The NatIon December 29, 2011

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

I’m alive, says Lekki protest man NEWS

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•Police: you can see he wasn’t shot

Supreme Court okays Jonathan’s victory •Buhari kicks against verdict

NEWS

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 1989 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

N150.00

81 privatised firms doing well, says report

O •Dr Jonathan

F the 122 companies privatised, 81 are operating at about 66 per cent, it was learnt yesterday.

The record is in sharp contrast to the position of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Privatisation that 80 per

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

cent of the companies are not performing.

The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) realised N249,497,188,000 from the sale of firms between 1999 and this year.

These facts are contained

in some documents sent to the Presidency.

The President is expected to reconcile the facts at his disposal with the report of the Senate Ad hoc Committee to determine whether to reverse the sale of some of the companies.

The President has been under pressure not to reverse the gains of privatisation recorded during the tenure of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to the documents of the 122 privatised firms, 81 are operating at 66

per cent and 41 at 34 per cent performance level.

The Status Report identified some of the viable companies as Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited; Transcorp Hilton HoContinued on page 2

Christians to Jonathan: no confidence in govt President: we’ll get better security team The terrorists are human beings ... we will get over this ugly situation. At the security level, we are doing our best; we will restructure; we will re-adjust and make sure we get a team that will meet with the challenge we are facing today.

– Jonathan

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HE President told Nigerians last night to remain calm in the face of the country’s security challenges.

Dr Goodluck Jonathan assured all that the government is on top of the situation. Some arrests have been made and suspects will soon be prosecuted, he told a Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) team, led by its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Some countries facing similar attacks have offered help to Nigerians, the President said.

Besides, he spoke of plans to restructure and re-adjust the security system to produce a team that will meet the challenges. He gave no

The Christian community is fast losing confidence in government’s ability to protect our rights ... Christian community nationwide would be left with no other option than to respond appropriately, if there are any further attacks on our members – Oritsejafor From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

details.

To the Christian leaders, the attacks on churches, including the Christmas Day bombings in Madalla, Niger State, Jos, Damaturu and Maiduguri is a declaration of war on Christians. The death toll in the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, near Abuja incident has been put at 34. A suicide bomber drove into worshippers as they filed out after the early morning Mass, setting off explosives.

Pastor Oritsejafor, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja meeting last night, blamed the attacks on Islamic, religious and traditional rulers, who, he said, are not publicly Continued on page 2

•YET

ANO THER TRA GED Y: Relatives of the slain family mourning their losses ... yesterday ANOTHER TRAGED GEDY

PHOTO: MARIE-THERESE PETER

Family of three killed in Plateau night attack

STORY ON PAGE 56

Mum relives murder of son, wife and daughter

•SPORT P23 •EDUCATION P25 •N/HEALTH P43 •E-BUSINESS P47 •POLITICS P51

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

NEWS Continued from page 1

Christians to Jonathan: no confidence Continued from page 1

condemning the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram (Western education is a sin).

The CAN president, who stressed that Christians have lost confidence in the government’s ability to protect Christians, however, assured President Jonathan of CAN’s continuous prayers and support for his administration.

CAN’s prepared text reads: “After consultation with Christian community which constitutes the majority of the Nigerian population, I have been mandated to convey that ‘The Christian community in Nigeria is deeply sorrowed over the deteriorating state of insecurity in the country and apparent inability of the government to protect and guarantee lives, churches and properties of our members. Our hearts especially go out to the bereaved families of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing at Madalla, Jos, Damaturu and Maiduguri where over 50 Christian faithful have been reported killed through the most recent attacks.

“The concern of the Christian community is further heightened by the admittance by government itself that it has knowledge of the perpetrators of these crimes. Unfortunately, there are no convincing high profile arrests to assuage public anxiety over this matter.

“Having reviewed the pattern trend and frequency with which these terror crimes occur, it fits into the profile of Islamic Jihad over the years on the Christian community, which are properly contextualised. It is considered as a declaration of war on Christians and Nigeria as an entity.

“The Christian community has found the responses of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other Islamic bodies on this matter to be unacceptable and an abdication of their responsibilities over their extremist members. It is on record that most religious, traditional and political leaders in the North have not come out openly to condemn the extremist activities of Boko Haram. We hold them responsible for what is happening, because they have not taken concrete steps to check the excesses of their members.

“The Christian community is fast losing confidence in government’s ability to protect our rights to religious liberties and life. The consensus is that the Christian community nationwide would be left with no other option than to respond appropriately if there are any further attacks on our members, churches and properties.

“We wish to reassure Mr. President of our continued support and prayers for the success of his government.

Thank you, God bless you and bless Nigerians.”

President Jonathan replied: “Let me express my personal condolences and that of my family and indeed that of the government and people of this country to CAN for the Christmas incidents at the

•President Jonathan listening to Pastor Oritsejafor ... last night PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Eight kids injured in Delta bomb blast From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

E

IGHT children have been hospitalised, following a bomb blast on Tuesday night at an Arabic School on Hausa Road off Urhobo Road, Sapele, Delta State.

The children were said to be receiving lessons in the school when a locally made bomb was thrown from a moving car with two passengers.

Three of them were said to have been taken to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

The rest are being treated at the Central Hospital, Sapele.

Sources said the incident may not be unconnected with the worshiping tussle, which led to the bombing of the Sapele Mosque few weeks ago.

It was gathered that four persons have been arrested in connection with the December 10 bombing.

The Chief lmam of Sapele Central Mosque, Muhammed Usman, called on the government to strengthen security around the Muslim community in Sapele.

The Head of the State Security Service (SSS) in Sapele, M. Kazim, said the Tuesday bomb blast was caused by dynamites.

But the Divisional Police Officer declined comments.

He said necessary information has been passed to the police spokesman.

Police spokesman Charles Muka confirmed the incident but said he has not received any information on the four suspects arrested.

He said: “Some men driving in a Camry car threw a low capacity explosive into a building where an Arabic class was taking place.

"Children aged between four and nine were taking a lesson.

“Eight children were injured.”

He said police suspected a local vigilance group.

Madallah Church and those of Yobe and Jos and, of course, to the families that lost their loved ones in the ugly incidents.

“I have listened attentively to the statement of CAN, but let me again reassure CAN and indeed Nigerians that any terror attack on any individual or structure in this country is an attack on all of us because terrorists don’t have boundary. That is why some of them can even go to the extreme of suicide bombing. You see somebody throw an explosive into the market, he does not even care whether his father or mother is there.”

He described terrorism as ugly, adding: “That is why some people described it as attack of the evil ones on a decent society. Yes, one will expect government to do more and government will surely do more. One thing I normally mention is that yes, we have been coping with criminals in this country. The most ferocious are the armed robbers. We never experienced armed robbery before the civil war. It was after the civil war Nigeria started experiencing armed robbery. Since then, government has been battling armed robbery. But then, this terror attack is new to us, but I can assure you that we are doing our best to make sure that we get over it.

Other countries that have experienced it are also helping us. Both African and non-African countries that have suffered attacks are assisting. I encourage Nigerians to work

with government because when we work together collectively, we will get over it.

“The terrorists are human beings; they are not spirits; they live with us, they dine with us. We know them; people know them. As long as Nigerians are committed to exposing them, we will get over this ugly situation.

“At the security level, we are doing our best; we will restructure; we will re-adjust and make sure we get a team that will meet with the challenge we are facing today.

“When in December, 2009 a Nigerian was caught on a flight to US, we were all surprised and embarrassed. We thought such people were not living with us that probably he was contaminated outside.

Now we have come to meet the reality that we have terrorists and even suicide bombers among us. We must fish them out; we only ask for the cooperation of all Nigerians.

“And I will plead with religious leaders, both Muslims and Christian leaders, to work together because terrorism is like a cancer to the body; it starts from somewhere and spreads to all the organs of the body. It is like a flood and a big storm, it starts from somewhere and before you know, it goes to places you never expected. So, if anybody is dancing round and thinking that it is not his turn today, it will be worse off. So, the best thing is for all religious leaders, opinion and traditional leaders not to politicise the situation.”

tel; African Petroleum; UNIPETROL (Now Oando); Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company; among others.

Some of the non-performing firms are Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria; Jos Steel Rolling Mills, Delta Steel Company Limited, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria; Daily Times; NICON Insurance; Sunti Sugar Company; Electric Metre Company of Nigeria; Tafawa Balewa Sqaure; Lagos International Trade Fair Complex; among others.

A source said: “The conclusion of the Senate that 80 per cent of the companies are nonperforming is completely at variance with the status report with the government.

“The President has also got a Status Report indicating that the privatised firms are operating at 66 per cent.

“The onus lies with the

81 privatised firms doing well, says report President to be dispassionate in considering the Senate Report and the real Status Report which is based on technical evaluation. This Status Report was also made available to the Senate Ad hoc Committee.

“I can tell you that the government is studying the two reports and the President will also take a decision in the best interest of the country.

One of the documents also gave details on the proceeds realised from the sale of the 122 companies.

It reads in part: “The gross proceeds from the direct sale of public enterprises between 1999 to date are N249, 497,188,000. Of the said sum, N103, 844,517,000 was used to settle staff salaries and terminal benefits of the workers of the privatised firms. The other

transaction expenses cost N23,988,232,000.

“Also, the net proceed, during the period under review, is N121, 664,439, 000. When dividend revenue is added to the net proceeds, the amount remitted to the Federation Account is N146, 182,300,000.

“These data are among the myriad documents submitted by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) at the public hearing by the Senate into the activities of BPE between 1999 and this year.

“The activities of the BPE are governed by the Constitution and its enabling legislation — the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act of 1999. In undertaking its mandate, the BPE has been faithful to the tenets of these laws.

Continued on page 9

I am alive, says man reported killed at Lekki toll gate protest

By Jude Isiguzo

On the allegation that his wife came on a radio station to confirm his death, he said: ‘The whole thing was a shock to me. I have no wife and have never been married before; so I do not know who spoke on radio.’

E

LEVEN days after he was reportedly killed during a protest against toll collection on the 49kilometre Lekki-Epe Expressway, Mr. Femi Ogunsanya yesterday said it was all a ruse.

Ogunsanya, 39, was reported to have been killed by thugs allegedly hired by the Lagos State government to stop the protest. The government denied this and persuaded the police to release those arrested.

But Ogunsanya said yesterday he is not only alive, but hale and hearty. He spoke at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

According to him, the controversy thrown up by his alleged death informed the clarification Ogunsanya , an employee of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc, said though he was beaten and injured by the police, he was not shot.

On the allegation that his wife came on a radio station to confirm his death, he said: “The whole thing was a shock to me. I have no wife and have never been married before; so, I do not know who spoke on radio.”

Narrating how he was caught in the crisis, Ogunsanya, who incidentally wore the same shirt he was wearing on the day he was reported dead, said: “I was just coming to work that day and I could not get a direct bus to Ajah. So, I decided to break my journey. When I got to Lekki, I saw the chairman of the residents association and as I was exchanging greetings with him, I heard gunshots and decided to run for my dear life.

“But before I could run, some policemen and hoodlums held me and started beating me. That was the last I could remember because I passed out immediately. I was later rushed to the Accident and Emergency hospital at the toll gate. I was treated and I survived. I was not part of the protesters. I was on my way to work. I am the person in

•Ogunsanya ...yesterday

the photograph that was published in a newspaper, but you can see that I am not dead. I was shocked when I saw it.”

Speaking to The Nation, Lagos Police Command spokesman Samuel Jinadu said Ogunsanya spoke to prove to the public that nobody was killed in the

protest.

Jinadu said: “The man who was allegedly killed is the person standing beside me. He is alive and healthy.

You can see his legs; he was not shot in the leg or any other part of his body. The command was embarrassed by the report and that is why we brought him here for you to see.”

He said 18 persons were arrested during the protest for unlawful assembly since no permission was granted for the march by the Police.

The spokesman explained that Ogunsanya was one of those released with other suspects following Governor Babatunde Fashola’s plea.

Jinadu said:“We want to state categorically that although there was little fracas at the place, nobody was killed.”

CORRECTIONS •The headline in yesterday’s story titled: “Tinubu urged to convey stakeholders’ meeting for President” should have read: “Tinubu urged to convene stakeholders’ meeting for President” •The headline of the story in the yesterday’s Midweek Magazine section with the headline “Eko Hotel too elicit for photo festival” should have been “Eko Hotel too elitist for photo festival”

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

Why bombings will continue, by Okogie A

RCHBISHOP of Lagos Anthony Cardinal Okogie has said bombings in Nigeria would continue because of the country porous security network.

Okogie spoke with reporters in Awka, Anambra State on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the Saint Peters Catholic Church at Nkwelle Awka, built by the traditional Prime Minister of Awka kingdom, Ozo Austin Ndigwe.

