the roads - from Ojuelegba to Ketu or from Ikorodu to Iddo, Oshodi to Costain, to Obalende, and from there to Apapa, then Orile Iganmu to Mile 2 and further still to Okokomaiko and Badagry. On the southern fringes of IyanaIpaja, Pen Cinema, Egbeda to Sango, Agbado Ijaiye, the Molue was found everywhere commuters were. As it carries more passengers, the fares are cheaper than in smaller commuter buses. To the evergreen Molue the great, the late afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti waxed the song Suffering and Smiling, putting permanently on vinyl life inside the Molue, a huge mass of welded flesh with “44 sitting, 99 standing.” Leo, who lives in Orile, relied on Molue to take him to his office at Ebute-Ero on Lagos Island. Before the directive banning their voyage across most of the bridges in the state, by the General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Mr. Babatunde Edu, Leo had no problem getting to his destination. Now, with the ban in place, he is forced to patronise the cabs, known to the locals as Kabukabu as the buses do not find that route attractive. That has come at a higher cost though. Edu at a meeting with the branch chairmen of the Lagos Urban Bus Owners Association of Nigeria (LUBON) said the ban was to further prolong the lifespan of the bridges. But many commuters are finding the ban too much of a burden on their finances. On the direct effect of the ban, Leo said: “I am not finding the ban funny. The trip that used to cost me less than N200 before now costs an average of N400 and about N1,000 to and fro office daily.” Invariably, Leo spends a minimum of N20,000 on transportation monthly, about N240,000 yearly. Coping with such humongous expenditure is the latest worry for him and many of his ilk. Like Leo, life has become a burden since the ban to Tajudeen Adigun, a Molue driver. “Though the news of the ban came on Wednesday, we were allowed to carry passengers. When the ban eventually took effect the next day, I had to move to the Oshodi-Orile route,” Adigun said. For many patrons of the Molue, the attraction is that it is the place to catch fun on the go. Take the nuances of the conductor who charge commuters in husky, barely audible voices. “Wole pelu sense e o,” (don’t board without having your appropriate change, but translated literally to mean enter with your sense intact). Or if a woman wanted to disembark you find the conductor saying: “Duro fun o. O loyun o ponmo o fa bag o.” (wait for her, she is a pregnant nursing mother with a baby and straddling a bag). The conductor, usually a haggard looking teenager who is sparsely clothed in a long pant and dank singlet, is the permanent eye of the driver as you intermittently hear, “duro fun o” (wait for him), to indicate where the driver ought to apply brake, or “wole kanle” (enter the lane, the road is clear). The conductor is also a study in slangs, as he has developed various slangs for most of the common cur-

Going... going... Molue buses By Wasiu Adeyemi

rency denominations, such as fiber for N5, Kala for N10, Shandy for N20, and Wazo for N50. Other higher denominations equally have their slang names for the conductors’ comfort. Besides the conductors, the Molue is also a mobile varsity where itinerant drugs and herbs hawkers, preachers, and the likes interface with commuters. Two or three peddlers could enter the same molue with each catching the attention of the sweating commuters with such funny pranks and jests like a male hawker saying: “How many of you can wash your wife’s pants. I do that every day before entering Molue to sell this drug.” The Molue is the place you get drugs almost as a freebie, as most are usually sold for half the price because they are for: “ipolowo and isodimimo”(marketing and awareness creation). Besides drugs, you also have those who sell practically anything, from ICT pamphlets, to herbs that could cure a million ailments and much more. Even beggars often find a foothold inside the Molue, hopping in as the bus loads at its park, only for them to hop out as the driver hoots or engages the gear as he moves away. There are also the baby preachers whose audience is the Molue passengers. These people offer a comic relief in the rickety but stuffy buses. One such hawker who simply identified herself as Mama Risi, who hawks cosmetic products, inside Molue on the Oshodi to Sango route said she hawks to take care of her family. Barely literate, she said: “Kile fe kin se nigbati mi o ninkan ti nma fi bo awon omo mi.” (What do you want me to do when I don’t have anything with which to feed my children). She said the trade helps her to make ends meet and since there is no alternative, she could not stop hawking even with its attendant risks. Another itinerant hawker, Iya Bola joins Molue from Oshodi to AgbadoIjaiye daily. She is popular among the drivers and conductors. She said: “Look at that side (pointing to the rows of new shops along

Bolade-Oshodi) I had a shop before, but when the government demolished the market and rebuilt it, I could no longer afford the cost. “Imagine asking me to pay a million naira for a new shop, where do I get that? So, I resorted to selling biscuits, sweets and, at time, drugs inside the Molue.” She said she would never lack patrons because the Molue would always have patrons. “People who patronise me are poor. Where will they get the money to board Fashola’s buses which charge N150 to N200 for the same route while Molue charges between N70 and N100. “Do you expect those poor people to go and buy drugs from pharmacy or chemist? A man once said, he used to spend like N3,000 or more monthly to buy drugs for his family but when he tried Molue drug which is far cheaper he has been saving a lot of money every month. Drugs inside Molue are cheaper and we do not sell fake or adulterated ones.” A conductor said a drug peddler would give him Paracetamol every night before they close and this according to him saves him the money and rigour of going to a pharmacy. When told about the ban on Lagos Island route, she shouted: “This government self. What is the difference between Molue that was banned from going to Island and LAGBUS going there. One is owned by the people and the other by the government. “Molue is stronger than Fashola bus, see them how many years and

see how old they are. Compare them with Molue buses which can last 30 years.” JOB OPPORTUNITY Daily, a driver and two conductors could go home with an average of N7,000. Mr. Kola, who plies Oshodi - Sango route said: “Apart from delivering N11,000 to the owner, we get average of N10,000. “I take N5,000 while my two conductors take N2,500 each.” He said to make the money, they have to make four or five trips starting from as early as 5am. On the ban on Molue from operating on Lagos Island, Kola said: “It is a pity my brother. Our colleagues that are affected have now moved to Oshodi and are plying our routes. I hope it will not affect us too.” To Mr Tunde, who makes six trips on Oshodi-Iyana-Ipaja route, the daily ‘delivery’ to the owner depends on how new or old the vehicle is. According to him, “I deliver N9,000 and make up to N10,000 with my conductors. We have to make six trips to make the target. Our day begins at 5am in the morning and ends between 8 and 9 pm before retiring to my family.” However, to Leo and his mates who used to ply Lagos Island before the ban, it’s been like starting all over again. “The money is not much as we used to get on Island. We are new on this route (Oshodi to Orile). My brother since morning, I’ve not

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Molue is cheaper and can carry more passengers than other commercial vehicles. The drivers always show mercy to those who are stranded. If you don’t have money for transport and you beg the driver you will ride free

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made up to half of my daily takings (around 3pm). “Initially, we were told to make our vehicles motorable with valid documents and valid driver’s licence. But all of a sudden what we heard was that we should not pass through Apongbon Bridge anymore. Many people have packed their buses somewhere without knowing what the next thing is. “ Then, the latest bombshell. I don’t know whether our route will affect the Fashola Megacity plan. The people at Ebute Ero are poor; you see it on their face. I wonder how these people are part of Megacity. We are afraid if the ban will not be extended to other areas.” THE MASSES SUCCOUR Mr Okon is a regular passenger. He lives at Agbado-Ijaiye and works in Mushin. He said he could not imagine banning Molue totally in Lagos State with “uncountable benefits inside.” His words:“Molue is cheaper and can carry more passengers than other commercial vehicles. The drivers always show mercy to those who are stranded. If you don’t have money for transport and you beg the driver you will ride free. “Can you do it inside LAGBUS? You buy ticket of N150 or N200. So there is no room for sympathy at all my brother.” Another passenger who was staying at a distance while others were boarding the bus, said: “I’m waiting to take standing which is half fare of sitting. So, that is the advantage we poor people are getting from molue.” MOLUE AS HOME? It is not uncommon to find a Molue driver and conductor passing the night inside their bus. Kola, a conductor told The Nation that he sleeps in his bus. Asked how he feels making a Molue his home, he said: “This is where I grew up. Many drivers also sleep inside their Molue. Most of us don’t have a home, because the distance between our houses to the garages would also impede business as our business is first come first serve. “The buses begin work about 4am or latest 5am. If you are not in the garage you lose your slot to another. So, we usually take our turn the night before and we sleep in the Molue.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

KITI’S rocks, popularly referred to as rolling hills because of their rounded, often flattened peaks which are connected to one another through cupped bases, are just the commonest feature of the state. From the countryside to the urban centres, the hills, some of which are as high as 10, even 15-storey structures in Ibadan, Oyo State, are in view. Some of them, spreading as far as a kilometre in length and often rolling into people’s habitations from Efon, Erio, Aramoko, down to Ado, Ikere, Ilawe and other areas across Ekiti, look so menacing as to evoke fears of possible shifting at bases and smashing surrounding houses. So far, according to findings, there has been no reports of such anywhere ever in the entire history of the state. Accounts actually clarified that some of the hills, like the Orole in Ikere, had once served as refuges and fortresses for the inhabitants against invaders during the inter-tribal wars of yore while some like the Olosunta also in Ikere and Olota in Ado are now objects of yearly immolatory rituals by various traditional cult groups in the capital. According to Prof. Wole Adebayo, Ekiti State is generally considered as a rolling topography as apparent from the southern verge of the state to Northern; it is mainly an undulating topography. OTHER BENEFITS OF THE PHYSICAL LOOKS Apart from the historical benefits of some of the hills to the inhabitants, the hills are servicing the people of the state in various other ways. Adebayo, who is the Dean of the Social Sciences, Ekiti State University (EKSU), said the rock outcrops are sources of natural mineral resources like granite which is good for road and building constructions while also serving as watersheds from which many streams and rivers in the state, like the Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ikogosi Ekiti, take their sources. He added that the outcrops facilitated the construction of dams like Ureje Dam in Ado-Ekiti, Itapaji Dam in Itapaji-Ekiti; Ero Dam in Ikun-Ekiti and Egbe Dam in Egbe-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government. Adebayo added that the structure provides good drainage for the state with many basins. According to him, some of the drainage basins are Ureje and Elemi Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Ero River which traverses Moba Local Government and Ogbese River on Ikere-Ise. Said he: “Majority of the hills in the state have woody vegetation, that is trees and bushes grow up there, creating some kind of beautiful sceneries around the area like we have about Efon. Such a vegetation is a tourist attraction.” He added that in the northern parts of the state, including Ikole, Oye, Isan, Otun and others, the land is not as undulating as it is in the southern part, making it more amenable to farming and agricultural purposes. This is why, he said, the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) is located in Ikole and Orin Farm Settlement in Orin-Ekiti. USES OF THE HILL The rocks are often crushed into small moulds by quarries such as Inland Stones, Kopek Construction and Cima Resources Ltd with quarries in the state. A few individuals who engage in trade at the subsistence level ply the trade using heavy-head hammers, diggers and other hand-held tools as one often sees in Itawure-Efon in Efon Local Government, in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state and other areas. The crushed stones are often used for construction of roads and buildings. Usman Umar from Kebbi State is a resident of Itawure-Efon, who heads the menial stone crushers in the area, claimed they sell to adjoining settlements such as Ijebu Ijesa in Osun State, Aramoko, Efon Alaaye, and other places within the state. Said Umar: “I am their leader in this place (the local quary). I use this big hammer and digger. Those who need

Ekiti’s rocks of ages Ekiti state’s rolling hills have been a source of positive experiences and nagging worries for residents across the state, writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN it come from many places and I sell a tipper load for N7000 which allows me to take care of my father and mother, wife and children.” He said further: “Since I came here 10 years ago, nobody has been disturbing me. I also do not pay anything to anyone. Government also does not disturb us here for anything. But when officials of local government come, we give them something. But they don’t disturb us at all. Does he have any request from government? Umar said no. “I don’t want anything from the government except freedom to do my work, make money and feed my family. As you see me, I have four children and they are all in school in Efon here. I am married to an Okemesi woman. Their families are Muslims.” Because of the nature of the engagement which is entirely lacking in any automation, the operations of the many Umarus across the state who use hand-held tools do not constitute any hazard to the surrounding environment. Diggers and hammers don’t cause vibrations and make no noise. If they cause health hazard at all, it is for the crushers of the stones as admitted by Umaru. “We often fall sick I must tell you. This is a difficult work, my brother. But I don’t go to hospitals. Once we use pain drugs, we become well and we continue our work. I don’t even fall sick at all. I cannot remember when last I used any drug,” Umaru said. HAZARDS OF AUTOMATED QUARRIES But the Umaru experience does not seem to replicate in the highly auto-

mated quarries like the Inland Stone Industry on Ikere Road in Ado-Ekiti, the operations of which residents of nearby Olusegun Obasanjo Estate claim have been a source and cause of health hazards, threats to their lives and the cause of frequent frictions between them and the quarry operator. Otunba Adeleke Olalekan, one of the house owners in Obansanjo Estate, lamented the situation which he described as worrisome. According to him, the vibrations and explosions which follow each blast cannot be imagined by anyone not in the estate with us here. Despite the interventions of the state government and other federal establishments, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Environmetal Standards Enforcement and Regulation Agency (NESREA), and the Environment Ministry, noting seems to have changed.” Olalekan said the quarry operator has continued blasting weekly, despite a purported stop-work order from the state government. Said he: “What we are after is that the man should relocate because of the environmental hazards and the unquantifiable damages to our properties and our health. For now, everything seems to stagnate. I have been on leave and I know he has been blasting. The point we are making is that this estate may pass into extinction as more and more people may be constrained to relocate,”Adeleke said. Clarifying further, Chairman of the Landlords and Residents Association of the Estate Mr. Jide Ogunluyi said the estate was under mortgage and that

most home owners there were still redeeming their indebtedness on the properties. ”Most of us here obtained the houses through mortgages and it will take an average of 20 to 25 five for the owners to repay. Now that the properties are being gradually destroyed, who loses at the end? “We are pleading with the state government and NESREA to intervene. We are facing hazards like shock each time the man blasts. We have recorded two deaths in the estate from the effects of the shock. According to death certificates on the late Mr. Bodunde Owolabi and Professor Adeloye, they died of the effects of accumulated shocks from the blasts. “I recall that we went on a street protest last year to sensitise relevant agencies. We were then assured that something would be done. But till date, nothing has been done. In truth, it is an issue which goes beyond the state. As it is now, the quarry is at the very backyard of the estate and quarries are supposed to be in the outskirts away from human habitation. This quarry is far less than 500 metres from the estate. You can do your own investigations. “Again, I should tell you that smoke or poisonous emissions usually envelops the estate each time they blast, making breathing difficult. We are passionately appealing to relevant agencies to redeem us as a matter of urgency. We seem to be helpless now,” Ogunluyi said. While findings by The Nation showed that many of the houses in the estate had cracks, it could not be ascertained if the cracks were a result of the blasts or other influences. Some of the houses

affected included that of Mr. Oluwafemi Babajide, Mr. Abiola Oluwafemi, Yembet Addekola, Mr Johnson Smart and others. According to Mrs Oluwafemi, anytime there is blasting, “the ground would shake as if there is an earthquake. It is giving us serious concern. My children are still very small and they will run under my skirt whenever they hear ‘gbuam’. The children will stop playing on such occasions until they get over it. Imagine the accumulation of such an experience over a period of two years now and the fact that the quarry blasts at least once a week! In his own account, Mr. Yembet Adekola noted: “One day, after the blasts, I fell down from the bed. On another occasion, our ceiling fan fell down. We were not around that day but when we came in we saw the fan on the floor of the sitting room.” According to Smart, anyone who does not stay in the estate can not imagine the impact on us the residents; it simply beggars description. As a pharmacist, I know it can cause some genetic mutation within a human being after a period of time.” But 95-year-old Madam Asake, a resident of the estate, responding to queries, said: “I am tired of speaking about the rockets which sound every other time on the estate. What I do now is that every morning I wake up, I pray to God to help move Omotoso from where he currently sends the rockets.” How does the quarry operator take the allegations? Omotosho said several meetings had been held with the Commissinner for Environment, Mrs

Eniola Ajayi, adding “but all the meetings had yielded no result because of their uncooperative attitude. According to him, the Commissioner once invited the two parties to a meeting and after much discussion, one of the residents raised an issue about a document he claimed to have in his possession which set a minimum distance between a quarry and any public building at a 1,000 metres. Said he: “I told him I am licensed under the Nigerian Mining Act of 2007 which allows anyone to operate

a quarry within a distance of 50 metres from public or residential buildings but my own is even almost 800 metres. Findings can confirm this. Based on their complaints, I moved further from where I originally planned to site the quarry and even changed the technology which is a latest one. This one does not produce as much vibration as the earlier one. “The Commissioner said they (the estate’s occupants) should present their documents which say the distance should be a minimum of a thou-

sand metres. They have not done so since then, despite having fixed many meetings which they have since refused to attend. The meeting has been rescheduled about four times but they did not show up. ”I recall that when we started the quarry almost two years ago, they brought up the issue which made me locate the blasting site further into the recess because what is most important to me is to operate at a level which will bring comfort to the inhabitants of the area and maintain the environ-

ment and the ecosystem. He said the residents of the estate had always complained about their buildings which they said were not properly built before he came to site his quarry at its current location. He maintained that “buildings in a nearby village have not cracked. If you go there now, you will notice that no wall in that village is cracking or has cracked. ”Even those within this environment of the quarry are not cracking. See our walls if they cracked at all.

This is telling us that the cracking in their walls are a result of other effects and not our own operations. “It is strange to me that when we started operations, they shifted their focus. They started by saying my operation here was illegal and that I was not licensed and later that my operations were the reason their habitation was cracking. But the truth is that their buildings which are made of mudded interlocking blocks with no cement sucks are weak,” he said. Omotoso said further: “I am even surprised that you are bringing this matter up again as I thought everything was over. We have discussed it and put it behind us. I called them severally and they refused to either pick my calls or respond to my text messages. They have petitioned all manner of agencies. ”The state government once shut this place down and said it was for Environmental Assessment. I obtained a loan to do this place. I think Ogunmiluyi, that’s their chairman, has a different purpose for the troubles he has been making,” he concluded. OTHER HAZARDS FACED BY RESIDENTS While the hazards posed by blasting of the rocks are indirectly consequential upon the Ekiti terrain, according to Prof. Adebayo, there are other direct challenges, mainly ecological, being faced by the residents? Aside that the terrain does not favour road construction or rehabilitation, which explains why most of the roads are windy and undulating in Erio, Efon Alaaye, Ado, Okemesi, Ido-Ile and other areas, the physical feature, according to him, has also imposed limitations on the use of the land for agricultural and building purposes. He noted “it means that activities must be concentrated at the lowlands rather than the hilly areas. In a way, this has worsened the flooding and erosion experienced in parts of the state.” As a solution, Adebayo urged the people to be more restrained in building their houses. Noting that that they should avoid building houses in flood-prone areas, he said: “Building along steep slopes should be avoided as erosion always affects the foundations of such buildings which eventually aids their collapse. Examples of these type of houses, according to him, are found in Efon Alaaye, Okemesi, Ido-Ile, Ilawe, Ikere and even Ikogosi and Erijiyan, some of which foundations are weak making them a threat to their occupants.” ECOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF EKITI’S HILLS Aside the identified limitations which residents must face and the reported dangers of quarry operations, winding roads and limited spaces for agriculture and housing, the hills have been noted as the source of other ecological discomforts to residents across the state. Findings have shown that part of the ecological problems is that habitations in some areas are inevitably flooded whenever it rains, causing erosion and flooding. Flooding and erosion each year across Ado-Ekiti and other areas have remained a concern to individuals and the state government. Last year, about two individuals were lost while properties valued at millions of naira were destroyed in the flooding in Ado-Ekiti. This is not estimating the occurrence in other parts of the state. Currently, some areas in AdoEkiti and other towns have been coping with the devastation of flooding and erosion. During the rains, the residents of areas like Nova Road, Olorunda, Balemo on Afao Road and Basiri are often forced to relocate to other safe spots in the town. Latest findings by The Nation reveal that there are areas whose access roads have become impassable because of flooding and erosion. Some of the residents in such areas can no longer access their houses, using mobility devices.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Oyo community in desperate need of help HE rate of rural urban/ migration in Nigeria is alarming and worrisome, as urban centers are geometrically overpopulated due to dearth of social infrastructures needed to encourage and motivate the settlers to contribute to Gross Domestic Productivity. One of such rural communities in deplorable conditions is the Olori village in the Oyo-East Local Government area of Oyo State. The riverside community, it was gathered had been in existence for over a century, as the inhabitants were said to have originated from the ancient town of Oyo. Before the creation of Osun State from the old Oyo State 22 years ago, the villagers were living harmoniously, with their neighbouring communities of Owu and Ife-Odan. But shortly after the creation of Osun State in 1991, the Olori villagers maintained their origin of Oyo State, while Owu, Ife-odan and four other communities were ceded to the new state. However the decision of Olori villagers to remain in Oyo State did not go down well with their neighbours who, it was gathered wanted them to be part of Osun State. All efforts to make the villagers change their minds and opt for Osun state, it was gathered fell on deaf ears hence tension began to rise between the hitherto peaceful neighbours. Angered by the uncompromising stance of Olori villagers and apparently considering the fact that the village is located in the Forest Reserve richly endowed with natural resources like gold and other tourist attractions, both Owu and IfeOdan communities it was gathered considered the option of violence, in order to force the villagers to be part of Osun State. The simmering tension reached a climax in 2008 when hoodlums allegedly fro m Owu and Ife-Odan communities invaded Olri village and wreaked havoc. On that fateful day, the unsuspected villagers, who were predominantly farmers, had gone to their farms when the hoodlums, numbering about 100 and armed with dangerous weapons like guns, cutlasses and knives invaded the village. Many of the villagers, including the aged were attacked and sustained serious injuries, while properties estimated to be worth several thousands of naira were destroyed by the hoodlums. That was a huge loss by village standard. One of the villagers, Jimoh Adejare, a security guard attached to the maternity centre by the Local Government, who has just returned home from work that fateful day, was murdered in cold blood by the hoodlums as he was preparing to go to his farm. Before ending their dastard mission, the hoodlums abducted 15 of the village elders and held them hostage for four days without food. They were later released on the orders of the Nigeria Police, Zone 11, Osogbo, Osun State capital. Three of the elders who narrated their ordeals in the hands of the hoodlums described their experience as saddening and horrible. One of them Yekini Ayanfemi aged 70 years displayed to The Nation five of his teeth forcefully removed by the thugs with a big stick after which according to him he was tied with a rope like a ram and severely injured with machete. “The hoodlums asked me to lie down and one of them went to the

•The tormented villagers

•Olori village

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

bush and brought a big stick and hit me on the cheek. It was indeed very painful. I was also tied with rope and seriously hit with machete, but God did not allow the cutlass to cut me”. Two other elders, Shadiat Oseni (60 years), and Kareem Olawale (80 years), who spoke in the same vein explained how they were abducted. Shadiat said “Immediately after abducting us, the hoodlums took us to the Palace of Head of Ife-Odan community, who ordered that we be kept and tortured without food for four days.. On the fourth day, the head of Ife-Odan Community, whose traditional title is ADIMULA, directed the leaders to take us to Ejigbo Divisional Police Command Headquarters, and tell the D.P.O that we came to invade their community”.

Pa Olawale, who narrated in tears said the Ejigbo Divisional Police Officer turned down the allegation and refused to detain them after which they were also taken to Okefia Divisional Police Headquarters at Osogbo where both the Divisional Crime Officer and the D.P.O refused to accept the allegations levied against them. “Thank God, it was at the zone 11 of the Nigeria Police headquarters in Osogbo, where we regained our freedom and were saved from the hoodlums. In fact, one Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ajiboye came to our rescue, as he provided us with delicious food and ordered that four of those who brought us be detained for wrongful and unfair allegation. The Divisional Crime Officer refused to believe that as aged as we are, we can invade a community”. Two motorcycles and five grind-

ing machines were reportedly taken away by the hoodlums from the village. Also commenting, the widow of the slain security guard, Idiatu Jimoh Adejare ,who was in tears throughout the interview described the murder of her husband as wicked. Reigning curses on the perpetrators of her husband’s death, Mrs Adejare said “i am now at the mercy of God with four under-aged children still in school. I have no other means of sustenance, except subsistence farming. I have not been receiving any assistance to take care of the children.’’ The invasion happened during the tenure of the immediate past administrations of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Oyo and Osun States respectively.

The two former governors were said to have sought the intervention of the National Boundary Commission in Abuja, which ceded Olori village to Oyo State. Following this development, the Akala administration, it was gathered pledged to provide the needed infrastructures like school, primary health care centre, potable water supply, rural electrification and canoe with rudders for the village. The Oyo East Local Government was also directed to include in its budget certain amount of money for the well-being of the villagers. Besides the establishment of a primary school, all other pledges by both the immediate past administrations at the State and Local Government levels did not materialise. •Continued on page 35

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Oyo community in desperate need of help •Continued from page 34 The problem in the village is compounded by a long river, Oba, that passes through the community but which had been a threat to the villagers, especially during the rainy season, as movement to and from the area is usually hindered. Consequently, a wooden canoe was provided by the villagers, but this has proved inadequate, unreliable and unsafe especially after heavy rains which often increase the water level in the river, leading to its overflow. A couple of years ago, ten villagers reportedly drowned in the river when a canoe in which they were crossing capsized when the paddle broke. Some of those that could be rescued were later taken to the hospital for medical attention. The incident brought the State Deputy Governor, Moses Adeyemo who represented the Governor to the village on sympathy visit , while the entire members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Monsurat Sunmonu also paid similar visit. Both the Deputy governor and the Speaker, who is from the village pledged to come to the aid of the villagers by ensuring budgetary allocations for the construction of a bridge across the river, and provision of other essential needs for the downtrodden villagers.

The local government also pledged to provide another canoe to the villagers. All these promises are yet to be yet to fulfilled. Interestingly, both the former Secretary to the State Government during the last administration, Chief Layiwola Lakojo, and the present Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu are from the village. Speaking with our correspondent, Head of the community Chief Teslim Adekunle II, said ‘’ our immediate need now is how to construct a bridge across the river. Without this, the community will be cut off from the rest of the neighbouring villages. We find it difficult to reach our community. Our children are finding it difficult to go to school. We can’t get to where our sources of income are due to the rising water level in the river whenever there is heavy down pour. We urge the state government to come to our aid by fulfilling all the promises made for us.’ Chief Adekunle however enjoined the state government to investigate the N157million allegedly earmarked to the Local Government for the construction of a bridge across the river by the Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala administration, but which has not been executed.

•Ayanfemi

“Under this bridge is my home until...” S

•Mrs Obi

HE is tormented by the scorching sun by the day and the noisy environment of the ever busy Ojuelegba motor park. Come day or night, rain or sunshine, she sleeps in the middle of the open under the flyover bridge. The pains of not being able to defacate have forced her to live off liquids. She even refused a meal from this reporter for the fear of embarrassing herself in the glaring eyes of the world. At night, she makes do with a small bucket right in same spot. Covering her act from the back and front with a old dirty wrapper she uses to cover herself from the cold of the night and from the mosquitoes that have made her their buffet. Another blood-stained cloth was used to cover her badly injured legs from perching flies. On the pavement turned bed, where she sits and lays her head, a long stretch of carton separated her from the concrete ground. A handless umbrella and some haggard cups and small ‘Ghana must go bag’ for a pillow laid beside her. She is no insane woman. Infact, she spoke so well that anyone would wonder what she was doing in the middle of such a busy place. Mrs Rita Obi has chosen to either receive the treatment she sought after when she came to Lagos four months ago or remain under the every busy Ojuelegba flyover bridge where she has made a home for herself right in the centre of the park. The plight of the Asaba, Delta State wife and mother of two began four months ago when she came to the Centre of Excellence, not in search of greener pastures, but to get a permanent treatment for her legs. She was knocked down by the side of the road in Port Harcourt city by a hit and run driver while answering to the call of nature. Since then, her life has never been the same. The Lagos University Teaching

By Nneka Nwaneri

Hospital LUTH turned her back because the doctors were on strike. Dejected, she opted for her plan b, an elder at Morning Star Gospel Church, Rufai Street, Surulere, Lagos but was not successful. And so decided to see a church elder, Morning Star Gospel Church on Rufai Street in Surulere, Lagos, to no avail. The woman shared her experience with The Nation. “When I got to LUTH four months ago, I was asked to go back because they were on strike. So I went to the church, but the prophet who used to open the church had gone. I know the church was always open till day break so people can come, stay and pray. “The church officials told me the mode of operation had changed and the gates of the church were now being locked at a stipulated time. The elder I knew, I was told went abroad to meet with his wife who has children and now I’m waiting for him because LUTH told me to notify them whenever I get a helper. “I saw a police officer who I explained my plight to. He described my situation as a manageable one since I could still use my stick to walk. My intention was to sleep in the premises of the police station at Ayilara but I wasn’t permitted to stay there and that was how I ended up here. But how can I sleep when there is always human and vehicular traffic on both sides of the road day and night. I was instructed to go to LUTH from Port Harcourt. I can’t go back because what brought me here hasn’t been achieved. The man I had in mind to see is the leader of the entire church and he travelled but I know him well so I will wait till he returns. The 65-year-old woman said her children looked for her once but have stopped coming because things are not easy for them. I am the bread

winner of the family. My kids whom i sent to school left school for reasons I can’t understand. As expected, hoodlums at Ojuelegba have been making life hell for her. But Mrs Obi has devised a way of dealing with them. “Even when they harass me, the situation has become inevitable. Whenever they come with the motive of chasing me away, i call on God to save me. It is a situation I cannot help.” She pleaded with the state government to assist her to get to the teaching hospital. If I had the funds, I would have gone there myself. Feeding is a problem. A lady came and raised my morale and said she will be bringing me food. But then, she fell sick and I haven’t seen her since then. “My prayers have been answered! This is a miracle! Mrs Obi acclaimed, when the lady in question showed up, staring at this reporter and watching and listening keenly to the conversation with her. “How can I contact my family to come take me away when i am the breadwinner?” she asks? She was formerly an official of defunct African Continental Bank (ACB), Marina. And according to her, she used to live on Zamba Street, Lawanson Street, off Itire road in Surulere. Though she is thankful to God for still sparing her life despite her ordeal, Mrs Obi said this of a Good Samaritan. “I never used to hold my faeces till now. The lady who brought me salad and mayonnaise this morning will think she has done well but I will end up disgracing myself if I eat it. Eating this delicious meal will prompt me to use the toilet which I can’t so I will wait till darkness comes so that I can eat it when I can defecate as soon as my bowels are moving.” She added giggling.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

NAFDAC, SON, burn confiscated products worth N50m

N the fight against counterfeit products, a company, Asco Investment Limited in conjunction with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food Drugs and Administration Control (NAFDAC) has set ablaze counterfeit Ambi-Pur airfreshners worth N30million. The Managing Director of Asco Investment Limited, Mr Sam Anyanwutaku whose company holds the franchise to import Ambi-pur airfreshner into the country said the company wanted to take a legal action against the importer but decided to drop the idea when the importer agreed that the fake products be burnt and committed to a writing agreement before his lawyer not to breach the terms of agreement. “The importer who was not willing to be dragged to court to face civil and criminal charges, voluntarily surrender 2,436 cartons of the fake AmbiPur airfreshner valued at N30 million. He also voluntarily consented to put in writing this agreement to burn the consignment,” he said. Anyanwutaku said, his company partners the NAFDAC, SON, Balogun Business Association and other governmental agencies in the fight against counterfeit products in the Nigerian market to bring sanity to the market. “Today’s event is a further confirmation of the determination of Asco Investment Ltd to protect our franchise and join all well meaning business men and women to bring sanity to the Nigerian market place by teaming up with the NAFDAC, SON and other governmental agencies to fight against counterfeiting,” he said. He called on the Nigerian government to ensure stiffer punishment for importers of counterfeited products into the country and urged it to sit up and put a stop to the influx of fake products mostly imported from China into the country. “Chinese products have become big problems and treat to our economy, almost everything in Nigerian market now are fake, imported from China. We don’t have quality things any more in Nigeria

•The fake product set on fire By Amidu Arije

market, because of the Chinese. They fake everything and ship them into Nigeria; so the government has to sit up and know how to handle the goods that come out from China and that is the only way we can be able to boost our economy,” he said.

Anyanwutaku said, they were able to track and confiscate the fake Ambipur airfreshner imported by Prince Mega Agency, with the help of Balogun Business Association (BBA). The representative of the BBA, Mr Okey Akunne said the association is working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to sanitise

the market and rid it of fake products.. The company’s counsel, Mr Chris Ekemezie also urged the government to come up with a policy that will see to the end of importation of fake products into the country. “It is only in Nigeria you see the influx of fake products, I understand

it to be so because these other countries have stiff penalties for the importation of fake products but our country has none. I therefore call on the government especially the parliament to review these laws with a view to making stiffer punishment to persons engaged in counterfeiting;” he said.

At Ikogosi Ekiti, the Affirmative Action campaign takes centre stage

HE affirmative action campaign for more political representation for women received a boost recently at a two-day gathering of women across the Southwest states of Nigeria at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ikogosi Ekiti. The event organised by Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON) in partnership with the United Nations Women was, according to WOCON’s Executive Director, Chief Bisi Olateru-Olagbegi, meant to enhance the attainment of Affirmative Action Law Reform in Nigeria. The two-day retreat, coordinated by Southwest Women Political Empowerment Project was attended by women and a handful of men across private and public sectors and nongovernmental bodies. It was meant to offer opportunities for the women to recommit themselves to the task of achieving the affirmative action goals, through some of the identified groupings, In her address at the opening of the two-day retreat, Chief OlateruOlagbegi clarified that the organisation was non-government and committed to the promotion of the rights of women and children towards the attainment of equality development and peace. Justifying needs for increased women participation in governance, Mrs. Olateru-Olagbegi explained that women had always played a part in the political development of

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

the country. Said she: “Presently, out of 469 members in the National Assembly, 439 are men which represents over 93 per cent, while only 30 are women. The situation is even worse at the states’ parliamentary level where only 69 females represent women across the entire 36 states Houses of Assembly. In totality, this means only 99 women out of a total of 1,531 of those who represent the whole country, represent well over 70 million women and girls! According to Olateru-Olagbegi, despite the fact that the National Gender Policy was adopted by the Federal Executive Council comprising the President, the Vice President, the 36 state governors and all Ministers, Nigeria was yet to attain the 35 per cent women representation in elective positions since 2006 when the policy was adopted. She however praised President Goodluck Jonathan and some state governors, especially those in the Southwest states of Ekiti, Lagos and Osun who, according to her, were “striving to achieve the 35 per cent representation in appointive positions.” Said she: “In particular, we commend the Southwest where the political parties have adopted the winning policy at the executive level in which the governor is male and the deputy female, which is tantamount

to 50 per cent. In her own remarks, Hon. Ayo Olajide Fatunbi clarified that affirmative action was generally intended to increase the number of people from certain groups within businesses, institutions, and other areas of society in which they had hitherto been under-represented, adding “the concept is often considered a means of countering historical discrimination against a women group.” Identifying the progress so far made in the state in respect of the action, the female lawmaker representing Moba II Constituency stated “Women Empowerment is one of the agenda of Ekiti State Government; the state has developed a Gender Policy and enacted Equal Opportunity Law; the state has passed a Law prohibiting violence against women; and the state has established Women Development Centre to empower women across board.” The Assembly Committee Chair

on Women Affairs also noted that Ekiti State equally organises an annual Gender Summit where issues of women development are reviewed and new priorities set for the coming year. However, in a separate address to journalists, the lawmaker added that the campaign on Affirmative Action would be successful only if more women are “practically educated in modern ways.” She queried: “Would we not be deceiving ourselves if we continue to advocate and adjudicate for improved women involvement in national dialogues and development when we still don’t feel anything is wrong if more of our female children are kept out of school by whatever reason?” Fatunbi, popularly known as Ayoka Moba, insisted that the “basic effort for us women is to improve the female children’s presence in the classrooms,” adding ”governments

‘

Women Empowerment is one of the agenda of Ekiti State Government; the state has developed a Gender Policy and enacted Equal Opportunity Law; the state has passed a Law prohibiting violence against women; and the state has established Women Development Centre to empower women across board