He said: “When Musa Yar’Adua was alive, he came with Point Agenda and people said no it was too much. This man, Jonathan has he even mentioned any agenda”.

“Now, if you were to be a wise

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

man, you will take the agenda, look at it and pick one or two or three and try to fulfil it but nothing, what are we are hearing are lies, lies, lies and lies. To me, it is useless.

“Again, on the Boko haram issue, if you look at how Nigeria is handling this thing, they seem to be handling it with kid gloves. It is not the thing you handle anyhow, our Heavenly father is on the side of the poor.

“A good number of times, he has shown us the people doing this thing, our government, those in power they know these are the people but what have they done, nothing.

“A senator was caught and you journalists brought it out, another minister was equally mentioned as those financing Boko Haram, what did they do to them. They went and granted them bail but look at that Nigerian boy Mutallab, he is still under lock and key with the Americans.

“He has not been released. What they are doing is to extract knowledge from him to know those behind the bombing; now how can you release a criminal because he is a rich man. If they were to be poor men, they would say hold him. Is that the kind of country you will love to have.”

96 victims affected by Madalla blast, says Fed. Govt

T

HE Federal Government yesterday said 96 victims were affected by the Chrsitmas day bomb blast at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Suleja, Niger State.

Addressing reporters at the end of visits to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, National Hospital and State House Clinic Abuja , the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu said of the 96, 34 have been confirmed dead.

Speaking at the State House Clinic, yesterday, he said: “The figures we have at the Federal Ministry of Health are the figures that have been gathered by the Rapid Medical Emergency Response team of the Federal Ministry of Health. So far, we have been able to identify 96 victims of that blast out of which 34 have been confirmed dead.”

“This hospital initially took four patients. One has left the hospital with minor injury and another one was transferred to the National

• Death toll now 34 From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Hospital and remaining two have fracture and today they are looking better. Only two patients are remaining at the Suleja General Hospital. The Federal Government is going to take care of their bills.”

After going round the wards at the National Hospital, he said: “We are at the National Hospital and initially they brought in 29 victims.

But when some other smaller hospitals started transferring, they got altogether 37 patients from the incident. Out of the 37 patients, 24 have now been discharged to be coming from home to the hospital as outpatients while 13 are presently on admission.”

“I have seen almost all the patients apart from those who have gone to the radiological department.

They are undergoing further examinations there. I have seen those on their beds, some of them with head injuries. I have discussed with the management on plans for their

further treatments and I am impressed with the plan they have.

Many of them are doing well and they are even getting better. We have 23 bodies in the mortuary at the National Hospital. 21 of them are complete while the remaining two are incomplete.”

At the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, the minister said: “The patients are doing well. One was brought in here dead. For the rest of the patients, they have lost one who had a major head injury. The skull was broken and the brain was gushing out. They took the patient to the theatre but unfortunately that patient didn’t survive.

“But we now have 13 surviving patients. We have gone round and they are doing well, even the ones with almost 50 percent burns are doing quite well, I am impressed.

By next year, we will complete the traumatic centre under construction and equip it,” he said.

Way out of bombings, by Akeredolu, activists, others

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ORMER Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Yusuf Ali and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday proffered solution to the rising state of bombings.

Akeredolu said it can be solved through state police, and the use of what he called Homeland Security Agency, comprising major security agencies.

Ali said security agencies need to invest in the confidence of Nigerians to give them information and not fear being betrayed, arrested, or detained.

SERAP said the government needs to do more in ensuring that perpetrators are punished.

Ali said, even though the Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the bombings, it would be naïve to think that it is the only group responsible.

He said a situation where whistleblowers are arrested, detained or forced to disclose the source of their information does not inspire confidence in people with information to pass it to the police. He said it requires community effort to ensure security.

Akeredolu said: “The government is clueless on how to find abiding

By Joseph Jibueze

solutions to the myriad of challenges, in particular grave security challenges, facing the people of this country.

“The last series of attacks perpetrated against innocent worshippers on Christmas morning must compel deep introspection on the state of our security. Even the most incurable optimist is now forced to accept what has always been my position “After the gruesome murder of scores of Christian worshippers in the cowardly attack, government officials have been regaling us, once again, with a litany of deceitful and empty assurances to the effect that Nigerians should go about their businesses while they await yet another event of horrendous proportion. This is the time that all patriotic Nigerians must insist on some urgent security measures.

“The government must be made to inaugurate a Homeland Security Agency, comprising all established security outfits as a matter of urgency. In addition to this, the issue of community policing must be given a serious consideration. It is time the National Assembly passed a bill on the creation of State Police for effective and efficient security.

“Anyone who still wallows in self-

‘Sentence bombers to death’

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HE Organisation of Responsible Men and Women for Peace in Nigeria (ORMAWPIN) yesterday said the death sentence should be applied to anyone convicted of terrorism.

It said nothing less than “instant death” with no option of fines or prison sentence would deter bombings and destruction of life and property by any individual or group.

The group, in a statement by its President, Samson Akinmuda, urged the government “strengthen the Constitution” by applying the death sentence to terrorism.

It condemned the recent bombings, saying: “Most religions are propagators of peaceful co-existence. What God are the suicide bombers serving – a living and loving God, or destructive gods?” delusion that once a stupendous chunk of the expected revenue from the sale of the national resource, a consuming pastime of the profligate, is appropriated for security, everything will be solved is mistaken. Now is the time to wean such political office holders of destructive mediocrity,” Akeredolu said.

SERAP, in a statement by its Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said government’s failure to exercise due diligence to prevent the continuing violence and unnecessary loss of lives constitutes a serious breach of its international obligations to ensure protection of the citizens’ right to life.

It said: “In failing to provide adequate security for the citizens and to prevent, investigate and punish

perpetrators of these attacks, the Nigerian authorities are failing in their duty under the Constitution and international human rights law and standards to exercise due diligence to respect, protect, and fulfil the victims’ right to life and security of person.

“We are seriously concerned that tens of thousands have been killed in continuing ethno-religious violence in Jos, Madalla, and other parts of the country, and property destroyed.

“The government is required under human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which it is a state party, to keep its citizens safe, ranging from the threat of communal violence to

•Akeredolu

sectarian violence.”

“It is the duty of the government to protect human life against unwarranted actions by public authorities as well as by private persons. The right to security includes how the government protects the physical integrity of its citizens from abuse by other citizens.”

“We are concerned that the constant and widespread killings and lack of security in the country constitute a gross violation of human rights, and may amount to crimes against humanity.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBING

S

XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

policemen also cry

• Members of the League of Imams who brought provisions for the survivors at the National Hospital, Abuja; left, Chukwu with a survivor of the blast...yesterday; top, reporters speaking with a survivors; and top left, members of the League of Imams with a survivor.

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Four days after, Madalla’s fleeing residents yet to return

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OUR days after the Christmas day bomb blast at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Madalla, Niger State, residents are yet to return.

Most houses and shops around the church were still deserted yesterday.

The Nation gathered that many residents moved out their homes to safety in neighbouring towns of Suleja, Zuba and Abuja.

It was also learnt that military presence and the cordoning off of

From Jide Orintunsin Minna

the area by security operatives may have further informed the decision to stay away.

Some of the residents attributed their action to the structural defect inflicted on their buildings by the impact of the blast. ‘’Though the military presence has greatly restricted movement in this area, I had to move out my family because my house is structurally de-

fective. It will be risky to put my family in this house that can colapse anytime. The blast has weakened my house,’’ Mr. Ifeanyin Chukwuma said.

Another resident, Mrs. Chinyere Iheme, said she relocated her family because of the destruction of the family house. ‘’My husband is not around. I have moved my children away since Sunday and I don’t intend to come back because no room in this house was

spared from the impact of the bomb,’’ Iheme said.

The few male residents found in their houses said they have relocated with their families but were still hanging around to protect their property from being looted. ‘’The few of us you see around have to stay to watch over our property and protect all we have laboured for from being stolen,’’ Ike Njoku said.

Attacks designed to ignite religious war, says Islamic groups MURIC, he said, is shocked and HREE Islamic organisations, petrified by this development.

Muslim Rights Concern Amaechi urges calm National Amir (President), The (MURIC), The Companion

T

and Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), yesterday said the bombings were designed to ignate religions war.

MURIC Director Dr Is-haq Akintola urged Christians and Muslims to continue to forge greater unity for the progress of the country.

Akintola said: “We must not succumb to the pressure of advocatus diaboli in our midst. We urge the leaders of the two main religions in the country to publicly address their supporters and organise joint rallies and programmes.

Religious organisations should sensitise their

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has called on Christians not to panic, but to be calm in prayers.

Amaechi spoke yesterday at the centenary celebration of St. Stephen's (Ang) Church, Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Nabbs Imegwe, urged Christians to learn not to avenge for themselves, because vengeance belongs to God. Amaechi said Christians would overcome the spate of unwholesome acts by the Boko Haram sect just as Jesus Christ conquered the devil over 2000 years ago.

R

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

members on the need for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence via public lectures, seminars and symposia. We warn Muslim youths

against joining the rampaging sect.

Security agents must take urgent proactive steps to protect minority religious and ethnic groups in various parts of the country against reprisal attacks.”

Companion, a group of Muslim men in business and professionals, Alhaji Ahmed ‘Tunde Popoola, described the massacre of innocent Nigerians as criminal, wicked and totally unacceptable to Islamic injunctions.

The indiscriminate and reckless bombing of innocent Nigerians, who were peacefully engaged in acts of worship, MPAC Director of Media and Communications, Disu Kamor said, has unmasked the criminal nature and motive of the evil perpetrators.

Kamor said: “We add our voices to those around the world who, horrified by yet another attack, continue to search for answers.”

Legislators urge dialogue

By Emmanuel Oladesu

H

OUSE of Representatives’ members Dr Samuel Adejare (Agege Constituency) and Moruf Akinderu-Fatai (Oshodi/ Isolo) yesterday urged bombers to embrace dialogue, instead of wrecking havoc on innocent Nigerians.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) legislators , who spoke in Lagos, condemned the inhuman act, which transformed the joy of the season into sorrow in the affected families, advising the bombers to allow peace to reign. They warned that insecurity may create doubt in the mind of Nigerians about the competence of government.

Adejare, said: “The bombing of a church during Christmas is offensive, provocative and has the potentials of unleashing religious violence in the absence of religious understanding and decorum, especially in a heterogeneous and multi-religious country. The bombers violated the worshippers’ freedom of religion and assembly and we should all frown at it”.

Decrying the growing insecurity in the country, he added: “It is becoming clear that the President is helpless. The inability of the Federal Government to nip this dastardly act in the bud has created a hollow in the record of the President. People live daily in fear and this is inimical to the atmosphere of harmony and tranquility germane to productive activities and inflow of investment”.

Adejare said: “At no time is the need for the convocation of a national conference more crucial to discuss the basis for peaceful co-existence among the ethnic nationalities. I urge those responsible to accord value to the sacredness of human life because only God can make it. I also call on the security agents to apprehend those responsible and bring them to book”.

Akinderu-Fatai said: “Nigeria is going through a trying period which requires great leadership. I urge the President to move swiftly and rise up to the occasion. Safety and security cannot be compromised as essential needs. I urge the security agencies to apprehend the culprits and restore sanity into the state of pandemonium”.

‘Nigeria must be restructured now’ From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

SENATOR Magnus Abe has said the only way to tackle the Boko Haram menace is to urgently restructure the country.

He spoke on Tuesday at an interactive session with youths.

“Nigeria faces great challenges today. No one person has the magic wand to solve the nation’s problems.

President Jonathan is not the cause of the problems, which he inherited.

The problems have been in the country for many years.

“Defective federation is Nigeria’s problem. Some people and states are benefiting from the nation, without contributing anything. We need to restructure Nigeria. If we do not, the consequences will be horrendous.

“I am a member of the security committee of the Senate and opportune to be briefed by security agencies. Some of the security challenges built up over time, sustained by different interests and vary from regions, while the solutions are different.

“We have the Boko Haram challenge because the nation cannot manage the people, who have nothing to do. Emphasis must be placed on justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria, with tribalism and religious bigotry avoided. If you do not tackle security, every other thing becomes a waste.”

S

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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NEWS SUPREME COURT VERDICT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Aliyu hails President NIGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu has hailed the Supreme Court for upholding the election of President Goodluck Jonathan as the duly elected President.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo Aliyu said the judgment of the Supreme Court confirmed the widelyheld belief that the judgment of the Appeal Court was sound and beyond reproach. ‘’I commend the Supreme Court for vindicating us that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the last presidential election fair and square. I say for the umpteenth time that democracy will only be strengthened when justice is not only done but is seen to have been done,” the Governor said.

Aliyu thanked all PDP supporters nationwide for their continued belief in the party and its leadership, urging them to continue to keep faith with the system so as to deepen the nation’s democracy.