‘

at various levels of administration has done well by recognising needs for increasing the physical presence of women in governance to a minimum of 35 per cent across the arms of legislature and executive.” She explained that it was in recognition of the importance of education in attaining the Affirmative Action goals that the wife of the Ekiti state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has embarked on a statewide campaign for compulsory education for children, especially the females. Said she: “Remember in Ekiti now, it is a crime to make your child hawk wares during school time. if any parent indulges in that, the sanction is imprisonment or a heavy fine or both. This is the message in the many campaigns mounted by Erelu Fayemi which is already in effect.” Also, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, noted that the Ministry has continued to partner efforts at making life better for women through various empowerment programmes. According to her, the Ministry had partnered the Ekiti Development Foundation founded by the Governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, in ensuring that programmes like ‘The Food Bank, Soup Kitchen and Community Empowerment Outreaches’ which she said were primarily targeted at women’s socio-economic enhancement were successful.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Why we erected Oranmiyan Towers at Lagere, Ife

Ekti police refutes allegations of harassment By Seun Akioye

HE Ekiti State Police Command has refuted the allegations of brutality, frame-up and harassments leveled against the State Command by some members of the public. In a recent report by this newspaper headlined: Residents cry out over alleged police frame-up, brutality,” many residents of the state who have allegedly been victims of police brutality and injustice had cried out in a bid to seek redress. But the Command in a statement by its spokesman in Olu Victor Babayemi an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said allegations of harassment of some members of the public by some police officers are not only unfounded but “subjective and misleading.” “Personnel of the Command are mindful of the sanctity of human lives and that is why there has been no single case of any extra-judicial killing in the state by the Police on record. There is no policeman or woman that is on trial in any court in the state on the account of extrajudicial killing. These are facts that can be confirmed from the State Ministry of Justice,” Olu- Babayemi said. On specific cases of suspects arraigned for armed robbery namely: Ilesanmi Oluwadare, Faleye Akintunde, Adegbola Seun and Oluchi Simon who denied ever partaking in the crime they were allegedly arrested for or knowing any of their co-suspects, the Police said some of the suspects are ex-convicts who served jail terms for armed robbery and have just been released on Jail Delivery Exercise by the State Chief Judge. “With reference to Ilesanmi Oluwadare (ex-convict), Seun Adegbola ( ex-convict), Akintunde Faleye and Gbenga Faleye, the first and second suspects were arrested by members of the local vigilante at Ifaki for armed robbery on 4th September, 2013, taken to the palace of the traditional ruler and were being tried by ordeal. Investigation by police detectives led to the arrests of the remaining two suspects and findings revealed that the three suspects actually partook in the robbery while the last suspect provided the information that led to the armed robbery,” Police said. However, in the report carried by the newspaper, Akintunde claimed he was arrested in Ido-Ekiti when he went to see his elder brother while Adegbola said he was arrested in Ido at M3, Central Mosque area in front of his house. The accused person’s claims contradicted the police report that they were arrested by the vigilante at Ifaki-Ekiti for armed robbery. In the case of Oluchi Simon and nine others, the police said two of the suspects were arrested during a stop-and –search operation along Igbara-Odo-Ilawe-Ekiti road while a locally made double barrel gun loaded with two cartridges and a cash sum of N59, 000.00 was recovered from them. According to the Police, findings revealed that Oluchi was the female member of the gang and she provided the gun used by the gang for robberies. This contradicted Oluchi’s claim that she was arrested for buying stolen mobile phone. The police also defended its personnel against the allegations of molestation of a lawyer Oluwaseyi Moses who claimed to have been framed and molested by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at Ado Odo Police Station. Moses said the DCO had falsely accused him and had been supported by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and other officers who threatened to deal with him if he doesn’t behave. In the Command’s statement, Olu- Babayemi said the lawyer’s behavior at the station on the that day “ fell short of acceptable standard and he was only spared arrest and prosecution for causing breach of the peace at the Police Station by the timely intervention of the Commissioner of Police.

NY person entering the historic city of Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race will definitely notice that Ile–Ife is not only looking brighter but fast shaking off the ragged picture of an aged, ugly town which cannot bend to modernity and urban renewal The first thing that tells you the city has come to assert its prominence as the place where civilisation spread and wired to the world is the beautiful veneration of the Ori–Olokun symbol – an identity and discovery which tells the world that Ife people have been thousands years far ahead in technology before the discovery of iron by the Europeans, at the biggest round-about in Ife . Regal . Historical . Aesthetically enhancing and splendidly alluring, anyone who has even a slightest sense of appreciation and value will commend the initiator and planter of such a wonderful historical monument of relevance and of transgenerational value. But if you think that the beauty has stopped at the entrance to Ile –Ife, you will be making a grave mistake by the time you get to Lagere, the Central Business District of Ife where the largest financial transaction in the whole of the State of Osun is configured. You will not believe that such a spectacular, captivatingly alluring, sophisticated and dignifying structure and complex could ever grace the vicinity of Lagere in Ife. Oranmiyan Security Tower and Shopping complex is real, solid,

•Olaiya By Taiwo Olaiya

strong and exciting. And you will not believe that these two wonderful monuments, unique in concept and execution are the brain child of a young man Dr Taiwo Olaiya who God used Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola ,the governor of

the State of Osun to discover by appointing him as the Chairman, Ife Central Local Government. Hon Olaiya is not only cerebral and proactive but a passionate promoter of visionary projects and programmes which are not only sustainable but having a radical impact on the lives of the people. And one of the numerous projects is the Oranmiyan Security Tower and Shopping Complex. According to him: ”Yes, the Oranmiyan Security Tower is of great touristic and historical value. I agree with you. Its historical and touristic values have been enhanced further to serve a major purpose which Oranmiyan the great is still being remembered with reverence, honour and acknowledged for today by all Yoruba home and in Diaspora. The staff of Oranmiyan is an assurance of victory and restoration of peace in any area suffering turbulence, chaos or being under siege of invasion by marauders or being pillaged by war mongers. And that Staff has come back to Lagere, the most tormented Central Business District in Osun State by armed robbers. Oranmiyan Security Towers and Shopping Complex is about protection, it is about securing the lives and economy of the people of Ife and Nigeria. It is about making a permanent impact on the lives of our people. It is about you and I. I urged you to be patient till December when the Tower will be inaugurated. You will appreciate how the historical tourism Tower is of use to you.

June 12 re-echoes as senator empowers the poor

HE echoes of June 12 reverberated at the launch of poverty alleviation programme of Senator Ganiyu Solomon in Lagos. Solomon, who in the course of addressing the crowd at the occasion cited a victim of June 12 struggle identified as Comrade Gbenga Mustapha who had his leg amputated. He was asked to come forward for people to appreciate his contribution to the enthronement of democracy in the country. Gbenga’s condition drew the sympathy from the crowd and venoms on those behind the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by late business mogul Chief M.K.O. Abiola. The minority whip in the senate said if not for the sacrifice of people like Gbenga and others who are dead or alive there could have been no democracy, freedom of expression and association that we are enjoying today adding that people like Gbenga deserve support from us because of his physical challenges. Gbenga said since he lost one of his legs to June 12 in 1993, he had not been able to practice his tailoring profession because he could not afford buying industrial sewing machine. In a swift response, Solomon said “you will get industrial machine today even though it is not among the materials we have here to distribute. You will also get a power generator, a freezer and a grinding machine to compliment your source of income.” The announcement drew ovation from the audience and Gbenga who was overwhelmed by the senator’s kind gesture. Solomon who represents Lagos West Senatorial District used the occasion to call on political office holders to assist in reducing poverty level by empowering the less privileged in the society. He said if all elective office holders can give out to assist the people who

By Leke Salaudeen

elected them it will go a long way to reduce poverty. He said this is not the first time that he would make presentation of working tools and materials to boost the trade of the common people and noted that “some of my colleagues in the APC too have been doing their best in this regard to reduce poverty to the barest minimum in our society.” “Political office holders should assist in alleviating poverty among our people. We should do whatever we can to eliminate poverty by empowering artisans, market men and women, the unemployed and the physically challenged. “I have been doing this unannounced for the people in the state and even those who are not members of my party. But today’s programme is limited to people of my Senatorial District-Lagos West.” The items worth several millions of naira presented to all Local Government Areas in Lagos West include deep freezers, hair dryers, power generators, grinding machines, and sewing machines. Presenting the materials to local government party chairmen in the senatorial district, Solomon urged them to have fear of God in mind by giving them out to those that are desperately in need of them. Leaders should not be biased in sharing them or sell them, he warned. He promised that “if we get a favourable report on how the materials were shared, we will make another presentation before the end of the year”. The event was attended by some APC chieftains in the senatorial district. They are Prince Rabiu Oluwa, Cardinal James Odumbaku, Engineer Ajibade Balogun, Chief Nicholas Ajayi, Mr Charles Odugbesi, Hon

•Senator Solomon

Saka Sonayan, Alhaja L. A. Ajao and Mrs Dupe Awojogbon. APC Senatorial District leader, Prince Oluwa confirmed “this is not the first time Solomon is empowering the people in his constituency” and urged other elective office holders to emulate him by rescuing people from poverty. Oluwa observed that some of the party members holding public offices are not helping people who voted them in. He described Solomon’s gesture as a reward for members who worked for the party’s progress and urged the beneficiaries to make use of the materials to boost their trade and not to sell them. Odumbaku said he was surprised with what he saw because he thought the APC secretariat had been converted into a warehouse. According to him Solomon has proved his worth as a responsible and worthy leader.

Crisis rocks Ondo NURTW over alleged fraud From Ojo Damisi

HE current acrimony between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State and its current leadership headed by Mr Obayoriade Oladutele (a.k.a Die-the-matter) has remained persistent. For three consecutive times within the last two weeks, members of the union have been protesting round the streets of Akure, the state capital and the governor’s office in Alagbaka to kick against the alleged moves by the state government to recall the embattled chairman from suspension. Oladutele was accused of allegedly printing fake tickets and sold to unsuspected members with impunity, until the fraud was discovered. Such offence according to a source is punishable under the law guiding the union, hence its national secretariat ordered the suspension of Ondo NURTW chairman. During one of their actions, the Drivers in a long convoy of vehicles passed through the popular Cathedral- Adesida-Government House to Governors office chanting antiOladutele songs. They also carried a white mock coffin with various unprintable inscriptions written boldly on it. According to them, they would resist any attempt to impose the embattled state chairman on them. The National Secretariat of the Union ordered Oladutele to step aside over the allegation. His suspension was to allow proper investigation into the matter. The aggrieved members alleged that the institution charged with the investigation want to compromise their findings despite the overwhelming evidences to show Oladutele’s culpability. They caused a traffic snarl at the popular Adesida road forcing many passengers to be stranded. The irate drivers said since Oladutele has not been cleared of the allegation of financial impropriety, he should not be recalled to lead the Union. They also protested to Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, but Governor Mimiko was not ready to listen to them as his convoy drove past the aggrieved Drivers at the gate before they terminated their action at the Union’s State Secretariat, Ijapo,Akure. What many observers are saying is that since the Chairman has been accused of the wrong doings, he should be penalised. But from the look of things, the embattled Chairman worked assiduously for the re-election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko during the last year gubernatorial election with his numerous members across the state. Then, it is ‘payback time’ hence the delay in deciding the faith of Oladutele and his executive committee. But majority members of NURTW are agitating for the removal of the suspended chairman, which according to them is the only condition that could guarantee peace within NURTW in the Sunshine State. One of the former executive members of the Union said the state needed peace to move forward and with the current crisis within the road transporters the peace of the State may be threatened if the dispute was not resolved in earnest.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

The short but memorable reign of Oba Adebiyi Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida (Afunbiowo 11), the late Deji of Akure who joined his ancestors last Sunday, was one of the few monarchs of the ancient kingdom whose reign was short. DAMISI OJO recalls his three-year reign and the memorable times

UNDAY October 20,2010 to many people was just like yesterday when the Deji of Akure,Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida (Afunbiowo11) who joined his ancestors last Sunday was presented with his staff and instrument of office by Governor Olusegun Mimiko amid wide jubilation and ecstasies. No wonder, his sudden death according to the Sao of Akureland, High Chief Moses Adebayo was an embarrassment and rude shock to Akure people and many non indigenes. In the history of rulership in Akure, the Ondo State capital, late Oba Adebiyi Adesida was one of the few monarchs whose reign were short lived. He was on the throne for only three years and two months. Late Oba Adesida according to palace sources died shortly after he complained of a slight fever and passed on before medics could reach him. His installation as Deji was prompted by the dethronement of his predecessor, Oba Oludare Adepoju Adesina by the state government for allegedly assaulting his wife in public glare. Oba Adesida from Ojijigogun royal house was the 46th Deji of Akure. According to historical records, the institution of Obaship in Akure kingdom was said to have been established by Asodeboyede, who was also known as “Ajapada”. He was said to be a son of Ekun, who was one of the sons of Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba race. Asodeboyede, the first Deji, who ruled from 1150 to 1180, was married to Eyesorun. Immediately after the passage of Oba Adesida, all shops and central Erekesan market near Deji’s palace were closed down. The market will remain closed for seven days in accordance with the tradition, in honour of the late monarch. Business activities in the whole Akure have also been paralysed as all shops and business outlets have been shut down, as the people continue to mourn the passage of the Deji. Businesses have been counting their losses since last Sunday when Oba Adesida joined his ancestors. During the coronation of the late Deji Oba Adebiyi Adesida Afunbiowo 11 on September 20,2010,Akure was agog. Nobody predicted a short lived reign for the monarch on that memorable day which also coincided with his 60th Birthday. As early as 8.00 a.m eminent dignitaries from all walks of life particularly Akure indigenes, princes and princesses of Akure royal hood both at home and in diaspora radiated in joy as they decked in various beautiful attires and ‘Aso Ebi”. It was a day when the rich culture of Akure was on display with various traditional groups and drummers outshining themselves. In spite of heavy down pour that delayed that occasion, the excited guests defied the rain which lasted for over five hours. Observers said that it was a sign of blessing to the community.

The expansive palace ground where the coronation took place was filled to the brim with people dancing and exchanging pleasantries under the massive canopies erected for the event. The journey to the throne began on August II, 2010 when he was selected by majority of the kingmakers and was presented with his certificate and Staff of Office the subsequent day by Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. At his installation, late Oba Adesida, apparently in a bid to reassure his people that the customs and tradition of the land were duly followed in his choice as their new king said: “My selection followed Akure traditional royal hood’s due procedures, the selection was done by kingmakers within the three lineages of Adesida, Faturoti and Arosoye . “I was selected after all traditional procedures (were complied with); my name was forwarded to the state government through Akure south Local Council leading to my installation”. After all traditional rites spanning two weeks then, Oba Adesida was crowned alongside his first daughter, Dr. Adetutu Adesida – Ojei who may become the Regent of Akure from now on going by the tradition. The late monarch during his coronation promised to re-shape the bastardized tradition of Akure, partner with the government to realize the vision of Akure becoming a true millennium City like Washington DC, New York and others. He said he would eradicate hooliganism and ensure total development of the ancient community. Governor Mimiko while presenting the staff and instrument of office to the departed monarch described the selection of Oba Adesida as God –ordained, urging the people of Akure Kingdom to rally round him in moving the community forward. According to him, the present administration would continue to develop the town as a reference point of the whole state. The mammoth crowd at the ceremony were treated to sumptuous meal and assorted drinks mostly supplied by the International Breweries (IB) PLC Ilesa in Osun State. Even,the king of Juju music, Otunba Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (a.k.a. Sunny Ade) and his boys were at the band stand to entertain guests apart from other Local musicians. Among the dignitaries at the occasion were Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Chairman Elizade Nigeria Ltd Chief Bola Akingbade, then Marketing Director, MTN, Members of the State Executive Council, State Lawmakers, Mr. Olu Makinde, a veteran Journalist, Dr. Rotimi Adelola Secretary to the state Government, (SSG), Akure SouthLocal Government Chairman, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi and Mr. Ayo Ogunmoyero. The late Akure monarch was born in 1950 to the royal family of Adesida, he was a graduate of University of Ibadan and an industrialist. Oba Adesida was married to Olori Monisola and blessed with four children.

•Late Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, the Afunbiowo II acknowledging cheers from jubilant crowd

‘My selection ordained by God’ Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida was until last week Thursday, a prince of Ojijigogun ruling House in the ancient town of Akure, the Ondo State Capital, but by destiny, he is now the Deji of Akure land. In an encounter with DAMISI OJO, Oba Adesida Afunbiowo II sheds light on his life and vision for Akure kingdom.

ROFILE Oba Adebiyi Adesida was born in 1950 to the royal family of Adesida royal family. He is a graduate of University of Ibadan, where he bagged a degree in Agricultural Economics and Masters in Agric Business and Management Popularly called “Biyi” by most people in Akure, he started working as an Agricultural Credit Officer with the old Ondo State Agricultural Credit Corporation. He owns three companies in Ibadan and married to Dr. [Mrs.] Mojisola Adesida Director at Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute [NSPRI] and blessed with four children. How he emerged as new akure monarch My selection was ordained by God. It followed Akure traditional royal hood procedures. Due process was strictly followed. With the deposition of former Deji, Oba Oludare Adesina Adepoju, the state government sent a letter through Akure South local government to Ojijigogun ruling House to select a candidate for the vacant stool.

There was a meeting within the ruling House comprising three lineages of Adesida, Faturoti and Arosoye for the princes to contest for the position. There were seven contestants from Adesida royal house, one from Faturoti and one from Arosoye. All the nine names were sent to Akure South local government and consequently to the kingmakers. The kingmakers conducted extensive interview for all us and after consulting “Ifa” and went through voting process, I was selected the new Deji of Akure after meeting all traditional procedures, my name was forwarded to the state government as the new Akure’s monarch which preceded my installation last Friday by Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Minor rift after his selection After my emergence, few kingmakers kicked against it, but virtually all of them were in my support. In such contest, we are bound to see one or two different opinions, but after my pronouncement by the state government, all kingmakers came to my installation, an indication that the initial

disagreement was all over, we are now one. Effort on reconcilation Immediately after my selection, four of my uncles [Princes] who contested with me came and pledged their support to join me in moving Akure community forward. I made telephone calls to the contestant from Arosoye lineage, but effort to get through to my cocontestant from Faturoti royal House, Prince Ademola Adegoroye was unsuccessful because his line was inactive throughout. VISION FOR AKURE KINGDOM To unite all kingmakers and over 56 traditional chiefs who are members of Deji-in-Council towards the development of the ancient community. I will summon a meeting of kingmakers to assure them that we are all one and pledge my commitment to ensure that I seek their advice on regular basis to move the community forward. That apart, I will endeavour to re-shape the bastardized tradition of Akure, partner with the state government to realize the vision of Akure becoming a true Millen-

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Adesida, the late Deji of Akure (2010-2013)

•Oba Adesida and his daughter, Princess Adetutu-Ojei at the ocassion

•Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida

Regent of Akure coming soon?