He assured them that the current administration is committed to the enthronement of genuine democracy and good governance.

‘Buhari should work with President’

By Wale Ajetunmobi

THE Movement for Democratic Sustainability (MDS) and the Media for Ethnic Equality (MEE) have urged the presidential candidate of the Congress of Progressive (CPC) , Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to work with President Goodluck Jonathan to build a peaceful, stable and economically strong Nigeria.

The groups, in statements, said yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling means it is time Buhari supported Jonathan.

MDS said: “This verdict is in tandem with the reports of local and international observers, which proclaimed the April 16 polls transparent, free and fair.

The ruling also aligned with the wishes of the Nigerian people who threw aside ethnic, religious and sectional biases to vote massively for Goodluck Jonathan.

“We will like to use this opportunity to appeal to Gen. Muhammmad Buhari that politicking is now over. General Buhari, as a statesman, should now join hands with President Jonathan to build a peaceful, stable and economically strong Nigeria.”

MEE, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Iyiola Johnson, said it was disappointed that Gen. Buhari’s reaction to the judgment was a continuation of CPC’s assault on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Judiciary and other agencies of state rather than “opening a window of reconciliation and healing of our nation.”

Johnson said: “We urge Gen. Buhari to put the April 16, 2011 election behind him and work with the current government to ensure that a breakdown of law and order he predicted never happen.”

MEE advised Jonathan to dialogue with “aggrieved sections of the country so as to restore all fabric of our common brotherhood.”

Sylva: Supreme Court verdict is victory for Nigerians BAYELSA State Governor Timipre Sylva has described the Supreme Court judgment upholding the election of President Goodluck Jonathan as sweet victory for the people of Nigeria.

Sylva, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Doifie Ola, said: “The verdict has finally put to rest any challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan’s election. It is sweet victory for the Nigerian people who turned out en mass on April 16 breaking all known barriers and prejudice to vote President Jonathan. “ I say big congratulations to Mr President. I also warmly congratulate the Judiciary and most importantly the Nigerian people who are the real architects of this victory.”

•Buhari...yesterday. With him are CPC National Chairman Tony Momoh and other party chieftains

Buhari to Jonathan: you are ruling Nigeria with sweet words F ORMER Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court verdict that gave victory to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesman Mr. Yinka Odumakin said it is painful to concede victory to the President.

“As in 2003 and 2007, the Supreme Court this morning rejected CPC’s appeal against the Lower Court verdict that the rigged Presidential election of 16th, April 2011 was properly conducted. All who witnessed the conduct of the 2011 elections would know that this decision of the Supreme Court is politically-motivated and has little judicial content. This Supreme Court has proved no better than the Supreme Courts of 2003 and 2007.

For the records, let me refresh the public memory about what happened in the litigations after the 2003 and 2007 rigged elections. In 2003, we presented a cast iron case before the Court of Appeal citing several major infringements of the Electoral Act 2002. In particular, we subpoenaed INEC to furnish the Court with proof of the “result” they declared. They did not, because they could not. The Court still declared the result as valid. Worse still, the Supreme Court upheld this dubious ruling of a dubious election.

“In 2007 I and my Party the ANPP produced copious proof that the presidential election was rigged in the most blatant fashion. For one, ballot papers were distributed to polling stations on blank sheets of paper, making it impossible to carry out an audit trail. Secondly, during the process of tallying the result, the egregious Professor Maurice Iwu, then Chairman of INEC, excused himself from the collation venue (after only 11 states and Abuja of the 36 states were tabulated) and

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

announced the “result”. At the time he made this announcement, voting materials had not even fully arrived in some states. Only in Nigeria and only under a government like PDP’s would these criminalities pass the sanction of the Judiciary. Yet on appeal, the Justice Idris Kutigi Supreme Court after a long adjournment, declared the election valid, with three justices dissenting.

In both elections, local and international observers condemned the elections in no uncertain terms.

“What happened in this year’s 2011 elections eclipsed all the other elections in the depth and scope of forgery and rigging. Initially there were high hopes that after 2003 and 2007 a semblance of electoral propriety would be witnessed. The new chairman of INEC, Professor Jega, was touted as competent and a man of integrity. He has proved neither. After asking for -and getting – close on N100 billion for the election including biometric data with all ten finger prints to conduct a thorough electoral exercise, he botched it. When our Party, the CPC, demanded forensic material, finger printed ballot papers to prove colossal and widespread multiple voting throughout the country rendering the election invalid in at least 25 out of the 36 states of the federation, INEC refused to provide them in Court, citing national security. A laughable excuse if ever there was one. The national and international monitors having seen their work wasted and ignored this time took the line of least resistance and declared the elections as o.k.

Who can blame them? Yet the Justices of the Supreme Court have now seen nothing wrong in this.

“To nobody’s surprise therefore, that spontaneous violence broke out in parts of the country after the announcement of the “result”. The Lemu Panel has come up with

detailed causes of the riots and given lie to those who wanted to label the riots as my handiwork. The facts are that people were deeply angered and deeply provoked at the wanton conduct of the elections: the snatching and stuffing of ballot boxes, violence unleashed on opposition supporters, use of the police and elements of the army to intimidate, injure and kill opposition supporters and flagrant change of results, after collation such as in Niger, Bauchi and Kaduna states. Moreover the declaration of 86% - 90% of votes registered and cast in most parts of the Southeast and Southsouth states was highly implausible given the general turnout of 50% - 60% in the rest of the country. No election is credible where 100% of votes cast were for one candidate in many constituencies and 90% in some states. This is plain fraud. No election can be validated if 100% of those registered all cast their votes in favour of the same candidate. It is for these reasons INEC refused to release the biometric data. The Supreme Court has turned a blind eye and deaf ear to these gross irregularities. That is the theme running through all three elections since 2003.”

The statement which reviewed the state of the nation says: “The country now is in an emergency situation. Law and order can break down at any time. Those in charge of the country should be warned that promises and sweet words are no substitute for practical action. To avert the looming chaos in the New Year, immediate steps should be taken to drastically reduce the cost of governance in the three tiers of government. Salaries and especially allowances, should be drastically reduced; security votes should be abolished – not increased as the 2012 Budget has done. Votes for the Armed forces, Police and Security

Services should be transparent and accountable; foreign travel and estacodes should be stopped for at least six months other than for the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and medical emergencies.

“Government House expenses in all the states should be drastically reduced, foreign travel suspended for a while. The National Assembly should give a lead in reducing their allowances substantially and stopping their foreign travels. These savings should be applied to education, infrastructure and agriculture with emphasis on youth employment through meaningful and practical emergency programmes. The public will see through any cosmetic or token gestures and will not tolerate a continuation of status quo.

Corruption and plunder are the root causes of unemployment, insecurity, violence and unrest.

“If all hands are on deck to help save our country from imminent collapse, we should stabilise. When that happens, Nigeria should take a close look at the country’s structure in a calm and unemotional atmosphere. Hopefully, we may come to a better form of government to see Nigeria through the next 50 years.”

Nigeria, according to Buhari, now has to live with the consequences of the actions of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police and security services over the last 10 years adding that: “A country on the brink of developing into the major continental Power in 1999 is now a fractured society.

Corruption everywhere, violence everywhere, a sense of helplessness and hopelessness nearly everywhere. While the country is sliding into this chaotic state, PDP governments at the centre and in the states are engaged in massive and mindless plunder of the country’s resources in total disregard of the suffering masses.

Tambuwal, Wike: Jonathan’s victory well deserved

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PEAKER of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal and the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, yesterday said President Goodluk Jonathan’s victory at the Supreme Court was well deserved, saying it was a confirmation of his mandate.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Imam Imam, Tambuwal urged members of the opposition, especially the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), to join hands with the present admin-

istration to provide the leadership needed for the development of the country.

“Now that the matter has been decided by the Supreme Court, all Nigerians must put aside partisanship and rally round the President in his quest to move the country to the next level,” the Speaker said.

According to him, the opposition parties should see the judgment as victory for democracy, adding that what is paramount now is for all Nigerians to respect the wish of God by

making Jonathan the President at this point in the history of the country.

Wike said Nigerians whole-heartedly voted President Jonathan because of the programmes he laid before them during the campaigns.

The minister, in a statement by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said: “The Supreme Court’s judgment is a confirmation of the will of the Nigerian people who trooped out in millions to vote President Jonathan”.

Wike, who served as one of the national coordinators of the Jonathan

Campaign Organisation, said: “As an active participant during the election, I attest to the veracity of the Supreme Court judgment, which confirms the Appeal Court judgment. The results that were declared by INEC represented the wishes of Nigerians. All political interest groups should line up behind the President to deliver on transformation.”

Wike added: “The courts have continued to work towards sustaining the democracy through erudite interpretation of issues from different elections.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

8

NEWS Tinubu, Fashola hailed over ongoing projects

By Riskat Ramoni

A GROUP, Eko Foundation, has praised Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola for the developmental projects going on in the state.

In a communiqué by its President and Secretary, Hakeem Danmola and Tunde Ajiga, the group noted that Lagos has witnessed unparalleled development since the governor assumed office.

It hailed Fashola for appointing Lagos indigenes into positions at different levels of government.

The foundation described as unnecessary the recent trial of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu by the Code of Conduct Bureau, saying: “The entire people of Southwest have been yearning for a worthy successor to Pa Obafemi Awolowo, which they have found in Asiwaju Tinubu.”

Wishing Lagosians compliments of the season, the group hailed Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her philanthropy to Lagos residents and humanity in general.

It described the recent Town Hall meeting by the senator as a good gesture.

OPC warns Jonathan against fuel subsidy removal

By Oluwakemi Dauda

THE founder and President of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, has warned President Goodluck Jonathan not to implement the proposed removal of oil subsidy to avoid unprecedented national crisis.

The OPC leader said the planned fuel subsidy removal would cause more economic pains and hardship to many Nigerians.

He urged members of the National Assembly not to approve the plan, if they are genuine representatives of the people.

Fasehun wondered why an oil-producing country, such as Nigeria, should be import-dependent.

He blamed those in power for not putting the interest of the nation at heart.

Addressing reporters yesterday at his Century Hotel, Okota, Lagos, Fasehun condemned the killing of some Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect on Christmas Day. He appealed to the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The OPC founder decried the Transformation Agenda of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, saying high-level insecurity and the proposed removal of fuel subsidy would spell doom for the country.

Dr Jonathan, he warned, should not remove the subsidy now that many Nigerians have almost lost confidence in his administration’s ability to protect their life and property.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (sixth left) with the Chairman, Reconstituted Lagos State Security Committee, DIG Olusegun Kassim (rtd.) (fifth left); Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (third left); Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe (fifth right); Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Brig.-Gen. Sanusi Nasiru Muazu (sixth right); Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Tunde Sobulo (fourth left); Commanding Officer, NNS Beecroft Naval Base, Apapa, Lagos, Commodore Jonathan Ango (fourth right); and other members of the security committee at the presentation of a report on the activities of commercial motorcyclists at the State House, Ikeja...yesterday.

Fed Govt to privatise NNPC, says Baraje

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HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the Goodluck Jonathan administration would privatise the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to stop fuel importation.

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, addressed reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He explained PDP’s support for the proposed oil subsidy removal.

According to him, privatising petroleum products “will put a stop to the notorious and hydra-headed importation of fuel”.

Baraje added: “Once that is stopped, the landing cost will be brought to the barest minimum. Availability of fuel will now be as a result of how much you are able to purchase from the source.

“We have sat down with experts and they have convinced us with practical indices that we might be able to sustain the retention of

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

fuel subsidy between now and the next two years. But, thereafter, we will not be able to sustain it.

“They said the country will be in perpetual penury, indebtedness to other countries, coupled with the fact that as a mono-economy, we have been depending solely on oil; that our oil in the next 20 to 25 years will dry up.

“With that, there is need for us to protect what we have now, to ensure that the huge amount of money, which we are even borrowing to subsidise, stops.

Whatever we have now as the gain from subsidy will now be directed towards special areas in developing our society.

“A committee has been set up on this. The party’s membership is headed by the Vice-President. The committee will chart the way forward on the application of the funds that will accrue from the subsidy.

“I am not aware that they

(parties) have backed out. I was at a meeting where the political parties met and the big wigs of all the political parties were there - the chairmen, secretaries and some other officials particularly the political parties that have governors.

“We met and we all agreed that the fuel subsidy removal is a very desirable exercise with some proviso. We agreed that the NNPC should be privatised. Once this is done, we believe all other things will fall in line.”

The PDP acting chair noted that “three refineries will be established in Kogi, Rivers and the Northeast to support the existing ones”.

Baraje added: “The existing ones have defied refurbishment. Huge sums have been expended by successive governments on their reactivation but they did not come alive. The Federal Government has got in touch with those who built the refineries and entered into a contract with them.

They have given us 18

months to put them in 100per cent shape.”

He described the Boko Haram sect, which claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day bombings in parts of the country, as terrorists.

According to him, the sect is not acting on behalf of any religion.

Baraje said: “It is our belief that these people, whatever name they call themselves, are not acting on behalf of any religious sect.

Security has been a major challenge, not only to the government but also to the PDP. “It is unfortunate that the bombings of Christmas Day elicited great outpouring of emotions from all of us. Christmas Day is a day of celebration, a day of joy and a very remarkable day in the life of all of us, not only Christians. For anybody, whatever religion he claims to belong to, to have used that day to carry out this dastardly act is reprehensible.

“The PDP has condemned the act in clear terms. That is why we call on all Nige-

‘Govt’s failure to prevent violence breaches human rights’ A

RIGHTS group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has criticised “the failure of the government to exercise due diligence to prevent the continuing violence and unnecessary loss of lives”.

It argued that the failure constitutes a breach of the government’s international obligations “to protect and ensure protection of the citizens’ right to life and the security of human person”.

In a statement by its Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the group said: “We are seriously concerned that tens of thousands have been killed in continuing ethnoreligious violence in Jos, Madalla, and other parts of the country, and property destroyed.

“The Nigerian government is required, under human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a state party, to keep its citizens

‘It is the duty of the government to protect the human life against unwarranted actions by public authorities as well as by private persons.

The right to security includes how the government protects the physical integrity of its citizens from abuse by other citizens’

safe, ranging from the threat of communal violence to sectarian violence.

“It is the duty of the government to protect the human life against unwarranted actions by public authorities as well as by private persons. The right to security includes how the

government protects the physical integrity of its citizens from abuse by other citizens.

“We are concerned that the constant and widespread killings and lack of security in the country constitute a gross violation of human rights, and may amount to crimes against humanity.

“In failing to provide adequate security for the citizens and to prevent, investigate and punish perpetrators of these attacks, Nigerian authorities are failing in their duty under the Constitution and international human rights law and standards to exercise due diligence to respect, protect, and fulfil the victims’ right to life and security of person.

“We, therefore, urge President Goodluck Jonathan to demonstrate a greater level of leadership and authority to ensure that his government is able to discharge the basic

obligation to protect the right to life and security of the person and the right to property throughout the country.”

“President Jonathan must urgently put in place effective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace, stability and realisation of citizens’ sacred human rights. The right to life is the supreme right of the human being.

It is basic to all human rights and without it all other rights are without meaning.

“The government must also publicly investigate the violence and bring suspected perpetrators to justice, as well as provide adequate compensation to victims. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has held that states’ parties to the African Charter must guarantee the rights in the Charter and that the victims have a right to compensation even where it is established that the state officials are not directly responsible for violations.”

•Baraje

rians to support our security agencies by furnishing them with useful information so that their efforts to make life easy for us will be appreciated. I also believe that the efforts of government in that direction will not go in vain.”

NEMA urges Nigerians to avoid violence

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to avoid violence and acts that can cause insecurity.

It noted that such acts destroy normal lives as well as reverse the nation’s development.

The NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, spoke in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, at the distribution of relief materials to victims of the recent crisis in the state.

He urged Nigerians to embrace peace to enhance national development and avoid acts that negate the sacredness of the human life as commanded by Almighty God. Represented by the NEMA Assistant Zonal Coordinator, Northeast Zonal Office, Maiduguri, Mallam Ibrahim Farinloye, the NEMA Director-General noted that the trauma the residents of the areas were passing through was not in the interest of the Federal Government.

Sani Sidi appealed to Nigerians to unite for peace and security of families, saying: “If you do not join hands with the security agencies towards community policing, we will continue to witness pains and trauma that we are passing through now.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

NEWS Another Abuja UN office blast victim dies in South Africa •Death toll now 25 From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE United Nations (UN) yesterday announced the death of another victim of the August 26 bomb blast which wreaked havoc on its Abuja office.

According to a statement by the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, one of the victims that were evacuated to South Africa for treatment, Mr. Fred Willis, died last Friday.

His death, he said, has brought the toll from the blast to 25, comprising 13 UN officials and 12 non-UN staff.

He described the late Willis as a dedicated professional who, among other accomplishments, contributed immensely to building the capacity of staff and national institutions in vaccine security and logistics for humanity.

The statement reads: “The United Nations is deeply saddened by the death of one more person as a result of the attack on the UN House in Abuja on Friday, August 26, 2011.

Mr. Fred Willis, a staff of UNICEF, passed on in South Africa on Friday, 23rd December.

“Mr. Willis was one of the critically injured UN staff members on life support systems who were evacuated to South Africa on air ambulances in August. The devastating attack has taken the lives of our colleagues and partners and maimed many people all of whom were in the building in the pursuit of service to others.

“Their sacrifice will not be in vain; we will strive to pursue our work, the work for the people of Nigeria as prescribed in the UN Charter, which says ‘we the people.”

Babatope, Adeniran, Sarumi, six others in race for PDP secretary F ORMER Ministers Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Chief Dapo Sarumi and Chief Ebenezer Babatope are among the Southwest politicians jostling for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretary’s job.

Others are a former commissioner in Oyo State, Saka Balogun, former Education Minister, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Ekiti State PDP chairman, Mr. Bola Olu- Ojo, former Southwest secretary, Mr. Ropo Adesanya and Ijesa-born lawyer, Chief Tunde Odanye.

Also said to be jostling for the position of Vice Chairman, Southwest, are former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, his

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

Osun State counterpart, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Dr Olusegun Agagu.

Oyinlola, said a source, is not keen about the position.

However, the source said the odd may favour him, if he succumbs to the pressure to join the race.

A meeting of PDP leaders is expected to hold in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to deliberate on the two positions. “This is to ensure that we present a common front. There is need to speak with one voice. PDP is more united than before, follow-

ing the elections that led to the ouster of the party from power in this zone.

Reconciliation is also on across the states”.

Another source said the PDP elective office holders from the Southwest are also clamouring for roles in the choice of the occupants of the two positions. He added: There have been insinuations that our leadership in the Southwest is weak.

The chapters now want a more dynamic, strong leadership. It appears the Southwest PDP is disposed to zoning the position of the secretary to Ekiti State. So far, Lagos, represented by

Chief Bode George, Osun, represented by the late Chief Sunday Afolabi, and Oyo, led by Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, have occupied the position of zonal leaders.

Ogun, represented by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), is occupying the position of the Chairman of Board of Trustees. All these factors are being considered. We do not rule out the emergence of any dark horse too. This is politics”.

Past national secretaries of the party include Dr Okwesieleze Nwodo, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

‘President can’t convince House on fuel subsidy removal’ •ACN legislator marks birthday with orphans

H

OUSE of Representatives member Muniru Abiodun Hakeem (Osodi/Isolo) yesterday spoke on next year’s budget, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan has failed to convince lawmakers about the proposed systematic removal of fuel subsidy.

He reiterated the determination of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members in the National Assembly to support the clamour by Nigerians for the non-removal of the oil subsidy, stressing that the move by the Federal Government was in bad faith.

He said: “How can the President say that he wants to remove fuel subsidy? When it is removed, what will be the gains for the ordinary man when there is no road, healthcare and security? We ACN members will not compromise on the issue”.

Hakeem, who was at the SOS Village, Isolo, to celebrate his birthday with the children, said there is no justification for the proposed removal of the subsidy by a President who cannot fight the infrastructure battle and

‘How can the President say that he wants to remove fuel subsidy’

By Emmanuel Oladesu

ensure security of lives and property.

The legislator, who cut his birthday cake with the children donated food items and other consumables to the centre. Hakeem, who was accompanied by his wife, Olasumbo and Vice Chairman of Isolo council, Mr. Olusola Balogun, said children and youths are the focal point of the House’s legislative agenda, urging well-meaning Nigerians to assist the village. He was received by the Director, Mr. Binusa Ahmed, who lauded his kind gesture and enjoined other public spirited Nigerians to extend a duty of care to the children.

90,000 displaced in Damaturu

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EADLY clashes between Islamists and security forces last week displaced an estimated 90,000 people in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, an emergency official said yesterday.

“We have at the moment an estimated 90,000 displaced people from the Damaturu violence,” said Ibrahim Farinloye, Northeast coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency.

“Around 40,000 of this figure is from the Pompomari area, where the whole neighbourhood has been deserted. Some of the displaced have lost their homes, while others just fled for their security.”

Farinloye said: “We advised the displaced against moving into any temporary camp for security reasons, therefore most of them are sheltering in the homes of friends and relatives in the city and neighbouring villages.”

Heavy violence broke out in Damaturu last week. Suspected members of Islamist group Boko Haram carrying out attacks, which was followed by a heavy military crackdown. A rights group and police source said up to 100 people were feared dead.

Trucks and armoured vehicles carrying soldiers had arrived in the Pompomari neighbourhood and residents were given 30 minutes to leave. The neighbourhood was later cordoned off.

Further violence broke out in Damaturu on Christmas Day., when two explosions went off, including a suicide attack on a military convoy in front of a secret police building.

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (left) being confered with a chieftaincy title of ‘Iyierioba of Eziama Ntigha’ by His Royal Majesty Eze Joseph Nwabekee, Eze Amara 1 of Eziama Ntigha during the monarch’s 60th birthday and 12th years celebration on the throne in Eziama Ntigha

81 privatised firms doing well, says report Continued from page 2

“It must be noted that upon acceptance of the offer price by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), the core investor is expected to make graduated payment of the agreed sum while negotiations continue to finalise the Share Purchase Agreement.

“It is also apt to point out that payment of the offer price by the winning bidder is graduated and as a result, until full payment is made, the initial payments are lodged with commercial banks for transfer to the privatisation proceeds account with the Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN) on final payment by the winning bidder.

“In this regard, the Federal Government, which is aware of its liabilities to the workers and other creditors, approve the deductions of the agreed sum before the net proceed is paid into the proceeds account. In other words, surplus revenue after closure of each transaction and net off of transaction expenses is paid into the Privatisation Proceeds Account.

“The Bureau’s expenditure is broken into two broad categories: transaction expenses and administrative expenses.

Transaction

expenses are the direct expenses of carrying out a sale which includes advisers’ fees, settlement of labour entitlements, etc. The administrative expenses include staff salaries and other overheads. “The administrative expenses are offset through budgetary provisions.

“It would have been completely impossible to undertake the privatisation programme of the Federal Government if no arrangements had been made to pay off the workers’ entitlements and other transaction expenses.”

The Senate Committee, headed by Senator Ahmad

Ibrahim Lawan (ANPP, Yobe North), submitted its report on November 22.

After reviewing the report, the Senate among others, demanded immediate cancellation of the sale of Transcorp Hilton, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, Delta Steel Company to Global Infrastructure Holding, the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) located in Akwa Ibom State, valued at $3.2 billion and sold to Dayson Holding BV for $130 million. The BPE had earlier valued ALSCON at $250 million but turned back and discounted $120 million to the Russians in September 2006.

Lawyers urge Jonathan to focus on governance

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and some lawyers yesterday reacted to the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal by the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) challenging the election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr Adebamigbe Omole, Chairman, NBA Ikeja branch, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the judgment has finally put to rest litigation on the presiden-

tial election.

“The Supreme Court has given its verdict and it is the final. The CPC should accept the outcome and start preparing for 2015 when there will be another presidential election.

“I urge President Jonathan to be magnanimous in victory by extending a hand of fellowship to CPC and also focus on the business of governance,” Omole said.

Also in their reactions, lawyers,including Prof. Itse Sagay, Bamidele Aturu and

Wale Ogunade, blamed the appellate court for the Supreme Court decision.

Sagay said: “The Court of Appeal denied the petitioner the right to forensic and other electoral materials.

“Therefore, the Supreme Court did not have any material to work on and I think that this denial by the Appeal Court made the case difficult for the CPC.” Aturu said:“The Supreme Court cannot manufacture evidence but the seven-man panel should have re-visit-

ed the decision of the Appeal Court which denied the CPC the right to examine the electoral materials.”

Also speaking, Ogunade alleged that the judgment was the climax of the intrigues and politics that have been rocking the judiciary, which culminated in the reconstitution of the Appeal Court judges.

He said: “The case was lost immediately Appeal Court denied the CPC the right to examine the electoral materials.”

10

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

NEWS Police explain traffic on Lagos/Ibadan road

By Jude Isiguzo

M

OTORISTS on the Berger end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway should brace up for a traffic gridlock.

This is as a result of checkpoints mounted by the Police at the Lagos entry point to check the influx of criminals during the festive season.

Police spokesman Mr. Samuel Junadu said: “The command wants to ensure that our achievements are sustained and residents enjoy a crime-free celebration.

“Besides boundary areas, policemen are also patrolling the city to ensure safety of life and property.”