HE first daughter of late Oba Adesida, Pricess Adetutu Ojei, who was also crowned the day her father was installed Deji of Akure is expected to become the regent of the kingdom in accordance with tradition. But all thoughts of the Regency are being put on hold now until after the conclusion of the seven day mourning period to mark the passage of the 46th ruler of Akure Kingdom. The Prime Minister of Akure Kindgom, High Chief James Olusoga, said for now the concern of the Council of Chiefs is how to ensure total compliance with the traditional rites of passage for the monarch which would last for seven days from the day of his joining his ancestors (Sunday) Olusoga, who is the Lisa of the Ksingdom, said he could not speak on the issue of regency or succession for now, stressing that the council of chiefs and kingmakers would decide this when the time is ripe. He urged the residents to remain peaceful and endure the closure of markets and shops,

stressing that all the funeral rites were in line with the tradition of the kingdom which must be strictly adhered to. He said only shops that render essential services would be allowed to open for business transaction pending the termination of the mandatory seven days. As part of traditional rites of the passage of the late Akure’s monarch ,his body dressed in traditional Yoruba attire and complete with a crown was placed on his throne where residents particularly Akure indigenes bade the late Deji final farewell. Symphatisers trooped to the palace to see their departed king who died in the early hours of Sunday in his palace after complaining of slight headache. The expansive palace was filled to capacity. Traditional Chiefs paid homage to the late Deji as if he was still on the throne. A member of the Deji- in- Council who spoke in confidence with our reporter said placing Deji on the throne was part of the tradition that must done before his final burial.

From left: Pa. Reuben Fasornati; Oba Adesida; Olori Mojisola; Governor Mimiko; Princess Adetutu; Prince Diran Iyantan; Prince Adeniyi; Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Chairman, Elizade Nigeria Limited

nium City like Washington DC, New York City and others. There is a need to sensitize the people of Akure land as mandated by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to ensure that the community becomes an envy of others across the country with all developmental programmes presently being embarking upon by the state government. Alliance with neighbouring communities Messages have been sent to my brother Obas especially in Iju/Itagbolu, Ilara-Mokin, Ogbese, Oba-Ile and others that immediately I settle down, we will reconstitute the Akure North/South traditional Council. We are going to foster unity among ourselves for the progress of our respective domains we will have regular meetings preparatory to that of the state council of Obas where we will harmonize all issues of great importance. I have no doubt in my mind that all conflicts within various communities in Akure South and North local governments experienced in the recent past, will become the thing of the past very soon. Movement to deji’s palace Crucial traditional rites have commenced last Thursday, it will cover six to eight weeks according to the tradition of Akure land, it is after all these have been done that I will relocate to the palace Advice to akure indigenes at home and in the diaspora Akure people at home and abroad particularly the youths and womenfolk should sup-

port me in a bid to develop the community. All efforts should be made to eradicate violence, thuggery and hooliganism in the area with the assistance of the state government,

the Police and other security agencies. As peace is vital to progress and development, we will ensure that Akure and the entire state continue to enjoy peace.

•Interview conducted with late Deji of Akure shortly after his installation in September 2010 was first published in The Nation on Saturday

THE PAST DEJI OF AKURE Asodeboyede Omoloju Ogbolu Odoro Obasisan Obarisan Otemoye Imolumode Olarako Oja Iyara Obagbeyi Adegbite Ogoga Eye Aro Elese Obaiya Olorinleyo Olofinjogbayawo Obawaiye Obalua Ogunja Oba Alaya Oriya Atakunmosa

(1150-1180) (1180-1200) (1220-1225) (1225-1245) (1245-1261) (1261-1277) (1277-1287 (1287-1299) (1299-1305) (1305-1313) (1313-1363) (1363-1393) (1393-1419) (1419-1434) (1474-1494) (1474-1494) (1494-1513) (1513-1533) (1533-1544) (1554-1576) (1576-1599) (1599-1623)

Eleyeyogbute (1623-1648) Oba Gbogi (1648-1678) Amayagbekun (1678-1705) Eye Moin (1705-1735) Orudu (1735-1748) Agoro (1735-1768) Arakale (1768-1818) Ogunlegboju (1819-1823) Ausibibokun (1823-1832) Osuwan (1832-1834) Osupa (1834-1846) Amaro (1850-1851) Omoremiosun (1851-1852) Ojijigogun (1852-1882) Odundun (1882-1890) Arosoye (1890-1897) Afunbiowo Adesida 1 (1897-1957) Agunsoye Adesida 11 (1957-1973) Otutubiosun Adesida 111 (1975-1991) Atayese Adesida 1V (1991-1999) Oluwadare Adesina(deposed) (1999-2010) and Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida (2010-December 1, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOUTHWEST REPORT

OING down Gafaru Street, a soft wind caresses its hard and rough length. Waste papers and trash dust dance a light-footed tango with the wind as it drives them down the almost deserted street. Gafaru Street was the first tarred road in the old Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State before Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area was carved out of it by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Walking down the road, which is off Abaranje and Ijegun roads, is akin to a walk to Golgotha. You wonder if sane mankind lives in such a forlorn area. Yet, the area boasts responsible and intelligent people. But for what could be perceived as neglect on the parts of local and state governments, Gafaru/Itoki would have been a very exciting and bubbly community; far from it. Any wonder members of this forgotten area are gnashing their teeth. As one ambles further to Middle and Down Gafaru, one begins to understand why members of this community are angry. Their fury was perceptible. Men, women, youths and even infants bore hatred of their forlorn situation on their face. No pretence about it. Their disposition seemingly proved false Fela; the Afro beat king’s mordant comment about Nigerians’ longsuffering attitude in his song Suffering and Smiling. They were ready to tell their disgusting story. Women and youths trooped out to protest what one youth described as “criminal neglect of part of humanity.” There used be a road on which they walked, but now, they are living in an abyss caused by indescribable volume of erosion. During and after down pour; whether heavy or mild, babies are swept away as houses are submerged. For long, members of Gafaru/Itoki community watched helplessly. Time and again, rain deals a heavy blow on residents of Gafaru/Itoki community; a Lagos suburb. But it is the resultant floods that made the people cry out most, because whatever pours down from the heavens finds no other outlet than the road to Gafaru. This is so because water erosion from Babalegba, Old Garage, Abaranje, Ijegun and Ikotun Market are channelled to this forsaken street. This was why some residents; mostly women took to the streets to protest the brazen neglect. In spite of the seeming competition among local councils in Lagos State with regard to road construction, the residents of Gafaru/Itoki community in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area have expressed their displeasure over what they called shut in situation due to lack of access road to other parts of the council. The inhabitants of this area very close to Oba of Ikotun’s Palace and other adjoining streets maintained that they have been cut off from all neighbouring communities because Gafaru Road which is the only road that links them with the others has been in terrible bad condition over these past years. Investigation revealed that right from Gafaru Road bus stop along Ikotun-Ijegun Road; the Gafaru Road has become an awfully dreadful stretch of deathtrap. The road has turned out to be no-go-area for cars. Car owners have to park their cars in their garages. Those whose cars were out of their garages before the situation of the road worsened end up parking them outside the community before sauntering into Gafaru. Some residents who spoke with our correspondent said they had abandoned the road for a very long time when they noticed that the road is no longer impassable. They also hinted that they had to go through a long distance in order to connect their various destinations, even as they blamed the inability of previous local government administrations for not fixing the road. Chief Alhaji Lateef Balogun, the Asojuoba of Ikotun land said his people

•Wooden bridge constructed by the youth for ease of passage

•Some women protesting the bad nature of the road

PHOTOS: CHINAKA OKORO

Plight of a neglected Lagos community By Chinaka Okoro

have been subjected to incalculable suffering as a result of the condition of the road which he described as deathtrap. He pleaded with the local and state governments to fix the road to make life better for his people, even as he added that when the road is fixed, it will help in decongesting the horrible traffic jam on Ikotun-Isolo Road. Mr Busari Fatai Balogun, SecretaryGeneral of Gafaru/Itoki Landlords and Landladies Association said that the inhabitants of Gafaru/Itoki community have suffered what he considered as criminal neglect of the only road that links them with the other parts of the state. On efforts his association has made to draw the attention of the authorities to the situation of the road and the suffering of the people, Mr Balogun disclosed that they have made written several letters to both the local and state governments to draw their attention to the inhuman situation in which members of the community are living. “The inhabitants of this area are suffering horribly. We have written letters to Governor Babatunde Fashola,

the Commissioner for Rural Development, Commissioner for Works; Commissioner for Special Duties and the former Chairman of Igando/ Ikotun Local Council Development Area where we stated our problems about the road,” he said. A letter the association wrote to Governor Babatunde Fashola which was copied to the Commissioner for Works, Commissioner for Rural Development; Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area on January 19, 2009 was entitled: “Appeal for Reconstruction of Road and Drainage at Gafaru Street Ikotun.” The letter signed by Messrs Adewale Adesanya and F. Busari Balogun; Chairman and Secretary of the association respectively and which was received by the Office of the Governor on January 23, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. reads: “We the above named association write to inform the authority about the deplorable condition of our street; i.e. GAFARU STREET IKOTUN. This street, Gafaru is situated in Ikotun in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State. It’s very popular and has over five hundred thousand people living in and around the area. “Consequently, since the construc-

tion of Ikotun/Ijegun Road, the inhabitants of this area have been subjected to great erosion and flooding. This was due to the diversion of erosion from Ikotun; Ijegun; Abaranje/ Okerube and Igando roads to Gafaru Street by the time the construction of Ikotun/Ijegun Road was still going on. We tried to meet the construction company that was handling the project. We also wrote LAMATA to complain about the diversion of the erosion to Gafaru Street but nothing fruitful came out of it. They were just promising the community that they will soon come to our aid, but up till today, nothing has been done. “During the rainy season, Gafaru Street is the most dangerous as flood usually carry little children to unknown places. We know your Excellency does not like this type of situation. “[When this road is reconstructed, it can be of social and economic importance to the people and other road users]. Gafaru Street can be linked with Bolorunpelu/Egbe/Agodo towns. This will automatically reduce the (traffic) hold-up at Ikotun Old Garage and Ikotun Junction [as motorists will prefer plying the road to get to Cele-Egbe and from Cele-Egbe to Ijegun, Abaranje and Igando towns

without reaching Ikotun-Isolo Road]. The attention of Igando/Ikotun LCDA has been drawn to this street…” Corroborating the views of Mr Balogun, Mr Adewale Adesanya, Chairman of Ikotun/Itoki Landlords/ Landladies Association and Community Development Association (CDA), said the state of the road gives him concern because many people find it difficult to get to their houses as they have been cut off from other communities. “The government has totally neglected this community. The only road that links it up to other communities is impassable. It’s an indirect way of government telling us that we are not part of the state and whether we voted for it or not is immaterial. He added that when the youth sensed that there was no way people could pass through the road as major part of it has collapsed, members of the Gafaru Youths Association had to task themselves to build makeshift wooden bridges (pako) across the road to enable people pass across the dangerous spots. Efforts made by our correspondent through visits and phone calls to the Chairman of Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area for comments were futile as she was said to have travelled to Israel.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Former Benue State Governor George Akume gave out his daughter, Josephine’s hand in marriage to Lt. Alexander Edet from Akwa Ibom State. The Holy Matrimony took place at St. Christopher’s Catholic Parish, Wannune near Makurdi, the Benue State capital, last Saturday, reports UJA EMMANUEL

•From right: Gen Buhari; the bride Josephine; Governor Wamakko and groom Alexander

ANNUNE? Where is that, you will be tempted to ask. It is the hometown of former Benue State Governor George Akume and the headquarters of Tarka Local Government Area. The town throbbed with life last Saturday as Akume, now a Senator representing Benue Northwest District, gave out his daughter, Josephine’s hand in marriage to Sub. Lt Alexander Edet from Akwa Ibom State. The wedding took place at St. Christopher’s Catholic Parish, on top of a small hill in the village, where Akume’s political associates gathered to share in the couple’s joy. The clerics, led by the Bishop of Gboko Catholic Diocese, Bishop William Avernya, were assisted by 34 other priests from Makurdi and Otukpo Catholic Dioceses. The wedding, coming five days after New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) governors merged with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, served as a platform for the further consummation of the merger. When news spread of the presence of the political heavyweights in town, many rushed to Wannune to catch a glimpse of them. The wedding shook Makurdi, the Benue State capital, till evening when most of the guests left. Wannune is on the MakurdiGboko Federal Highway and it is about 25 minutes

A father’s joy •Akume’s daughter weds

•Hon Tambuwal

•Alhaji Abubakar

•Senator Gemade

•Senator Aisha Alhassan

•Prince Audu

•Chief Ogbonaya Onu (left) and Mr Nelson Alapa

drive from the state capital. First to arrive in the church was Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, followed by former Vice President Abubakar Atiku. Next came the Senate President’s representative Senator Barnabas Gemade;

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and his Sokoto counterpart Aliyu Wamakko arrived. Others were Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal; former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; former Borno State Gover-

nor Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Nazir Mohammed. After Alexander and Josephine become man and wife, they and their parents signed the marriage register. The church choir entertained the congregation be-

•Senator Sherif

fore the couple was led out in style. Some Navy officers formed a long row of crossed swords in honour of the couple. As Alexander and Josephine cat walked under the row, the officers shielded them.

•Bride’s Akume

father

Senator

Photographers took some shots before the train left for the reception at Akume’s Hill Top Summer Villa. At the reception, Tambuwal, the special guest of honour, urged the couple to emulate their parents. Tambuwal described Senator Akume as a principled politician and a gift from the Tiv Community to the country. He said Akume was a credible politician who could be relied upon for greater responsibility. Former Kebbi State Governor Senator Adamu Aliero urged the couple to respect each other. According to him, the bride’s father has touched the lives of many Nigerians, hence, the large turn out. He said Akume had built bridges of understanding across political and cultural divides. Also at the event were Senators Ahmed Lawal, Yobe State; Abu Ibrahim (Kastina); Aisha Alhassan (Taraba) and Solomon Ewuga (Nasarawa). Former Kogi State Governor Prince Abubakar Audu; Hons Emmanuel Jime; John Dyeg and Chile Igbawua; Chief Judge of Benue State Justice Iorhen Hwande; immediate Past chief Judge Justice Terna Puuse and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Augustine Utsaha. The 10 APC lawmakers in the Benue State House of Assembly were led by Hon Benjamin Adanyi representing Makurdi south.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOCIETY

Display of culture IImo indigenes in Lagos have celebrated their cultural day at the Abalti Barracks Field in Ojuelegba, Lagos. reports. EHIEZE SANDRA reports.

BALTI Barracks Field in Ojuelegba, Lagos, wore a new look, courtesy of Imo State Town Development Association, Lagos (ISTDAL). The association, with over 85 town unions, celebrated its 27th annual Cultural Day. The venue, decorated in white and red, was filled to capacity. Each union was dressed in different traditional attires. The Imo indigenes in Lagos showcased their diverse cultural heritage. The event started with a prayer after which came the National Anthem. The President of ISTDAL, Mr Tony Ohakwe, thanked every one for honouring the invitation. Imo culture was displayed as some beautiful women dressed in Imo traditional attires danced happily as they brought the kolanut,

•Capt IIheanacho (right) shaking hands with Mazi Ohakwe. With them (from left) are Chief Augustine Anozie; Mrs Lilian Amakor and Hon Uche Iheakanwa PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

which was presented to Ohakwe as well as other guests. It was obviously their day of joy which featured a parade round the field by the town unions with their identification flags. It was followed by the Amaigbos calling out their Okorocha masqueraders who came to display their dance. The Vice President of Amaigbo Union, Chukwudi Onwu, said the Okorocha masquerade only comes

out once in a year during the festive period. There were various dance groups who entertained guests with their stylish dance steps including the Aganlan Owu Cultural Dance Group from Isu Union, Nkwere Imeenyi Dance Group and Okludibu Ugwu Dance Group. The event also featured the presentation of award to former Minister of Interior Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho as the Grand Patron of

ISTDAL and also in appreciation of his support to ISTDAL. Ohakwe said the importance of the event was to recognise Imo sons and daughters, and also to showcase its culture and tradition. “When I took over as president of this union, each time we had a carnival, we didn’t have up to 40 communities, but today we have over 85 communities present. “Another legacy is honouring the late Green Eagles star, Samuel

Double celebration Members of the Ebenezer African Church, Lagos Mainland Diocese in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, last Saturday dedicated their church auditorium. Some people got awards for their support for the church. KRISTY EJIKEME reports.

T was a double celebration. The dedication of the church auditorium and conferment of awards on some members of the Ebenezer African Church, Lagos Mainland Diocese, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. It was a gathering of the soldiers of God whose ministering have, over the years, won souls for the Lord. The 500-capacity auditorium was painted in white, cream and brown. It was decorated with white and wine fabrics with beautiful lightings. It also had cream floor tiles.

•Chief Okunowo

While the priests took to the stage, the choir in their purple robes were at alert on the left side of the auditorium. Guests exchanged pleasantries and shook hands; they could not hide their happiness. The 11-year old project, which foundation was laid on November 30, 2002, has become a toast of the community. The dedication was performed by the Primate of The African Church, Most Revd. Emmanuel Udofia and

Okwaraji, because nobody remembers him since he died in 1989 having served his country meritoriously,” Ohakwe said. Iheanacho thanked the association for honouring him. He said the importance of celebrating one’s culture could not be over emphasised. Present at the event were the Women President of ISTDAL Blessing Mbonu; Mr Chukwudi Ike and Mazi Bethrand Okeke, among others.

•Most Revd Udofia presenting certificate to Rt Revd Ajayi. With them is Chief Koku

The Hon. Lay President, Chief Ebenezer Okunowo. The plaque was unveiled by Most Revd Udofia, who dedicated it to the glory of God. Hymns, a procession and prayers followed. The Minister-in-charge, Revd Michael Olatoye was in a joyous mood. He was given a merit award for the achievement. An elated Revd Olatoye urged clerics to be devoted and dedicated to God. In his sermon, Diocesan Bishop,

Lagos Mainland Diocese, Rt. Revd. Ola Ade Ajayi, praised the church members for the stride. The project, he said, was worth thanking God for. Chief Okunowo also congratulated the church. The award/donation session followed. Chief Charles Koku anchored it. He said God has been good to the church, adding that there was nothing he cannot do. There were awards for Grand Pa-

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

trons, Grand Matrons, Patrons and Matrons. Other awards of merit were given to 29 persons. There were 18 post humous awards. Responding to the awards, a trustee of the church, Elder Fola Odedina, who got a Patron's award, said he was delighted. Cathedral Warden, The African Church, Bunmi Osunrinade, was also decorated with a merit award. He thanked God and the church for the recognition.

THANKSGIVING

AWARD

•Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bisi Yusuf, (Second left); Chairman and General Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Amazing Grace District, Special Apostle Solomon Aiyegbusi, (second right); chairman Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Shakiru Yusuf and the Council Manager Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area Mr Akanji Shadare during the 15 th annual Harvest and Thanksgiving Service of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Amazing Grace District Iyana-Ipaja in Lagos.

•From left: Olu of Agege Oba, Kamila Isiba; Chief Liadi Ajaguna and Chairman, Agage Local Government Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem during Turban and award organised by Oba Ni Basiri Central Mosque, Agege, Lagos

SOCIETY

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MAMA OLAYOONU ARIKE AWORANTI AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, ADA, OSUN STATE

•From left: Prince Ademola Adetona, his wife and daughter of the deceased, Olori Alice Adetona; son of the deceased, Mr Fasayo Aworanti and wife

•From left: Chief Dele Ajayi; Chief Bisi Lawal and Chairman, MicCom Golf Hotels and Resort, Prince Tunde Ponnle

•Oloris Felicia Abioye; Esther Abioye and Folashade Abioye

•From left: Lagos property magnate Jide Taiwo; Prince Ademola Adetona; Bashorun Adebisi Adesanya and Alhaji Yekini Tunde Shoda

•Prince Aderemi Adetona and his wife, Lola

•From left: Mr Phillips Adegboyega; Dayo Adeyemo; Akintayo Edward Adeoye and Prince Mosobalaje Oke

•From left: Lagos lawyer Mr Gboyegba Adetona; Revd Enoch Adetona and Lateef Adetona •Biodun Ponnle and his sister, Mrs Bukola Adubi

•From left: Kunbi Adetona; Mrs Titi Opayemi; Damola Adetona and Funke Olawale

•From left: Mrs Rachael Adelusi; Mr.Tayo Oguntunde; Mrs Janet Aderibigbe and Chairman, Ada Community, Mr Gbenga Adewale PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SOCIETY

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

Oyinkansola and Olukayode, children of Mr Nelson Suulola and Pastor Emmanuel Alao, have tied the nuptial knot at the New Light Baptist Church in Shangisha, Lagos. The reception was held at the NECA Events Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

‘He’s a divine gift’

Adapting to your audience and situation

OMETIMES,guests hardly turn up in large numbers at events on weekdays, but for the wedding of Oyinkansola and Olukayode, children of Mr Nelson Suulola and Pastor Emmanuel Alao, it was different. In the early hours of the day, family members and friends gathered at the New Light Baptist Church in Shangisha, Lagos, to watch them tie the nuptial knot. After the church service, the bridal train moved to the NECA Event Centre at Ikeja for the reception. The reception anchored by Okundalaiye Ayodele started on schedule. Music was supplied by the Beejay Sax Band led by Abolaji Banjoko. It was dance all day; the couple’s parents came amid fanfare. All stood to catch a glimpse of them. The occasion was chaired by Mr Olaniyi Babatunde. The opening prayer was given by Pastor Adeyemo Adejumo. To the couple, it was their day of joy. When they were called into the reception hall, one would think it was a dancing competition. It was their day of joy and they proved it on the dance floor. Babatunde thanked God for the couple and their parents and for their proper upbringing. He urged the couple to imbibe what he called the 3Cs of a successful marriage. “The first C is Common purpose - you must agree on what kind of family you want to set up; Commitment - your commitment will make your marriage a success and the third C is Communication - it is very important for you to communicate so that your marriage will be successful. Through communication differences are resolved. I pray God to bless your marriage,” he said. The cutting of the cake was supervised by the moderator. The cake was cut after the spelling of Jesus. After feeding each other, the bride and her father took to the dance floor. After this, it was the couple’s turn. They were later joined by their parents and family members on the dance floor. For Oyinkansola, a Market-

•The couple, Olukayode and Oyinkansola

•Groom’s parents Pastor and Mrs Alao

•Bride’s parents, Mr Suulola and wife Toyin

ing graduate of the Covenant University, it was a dream come true and her husband is a divine gift. “I am very happy; it was a dream come true. I thank God because he has brought us this far. I just found out that he is a divine gift,” she said. To Kayode, an Architecture graduate of the Obafemi

BIRTHDAY

•Pastor Moses Abayomi Apoeso of The Apostlic Church Isopako, Ibadan (middle) assisted by his wife, Bukola (fourth right) and other members of the family to cut his 70th birthday cake

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oyinkansola is a kindhearted, beautiful and Godfearing woman. The bride’s father, Suulola described the occasion as a dream come true. “It is a dream fulfilled and I really want to thank God for this opportunity for we are all alive to give our daughter

the kind of a marriage we wished for, I really thank God. “I pray for them to have a successful marriage and that God should continue to be with them. They should use God as the cornerstone of their relationship because with God everything is possible,” he said.

WEDDING

•Former Miss Deborah Iniebong Ekanem and her husband Pastor Emmanuel Agiourim Steve cutting their wedding cake

INCE we began our discussions on public speaking and communication generally, we have tried to avoid unforeseen circumstances by preparing adequately. We have even tried to plan for situations that are unexpected. All the public speaking icons we have interAMODU LANRE OLAOLU viewed have emphasized the need to carefully evaluate our (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. audience. But can we beat ev07034737394 ery single situation? Can we @lanreamodu come up with strategies for everything? I'm sure you will agree with me that the answer is no! We can't always predict or anticipate what we might encounter. So, what do we do? We must learn to adapt. Sometime in 2011, I joined a team of other professionals to organize vocational training for members of a church in Lagos. Of course, I was to train on public speaking. As should be expected, I wanted to know the nature of audience I would encounter ahead of time; so, I inquired from the leader of the team. He assured me that the programme was organized by the Youths Association. So, I used the information to prepare for the training. When we arrived at the venue, I noticed something strangethere were several elderly people there too! Nevertheless, I consoled myself that they probably came to see what the youths were up to. At the opening ceremony, we, the facilitators, were introduced to the participants and vice versa. Guess what I discovered? The Retiree Group decided to collaborate with the youths! In case you don't understand my dilemma at that time, I will tell you. The age difference was too much! On one hand, I had people who were just starting their lives, with lots of dreams and aspirations, and on the other hand, I had people who had seen it all and just needed something to occupy their time. As I sat there, unconsciously, my mind raced through all the illustrations I intended to use during the training and I discovered that they would not appeal to the older participants. Quickly, I started to think of fresh ones. The new challenge I was faced with was finding illustrations and a teaching approach that would be effective for both groups. To make matters worse, an old professor walked up to me and greeted me cordially, saying that he taught communication for over fifty years or so. And he was supposed to attend my training? God help! If a public speaker is too regimented, he or she may find it difficult to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. As much as it is good to plan your presentation to the minutest detail, it is still very important to be flexible, both mentally and 'stylistically.' So what did I do to my mixed class? I did the following: 1. Asked them for their past experiences: the first thing I needed to do was to find out how much they already knew about the subject. It particularly helped me to find an average of their knowledge so that I could present a balanced training. Once I was able to establish that they all had elementary knowledge of the subject matter, I knew that they could all be taught from the same curriculum. 2. Asked them for their expectations: I had attended several trainings myself, so, I knew that participants weren't always satisfied with what they got from trainings. Hence, by finding out what exactly they expected to gain and what they intended to do with the knowledge, I was able to discover that within the same training session, I could accommodate the two groups. Knowing what they wanted also helped me to tailor the training along their requirements so that it met their individual needs. Having discovered their expectations, it wasn't too difficult for me to surpass it; I would have run into trouble if I didn't have that information. It also took the pressure off me of trying to read their expressions to determine if I was reaching them or not. 3. Used balanced illustrations: the illustrations used during the training were balanced. Some of them were quite contemporary and applicable to the youths, while the others were applicable to the older ones. The main challenge I encountered was building up their expectations about the course. While the youths could think of several things they could do with public speaking, it wasn't that easy for the older ones. The illustrations, however, helped both groups to picture themselves in a favourable future of benefits as a result of the training. 4. Treated them all as students: I worked by a simple logic- the youths wanted to be treated as adults, while the elderly ones didn't want to feel old fashioned; so, I treated them all as equals. While I raised my level of respect for the youths to the level of the elders, I made sure that the elders had as much practical sessions as the youths. While the class lasted, nobody actually really cared about age. That turned out to be the best strategy I adopted, based on the feedback from the participants. Your unforeseen circumstances may be different from mine, which means my strategy may not work for you. Nevertheless, the key is adaptability; always be ready to make your audience your priority. Next week, by the grace of God, I shall bring you the last in the series of Public Speaking Icon for this year. It promises to be outstanding, please look forward to it. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-12-13

Shareholders, experts chart ways for capital market development

HAREHOLDERS under the aegis of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) and key stakeholders in the capital market yesterday called for an all-inclusive market development strategy that emphasises capacity building, efficient rules and global best practices. At the triennial delegates conference of the ISAN held at Golden Date Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos, stakeholders said there is need to address the problem of knowledge gap in the capital market through sustained and all-inclusive education programme. Chairman, Honeywell Flour Mills, Oba Otudeko, said knowledge is the key to progressive capital market development noting that investment decision-making requires critical understanding of all the issues around the investment. According to him, investment is not about following the crowd but analytical process that ensures careful and prudent commitment of money. He urged shareholders to always seize every opportunity to increase their knowledge pointing out given the centrality of the capital market to long-term economic development, shareholders and capital market operators are very important agents of national development. He noted that Nigeria presents a lot of opportunities that can make people to be extremely rich, urging the shareholders to watch out for and seize such opportunities as they emerge. Chairman of the occasion and former vice chancellor,

•Equities drop by 0.32% By Taofik Salako

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Wale Omole, said capital market studies especially in emerging issues such as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) should be integrated into Nigeria’s education curriculum. He noted that proper education would create an effective base for implementation of capital market policies such as the IFRS. Director, audit services, KPMG Professional Services, Mr. Willem Haarhoff, who spoke on IFRS as a new reporting standard, underscored the need for all stakeholders to make the necessary investments to bridge the knowledge gap. According to him, the main constraint to implementation of IFRS is the knowledge gap tht is frustrating the cutover of companies and professionals to the new standards. He said the adoption of IFRS would lead to better inflow of foreign investments in the Nigerian market. In his welcome address, national coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, said the main focus of the advocacy of the association is the development of a dynamic rule-based market. According to him, the commitment of the association over the years revolves around the need for shareholders, organised private sector and government to build an all inclusive capital market driven by the Nigerian spirit.

“We subscribe to an internationalised capital market piloted largely from within and geared toward the sustained development of the Nigerian economy and the creation of wealth for Nigerians,” Nwosu said. He noted the need for the implementation of a sustainable investors’ protection fund as well as expansion of deepening of available products in the market. He pointed out that Nigeria stands to benefit from a wellmanaged capital market, which will provide the financial base for bridging the nation’s infrastructural and social safety gaps. Meanwhile, the fluctuation at the Nigerian stock market turned to the negative yesterday as average market return at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped by 0.32 per cent. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities dropped from N12.471 trillion to N12.431 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities on the NSE, also slipped from 38,990.20 points to 38,864.84 points. The decline was orchestrated by losses suffered by highly capitalised stocks. Nigerian Breweries topped the 27-stock losers’ list with a loss of N4 to close at N164. International Breweries led the 34-stock gainers’ list with addition of N1.13 to close at N23.88. Total turnover stood at 484.64 million shares valued at N3.74 billion in 5,878 deals. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) was the most active stock with a turnover of 102.65 million shares worth N464.15 million in 609 deals. Banking subgroup was however the most active subsector with a turnover of 208 million shares worth N1.19 billion in 1,569 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-12-13

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

MONEY LINK

‘CRR hike ‘ll cut banks’ profit by 30%’

HE increase by 38 per cent of the cash reserve ratio (CRR) on public sector funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will reduce banks’ profit by 30 per cent, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismarck Rewane has said. CRR is the portion expressed as a percentage of banks’ deposit balances, which they must have as reserve in cash with the CBN Rewane, who disclosed this on the FDC Lagos Business School Breakfast Report released yesterday, said the policy implemented by the CBN

Stories by Collins Nweze

in August has mopped up liquidity in the system. He explained that despite expected impact on profits, banks’ stocks may remain profitable in the coming year. He said the CBN targets a low-inflation rate of between six and nine per cent next year adding that further monetary policy tightening is anticipated in January. Rewane said the CBN may in the coming year, raise CRR on private sector deposits by 20 per cent and further increase that of government

deposits to 75 per cent. He said inflation will be flat in the first quarter of next year but would spike to 11 per cent in the second quarter. According to him, the naira official trading band will be N155 to N165 to a dollar, with midpoint at N160 adding that stock market rally will continue in first half of first quarter. The CBN had in July raised the CRR for public sector deposits by 38 per cent to 50 per cent. CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Dr. Sarah Alade said the apex

bank took time to study banks’ deposit compositions before implementing the CRR policy. She explained that the CRR hike was necessary because there were pockets of liquidity that was destabilising the system. In August, the CBN reviewed guideline for CRR reporting. The regulator said deposits from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Bank of Industry (BoI), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will not be reported as public sector funds.

CITN: multiple taxation hinders FDI

ULTIPLE taxation is a disincentive to foreign direct investment (FDI) and therefore hinders economic development, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Mark Dike has said. Speaking during the CITN induction ceremony held in Lagos, he said multiple taxation, in whatever guise name or manner is a major hindrance to economic development and social emancipation. “There is no doubting the fact that taxation is inevitable because it pro-

vides the resources for government to provide infrastructures for its citizens, but when taxes are severally replicated on the income of an individual, then there is a big cause for concern. For instance, some state and local governments request people to pay for registration of business premises and licence of business premises respectively,” he said. Dike said they are all the same as the only difference is the change of name. He regretted that governments, unfortunately, seemed not to have the where-

withal to enforce discipline and sanctity in the tax system as it is obvious that all levels of governments today are bent on collecting any taxes, anyhow. He said clients and policy makers have continued to look up to the body in their constant search for solutions to these various taxation and fiscal policy problems. “For instance, there had been several agitations from some quarters for an upward review of property tax. This call, though, seems good on the surface but definitely not the major pana-

cea to the problem of insufficiency of revenue or eradication of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian system,” he said. The CITN boss said the success of a unified tax system depends largely on the government’s use of tax professionals who are its members to handle their tax matters in order to eliminate quacks in the tax system. A total of 548 members were inducted during the programme. The inductees were successful in the CITN professional training programme.

FirstBank, Calabar Festival partner on tourism

IRST Bank of Nigeria Limited has pledged its support to the 2013 Calabar Festival which started last week. The bank said in a statement that it has been supporting the programme since over the last one decade. It said this year’s edition with ‘Ain’t no stopping us’, as them is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors and 50,000 costumed revellers, including foreign tourists. This development, economic experts say, will translate to huge gains arising from various commercial activities that attend the festival. The bank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said the lender is delighted to support the exercise as it would assist in the country’s plan to diversify the economy. She said the event will afford participants the opportunity to meet the bank’s team of financial and investment advisers. “As a bank, we believe our primary responsibility is to support individuals, organisations and governments to realise their financial and economic aspirations,” she said.

Standard Bank, RMB fund Oando project

TANDARD Bank Plc and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) have agreed to provide funding for Oando’s two identical 15-storey building complex. The deal will see the two banks raising long-term capital for the project, as well as marking one of the best transactions executed by the two South African banks in Nigeria. Dubbed: ‘’ The Wing Project’’, the

By Akinola Ajibade

building which is going to be sited along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, comprises 13 leasable floors including 2 penthouse floors each. Oando’s Head, Corporate Communications, Alex Irune in a statement, said funds for the project would be raised through partnership arrangement with Standard Bank and Rand

Merchant Bank. Irune said a Nigeria-based energy and infrastructure advisory firm has provided specialised financial services such as commercial due diligence, project valuation and structuring and capital raising for the project. He said the structure is expected to measure up to 25,769 sqm in total office space. Irune said the structure consists of two towers; with one

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 5-12-13

UNIONDICON AFRIPRUD RTBRISCOE UBCAP FIDSON COURTVILLE LEARNAFRCA INTBREW UPL CUSTODYINS

2013-12-04

5.63 2.23 1.34 1.40 2.28 0.60 2.00 22.75 3.64 1.91

C/PRICE 2013-12-05

6.20 2.45 1.47 1.50 2.42 0.63 2.10 23.88 3.82 2.00

%CHANGE 10.12 9.87 9.70 7.14 6.14 5.00 5.0 4.97 4.95 4.71

LOSERS AS AT 5-12-13

SYMBOL UNITYBNK ETERNA ABCTRANS JOHNHOLT AIICO NEIMETH IPWA ROYALEX PRESCO CUTIX

2013-12-04

O/PRICE 0.56 4.62 0.81 1.23 0.85 1.19 0.76 0.52 38.37 1.75

2013-12-05

C/PRICE 0.53 4.39 0.77 1.17 0.81 1.14 0.73 0.50 37.20 1.70

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

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

July ’12

MPR

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% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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%

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

%CHANGE -5.36 -4.98 -4.94 -4.88 -4.71 -4.20 -3.95 -3.85 -3.05 -2.86

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

•FirstBank CEO Bisi Onasanya

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

tower occupied entirely by Oando personnel, while the other tower will be partly utilised by Oando’s joint development partners in the project. Irene said: “Seven years ago we envisioned the Wing project as a further testament to our aspiration to conduct our corporate operations from an ultramodern edifice which exemplifies the desire, dedication, and intrinsically the overall growth

NSE CAP Index

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

% Change -

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price Bid Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 164.78 163.61 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 1.05 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.70 0.70 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,602.01 1,602.01 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 115.13 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 1.62 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 1.03 KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND 143.11 142.62 LEGACY FUND 0.78 0.76 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS ‘Don’t return to campus yet’

FED GOVT’S ULTIMATUM TO ASUU

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

HE congress of the Delta State University (DELSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has resolved to continue the strike until it is suspended by the national leadership of the union. The congress, at a crucial meeting yesterday, advised the students not to return for academic activities. In a statement after the meeting of the congress, its president, Dr. Emmanuel Nwafor Mordi, advised the students to ignore any announcement of returning to the campus because the strike was still on. The union leader described as worrisome and uncalled for the overflow of emotion, flexing of muscles and threats by the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike. He urged ASUU not to end the strike, which has paralysed academic activities in the last five months. On government threat to sack ASUU members, Dr Mordi said: “By its actions, the government is attempting to repudiate the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of November 4, 2013 by subterfuge. It is clear that the government had no intention to restore normalcy to public universities. “For the umpteenth time, let it be emphasised that this ongoing strike could have been averted, if the Federal Government had demonstrated good faith and a timely implementation of the 2009 ASUU/Federal Government agreement.