Jinadu urged motorists to bear the inconveniences caused by the routine checks.

However, road users have been complaining about the traffic jam caused by the checkpoints. They alleged that policemen have been using the opportunity to extort drivers.

Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti PDP get transition chairmen, peace committees

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday set up reconciliation committees in Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti states.

It also appointed transition committee chairmen in the three states.

This is part of efforts to reposition the party in the Southwest.

The incumbent High Commissioner in Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, is the transition chairman for Lagos State. Others are Chief Bode Mustapha (Ogun) and former Minister of Energy Mr. Tunde Odusina (Ekiti).

Obanikoro is to co-ordinate the six PDP chairmen in the Southwest.

Giving them their letters

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

of appointment at the PDP State Secretariat in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the party’s National Vice-Chairman, Southwest, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, urged them to reconcile aggrieved members in their states.

Obanikoro lamented that the PDP has lost grounds in the zone and pledged on behalf of his colleagues to reposition it.

Transition chairmen were earlier appointed in Osun and Ondo states.

The transition chairman for Oyo State will be inaugurated early next year, it was learnt.

Two vehicles fall into Ogun River From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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WO vehicles yesterday skidded off a bridge into a river between Odogbolu and Ososa on the Sagamu/ Ore Expressway.

It was learnt that one of the vehicles, which was driving against traffic, colluded with the other and the impact jolted them into the river.

The accident occurred around 4pm. Local divers and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) rescued two unconscious passengers from one of the vehicles, a Toyota Camry. Seven others are yet to be found.

It was gathered that those rescued were taken to the Ogun State General Hospital in Ijebu Ode. Commandant of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corp (TRACE), IJebu Zone, Kunle Ajibade said the accident could have been averted if the drivers had observed traffic rules.

Ajibade confirmed that one of the vehicles and its occupants are yet to be found.

LASIEC says tribunal can’t hear PDP’s petition

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HE Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has said the State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Ikeja, does not have jurisdiction to hear petitions filed by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the October 22 polls.

Counsel to LAISEC Mr. Osasu Isibor told the tribunal yesterday that the petitions have elapsed the 30 days specified by the Local Government Election Tribunal Laws.

In two notices, in which it raised preliminary objections LASIEC prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petitions filed by two PDP councillorship candidates in Somolu local government. The petitioners are Mr. Tunde Okubanjo (Ward B) and Mr. Wale Akanni (Ward G).

They prayed the tribunal to nullify the elections of the candidates for the Action Congress of Nigeria

By Adebisi Onanuga

(CAN) in the disputed wards.

LAISEC also argued that the lifespan of the tribunal has expired, since the petitioners filed their petition on November 15.

Counsel to the petitioners Mr. Akintayo Iwilade said the issue of time limitation raised by INEC had been raised and settled in a number of cases determined by the Supreme Court.

He claimed that LAISEC failed to comply with a ruling of the tribunal given on December 8, 2011 that it should allow the petitioners examine materials used in the October 22 polls.

The tribunal, led by Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (rtd.), fixed today for the parties to visit LAISEC office and inspect the election materials.

The tribunal will also rule on the preliminary objections raised by LAISEC today.

•Boroffice (second left); Mrs. Anifowose (second right); Adedipe (right); andan ACN leader in Ondo North ...yesterday

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Boroffice joins Ondo ACN

HE senator representing Ondo North District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, has joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He picked up his ACN membership card yesterday at Ikese Ward Five, Oka Akoko in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area.

Boroffice was presented with the membership card by the Ward Chairman, Mr. Fulani Suleiman, and the ACN Chairmen in the local government, Mr. Solomon Gbiri.

The senator said he joined ACN because of the internal crisis in the Labour Party (LP).

He said: “I cannot continue to belong to a party that has been factionalised on various interests. Under the present LP administration in Ondo State, our leaders of thought have been completely sidelined.

“We need to harness the wisdom of our elders and combine it with the energy and vision of the present Yoruba leadership to transform our geopolitical zone to a modern society.”

Boroffice said he is ready to work with ACN members and the people of the state to

T

LP: he won’t be missed

HE Ondo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has said the exit of Senator Ajayi Boroffice, representing Ondo North District, would not be felt.

Boroffice dumped the LP yesterday for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

LP leaders said there is no division in the party and the state government would continue to govern the people purposefully.

Deputy Governor Alli Olanusi, LP Chairman Chief Olumide Ogidan, Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Yinka Alabi and her counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ademola Olorunfemi, spoke in Oka-Akoko, Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, during the LP’s end-of-the-year party.

They said Boroffice’s defection would have no effect on the party’s performance.

Olanusi said there are no crises or factions in the LP and the party remains united.

Ogidan said Boroffice’s exit is a welcome development and the party would not be From Damisi Ojo, Akure

bring about purposeful governance in Ondo.

He was received into the party by ACN State Chairman Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Treasurer Ade Adetimehin, Secretary Mr. Gboyega Adedipe and other executive members.

distracted from delivering good governance to the people.

He urged the people to continue to support the party and the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration.

Mrs. Alabi said: “Boroffice’s exit from LP cannot create any vacuum because the man is a newcomer into politics. He contested the Senate seat for the first time and he was supported by the LP government to win.

“He is only telling us that he is ungrateful.

The people of Akoko South West are here today to show appreciation to a party that has supported their illustrious sons and daughters to hold political offices.

“Boroffice has inordinate ambition. The people will not follow him because there is no reason for them to leave. It is a free world, we cannot ask him not to leave, but his exit will not affect the fortunes of the party.

“We are solidly on ground and the people are solidly behind the government of the day because it is performing.”

A governorship aspirant, Dr. Tunji Abayomi; Mr. Tolu Babaleye; Mrs. Mogaji; and Dr. Akintelure were also at the event Mrs. Anifowose said Boroffice has just left the “darkness for the shining light in the Southwest.”

She praised him for answering the call of his peo-

ple.

There are speculations that the senator will soon join the 2013 governorship race.

Already, five aspirants from Akoko are jostling for the party’s ticket.

They are Mr. Saka Lawal, Dr. Abayomi, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Mr. Jayeola Ajata and Mr. Festus Oluwole.

Fawehinmi’s widow kicks against oil subsidy removal W

IFE of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), Ganiyat, human right groups, activists and students of the Lagos State University (LASU) will on Saturday hold a rally against the proposed removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The rally will begin by 11am at the Skyscrapers Bank on Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. It will proceed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, and end at the Gani Fawehinmi Park.

Speaking yesterday at a prerally news conference at the late Fawehinmi’s home, Mrs. Fawehinmi said: “The Federal Government is trying to make us believe it has been subsidising petroleum products, but that is false.

“The Federal Government, in the last 20 years or more, has not been completely honest with the citizens. There is no oil subsidy in Nigeria; it is a fabrication of the Federal Government to deceive the masses. It is a high ebb connection, a ruse and a bogey

•To lead protest rally Saturday

‘The causes of our present oil predicament are not related to the non-existence of oil subsidy; but rather, high level of corruption cum high scale stealing within the circle of governments across the country’

By Joke Kujenya

of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the teleguided leaders of Nigeria.

“As of today, petrol is N65 per litre. Between 1966 and now, Nigeria has built four oil refineries. Despite billions of

dollars spent on the country’s refineries by the Federal Government over the years, none of them is working and no new one has been built.

“Oil subsidy has always been pleaded for to explain every increase in fuel price, since the Obasanjo administration jerked up the price in 1978. The truth is that there has never been oil subsidy in Nigeria.

“The bogey of oil subsidy was laid to rest ironically during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha in October, 1994, when he reduced petrol pump price from N15 to N11 and set up the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF).

“The causes of our present oil predicament are not related to the non-existence of oil subsidy; but rather high level of corruption cum high scale stealing within the circle

•Mrs Fawehinmi

of governments across the country.

“It is on this basis that I shall be leading the rally on Saturday morning to protest the planned removal of the so-called subsidy; the consequent and baseless increase in the price of fuel and several other ills that will inflict untold hardship on the lives of Nigerians.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira strong on oil firm’s dollar sales

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HE naira appreciated the most in a week against the dollar as a major oil company sold the United States’ currency.

The Nigerian currency strengthened as much as 1.7 per cent, the biggest intraday gain since December 20, before paring its gain to 1.1 per cent at N163.15 in Lagos.

“The appreciation at the inter-bank market was due to dollar sales by a major oil company,” analysts at the Lagos-based Diamond Bank said in an e-mailed note yesterday. “Dealers expect the naira to gain further as dollar liquidity improves.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on November 21 lowered the midpoint of its exchange-rate band at the auctions to N155 per dollar from N150 as rising imports and weakening oil prices increased pressure on the currency. Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-biggest economy depends on oil exports for more than 95 per cent of foreign income, according to the Finance Ministry.

The foreign currency auctions for the year on December 21 and will reopen them in January, Muhammed Abdullahi, a spokesman for the Central Bank in Abuja, said on December 21.

Meanwhile, Brent crude oil steadied above $109 a barrel yesterday after rallying for six straight sessions, supported by Iran’s threat to halt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Goodluck Jonathan has really made a good decision to discourage the importation of flour. It will surprise you to know that the government is capable of realising close to N254billion by adopting cassava flour for bread making.

- Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture

Bonga spill: Senate directs agencies to check shoreline oil T

HE Senate Committee on Environment has directed the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to examine the oil noticed on the shoreline.

The need to check the shoreline arose when members of the committee overflew the Bonga facility to have a firsthand information of the Bonga oil spill, which had been on since last week.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Bukola Saraki, and his members, who addressed the press after their visit to the facility, said the directive has become imperative to determine whether the oil spill they noticed was from Bonga or a third party asset.

He also expressed concerns over the poor funding of response agencies.

Consequently, the agencies will take a sample of the

• NIMASA frets over leak

By Emeka Ugwuanyi, Kelvin Okunbor and Oluwakemi Dauda

spill on the coastline to determine, which facility was liable for the spill.

The committee commended the efforts of Shell at containing the incident, explaining that they overflew to Forcados to get comprehensive assessment of the incident.

Saraki said: “We were able to fly over the area and it was clear that a lot of work has been done by Shell to clean up most of the spill that has occurred. Shell has been effective in response to containing the incident.

“We also had the opportunity to look at some of the satellite images that sup-

ported how the event started since December 21. Shell officials also explained to us what led to the spill, how one of the three lines that supply crude to the export tankers gave up. Why the line gave up is still being investigated but definitely Shell exhibited corporate responsibility by shutting all operations and production immediately the incident occurred.

“We also flew across to Forcados where there was clearly some oil at the shoreline but at the moment it is not clear if it was coming from a third party facility or from Bonga. NOSDRA and DPR have been told to go and carry out examination of the oil to determine where the oil

came from.

“The committee also appealed to the communities there to co-operate to quicken the clean up of the shoreline.

Frankly, what we saw is human resources equipment pooled together to address the incident. But going forward, until the cause of the spill is determined; it will be difficult to decide what to do.”

The committee said it also wants NOSDRA and government to have independent spill clean-up organisations, stressing that it was possible for Shell to quickly respond to the spill because it is a big and responsible company.

Apart from the Shell spill, Saraki noted that the committee has gone through the Niger Delta and discovered there are issues and there is urgent need to address them.

He said oil companies includ-

‘China’s EXIM lends more to Sub-Sahara Africa than World Bank’

E

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

0.2958 206.9 242.1 156 1.9179 238 40.472

ing the indigenous firms, should be directed to get prepared to tackle emergencies, such as the Bonga incident to protect the country and the environment.

Other members of the committee at the event were Prof.

Ben Ayade; Vice Chairman, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Bolu Kunlere as well as Secretary of the committee, Vibi Njamanze.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has raised an alarm over the oil spillage from the Bonga facility, which is rated the worst to hit the country since 1998.

The Bonga facility is located about 120 kilometres off Nigeria’s coast and produces 200,000 barrel of oil per day.

The slick from the Shell facility was said to have affected over 115 miles of ocean near the nation’s coast and putting at risk fish, birds, vegetation and other marine resources in the areas.

• From left: Managing Director, CDL Asset Management Limited, Mr Bade Adeshina and Chairman, Mr Leke Shittu, at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

‘Senate will tinker with 2012 budget’

V

ICE-CHAIRMAN , Senate Committee on National Planning, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, yesterday said the National Assembly will make some necessary adjustments in the 2012 budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.

He also said the Executive and the legislature should come to terms to determine the best way to handle the issue of fuel subsidy.

Lanlehin, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, noted that any careful observer would discover that the budget as presented has some flaws.

The lawmaker, who spoke at press conference in Abuja on the 2012 budget and other sundry matters, insisted that there was no doubt that the

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor

budget could be made much better to serve the interest of Nigerians.

He asked: “How can we spend 72 per cent of the budget on recurrent expenditure and we deploy only 28 per cent to capital expenditure.