UI to reopen January 4

HE Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has announced that the university will reopen on January 4, next year. The decision followed the directives of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors (CPC) of federal universities and the National Universities Commission (NUC). A statement obtained yesterday from UI’s official bulletin, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, quoted the council as saying the reopening became imperative following the consideration of all matters on

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike during its recent meeting. The statement said: “Consequent upon the directives of the CPC, which directed the vice-chancellors to reopen the universities for academic and allied activities to begin, the (university’s) management, on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 directed the Deans and Directors to open resumption register for academic workers willing to resume work to sign, on or before December 4, 2013.”

Parents threaten to begin hunger strike

ARENTS of university students in the Southwest have urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve their differences and end the five-month-old strike of the university teachers. The parents, under the aegis of the region’s National Association of Parents’Teachers’ Associations (NAPTA), threatened to begin a hunger strike, if both parties failed to reconcile their differences.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

The Chairman of the association, Chief John Oluribigbe, addressed reporters yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State, after the inauguration of new executives of the state chapter of the Parents’-Teachers’ Association (PTA). He described the face-off between ASUU and the Federal Government as an embarrassment to the nation. The parent urged influential Nigerians, particularly the traditional rulers and re-

ligious leaders, to intervene in the impasse in the interest of the nation. Oluribigbe said: “The over two million parents across the 36 states of Nigeria will embark on a national hunger strike, if this situation should continue. The Federal Government needs to accede to ASUU’s demands in the interest of the downtrodden parents.” To end the prolonged strike, he appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to constitute a committee to dialogue with ASUU.

He said: “When two elephants fight, the grass will definitely suffer. This time round, it is the parents that are suffering. We are left with no other option than to appeal to the two parties to see reasons why the strike should end. But if the strike persists, we shall embark on hunger strike.” Blaming the Federal Government for allowing the strike to be prolonged, the concerned parent advised the Federal Government to provide qualitative university education for Nigerians.

Uncertainty at ABU over ultimatum

HE management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the institution are playing hide and seek with the directive by the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, for the striking lecturers to resume teaching or be sacked. Also, the local chapter of the union has distributed materials to its members to cushion the effect of non-payment of salary in the last five months. It was learnt that there has been pressure on some of the lecturers to heed the government’s ultimatum. When The Nation visited the university on Wednesday, the

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

offices and classrooms were empty as the lecturers did not comply, with the directive. The university had also not issued a circular, directing the students to resume for lectures. It was gathered that the university’s Governing Council had been meeting since Monday to find an amicable resolution to the impasse between the government and ASUU. A source close to the Council told our reporter that the council was trying to ensure that the face-off was resolved amicably so that “we will not have another strike locally when the national strike is called off”. The source said: “...Majority of those in the Governing Council were elected from the Senate and the Congregation. Ordinarily, those people are not supposed to attend the meeting as long as

the strike is on. But ASUU looked the other way so that its members could attend the meeting. “They met on Monday but could not reach any resolution. So, they adjourned. The meeting has since resumed. But I want to say that they are being careful in carrying out the directive because they are aware of the impact it will have. “In any case, the school was never closed. Students are enjoying all the privileges they are supposed to enjoy except the absence of lectures. But the question is: who will bring the lecturers to come and teach? “Even if the school was closed, the only body that is empowered by law to reopen the school is the Senate of the university. In view of the period that has been wasted, a new calendar has to be drawn up, and it is the Senate that will do that. Members of the Sen-

ate are members of ASUU. So, who will draw up that calendar? “But we are looking forward to a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The right thing should be done and done fast. I also want to blame ASUU for keeping quiet and not properly explaining the current issue concerning their meeting with the President to Nigerians.” However, the university’s branch of ASUU has asked their members not to resume any academic activity or sign any register opened by the university management. In their resolution, signed by its Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Aliyu at the end of its congress, the branch condemn the threat and intimidation by the government through the Supervising Minister for Education, Nelsom Wike, to sack all academic staff and advertise their positions if they failed to return to work by December 4, 2013.

Activist urges Nigerians to support ASUU’s strike

RIGHTS activist, Mr. Morakinyo Ogele, yesterday urged Nigerians to support the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in its struggle to improve the standard of the nation’s universities. Ogele said Nigerians should not see the battle of the lecturers with the Federal Government as an avenue to line their pockets but as a means of improving the academic standard of the universities. He said the struggle would be of great benefit to the students. The activist urged the striking lecturers not to end their action until the government acceded to their demands. According to him, the Federal Government is rich enough to improve the standard of the universities. The lawyer assured the lecturers that the government cannot sack them without meeting their demands. Ogele told our reporter in Akure, the Ondo State capital, that Nigerian universities were higher institutions without the requisite capacity to empower the students for future challenges. He said: “The recent ultimatum from the Federal Government is not only empty but also an inflammable statement which has destroyed every consultation between the government and ASUU. It is now clear that the government is deceiving the world about

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

its claim to settle the rift. The government is not ready to meet the agreement it signed with ASUU in 2009. “The ASUU’s demand should not be misunderstood. Theyn should be seen as part of efforts to make our universities more functional. All federal universities in Nigeria are glorified secondary schools, which produce poor graduates. Our universities’ laboratories are just mere laboratories where great experiments cannot be carried out successfully. The condition of our students is seriously poor. Science students only see elements on the pages of textbooks. “Investigation revealed that no federal university can produce oxygen because they lack the requisite equip-

ment. “ASUU should go on with the strike as long as the government fails to fulfil its agreement. They should persist and insist in helping our universities to acquire world standard. “I appeal to all Nigerians, especially civil societies, activists, students, market women, artisans and others to come out in en masse an support the struggle of the ASUU. They are not struggling for their pockets but for the betterment of Nigerian universities. “The Goodluck Jonathan administration has enough money to pay the workers but rather prefers to waste our funds on the first lady, his political party and how he will win the 2015 presidential election through illegal means.”

AAU vows to continue action

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ECTURERS at the Edo State-owned university, the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have vowed to continue with the strike until the “government does the right thing”. The lecturers also called for the sack of the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, for his alleged incompetence. They alleged that Wike lacked the capability and competence to handle the nation’s Education sector. The lecturers gave their position in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting. The communiqué, signed by the Chairman and the Secretary of the AAU chapter of ASUU, Prof Fred Esumeh and Dr S. Omoikhoje, described the government’s ultimatum as unfortunate and ill-conceived in a democratic rule. It reads: “The university teachers called on the government to outlaw the use of convoys on our roads as sirenblowing convoys now constitute a hindrance on our roads.”

THE NATION FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 , 2013

N NEWS EWS

Mbu: I’m at peace with Amaechi

IVERS State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu yesterday denied any rift between him and Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He also denied being a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), being sympathetic to the party’s interest and taking instructions from the President and the First Lady. Mbu said his alleged persistent disrespect to the governor and disobedience to his directives was not true. He accused the media of “blowing the issues in Rivers State out of proportion”. He claimed that there was a cordial relationship between him and Amaechi, contrary to what the governor and functionaries of the state have been saying. Amaechi, when he honoured the invitation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to which he petitioned, accused Mbu of engaging in rights abuses and disrespecting constituted authorities. Mbu spoke in Abuja yesterday when he appeared before the NHRC to respond to issues

•I’ve never spoken to First Lady From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

raised against him in Amaechi’s petition. Mbu’s appearance before the commission coincided with its Executive Chairman, Professor Bem Angwe’s announcement of plans to commemorate this year’s International Human Rights Day slated for December 10. On allegations that he had taken sides in the dispute between the Presidency and Amaechi, and that he does not see eye to eye with the governor, Mbu said: “I am a Commissioner of Police of the state and it is my duty to protect all of you.I do not belong to any political party. But you know that once you are doing the right thing, and you are not favouring any particular group, you will be labeled. “It is not true. My phone is here. Even yesterday, I spoke with my governor. Two days ago, I spoke with him about four times. Last week, I was in his office twice. We even held a se-

curity meeting with other service commanders in the state. “I think the media are over blowing the issue in Rivers State. We are working with the governor amicably. But one thing is clear; the enemies of the governor are not my enemies.” “I am a police officer I am an umpire. My job is to make sure I protect everybody, who is in Rivers State. That is my professional calling and I stand by it,” Mbu said. On whether his claim that he had had phone conversations with the governor implies a truce in their reported dispute, Mbu said: “We have never disagreed. “I mean, we have never been at loggerheads, except that I am a professional officer and, having been an officer for more than two and halve decades, I know my job and what is right. “The governor of Rivers State is my governor and my boss. All I wish to tell you is that we are working well.” On the allegation that he

takes instructions from the First Lady and the President, Mbu said: “How can I take instructions from the First Lady? Go and check my calls data and see if I have ever spoken with the First Lady. I take instructions from my boss, who is the Inspector General of Police. “I don’t have any business with the President. It is my boss, who deals with the President. I have no access to the President and I do not think I wish to have any access to the President.” Angwe, who stressed the need for all to be involved in the fight against rights abuses in the country, said activities marking the day will culminate in a walk to be held early on December 10 and a national dialogue and launch of NHRC Orders and Rules of Procedure later in the day. “The day is important in the life of mankind as it re-echoes and reaffirms the dignity and inalienable rights of the human person irrespective of their geographical location, race, colour, religion or gender,” he said. Angwe assured that his commission will activate all its pow-

Tribunal grants Ngige’s prayer to inspect election materials

•Mbu

ers under its establishment Act and continue to work hard to address all human rights issues in the country. The Human Rights Adviser, the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, Pascal Holliger, stressed the need for enhanced rights protection in Nigeria. He urged the federal to government to reactivate the moratorium on death penalty. He observed that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Holliger urged everyone to participate in the activities lined up for the celebration of the day.

Edo strike: Labour to embark on street protests From Osagie Otabor, Benin

RGANISED Labour in Edo State has called on its members on the Edo State government payroll to join in a peaceful street protest next week, to draw public attention to their plight. Government activities have been paralysed since Tuesday as civil servants embarked on an indefinite strike. The demands of the workers include immediate implementation of the pending salary relativity structure of 53.37 per cent for the state workers, payment of the balance of 20 per cent consolidated health salary structure for health workers, payment of the balance of 10.5 per cent teachers’ special allowance (TSA) to primary school teachers. Others are implementation of 2011, 2012 and 2013 promotion exercise of public servants in the state, the immediate constitution of the state civil service commission as well as the recruitment of more workers. The call for the protests followed a breakdown of talks between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Labour leaders on Wednesday night.

•Youths of Gokana Local Government in Rivers State during a street procession displaying the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) flag and brooms symbolising their acceptance of the party in the area...recently.

Buguma crisis: Six youths killed

HE recent crisis, which allegedly resulted in the death of six people at Buguma community in Asari Torlu Local Government Area of Rivers State, has been attributed to the misunderstanding between the council Chairman, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree and exmilitant leader, Soboma Jackris, popularly called Egberi-Papa. The President of Buguma Youth Council, Mr. Robinson

Court grants Sylva permission to travel abroad

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

USTICE Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja has granted permission to the former Bayelsa State governor Timipriye Sylva to travel to South Africa for medical attention. He gave the permission yesterday while ruling on an application by the ex-governor for the release of his international passport to enable him travel. The judge had refused two similar applications filed by Sylva on the grounds that they were not supported by sufficient facts. Sylva is being tried on a six-count charge bordering on alleged financial impropriety. He is, among others, accused of conniving with state officials to defraud Bayelsa State of N2 billion while in office. Justice Bello held yesterday that since hearing in a new charge pending against Sylva has been set for January 23, he has an opportunity to travel for his medical treatment and return before the date. “I have given the applicant-accused a benefit of doubt that he needs a medical treatment in South Africa.” The judge gave the ex-governor 28 days, starting from December 7, to make the trip and return on or before January 5.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Ibinago, said this yesterday during an exclusive interview with The Nation in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. He said the recent crisis, which is being investigated by the police, was caused by the arrest of those loyal to the local government chairman. Ibinago said the council

chairman, a loyalist of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and a leader of a youth organisation called the Vision, was not on good terms with Egberi-Papa, the leader of a group called the Kegema Unity Forum (KUF), who is a loyalist of President Goodluck Jonathan. Ibinago said: “What happened recently was as a result of unresolved issues between Egberi-Papa and the council chairman, Ojukaye. They have not

Oshiomhole hails doctors for shunning strike

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has hailed the Joint Action Committee of Medical and Dental Consultants and the National Association of Resident Doctors for shunning the strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), saying they have shown maturity and are abiding by their Hippocratic oath to save lives. Speaking yesterday at a meeting with the union, Governor Oshiomhole also said he has met over 70 per cent of the demands of the NLC/TUC and that their 10.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Allowance demand falls under the purview of the local government authorities and not the state government. Speaking on the strike, he said: “We have granted about 70 per cent of what they asked for; the other one we have said no case at all and the other one I said, fine, we will address it. So I don’t know what is left. They told me they would communicate with me after a meeting with their congress, but they locked the gates. They went to the state Assembly, whose salary is different, they went there and locked the gates. I have allowed them because only God knows how many strikes I have organised in my life. Therefore, when people are on strike, whether or not they are right, I don’t want to be seen to be reacting as if it’s something I’m not familiar with.”

been on good terms. The chairman is a supporter of Governor Amaechi, while the ex-militant leader is a supporter of President Jonathan. “The political differences between Jonathan and Amaechi have compounded the crisis in Buguma, leading to the establishment of the KUF and the Vision. They have been clashing without the knowledge of their leaders.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has been given the nod to inspect the electoral materials used for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State. The Elections Petition Tribunal, headed by Justice G K Kaigama, yesterday gave the order consequent upon a December 2 application filed by counsel to the APC candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige. The materials to be inspected at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Awka, the state capital, as directed by the Tribunal include materials used for the November 16, 17 and 30 elections including the voter register, result sheets, Form EC 17, oath of neutrality by INEC staff, used and unused ballot papers, staff payment vouchers for settlement of allowances of ad hoc staff, among others. The Tribunal directed that the materials be made available urgently to enable the petitioner move expeditiously. Dr. Ngige is challenging the result of the election which was awarded to the candidate of the All progressives Grand Alliance Dr. Willie Obiano. Also yesterday, the APC alleged that the state INEC under the leadership of Prof Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, has been doing everything possible to “tidy up” the loose ends in the electoral documents used in the election. It said Prof Onukogu has been distributing appointment letters to those recruited on the eve of the election. These emergency ad hoc workers could who not swear to the Oath of Neutrality required of them before the election. This, it was gathered they are now doing with today’s deadline. Under the Electoral Act, election officers ought to complete and swear to the Oath before a Commissioner For Oath in any of the Registries of High Courts or Magistrates Courts.

APC to Fed Govt: pay Edo widow her husband’s gratuity

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

LL Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, yesterday urged the Federal Government to pay the gratuity of the husband of an Edo State widow, Mrs. Joy Ifijeh. The woman, whose late husband was a policeman, was upbraided by Governor Adams Oshiomhole for displaying her goods on the road penultimate week in Benin City. Addressing reporters yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Benin, the APC Interim Publicity Secretary in the state, Comrade Godwin Erhahon, said: “The truth is that Mrs. Ifijeh would not have resorted to street trading if the past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government had built markets for traders.” He said the failure of the PDP to build markets compounded her predicament, adding that the PDP shylocks placed the few shops at markets beyond the reach of average Nigerians like the widow. “We are surprised that PDP jesters are staging a drama over the episode of Mrs. Ifijeh, who was arrested with other street traders at a forbidden spot by the governor in the heart of Benin City,” Erhahon said. He said the crime rate, especially kidnapping, has dropped since Governor Oshiomhole signed into Law, the anti- kidnapping Bill. He described PDP’s criticism on unemployment rate in the state as biased.

THE NATION FRDAY DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS

Explosion in Abuja hits NNPC building •‘No inferno or bomb in corporation’

N explosion rocked the Central Business District (CBD) of Abuja yesterday, leading to the death of an asthmatic patient. The incident occurred at the Conoil Filling Station, which is opposite the four-tower headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) The NNPC headquarters had its main gate shattered and some vehicles within its premises damaged by the impact of the explosion. An eyewitness said the explosion was caused by a spillage from a tanker offloading fuel at the station at 3pm. The station’s underground tanks were affected, increasing the intensity of the fire. Some passers-by were injured by the inferno. An asthmatic patient, who was walking by the station when the explosion occurred, died. He was evacuated by an ambulance parked at the NNPC Towers Ten ambulances were deployed to attend to victims. Eyewitnesses, who spoke to our correspondents, said they thought the explosion was an attack by the Boko Haram sect. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP I Mrs Victoria Adepeju Akpomudje of block 125 flat 1, LSDPC Medium Housing Estate, Ogba Ijaiye Lagos State notify the general public that I have applied to the LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of property know as block 125 flat 1, LSDPC Medium Housing Estate, Ogba Ijaiye Lagos State which was originally allocated to Mr Fidelis Ilen-Otuma. I have made series of efforts to contact Mr Fidelis Ilen-Otuma from whom I bought the property but all efforts have proved abortive. I hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims that may arise if my application is granted and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC and general public, please take note

From Bukola Amusan, John Ofikhenua and Faith Yahaya, Abuja

There was a stampede and many got injured. Officers from the Air Force, police, Federal Fire Service and other organisations battled to put out the fire. A worker with the NNPC blamed the explosion on the negligence of station officials. Motorists waiting to buy fuel ran out of the station before the explosion occurred. He said: “As they were offloading fuel from the tanker to the underground tanks, there was a small spill, which started a fire. “The officials were later seen using car fire extinguisher to put it out, but the fire resulted in an explosion; its impact was so much that it affected buildings around. “NNPC gate, which was directly facing the station, the building as well as cars parked inside the NNPC Towers were affected.” NNPC workers were evacuated while officers and men of the FCT Fire Service battled to put out the inferno, which was still raging. Poor water supply by the FCT Water Board led to the delay in putting out the fire. A woman, who claimed that

•The scene of the incident...yesterday.

she manages the Fire Air Desk of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tinu Alade Abiola, noted that over 17,000 litres of water from the bank were used to fight the inferno. The incident caused traffic congestion, as movement in and out of the area was halted. National Bureau of Statistics, Basan Plaza, Jinifa plaza, UAC building, AREWA Suites, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, former ANPP Secretariat, National Library, as well as banks in the area shut down. NNPC management yesterday said none of the four tow-

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

ers at its corporate headquarters was affected. A statement by its General Manager, Media Relations , Omar Farouk Ibrahim, said: “The four towers of the corporate headquarters of the NNPC was not affected by any inferno, neither was it bombed by any insurgent group. “A fuel tanker was offloading premium motor spirit (petrol) at a filling station across the road, opposite the NNPC Towers, when it suddenly caught fire. “When the filling station opposite the NNPC Towers Abuja went up in flames on

Thursday afternoon, the NNPC, as a socially responsible and responsive corporate body, mobilised its firemen to help in combating the inferno. “I can say the fire had nothing to do with explosion in the Towers.” FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday ordered a partial closure of Herbert Macaulay Expressway in Abuja City Centre, following the explosion. The closure is, however, restricted to the portion of the expressway where the fire took place.