How can we grow the economy?

“How do you justify the deployment of one quarter of the budget to what they called security? Securing what?”

He said the best security that can be provided for Nigerians should be the provision of good governance. “When you have facilities, infrastructure and all the things that make life worth living, you need a minimal amount of arms and ammunition for security,”

he said.

Senators, he said, have made up their minds that 2012 will not be given to excuses. “Our people voted and gave us their mandate to represent them to make sure that their interests are protected, “he said.

Describing security challenges facing the country as mostly “self inflicted”, he noted that the people who are dissatisfied, either rightly or wrongly, are venting their dissatisfaction by way of violence because you cannot justify the manner in which they are showing their disgruntlement.

He said there was “an army of deprived people, unemployed people, hungry people who are dissatisfied with the society in which they found themselves and who because of

lack of a better means of ventilating their grievances resort to unnecessary and completely condemnable violence.”

According to him, if the N921 billion voted for security could be deployed to the provision of power, Nigerians would appreciate the difference.

He asked: “How much was voted for power in the budget?How much was voted for water resources?

How much was voted for education and agriculture?

Our education system has collapsed and we continue to turn out illiterate educated people, people who are not good for any productive economic activity.People who are just pounding the streets looking for white collar jobs.”

XPORT-IMPORT Bank of China extended $12.5 billion more in loans to sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade than the World Bank, Fitch Ratings said.

State-owned EXIM, according to Bloomberg News, lent about $67.2 billion to the world’s poorest region between 2001 and 2010 compared with the World Bank’s $54.7 billion, the ratings company said in a report emailed from London yesterday.

“It is estimated that 20 per cent of EXIM bank’s total business volume is conducted with Africa,” Fitch said. “Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Sudan have been traditional recipients of EXIM loans since the bank’s founding in 1994. However, more recent projects suggest an even distribution across the African continent.”

China has been boosting ties with Africa, as it seeks to secure access to the continent’s raw materials and new markets for its manufactured goods. In return, it has provided African governments with financing to help develop their economies, attaching less stringent loan conditions than institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

“Absence of political strings, competitive interest rates and flexible repayment schedules compared with Western counterparts, makes China’s loans highly attractive,” Fitch said.

“For countries dependent on foreign aid, such as Ghana and Mozambique, Chinese loans offer an alternative source of capital against more traditional donor demands, particularly given growing infrastructure needs.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

12

BUSINESS NEWS Fed Govt expands capacities of rice millers

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY

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HE Federal Government has expanded the capacities of three rice mills in the country to 90,000 tonnes each to facilitate rice processing and ensure competitiveness.

The rice mills are located in Ebonyi, Niger and Kebbi states.

Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed yesterday in Abuja in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Adesina said the Federal Government would also accelerate rehabilitation on the mills to enable them to attain full capacity utilisation by February of 2012.

Rehabilitation of the mills, Adesina said, would be part of government’s Agricultural Transformation Action Plan (ATAP) to ban rice importation and make the country self-sufficient in rice production by 2015.

According to the minister, the gesture is also aimed at attaining food security, improve the living conditions of local farmers and to generate more employment.

Adesina said by April 2012, 14 additional rice mills with a total capacity of 440,000 tonnes, would be established under the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) concession.

He said stakeholders in the agriculture sector had concluded that the PPP arrangement should be the driving force for agriculture to regain its status as the number one economic driver in Nigeria.

The minister said: “If you look at other countries, the private sector had always been in the driving seat in the development of agriculture.

“All the government does is to facilitate and create the enabling environment, where banks will support private sector (practitioners) in agriculture and where markets will be openned and value added processes be put in place.”

To ensure all year round production and to ensure constant supply of paddy rice to the mills, the minister said the government would provide support for 450,000 rice farmers in 2012.

NAMB to Govt: stop ministries from floating microfinance banks

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HE Lagos Chapter of Na tional Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) yesterday called on the Federal Government to prevent its agencies from establishing microfinance banks.

Mr Olufemi Babajide, the Chairman of the chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that plans by some government agenies to establish microfinance banks would be counterproductive.

According to Babajide, regulators and practitioners in the sub-sector are planning to revive the sub-sector and so such plans would rubbish the development. ”I read in some national dailies recently that the Bank of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport, among others, are planning to establish microfinance banks in all local government areas.

“We are all aware of similar institutions that were set up to support the poor in the past and had failed. A good example is the Peoples Bank. ”In that era, tax payers’ money was diverted into structures that failed partly due to the belief that they were national cake.

“If these microfinance banks are set up and they failed, it will have spillover effects on the existing ones that are now vibrant,” he said.

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (second left); Chief Executive Officer, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Ibadan zone, Bolaji Oyesiku (2 nd right); Ademiluyi Ayileka (right) and AGM, Customer Service Otunba Henry Onasile, when the PHCN management paid a courtesy call on Governor Ajimobi.

IPMAN to import fuel

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HE Western Zone of the Inde pendent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Western Zone plans to start the importation of petroleum products into the country.

Already, it has sought import approval from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

The Chairman of Western Zone of IPMAN, Mr Olumide Ogunmade, disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos yesterday.

He said the association wants to ensure that members receive products at affordable rate, adding that members of the zone do not want to be caught by surprise with the ongoing downstream sector deregulation by the government.

Ogunmade said the association expected the Federal Government to enforce removal of subsidy gradually but since it has decided

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

to go ahead in removing it at once, the association is ready for deregulation.

He said the IPMAN Western zone has formed a business unit called IPMAN Western Zone Oil and Gas Limited and it has submitted proposal to the PPPRA for approval to import petroleum products to ensure the effective distribution of the products to members in the zone.

The IPMAN chief said the zone has put in place adequate measures, such as tank farms and throughput arrangement with depot owners for storage of products when the products are imported.

He said: “We don’t want to be caught unaware by the ongoing deregulation. That is the reason we plan to commence importation of petroleum product to assist our members.

“We have submitted our proposal

and bid to the PPPRA while we are waiting their approval to commence importation of all petroleum products.”

Ogunmade said the western zone consumes about 60 per cent of the country’s petroleum products. He said: “We want to have a different outfit of our own that will be competing with others to bring down prices.

“PPPRA cannot ignore the western zone considering the fact that we consume about 60 per cent of the nation’s product. We will commence importation as soon as we get approval from the PPPRA.” Corroborating Ogunmade, Mr Toba Shinkaiye, the Assistant Zonal Secretary, said the western zone has commenced action towards bringing in products for members, adding that the decision was taken early this year at the zonal general meeting of the group.

Nigeria’s non-oil exports drop to N398b in Q3

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OVERNMENT’s moves to make non-oil exports a ma jor foreign exchange earner took a knock as the total value of non-oil exports dropped from N579.8 billion in the second quarter of this year to N181.3 billion in the third quarter, indicating a dip of N398.5 billion or 68.73 per cent.

Information gathered from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that the revenue from the non-oil exports had been on the decrease since the beginning of the year as the value of first quarter was put at about N795.05 billion.

However, the total value of exports for the third quarter recorded improvements as the oil sector made up for the shortfall of the nonoil export earnings, raking in N3.69 trillion, representing an increase of N698.6billion or 23.3 per cent over

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor (Abuja)

the preceding quarter’s value.

During the period under review, the total value of exports stood at N3.87 trillion, which depicts an increase of N300 billion or 8.4 per cent over second quarter value.

When compared yearly, exports during the quarter under review increased by N920.7 billion or 31.2 per cent over the earnings in the corresponding period of last year.

Major non-oil items exported by Nigeria during the period under review included plastic rubber and articles, footwear, head gear, umbrellas etc, prepared foodstuffs and beverages.

The non-oil export values on monthly in Q3 2011 showed that September recorded the highest revenue of about N99.51 billion

while July grossed N41.09 billion, a figure which showed a marginal increase over the August export value of N40.74 billion.

Vegetable products raked in N12.52 billion, base metal and articles of base metal earned about N10.77 billion while boilers, machinery and chemical appliances earned N9.39 billion during the period.

The United States of America with a total N1.27trillion or 33 per cent of total exports from Nigeria remained the country’s main destination for its largely crude oil exports, followed by India with N409.9 billion or 10.5 per cent; Brazil with N300.2 billion or 7.74 per cent, Algeria with N299.4 billion or 7.72 per cent and France accounting for N264.1billion or 6.8 per cent of the exports value.

More farmers to benefit from World Bank project

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HE World Bank-assisted Commercial Agriculture De velopment Project (CADP) is to be expanded to five more states to cover the six geopolitical zones, bringing the number of participating states to 10.

The project, according to the Task Team Leader of the project, Dr. Lucas Akapa, will have impact on 50,000 small and medium commercial farmers and many households will benefit indirectly through access to farm roads, energy and market through spillover effects.

He said the US$150 million project, which started on July 30, 2009 is expected to be completed on December 31, 2014.

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor (Abuja)

At the Mid-Term Review Mission of the project, which ended in Lagos recently, it was also agreed that the project be restructured to enhance its speedy implementation as well as prompt disbursement to its beneficiaries.

The mission team met with stakeholders, beneficiaries and top government officials in Enugu, Cross River, Kano, and Lagos states.

Dr. Akapa told the state governments that CADP would ensure the alignment with Federal and state governments agricultural policies, especially the new Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

He also disclosed that to ensure sustainability of the project’s various interventions, the project will make adequate arrangement to ensure its sustainability after its closure in December 2014.

The nation’s Project Co-ordinator of CADP, Dr. Amin Babandi, said the Mid-Term Review Mission was meant to reflect and take a comprehensive review of the general performance of all the components of the project and study the lessons learnt with the view to correcting them. “At half way, we need to reflect and get those aspects that are correct and enhance them, look at those that are not working and correct them”, Babandi said.

LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

13

INDUSTRY

New SONCAP regime kicks off next year In its renewed bid to fight fake products and ensure competitiveness of locally manufactured products, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), says it will start enforcing its newly revised off-shore Conformity Assessment (SONCAP) before the end of January, 2012. TOBA AGBOOLA reports.

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HE aim of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is to identify goods which pose the highest risk to consumers and ensure that the claims of safety are verified before they are exported.

This programme is to help ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe and sub-standard goods as well as ensure that indigenous manufacturers are not subjected to unfair competition from such goods.

But, few years after its take off, the scheme ran into initial hitches, as fake certificates in respect of the exercise have now flooded the market.

Worried by this development, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, called a meeting of stakeholders to review the scheme and find possible solution to its challenges.

At the meeting, SON said it will start enforcing its newly revised off-shore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP), before the end of January, 2012.

Not only this, the Federal Government , through the Ministry of

Trade and Investment identified challenges militating against the success of SONCAP, as it also ordered SON to scheme.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders on its review, SON Director-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said: “We have listened to you and have taken your suggestions. We will make the revised document available to stakeholders before the end of January, next year.”

He said the scheme was introduced seven years ago, but its success was minimal as the influx of substandard goods dropped from 85 per cent to 70 per cent in seven years.

He urged the sectoral representatives to be dispassionate in their submissions and sincere in their recommendations.

“At the end of the day, let it be said that our resolution here today, helped to remove all identified bottlenecks to SONCAP and also helped in boosting trade and investment,” he said.

Corroborating, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said the government is concerned that the objec-

•Ortom

•Odumodu

tives for which SONCAP was introduced is not being fully achieved.

He decried a situation whereby operators would just be looking to exploit loopholes in laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding public order or life.

Ortom, said the Presidency, through the Ministry of Trade & Investment, has resolved to make SONCAP work, adding that this is the away of ensuring that the divi-

dends of democracy reached the people.

“There are instances of stakeholders looking for loopholes through application for exemptions as well as cases of forgery of the certificates to circumvent the programme,” he said Under the new SONCAP regime, pre-shipment inspection will now be done 100 per cent.

‘There are instances of stakeholders looking for loopholes through application for exemptions as well as cases of forgery of the certificates to circumvent the programme’

SONCAP will now be used as Customs Clearance document, as the programme will now be integrated into the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on-line clearing platform- Automated System of Customs Data (ASYCUDDA++), to ensure that government’s target of 48 hours cargo clearance is achieved without compromising the safety and security of the nation and its citizens.

President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu, expressed the association’s appreciation for the efforts of SON to rid the country of substandard products, but urged the agency to move the fight to higher levels, force compliance of the requisite laws, reduce influx of substandard products as a way of safeguarding the health of Nigerians and that of the indigenous businesses.

Chairman of Freight Forwarders Group, MAN, Julie Ogbonie, bemoaned the handing over of issues concerning the country’s welfare to foreigners to handle, adding that SONCAP inspection be handled by Nigerians as a way of conserving foreign exchange.

Founder, Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr. Boniface Aniegbunam, said SON has a responsibility to assure quality and standards.