I didn’t betray G7 governors, says Aliyu

IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said he did not betray the Group of Seven (G7) by not joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking for the first time

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

since five of his colleagues dumped the PDP for the opposition, Aliyu explained that he went into the struggle with the PDP leadership with the intention of reforming the party and not to dump it. Aliyu spoke yesterday in Minna when the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), led by the VicePresident, Ms. Hauwa Shekarau, visited him. He appealed that his decision should be respected. “I led the so-called G7 as a result of a reform we were looking for in our party. The idea was not to leave our party; the idea was to reform it.”

The governor attributed his stay in the PDP to the decision of his people, explaining that he could not take such a step without consulting his people. He said: “The fight is not about me, it is not a one-man show; it is not about my ambition. It is about my people. There is no way I’ll take any decision without seeking my people‘s views. Majority prefer we stay in PDP and we will stay and make it work.” Aliyu said he respected the decision of his colleagues to join APC and called on them to respect his decision to stay in PDP. “If along the line of the struggle, some people find it more expedite to leave the

party, that is their decision and I respect that. Those of us who feel we still need a reform and we feel that we should remain, I think our views and actions should be respected.” Eulogising the emergence of APC as a strong opposition party, Aliyu hoped that the development would put an end to political prostitution in the country. He said: “For us in Niger State, we welcome the development of a two-party state and end up creating more political prostitutes.” Aliyu cautioned that people should not play unnecessary politics with the development, which may end up creating more trouble.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

lic. Always reflect on the oath of office and allegiance, which you have deposed to. You must be ready to compromise your personal comfort on the altar of public interest. “Your allegiance must be strictly to the government and the people. There should be no segregation, favouritism, nepotism or tribalism. “Kaduna State belongs to all of us and all citizens must be treated on equal terms, every citizen must be given equal opportunity to realise his or her potential.”

Yero warns aides against ethnicism

ADUNA State Governor Mukthar Yero has warned the new commissioners against segregation and tribalism. He said the administration was in a hurry to deliver political gains before 2015. Yero spoke at the swearing in of the commissioners at the Murtala Square, Kaduna. The governor told them that they were appointed to assist the government in realising its transformational agenda. Those sworn in included

Mrs. Comfort Amwe, whose appointment and subsequent clearance by the House of Assembly, is being challenged by her kinsmen at the Kaduna High Court. Yero said the quick clearance by the House of Assembly was a testimony of the cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislature. The governor said: “See the new offices as a call to duty and in the service of the pub-

Al-Makura denies rift with deputy

ASARAWA State Governor Tanko AlMakura has denied the rumour that he was not on good terms with his deputy, Damishi Luka. The governor spoke yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He dismissed such allegation as baseless and

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

the handiwork of mischief makers. The governor urged the people to dismiss such idle talks, adding that mischief makers will wait for trouble between him and his deputy in vain. Those waiting to see friction between Luka and I will have to wait till doomsday,” he said.

Bala said:"This is an ugly incident that could have been avoided. This incident is an eye-opener that must be avoided in future." The minister directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration's Director of Engineering Services, Alfa Abu, to provide surface and underground infrastructure facilities brief of the affected area and maintain a close watch. Mohammed further directed that the entire area be dioxinated as a way of avoiding further damage from the underground facilities.

Army alerts public to troop movements From Gbade Ogunwale,

Abuja

HE Nigerian Army said yesterday there will be massive troop movements and firing during a military training, codenamed Exercise Black Tiger. The Army said the exercise would take place on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and some settlements in adjoining Kaduna State, from next Monday till December 12. A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, cited Sabon Wuse, on the Abuja-Jere-Kaduna Expressway, as the areas of coverage for the exercise. The statement said the exercise would mark the end of a three-month cadre training for troops from the Army Headquarters Garrison, which started in September. The Army added that the exercise was in line with the chief of Army staff’s vision to teach soldiers skills and techniques required to deal with contemporary security challenges in a counter-terrorism setting.

Saudi Arabia bans two councils From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

THE Saudi Arabia Authority has banned intending pilgrims from Bauchi and Toro local governments of Bauchi State, following the outbreak of the polio virus. Six cases of polio have been recorded in the state; one in Bauchi and five in Toro.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS

Seven pupils crushed to death as lorry rams into school building

WOMAN, her child’s food flask in her hand, was weeping. Another was sobbing and saying: “God, why should it be me? After years of waiting upon you, my child just died this way. God, why me?” At the scene of horror where a truck killed seven pupils in Aba, Abia State yesterday – were biscuits, bags, lunch boxes and trace of blood. It was a black Thursday in Aba, the state’s commercial hub, where a driver of a tipper with registration number Akwa Ibom AA 702 KTA lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a private school, Glorious International Academy on Ovom, off Opobo Road, Ogbor Hill. It was all so sudden. A bang, cries of pupils and shout of adults when all got normal, no fewer than seven pupils lay dead. Twenty others were injured. The desks were stained with blood. The classroom floor was splattered with blood. Sources told The Nation that the pupils were in school today for their end of the year party to mark the end of the academic session ahead of the Christmas break. The pupils, according to a source, mostly pre-nursery. They were already in their classroom with their teachers, having their morning devotion before the accident occurred. An eyewitness, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The driver was coming from Opo-

•The ill-fated tipper...yesterday. From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

bo Road and all of a sudden, he veered towards the school fence and we heard a loud bang on the school wall. It was after the loud noise that we began to hear the teachers calling for help and the children

•Another injured pupil with his mother ...yesterday.

crying. “So far, we have been able to rescue some of the pupils. Four pupils died on the spot; three died inside the tricycle that was taking them to the hospital, 20 others sustained bruises and had fractured bones.”

Federal Road Safety Corps Officers and policemen from the Ogbor-Hill Division were assisted by sympathisers to tow out the tipper from the class room. Efforts made to get the comments of the school proprietor or teachers of the school

proved abortive as they were said to have joined various buses and cars to the hospital where some of the survivors were rushed to for medical treatment. The victims were taken to Living Word Hospital beside the Nigeria Television Au-

Saudi plane stalls flights at Abuja airport

VIATION was grounded yesterday following the closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from the early hours till about 6.30pm A B747 Saudi Air Cargo flight SVA 6814 plan was stalled on the runway after an incident. Thousands of Abuja–bound passengers were stranded within the country and around the

•One of the injured pupils with his mother...yesterday

•The damaged classroom...yesterday.

By Kelvin Osa okubor and Olugbenga Adanikin (Abuja)

world. Many others could not fly out of Abuja. Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) spokesman Supo Atobatele said: ‘The Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja has been temporarily closed to all arriving aircraft following an incident involving a Boeing 747 cargo

plane belonging to Saudi Air. ‘The aircraft marked K74798 on Wednesday , landed on runway 04 at 9.19 pm and rolled to the maintenance area of the air side, causing substantial damage to its left wing. “Six souls were onboard the aircraft and casualty is nil. ‘The temporary closure will allow for the removal of the cargo jet from the spot of the incident.

“Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has since issued a NOTAM (notice to air men) to that effect.” Scores of passengers, including school pupils and businessmen were stranded at the airport in Abuja and Lagos. Among those stranded were foreigners, former Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC), Mr. Ernest Ndukwe,

PHOTOS: SUNNY NWANKWO

thority (NTA) on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road. An official of the hospital, who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed to our correspondent that 17 pupils were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

CORRECTIONS

senators and top officers of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS). The aircraft was towed from the runway around 3:51pm but the airport was still shut as at 5:40 pm. Passengers complained bitterly. Airline operators refunded ticket fees paid by some of the passengers. The Saudi Arabian B747 airContinued on page 60

Southwest Report •Page 30 Govt to boost economy not Govt to boost economy achieves •Page 37 Ekti police refutes allegation of harrasement not Ekiti police refutes allegation of harassment

G5 defection: PDP governors push for NEC meeting

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) are pushing for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address the defection of five of their colleagues to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gone to the main opposition party are: Governors Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) to the opposition party. There are fears of the likely defection of senators and House of Representatives’ members loyal to the governors. But the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) is not keen on convening a meeting of NEC - the party’s highest decision making organ. Yesterday, the APC alleged that the PDP had been trying to “procure” a judge to give an order declaring the positions of the governors vacant. It warned against such action. But the PDP said it would not

Party plans to declare Amaechi, Wamakko, others’ positions vacant

The All Progressives Congress (APC) warned yesterday the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to deploy any illegal tactic against the five governors who defected to its fold. It alleged that the PDP has a “diabolical plan” to manipulate the judiciary to declare vacant the seats of the five former PDP governors. The plan, the party said, “apart from being illegal and smacking of double standard, has the potential to plunge the polity into chaos”. The party issued a statement signed by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. But the PDP denied harbouring any plan to use unlawful means to address the defection of its governors. The APC said: “As the PDP continued to lick the mortal wound inflicted on it by the loss of five pre-eminent governors in Yusuf Alli, Abuja

engage in any unlawful means to get at the governors. PDP governors want to use the NEC to take a position on the crisis rocking the party and, the way out. There were fears that Tukur

one fell swoop, any attempt by the PDP to act in desperation and declare the governors’ seats vacant will be met with an unprecedented show of people power that will end, once and for all, the impunity of the PDP and the Presidency.” It said: ‘We have irrefutable evidence that the PDP is desperately shopping for a pliant Judge who will be heavily induced to declare vacant the seats of the five Governors who recently defected to the APC. We also have the name of the lawyers who have been retained by the PDP for this hatchet job. ‘’We are in possession of the various nefarious legal options being explored by the villainous duo of the PDP and the Presidency, but we hereby serve a strong notice to the duo that any attempt by anyone through any means other than what is provided for in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as

might be called to order at the meeting or be asked to step aside. But the NWC is arguing that the year has almost ended and it would be too tight for the party to hold a NEC meeting. The NWC is strongly in favour of holding the NEC meet-

amended will not only have grave consequences but will leave the polity severely bruised. ‘’We know the PDP and the Presidency are anarchic and nihilistic, and will not mind to pursue any narrow and selfish objective, even if doing such can plunge the nation into crisis. But their cup is gradually getting full. Having got away with their trademark impunity in Delta and Anambra states, these lawless, reckless and feckless duo of maleficence now believe they can continue to act without regards to the laws of the land and with no scintilla of decency. ‘’We wish to state unequivocally that should the PDP go ahead with this plan, there will be widespread repercussions as the APC has resolved that henceforth, every act of impunity of the PDP and the Presidency will be met with stiff resistance

ing early next year. The governors have met in the last 72 hours on the way forward for the party. One of the options being considered is a likely emergency NEC meeting to address the backlash of the defections. A source said last night:

Continued on page 59

“Some of the governors are making a strong case for NEC meeting where we can pool resources on how to bring back the governors moving to APC. “We are also worried about the likely defection of PDP senators and members of the House of Representatives to APC,

which might lead to our party being in the minority. “This NEC meeting will enable us to review the situation of things and make amends before it is too late.” Another source said: “No one is pleased with the defection of the five governors to APC. We believe it is still not too late to address the issues which led to the defection. “We also have a challenge to prevail on others who are contemplating defection to tarry awhile and address issues fueling crisis in the party.” Responding to a question, the source added: “The governors can call for an emergency meeting if there is need for it. But it will require the consent of the National Leader of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan. “We do not know whether this was part of their last meeting with the President. When they meet again on Sunday, we will know whether NEC meeting will hold or not. “You know the party will look Continued on page 59

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

NEWS NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA (1918 -2013)

Ex-South African president and anti-apartheid hero dies at 95 Continued from page 4

and free society. “It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” He was first sent to prison on Robben Island, where he spent 18 years before being transferred in 1982 to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town and later to Victor Verster prison in nearby Paarl. When he was finally released on February 11, 1990, walking out of prison with his fist raised alongside his then-wife Winnie. Ex-prisoner 46664 was entrusted with the task of persuading the new president F.W. de Klerk to call time on the era of racist white minority rule. Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their role in the ending of apartheid.

Derived from the Afrikaans word for “apartness,” apartheid was a brutally enforced system that discriminated politically and economically against “nonwhites” and separated the races in schools, buses, housing and even public toilets and beaches. After the ANC won the first multi-racial elections, Mandela went out of his way to assuage the fears of the white minority, declaring his intention to establish “a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” Critics said his five-year presidency was marred by corruption and rising levels of crime. But his successors, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, have never enjoyed anywhere near the same levels of respect or affection. At our best, ‘we’d like to be

him’: Clinton In retirement, he focused his efforts on mediating conflicts, most notably in Burundi, as well as trying to raise awareness and abolish the taboos surrounding AIDS, which claimed the life of his son Makgatho. His divorce from second wife Winnie was finalised in 1996. He found new love in retirement with Graca Machel, the widow of the late Mozambican president Samora Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday. In one of his last foreign policy interventions, he issued a searing rebuke of George W. Bush on the eve of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, calling him “a president who has no foresight, who cannot think properly, is now wanting to

plunge the world into a holocaust”. Bush’s predecessor Bill Clinton perhaps had a higher opinion of Mandela. “Every time Nelson Mandela walks in a room we all feel a little bigger, we all want to stand up, we all want to cheer, because we’d like to be him on our best day,” he said. Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Machel. His death has left his family divided over his wealth. Some of his children and grandchildren are locked in a legal feud with his close friends over alleged irregularities in his two companies

be taking away from Mandela’s odyssey. Mandela was the product of an already established revolutionary tradition. Side by side with his cohorts, great liberation fighters like Tambo and Sisulu, he was comfortable. There was a remarkable absence of personality clashes; egos were submerged in the cause of the greater good of securing a free South Africa. There was little or none of the jostling for leadership that often characterizes liberation movements on the cusp of attaining power. “This is something we must ponder as we reflect upon the state of leadership in our country. Our challenge is not to produce one messianic leader but to create a tradition of patriotic leadership and raise a corps of leaders bound by a common ethos as was the case

with South Africa. As James Freeman Clark said, “A politician thinks of the next election, a statesman, of the next generation.” Leadership is a continuum and for our leadership to truly stand the test of time it must be driven by a trans-generational perspective. We must build up those who will take our exertions for a better society to higher levels. I am convinced that through carefully and consciously developed formal and informal programmes of leadership development, we can build a cadre of young Nigerians who are committed to social transformation and genuinely want to work for change. “This entails a shift away from the idea of the “leader as messiah” – the notion that all it takes to transform our soci-

ety is the miraculous emergence of one extraordinarily endowed leader. We simply cannot afford to reduce leadership to political Messianism. Mandela, despite his own leadership gifts and his track record, did not think of himself as being indispensable. He relinquished presidential power willingly and gracefully and ceded the limelight to the younger Thabo Mbeki. And when he left office, he wisely refrained from being an overbearing post-presidential presence and let his younger successor fully take up the reins of leadership. In so doing, he was setting an example – that the older generation must give way to the younger and allow their nations move forward. “Mandela’s willingness to leave power stands in stark contrast to

Tinubu: end of an era

Continued from page 4

or depart from the Mandela option. Many of them have become sit tight leaders, while others amongst them have sought by dubious constitutional processes to elongate their stay in power. They celebrate Mandela, but lack the discipline and morale fortitude of Mandela. They stand in the

Desmond Tutu: a colossus is gone Continued from page 5

of the late Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela taught us so much about so many things. Perhaps the greatest lesson, especially for young people, is that, while bad things do happen to good people, we still have the freedom and responsibility to

It’s time for celebration, reflection, says Fayemi

Continued from page 5

is un-impeachable. But he belonged to a very distinguished cast of leaders that included freedom fighters like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki. And these heroic freedom fighters were themselves the second generation of the struggle ordained by the founders of the African National Congress. They were heirs to Albert Luthuli, John Dube, Sol Plaatje and other heroic patriots. Together these patriots forged a political tradition of such resilience that it altered the course of South Africa’s history. “This is an important point because the idea of Mandela can be easily reduced to championing the emergence of rare superhuman political saints. This is not the leadership lesson that we should

a number of situations in Africa where erstwhile liberation fighters having assumed power have simply found it impossible to relinquish the presidency. Many have become sit-tight despots. Mo Ibrahim set up his annual leadership prize partly to motivate African leaders to give up power and leave the stage willingly. There have been years when no leader was nominated because they track record in office simply did not match the criteria for nomination. This is a pungent commentary on the state of leadership on the continent. Mandela stands as a shimmering example of what real leadership looks like. “Tributes often read like hagiographies. To be sure, Mandela was not perfect. He made mis-