He said if Nigerians appreciate life, they should be applauding Odumodu and his team, adding, “what is actually happening is that Odumodu is begging us to preserve our lives, instead of us begging him to use the machinery of government to preserve ourselves.”

YouWin project: Govt, LBS to empower entrepreneurs

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HE 2011 Alumni Conference of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan African University, erstwhile Lagos Business School (LBS), in collaboration with the Federal Government is set to empower entrepreneurs through the government’s YouWin project.

Speaking at the annual alumni conference for the entrepreneurs, an alumnus, LBS and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe, said government’s support for SMEs is extremely essential because of the current level of unemployment. He said, self-employment is the only source of income for many, including the poor. ‘’SMEs helps the economy by creating competition in the market place leading to multiplicity of choice and better pricing for goods and services. The success of SMEs affects the well-being of the economy and society as engines of job creation, economic growth and innovation.

Ndukwe said the government has a central role in stimulating growth of SMEs. According to him, the most important role of SMEs in the economy of a nation is job creation.

His words:‘’ SMEs represent over 99 per cent of the private sector companies in most countries; in most countries SMEs employ over 50 per cent of all private sector workers; SMEs represent a potent tool for reduction of import dependence; SMEs can boost export earnings; they are essential for poverty reduction, especially in developing countries and they constitute an important source for technological innovation. ‘’The Federal Government can thus be said to be on the right track with its YouWin project. YouWin (Youth

Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria) is a Federal Government’s job creation project. It is designed to tackle youth unemployment and to support innovative business ideas.

At the flag off ceremony in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan said his administration was committed to creating job opportunities for the youth by empowering them to become job providers and not job seekers. He said the YouWin programme was conceived for the purpose “aims to create between 80,000 and 110,000 sustainable good jobs over the next four years.”

EDC provides support services to SMEs in Nigeria through capacity building, advisory services and partnership with organisations that have interest in development of the SME sector.

The centre has a flagship programme which is the Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (CEM) that has been developing SME capacity for the last six years. With over 900 alumni members in 2011, EDC is fast becoming a major player in the SME development space.

YouWiN! awardees will receive several benefits that will transform their businesses in the short and mid-term. In the first stage, 1,200 winners will emerge from 6,000 aspiring entrepreneurs selected. Each of the possible 1,200 winners will receive between N1 million and N10 million Funding from YouWiN!.

These awards are grants and will not be repaid. However, they will be disbursed in installments over an 18 months period.

The size of awards and disbursements will be based on the specific business needs of each winner and their ability to meet agreed business and job creation targets. In addition, winners will be linked with other sources of financing, such as venture capitalists and lending institutions, for those who require it.

•From left: Deputy President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Goodie Ibru;, NACCIMA President, Dr. Herbert Ajayi; Senate President, David Mark; NACCIMA Honourary Life Vice-President, Mrs Nike Akande and Past President, Mr Rufai Mohammed, during NACCIMA Executive visit to the Senate President in Abuja.

Bakers get 12% tax rebate

P

RODUCERS of quality cassava bread will, from next year, enjoy a 12 per cent tax rebate, the Federal Government has said.

Not only this, the government has also given bakers, 18 months with effect from March 31, 2012, to move to the 40 per cent substitution of wheat flour with high quality cassava flour.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, stated this in Abuja at a meeting with representatives of various bread producers.

He said the move was specifically targeted at encouraging the production and consumption of cassava bread by Nigerians.

The minister also said that from

the 2012 fiscal year, the Federal Government would raise tariff on imported wheat.

This, he noted, would encourage the substitution of wheat flour with high quality cassava flour for bread production.

To encourage this further, Adesina said all equipment and machinery for processing high quality cassava flour as well as composite flours would attract zero taxes.

His words: “You will recall that Mr. President launched the 40 per cent cassava bread which is from blending 40 per cent high quality cassava flour with 60 per cent wheat flour.

“In his 2012 budget speech, Mr

President backed this up with bold fiscal policies to promote the substitution of wheat flour with 40 per cent high quality cassava flour in bread, “Government has raised the tariff on imported wheat to encourage the substitution of wheat flour with high quality cassava flour.

“To encourage this further, all equipment and machinery for processing high quality cassava flour and composite flours will attract zero taxes.

“Furthermore, all flour mills, producers of high quality cassava flour who attain 40 per cent substitution with high quality cassava flour will receive a 12 per cent tax rebate.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

14

INDUSTRY Firm changes name

A

s part of its 10th year anni-versary celebration and its resolve to reposition its carbonated soft drink brand, La Casera,Classic Beverage Nigeria Limited has unveiled a new logo and announced the official change of its name to The La Casera Company.

The change of name, the Marketing Manager, Bayo Obarotimi, explained, became necessary as a result of the successes of the LaCasera brand and consumers’ preference.

Obarotimi said: “We are happy to be 10, and have begun a a promo to excite and reward our consumers and stakeholders. The change of the company’s name and logo, is a landmark in the his-

From left: Legal Adviser, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMTI), Mrs. Stella Abumire; Permanent Secretary, Mr Dauda Kigbu, Minister of Trade & Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Chairman, Messrs Jry Technology, LLC, USA, Jozset Alberti and Director (Trade), David Adejuwon, during the signing of MoU with JRJ Technology, at the ministry’s headquarters, Abuja.

Escalating cost may ground N50b fishing industry

P

RESIDENT, Nigerian Trawl– ers Owners Association (NITOA) Joseph Overo, has raised the alarm over the imminent collapse of the fishing industry.

He said the country may be losing over N50 billion if nothing is done.

In a memorandum dispatched to the Federal Government, the association said high operating costs, especially that of diesel, may result in the collapse of the sector.

He cited the growing incidence of piracy as another big challenge.

The NITOA leader said two crew members of a fishing boat were killed and 40 others injured as pirates raided 16 vessels off the Calabar and Bonny Rivers recently.

He said during the raid, seafood, electronics and other devices on board were carted away by the pirates.

He said the increase in attacks is making it difficult for the vessels to go fishing, warning that the sector would face imminent collapse if the trend continues.

Oyero said the sea pirates usually hijack fishing vessels, take

Stories by Toba Agboola

them to neighbouring countries to attack oil tankers. He explained they would rob the fishing vessels’ crew of valuable items and force the vessels to return them to the territorial waters from where they make their escape.

“The pirates usually cart away fish products, electronic and communication equipment, among others on board the fishing vessels,” adding that a good number of the attacks are carried out between Escarvos and Bonny areas of the coastal waters.

He pointed out that the development has resulted in drastic reduction of productivity of NITOA members.

Overo urged the Federal Government to intervene through proper monitoring of the nation’s waters to enable the industry thrive.

On high cost of operation, Overo said about 85 per cent of the subsector’s operations depend solely on diesel, adding that the operators are incurring huge overhead

costs.

“This is so because it is only in the fishing industry that diesel alone accounts for 85 per cent of the production cost,” he said.

Overo explained that each vessel consumes an average, about 60 tonnes of diesel daily, which he said translates to almost N10 million per 45-day fishing trip.

He suggested that the Federal Government should approve direct allocation of diesel from the major marketers to the operators.

His words: “We are appealing to the government to also subsidise diesel. If the farmers enjoy fertiliser subsidy, then the fishing sector should have an incentive to enable the sector to thrive.

“The supply of this product to the industrial fishing operators requires government’s intervention and support, if all the fishing companies must remain in business.

“Though, Nigeria ‘s fish products are among the best in the world, the price of our exported products has remained static in the international market,” he lamented.

SMEDAN initiates capacity building for entrepreneurs

S

MALL and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) has designed a teach-back training initiative meant to deepen the knowledge of various stakeholders on the fundamental business concepts that border on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sub-sector.

This, the agency believes, would help surmount the challenge of reaching the overwhelming population of Nigerians engaged in various forms of entrepreneurial practice, especially at the grassroots.

The agency added that the initiative is aimed to record higher levels of success in its development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by building the capacities of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to fully understand the peculiarities of the MSME environment with a view to reaching out to, and attending to the various needs of existing and prospective operators of SMEs. In his opening remarks at the Business Counseling and Training-theTrainers Programme in Minna, Niger State, the Director-General SMEDAN, Alhaji Muhammed

Nadada Umar, said that building the capacities of various support groups across the nation was one of the quickest ways of widening and deepening new entrepreneurial thinking and reach, especially now that entrepreneurial practice has become the main focus of governments at the federal and state levels.

“Clearly, the objectives of this programme are woven around the critical mass of MSME operators, job and wealth creation and poverty reduction, all of which form the nucleus of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.

“SMEDAN, with its task of facilitating the sustainable growth and development of the MSME sub-sector, admits that the task is huge, but as our slogan inspires to ‘think big, start small,’ we are confident that poverty can be drastically reduced through positive economic engagements of the abundant human capital in the country,” he said.

Umar, therefore, called for renewed commitment of both the enablers and operators of MSMEs to enhance SMEDAN’s cutting-edge initiatives for effectively reaching

them through its Public-Private-Partnerships, while also tasking the participants to maximise the opportunity, “as it would ultimately form the bedrock for entrepreneurship movement, growth and development in Nigeria.”

tory of La Casera. It goes to make a statement as a big player that the La Casera brand is here to stay” He revealed that La Casera has experienced dramatic growth since inception in 2001, and has acquired the 200pm machine from the world’s best, Chrome of Germany in 2007 due to high demand.

Obarotimi said the firm also acquired 400pbm from the same company in 2009 to meet increasing demand. He added that the acquisition of the new 660bpm machine, was done due to sales growth.

He said the company is better positioned now, more than ever to offer quality products and packaging to its numerous consumers and stakeholders.

NIPC seeks legislation to strengthen operations

T

HE Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is seeking to have the National Assembly review the enabling law establishing the commission to strengthen its operations.

The NIPC Act no 16 of 1995, empowers the commission, among other things, to co-ordinate, monitor, encourage and provide necessary assistance and guidance for the establishment and operation of enterprises in Nigeria The Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mustafa Bello, said the powers of the commission are usually truncated to a certain extent while dealing with a potential investor.

He said: “The act has clearly shown that every investor should come and register with the commission before beginning operations in Nigeria, but there is nowhere, where it is stated that the commission has the power to sanction a failure in the circumstances of non compliance.”

Bello, who was speaking during the visit of the National Assembly House Committee on Commerce, led by the Chairman, Sylvester Ogbaga, said such an amendment would make the commission more stronger .

Ogbaga said it is their duty to make a law that will fill in the loopholes that are apperant in many agencies of government.

LUTH/CMUL Co-operative Society holds AGM today

T

HE Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)/ College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) Cooperative Society Ltd would hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM)/ election today.

Its President, O. T. Olofinluyi, said six executive positions will be filled during the election.

He said the society will propose an increase in the ex-officio members to reflect the organisation’s various viable departments and units, adding that the executive committee will render account of its three-year, two-term tenure, as well as disclose its profit and the dividend to be paid.

He said there was crisis in the society in 2006, when they were appointed.

But the interim administration, he explained, was able to weather the storm and restore sanity to the group.

He said as a result, they were given extra three months to further consolidate on its achievements before elections were held.

Olofinluyi listed the major achievements of his committee as liquidation of the society’s debts of N309 million and boosting its assets to over N1 billion; introduction of many loans’ schemes, building of a students’ hostel that is nearing completion; acquisition of three 30-seater Hiace buses; purchasing of household goods for members at reduced prices, among others.

He added: “Two years ago, we won the star prize for being the most outstanding co-operative in Lagos State and I also won two awards in Abuja for the society.”

Olofinluyi urged credible, intelligent, law-abiding and self-respecting members of the society to participate in the election, saying it can’t afford to be led by charlatans.

Stakeholder seeks duty waiver for auto dealers

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to consider ap proving waivers for operators in the auto industry as a way of supporting their businesses and returning vibrancy to the industry.

A stakeholder in the auto industry and Executive Chairman of Executive Motors, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, who made this appeal, observed that the country for now lean heavily on auto makers abroad for its car needs, saying this does not augur well for the country’s economy.

Delivering a paper at the two-day capacity building programme of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), he bemoaned the deindustrialisaton

in the Nigerian auto sector, saying the Federal Government could play a decisive role in the matter, by considering waivers and tariffs, so that the prices of vehicles could become affordable for the common man.

According to him, another area where the authorities could help the course of the sector is by sanitising the ports and removing all bottlenecks causing delays in the clearance of goods.

Ogunsan bemoaned the fact that there are many check desks at the ports with car importers requiring to tender as much as 74 documents to effect the clearance of vehicles, adding that this makes the process cumbersome and expensive.

Expressing the faith that the issue of a truly Nigerian car becomes a reality

next year, he advised governments at the different levels and their agencies to make a matter of policy to patronise auto dealers in the country rather than the current practice of importing cars that are readily available in the country.