NEWS PDP plans to declares Amaechi, Wamakko, others’ positions vacant Continued from page 4

in the form of a vociferous telegraphing of people power, the likes of which have not been witnessed in these parts,’’ it said. The APC reminded the PDP and the Presidency that “a party that boasts of 16 governors....still counting...and has control of the National Assembly has what it takes to use people power to stop acts of impunity, disregard for the laws of the land and barbaric brigandage - and that is exactly what the APC will do in the event of any unlawful declaration of the five governors’ seats vacant”. The party also warned against any attempt by the PDP and the Presidency to turn back the hands of the clock as far as the cleaning up of the judiciary is concerned, by inducing a servile and disreputable Judge to do the duo’s bidding. ‘’We recognise the efforts of the present CJN to sanitise the Judiciary since she assumed the mantle of leadership but she should not allow any black leg to reverse the gains that have been recorded on the altar of unmitigated avarice. This is because if that happens, Nigerians will hold the Judiciary vicariously liable for the catastrophic consequences that may follow,’’ it said. Accusing the PDP of engaging in double standards, the APC said ‘’For all of 14 years, elected members of the State Houses of Assembly as well as the National Assembly have been defecting mostly to the PDP and no court has ever declared their seats vacant. ‘’The late Senator Wahab Dosunmu and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, then of the Al-

liance for Democracy (AD), blazed the trail when they defected to the PDP within a year of their election. Since then, scores of elected lawmakers at state and federal levels have defected to the PDP without any eyebrows being raised or anyone declaring their seats vacant. ‘’When Governors Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State and Theodore Orji of Abia State, both elected on the platform of the PPA, and Governor Isah Yuguda (Bauchi), who was elected on the platform of the ANPP, defected to the PDP, nobody declared their seats vacant. ‘’As a matter of fact, the PDP under the late President Umar Yar’Adua organised an elaborate reception to welcome Governor Yuguda to the PDP. Why then should the case of the five PDP Governors (still counting) who have joined the APC be different? Why is the PDP suddenly afraid of taking the same medicine it has been administering to others? Does it mean that all the bravado that has been displayed by the PDP, which says it is not bothered by the defection of the five governors, is just a facade to hide its deep pain at the monumental loss?’’ the party queried. The APC also asked the PDP and the Presidency, if they could allow a rare moment of introspection, to go and read and be guided by – “the ruling of the Supreme Court after the PDP attempted to make then Vice President Atiku Abubakar to lose his seat and to also strip him of his privileges following his defection to the CAN.” In a statement yesterday, PDP

National Publicity Secretary Olisah Metuh said the party would not employ unlawful means to deal with the defecting governors or other members with similar inclinations. The ruling party said it would ensure that “all issues affecting the party and its dissenting members would be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the constitution of the party. Metuh said the party leadership would continue to engage the five governors who defected to the APC and other aggrieved members in negotiations and discussions. He debunked reports in some sections of the media that some senators walked out on the PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, when he visited the Senate members of the PDP on Wednesday. The statement said: “For the avoidance of doubt, no senator walked out on our national chairman during the meeting with senators at the National Assembly on Wednesday. “The leadership of our great party was well received and had a very peaceful and fruitful meeting with our members in the Senate. “In this regard, the National Working Committee restates its resolve to ensure that all issues are handled along the lines of these ideals and in accordance with the provisions of the PDP constitution, the constitution of Nigeria and the laws of the land. “We reiterate that no unlawful means will be used under any guise whatsoever in handling the issues. The PDP is not only a political party but

a belief which cannot be easily jettisoned. “It is a belief in the national interest; a belief in the unity of the country and in satisfying the interests of the common man. These ideals remain greater than any personal interest and will outlive us all.” The party urged its members nationwide to remain calm and focused. It hoped to come out of its current challenges “stronger than ever”.

way of their people progressing and make Africa a laughing stock. Let his death revive us to the ideals of democracy. Let his political legacy, commitment to his people and the examples he left behind challenge us all to a renewed commitment to make our country and Africa better for the greatest number of her citizens. decide how to respond to injustice, cruelty and violence and how they will affect our spirits, hearts and minds. Mandela’s enduring legacy is that, under a crushing burden of oppression he saw through differences, discrimination and destruction to embrace our common humanity.

takes. Many South Africans feel that the ANC while earning black majority rule did not pay sufficient attention to addressing racially-based economic equality. As a result some of the development indices in the country are actually worse now than they were before Mandela became president. There is much work to be done in the areas of housing, education and employment. “However, the pursuit of freedom is not accomplished in one generation. Mandela and his generation fought for political liberation. Another generation must now rise up and take up the bottom and begin the battle against inequality and poverty. Fortunately, in Mandela they have the most illustrious of examples to draw from and emulate.” Adieu, Madiba.

G5 defection: PDP governors push for NEC meeting Continued from page 59

irresponsible if it cannot address some of the grievances of the G-7 or now G-2 governors.” The PDP Constitution states two guidelines for convening a NEC meeting. They are: •The NEC shall meet at least once in every quarter at the instance of the Chairman or at the request of two-thirds of its membership, who shall notify the

Chairman at least seven days prior to the meeting and an emergency meeting be summoned by the National Chairman having regard to all the circumstances of the agenda. •The quorum of the NEC shall be two-thirds of the membership drawn from at least twothird of the zones in the Federation and a simple majority shall pass any motion of the NEC.

Saudi plane stalls flights at Abuja airport Continued from page 4

craft was travelling from Saudi Arabia into the country. The flight veered off while heading towards the runway, ran into a maintenance area of the runway and stopped. A Senator, who pleaded not to be named, attributed the circumstance to human error and urged aviation regulatory authorities to intensify efforts on safety. He said: “This is carelessness and human error. It happens everywhere. Not only in Nigeria. But the crashes are becoming many much and need quick attention.” A passenger, who identified himself as Ismail, said: “This cargo plane got stuck since last night but up till now nothing meaningful has happened. Why is it taking this long to clear or tow the aircraft away?” Another traveller, Mr. Uchechukwu Greg, said: “Why is the aviation ministry doing this to passengers? Must they make us pass through this pain

often? With what has happened, most of us have missed important engagements today.” The stranded passengers in Lagos formed long queues, either rescheduling their flights or cancelling them at the counters of Aero Contractors, Med-View Airlines , Arik Airline and First Nation Airways. Mallam Abdullai Hassan said that he had to cancel his flight because he would not be able to meet the meeting he was scheduled to attend in Abuja.. Mr Banky Adeola , another passenger, said he was going to reshedule his flight to later in the day since there was the possibility of opening the runway. ‘If this is not possible, I will fly to Kaduna and from there travel by road to Abuja,” he said. Mrs Motunrayo Odewole contemplating travelling by road instead of flying. Passengers enroute Abuja airport via Addis Ababa were forced to an emergency land-

ing in Ethiopia due to the closure of Nigeria’s airspace. The passengers numbering over 200 who had boarded the Ethiopian national carrier at about 10:20 am for an 8: 40 am flight, spent over an hour after boarding, while the engine was warming up for take-off. After waiting intermittently for the pilot’s announcement, which usually heralds a plane’s take-off, many of the passengers began agitated. About an hour later, the pilot announced that he had received information from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,that a plane had disembodied at the tarmac. He asked the passengers to disembark from the plane Airlines that fly to Abuja, Nigeria’s administrative capital, include British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines. The incident forced the postponement of the meeting between the Senate Committee on Aviation and Aviation Minister Ms. Stella Oduah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

SPORT EXTRA

2014 WORLD CUP PAIRING

NFF hoping for favourable draw

HE leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is going spiritual over tonight’s FIFA 2014 World Cup draws, with General Secretary Musa Amadu praying for favourable draws for the Super Eagles. The NFF is praying

•Musa Amadu

•Calls for prayers From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja earnestly for the Super Eagles to avoid being grouped with

AFRICA FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR:

Mikel, Emenike make Top 10

•Enyeama, Musa too •Mba picked for home-based sector •Keshi in contention for Coach of the Year

HE Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled yesterday the top ten nominees for the 2013 GloCAF Awards African Footballer of the Year. CAF also released the names of top five finalists for the Africa-based “Player of the Year” Award. They are Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves and Nigeria, Mohamed Aboutreika of Al Ahly, Egypt, his colleague, Ahmed Fathy, also of Al Ahly and Egypt, Rainford Kabala of TP Mazembe and Zambia and Tresor MputuMabi, also of TP Mazembe, from DR Congo. Nominees in the other categories released by CAF include Nigeria, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso for the National Team of the Year Award and Al Ahly of Egypt, C.S Sfaxien of Tunisia and Orlando Pirates of South Africa for the Club of the Year Award. Stephen Keshi of Nigeria, Paul Put of Burkina Faso and Manu Garba of Nigeria) are the Top 3 nominees for Coach of the Year Award while the Top 4 nominees for the Most Promising Talent Award are Ebenezer Assifuah of FC Sion and Ghana, Saleh Gomaa of ENPPI and Egypt, Kelechi Iheanacho of Taye Academy and Nigeria; and Alexis Yougouda of Cotton Sports Garoua and Cameroon. The nominees for the Referee of the Year Award are: Alioum Neant of Cameroon, Haimoudi Djamel of Algeria and Papa Bakary Gassama of Gambia. The Nigeria Football Supporters Club were listed for CAF Fair Play Award while ex-coach of Senegal, late Bruno Metsu and Morocoan International, Mehdi Faria were shortlisted for the Legend Award. The Nigerian U-17 team, Golden Eaglets was shortlisted for the “Youth National Team of the Year.” The list is prepared through a vigorous selection process by the Technical, Football and Media Committees of CAF, taking into account the performance of the players for their national teams and

•Emenike

clubs from January to November each year. The Gala Night of the Glo-

CAF Awards comes up at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on 9th of January, 2014. Globacom has been the title sponsor of the Awards since 2005.

host nation, Brazil and other strong football nations, such as Spain, Germany, Italy and France. The FIFA 2014 World Cup draws hold tonight in the city of Bahia. Speaking ahead of the draws, Amadu told NationSport that his wishes and prayers was for the Eagles to do very well in the competition and he is confident the team would do so with mother luck and hard work. He said that in as much as no team should be

underrated or regarded as minnows at this stage, he, however, prays for the Eagles to avoid World Cup favourites in the early stage of the competition. According to him, he would like the Super Eagles to improve per every match they would play and beating books favourites to win the World Cup may not be ideal for now. “We are not so particular about the country we want to play, but our concern is that we are not grouped together with the host nation. You know very well that playing the host nation and especially a nation like Brazil in the group stage will be a big minus. So, we are

praying that we are not grouped together.” Amadu is also confident of the Eagles’ ability and form since winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in February. He is thrilled also with the 2-2 heartwarming performance of the Eagles against Italy. “From the friendly match the Super Eagles played against the Azurris of Italy, it has become obvious that the gap has been closed between our team and the so-called big teams. If our team could play them the way they did, it means that they can also handle any other big football playing Nation the same way,” Amadu said.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

HE proposal for a national summit on the future of Nigeria has generated so much political heat, thanks to the nature of our politics and the bad blood that it has created over the years, especially since the current dispensation began. One might argue that it is the nature of politics and only an idealised version that bears no resemblance to reality may have a different take on the matter. It is also true, however, that this latest iteration of the craziness of our body politic is self-inflicted by the most visible actors in the drama that it is. The President announced the inauguration of a committee to work out the logistics for the conference after so much vacillation. And just soon after, he introduced an unnecessary complication as if the committee’s work has not been complex enough. Apparently unperturbed by the expressed desire, indeed, demand of supporters of a national conference for one that is truly anchored in the people and birthed by the people, the President suggested that the outcome of the conference would be useful as raw material for the National Assembly’s constitutional amendment functions. The President’s idea of a national conference is thus ages away from the demand of the people. And there is no better evidence for this than the position of the Chairman of his Advisory Committee who insists that the Committee approaches its work as if there is no constitution, which means it expects the conference to produce a new constitution. Recently, however, it is becoming clear how the President and the National Assembly envision what would have been a defining feature of their domestic agenda. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has been widely reported as claiming that “the National Assembly has the power to discuss the report of the proposed National Conference”, to quote from The Nation’s version of the reports. Since Senator Ekweremadu is not only the Deputy Senate President but also wears a second hat as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Amendment, his comments have to be taken seriously, and they are to say the least, disturbing. According to the Distinguished Senator, “there is going to be a debate over the outcome of the planned dialogue at the National Assembly. It is going to be subjected to a critical debate. It has to go through legislative processes.” This is partly because, NASS has to “make sure that everything is right and Nigerians agree on it.”

RIPPLES JONATHAN HAS PERFORMED WELL– Ahmed Gulak

even as BOKO HARAM rules?

VOL.8 NO.2,689

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

A more urgent summit

‘

Doing something is crucial and cannot wait till or tied up with a national dialogue or conference. There is an urgent need for every nationality group to look inwards and dialogue with itself so it does not fall into oblivion •Ekweremadu

The logic of this declaration is mind-boggling. How can it ever be that Nigerians might not agree on what they endorse in a national conference where every nationality and interest group is represented? To defend an argument for subjecting the will of the people to a parliamentary debate is simply a deceptive way of trivialising the will of the people. It is to suggest that the representatives of the people are wiser (“they are experts in legislative processes”) and therefore more important than the people. As if that condescending attitude isn’t grave enough, the Senate’s true intention, as revealed by the Chairman, is to pull a rabbit of a seven-year single term from the hat of national dialogue. This must be the “something fundamental that can be discovered” as Ekweremadu puts it. Though Senators rejected the idea of a seven-year term for the President and Governors, the Constitution

’

Review Committee is hoping to propose it as an amendment item. And the reason is that in the judgment of the committee, “single term tenure would resolve the crisis arising from the competition for federal power.” There is no doubt that there is across the board, a cut-throat competition for power and perhaps single-term tenure might help resolve that unhealthy competition. But zeroing in on this issue as if it is all there is to the national conference simply reveals the deceptive politics behind the proposal. Recall that the Senate Deputy Leader also suggests that if the amendment is passed, then the incumbent President may have two more years until 2017 and the general election postponed till then. For those who dismissed the idea of a seven year single-term as another Third Term agenda, this proposal is a non-starter. And it now appears that the opponents of the proposed national dia-

HARDBALL

OU do not require any especial intellectual facility to discern that there is a straight line between the quality of

our leaders and the overall progression of our country. Taken a step further, it will not be far-fetched to conclude that since Independence in 1960, leadership acuity in Nigeria has continued to depreciate with successive governments. Hardball can actually predict and with alarming accuracy the political behavior of the government of the day in the next 18 months. Government has been terribly watered-down and set in a mired template and since nobody seems to be thinking anew, the same methods and approaches are applied by every new government. For instance, we can safely wager that in the next six months we shall begin to witness a rash of supporters and endorsers of the Goodluck Jonathan’s second term project. Rallies will be organised in major cities by all sorts of groups – ranging from students, market women and Nollywood stars. Of course, “Jonathan-for-second-term” posters will flood Abuja as if they are but cocoyam leaves and not expensive printed matter. Then you will see traditional rulers from different parts of the country queuing up to visit the President in Aso Rock; it is usually done with so much fanfare and ceremony for effect. Worn political chicanery which are dredged up and re-used often in a most nox-

logue have a case. Since I believe that there is a lot to achieve from a well-conceived national dialogue, I wish that the proposal on national conference that was vigorously canvassed and much-awaited has been presented with an honest and sincere intention. There is, however, a much needed and more urgent summit.National Conference is for a determination of where the country is heading politically and economically. It is about how the various nationalities and interest groups relate to the centre. But assume that we get a handle on this important mode of governance and relationship, and we have a perfect federalism. Is anyone under the illusion that our national problem is solved and we are thereafter on the path of glory? There are numerous afflictions that are internal to the various nationalities that only they can resolve. And I am not here concerned so much with the issue of internal unity within the nationalities. For instance, I have never thought that there will be ever a Yoruba unity because there has never been any such thing. But in spite of the obvious concerning disunity among the Yoruba, as among other nationalities, there was a time when certain values were commonly endorsed and enforced. That is no longer the case. The fundamental concept of hard work was a prevailing ideal. Now it’s a loafer’s philosophy that is entertained. And education and training in the traditional or modern forms have always been the centre piece of our cultures. Now we are praise singers of ignorance. Every culture or nationality has an anomalous mode of life—kidnapping, begging, fundamentalism and fanaticism, idleness— that has emerged in the last thirty years, embraced by a significant portion of its members, especially the youth, and which have been responsible for some of the more egregious aspects of our political life, including corruption in all its aspects. And no nationality can or should be proud of its internal malaise. But what is being done? When one reads about baby factories, one wonders, where is the traditional family? Stories of young students even in rural areas skipping school and doing drugs raise concern about parental responsibility. Doing something is crucial and cannot wait till or tied up with a national dialogue or conference. There is an urgent need for every nationality group to look inwards and dialogue with itself so it does not fall into oblivion. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Again, this Doctrine of Mischief ious manner are too numerous to count. Almost every move of government is tailor-made for the singular purpose of giving the incumbent another life and another day in the sunshine of Aso Rock. We witnessed this as (military) President Ibrahim Babangida twisted and turned in his spirited attempt to remain perpetually in office. The goggled one General Sani Abacha did the same. Remember Abacha badge, Abacha, television and Abacha rice. And of course, the mother of all political subterfuge – the one-million-man march in Abuja; it could be described as the whirlwind that sucked in most of Nigeria’s elite politicians. President Olusegun Obasanjo after tasting eight years of sweet power did not hand over without trying not to hand over. He employed a horde of marabout, pushed out a pot of cash, worked the military (third term cars) the media, the National Assembly and party’s axe men. He organised a quick (fake) National Conference and he tried to change the constitution by a sleight of hand using some thug who strutted as a Senator of the Federal Republic. Sadly dear reader, we are at that grave juncture of our political lives once again. Why is it that nobody wants to leave power, especially in black Africa? Why do we still suffer the sit-tight disease; why do we covet

office so much that we convert it to our personal property and sometimes transmute to a god unto the people? The current man of the moment, Hardball can announce, is hard at work now beating all these worn tracks listed above. The Deputy President of the Senate, who is also Chairman of the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Ike Ekweremadu, is obviously hard at work on one of the plots to prolong the shelf life of President Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Rock. Recently, he has been harping on the discarded six-year single term proposition. “It could be a win-win situation for everybody. And I believe that the way it could work is, now, people have been elected for four years; let everybody complete the four-year tenure for which he or she is elected. And then through the doctrine of necessity or a kind of jurisprudential approach, do some kind of transition of two years. In which case, those present occupiers like president and state governors, who are completing their tenures, maybe, will do another two years that would end in 2017.” Hardball would just dismiss this as selfseeking, low-level thinking that has no basis anywhere. We are not in a crisis; our constitution stipulates an election every four years and an election it shall be. No doctrine of mischief please.

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