The Executive Motors boss, who reeled out a lot of suggestions on how the sector could be made better, argued that Nigeria should not be made a dumping ground for cars of all brands and origin.

According to him, there is no reason why auto makers cannot do simultaneous launching of their brands in Nigeria and overseas or at least reduce the time lag within which they introduce such brands in the country, after it had hit European markets.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

15

MONEY LINK

Banks’ lending policy slows credit bureaux operation

T

HE decision by banks to cut down on credits ahead of the December 31st year end is taking its toll on the volume of businesses transacted by credit bureaux in the country.

Banks had after rigorous banking reforms that included new prudential guidelines on lending, insisted on strict risk management processes that made it more difficult for customers to obtain loans.

The Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Tunde Popoola said that many of the banks are not into full scale lending. This he said is affecting the volume of business done by the credit bureaux operators in the country.

Credit bureaux get businesses by conducting credit research on would be borrowers to determine whether or not, they are qualified to take loans from banks.

Popoola said that his firm has introduced a new product, called Self Enquiry, which enables borrowers to assess their own credit score to know how well or badly they are doing at each point in time before approaching a bank for a loan.

The CRC Credit Bureau boss who spoke with The Nation yesterday said as their businesses with deposit money banks decline, the operators have started harnessing opportunities in the Primary Mortgage Institutions, and microfinance banks to boost their operations. Other licenced credit bureaux in the country include XDS credit Bureau and Credit Registry Services (Credit Bureau).

Chief Executive Officer, Credit Registry Services (Credit Bureau) Taiwo Ayedun also said his firm is taking steps to help subscribing banks analyse their loan processes more effectively.

He cadvocated for the establish-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ment of a credit score to enable banks decide the cut-off for different classes of loans, and take quicker decisions in loan appraisal and approval processes.

Credit score is one of the services offered by credit bureau in many parts of the world where they operate.

Ayedun explained that a credit score

According to him, credit score is primarily based on credit report information typically sourced from credit bureaux. Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, use credit scores to evaluate the potential risk posed by lending money to consumers and to mitigate losses due to bad debt.

He added that banks can also use credit scores to determine who quali-

is a number assigned to a customer based on a statistical analysis of his credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of that such person.

He said his firm has the backing of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to roll the product at the stipulated time, advising that customers with low credit score can improve on it to enable them obtain the desired facilities.

Mainstreet Bank to collect FIRS revenue

M

AINSTREET Bank Lim ited has been appointed an agent for tax collection and other remittances by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). With this development, individuals and corporate organisations can now pay all their FIRS taxes into any of the branch offices of Mainstreet Bank across the country.

The appointment, according to a statement from the bank, affords the institution the opportunity to collect Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), withholding tax, education tax, Nigerian Information Technological Development Funds, pre-Occupa-

ing agent for DSTV, HiTV, Aero Contractors Book on Hold, Air Nigeria Book on Hold, Customs duty/levies, StarTimes collections, Autoreg Vehicle Registration, and other frontline products and services.

Speaking on the bank’s appointment, Faith Tuedor-Matthews, Group Managing Director/CEO of Mainstreet Bank Limited, expressed appreciation to FIRS for the confidence it has reposed in the bank to handle its collections.

According to her, “Mainstreet Bank truly supports Federal and State Government efforts at generating revenue internally for development, which is why the bank

tional levy, capital gains tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), stamp duties, personal Income tax and other taxes and remittances.

The bank’s robust collection system has been strengthened by the on-going retooling of its internal processes and the deployment of superior e-payment infrastructure to ensure seamless transactions for its customers who can henceforth walk into any of the bank’s branches across nationwide to make all payments due FIRS. In addition to FIRS payments, Mainstreet Bank has mandates to collect Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 31 States of the Federation. The bank is also a collect-

T

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

foreign-exchange strategy at Deutsche Bank AG in New York. People are going to be quite cautious in terms of trading events. It’s going to be a quiet week,” according to Bloomberg report.

The euro was little changed at $1.3071 at 5 p.m. in New York. It dropped to $1.2946 on December 14, the lowest level since Jan. 11. The common currency was also little changed at 101.80 yen. The dollar fell 0.1 per cent to 77.88 yen.

Implied volatility for the currencies of the Group of Seven nations dropped to 11.97 per cent today, according to a

JPMorgan Chase & Co. index. It reached a high this year of 15.77 per cent in September. The shared currency has dropped 2.8 per cent this month against the dollar and 2.4 per cent this year.

It has lost 1.3 percent this year against its nine developed-nation counterparts, according to Bloomberg CorrelationWeighted Currency Indexes. The dollar has gained 0.9 per cent in the measure and the yen rose the most among the currencies, appreciating 3.9 percent.

The South African rand rose 0.2 per cent to 8.1418 per dollar. The krona added 0.4 per cent to 6.8529 per dollar.

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Amount

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 28-12-11 SYMBOL STERLNBANK LIVESTOCK UBA JAPALOIL NB CONOIL REDSTAREX CONTINSURE IKEJAHOTEL NPFMCRFBK

O/PRICE 1.00 0.60 2.60 0.80 105.00 30.06 2.15 0.91 1.88 0.98

C/PRICE 1.05 0.63 2.73 0.84 110.10 31.50 2.25 0.71 0.95 1.96

CHANGE 0.05 0.03 0.13 0.04 5.10 1.44 0.10 0.04 0.02 0.95

LOSER AS AT 28-12-11 SYMBOL FIDSON TOTAL SKYEBANK VITAFOAM CUTIX BTBRISCOE AGLEVENT CUSTODYINS JBERGER FIRSTBANK

O/PRICE 0.80 198.00 4.27 5.14 1.71 1.35 1.38 2.18 32.96 9.38

has positioned itself as a strategic partner in Collections and Remittances.”

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was little changed and the Thomson Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of raw materials advanced 0.7 per cent.

Italy is scheduled to sell 9 billion euros ($11.8 billion) of 179-day bills and as much as 2.5 billion euros of zerocoupon 2013 securities tomorrow. It will auction debt due in 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2022 the following day. Ten-year bond yields in Italy advanced six basis points, or 0.06 percentage point, to 7.04 per cent, above the seven per cent level that spurred Greece, Ireland and Portugal to seek bailouts.

C/PRICE 0.76 188,10 4.06 4.89 1.63 1.29 1.32 2.09 31.60 9.00

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Faith

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Bank,

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

•CEO, Mainstreet Tuedor-Matthews

Euro trades 11-month low over debt crisis

HE euro traded at almost its lowest level since January against the dollar as concern lingered that Europe’s debt crisis will slow regional economic growth. The 17-nation currency fluctuated before Italy sells bills and bonds today. The Swiss franc and the yen also appreciated against the dollar as United States consumer confidence gained more than forecast this month.

“The European peripheral bond markets are still looking quite fragile and we’ll be watching that,” said Alan Ruskin, global head of Group of 10

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

fies for a loan, at what interest rate, and what credit limits. “Banks also use credit scores to determine which customers are likely to bring in the most revenue. The use of credit or identity scoring prior to authorising access or granting credit is an implementation of a trusted system,” he said.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.04 9.90 0.21 0.25 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.09 1.36 0.38

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

16

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-12-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 18 12 8 38

Quotation(N) 0.66 23.10 8.26

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 9,741,404 6,429,326.64 3,089,447 64,860,560.20 209,720 1,614,037.06 13,040,571 72,903,923.90

Quotation(N) 2.17 4.90

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 91,277 201,109.40 184,499 904,707.60 275,776 1,105,817.00

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.23

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 27,759 13,879.50 495,806 614,989.74 523,565 628,869.24

Quotation(N) 4.80 2.04 1.80 4.10 1.48 9.00 14.00 8.20 3.86 1.10 2.60 10.60 0.55 0.57 11.99

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,182,067 5,641,820.47 3,020,849 6,384,266.63 206,600 371,888.00 70,550 283,004.16 26,937,439 39,966,851.77 6,024,078 53,745,537.96 16,578,492 232,195,087.60 618,068 4,961,019.00 2,908,130 11,397,476.90 1,599,940 1,729,972.00 83,115,894 227,809,282.70 387,409 4,106,535.40 3,799,885 2,035,559.05 170,314 96,875.44 44,893,463 529,388,519.56 191,513,178 1,120,113,696.64

Quotation(N) 250.00 104.60

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 610,811 151,183,322.97 1,137,996 121,646,414.33 1,748,807 272,829,737.30

Quotation(N) 11.50 4.15 105.50 44.89

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 611,215 6,849,502.79 752,600 3,067,959.75 2,740 303,509.80 61,998 2,793,164.90 1,428,553 13,014,137.24

Quotation(N) 8.07 14.50 0.52

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 56,400 455,316.00 7,879 116,975.50 470,000 235,000.00 534,279 807,291.50

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 8 12

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 11 12 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 47 41 5 10 37 232 309 16 53 23 197 10 25 13 180 1,198 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 61 50 111

Profit-taking halts stock market rally

T

HE Nigerian stock market relapsed yes terday as frantic investors tried to cash in on the gains in the previous six trading sessions, forcing most stocks to close on the negative.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which had gained N221 billion last week, lost N46 billion to close yesterday at N6.497 trillion as against its opening price of N6.543 trillion.

The benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), also dwindled by 0.70 per cent to 20,617.23 points as against its opening index of 20,763.26 points. All other key sectoral indices also closed on the negative, indicating the widespread of the bearishness.

The downtrend yesterday pushed the year-to-date returns at the NSE to -16.77 per cent.

With 31 losers to 18 gainers, the preponderance of several highly capitalised

No of Deals 29 18 3 14 64 CHEMICAL & PAINTS

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 5 13 22

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 9 13

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.28

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 115,005 57,502.50 565,000 1,228,450.00 680,005 1,285,952.50

stocks among the losers further skewed the market position to negative. Nigerian Breweries led the decliners with a loss of N5.50 to close at N104.60. Flour Mills of Nigeria dropped by N3.12 to close at N59.38. Seven-Up Bottling Company lost N2.44 to close at N46.47.

Forte Oil dropped by 64 kobo to N12.23.

Union Bank of Nigeria lost 55 kobo to close at N10.60. Berger Paints lost 42 kobo to close at N8.07. UAC of Nigeria was down by 31 kobo to close at N29.70.

Cadbury Nigeria dropped by 30 kobo to close at N11.

E-Transact and Oando lost 26 kobo each to close at N4.94 and N21.50 respectively.

On the upside, Guinness Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N5 to close at N250. Okomu Oil Palm added N1.10 to close at N23.10. Unilever Nigeria gained N1 to close at N28.

Roads Nigeria rose by 41 kobo to close at N8.69.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-12-11 Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 281 1 1 2 3 5 3 1 1 1 1 300

No of Deals 17 27 17 26 54 141

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.92 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.94 0.50 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 2,657,160 1,328,728.61 98,780 90,877.60 4,100 2,050.00 7,000 3,500.00 600 360.00 88,700 44,350.00 2,430,923 1,215,461.50 200 100.00 100 98.00 1,100 550.00 100 50.00 5,288,763 2,686,125.71

Quotation(N) 0.60

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 87,844 52,574.55 87,844 52,574.55

Quotation(N) 0.88

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 9,093,497 7,958,575.62 9,093,497 7,958,575.62

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 30,000 15,000.00 30,000 15,000.00

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 6 MARITIME

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

Presco gathered 39 kobo to close at N8.26. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) rose by 31 kobo to close at N10.28. Dangote Flour Mills added 15 kobo to close at N4.80 while HIS rose by 12 kobo to close at N2.59 per share.

Investors staked N1.79 billion on 261.37 million shares in 2,607 deals with banking stocks leading the activity chart. Banking subsector accounted for 193.43 million shares worth N1.14 billion in 1,268 deals.

United Bank for Africa was the most active stocks with a turnover of 83.11 million shares valued at N227.81 million in 197 deals.

Zenith Bank followed with a turnover of 44.89 million shares valued at N529.39 million in 180 deals. Fidelity Bank traded 26.94 million shares worth N39.97 million in 37 deals while investors staked N232.2 million on 16.58 million shares of Guaranty Trust Bank in 309 deals

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Quotation(N) 1.26 28.00 0.57 29.70 28.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,059,546 1,364,751.95 171,640 4,813,830.84 927,983 533,540.54 279,870 8,328,683.19 898,285 25,162,144.27 3,337,324 40,202,950.79

Quotation(N) 31.60 8.69

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 45,504 1,421,044.00 143,840 1,214,140.00 189,344 2,635,184.00

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 45 45

Company Name DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

MEDIA

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ROADS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 4 11

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC Sector Totals

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 6

Quotation(N) 1.55

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 10,000,000 5,000,000.00 10,000,000 5,000,000.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 3,603,180 5,588,129.00 3,603,180 5,588,129.00

Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 100 50.00 14,000 7,000.00 14,100 7,050.00

Quotation(N) 5.94 1.70

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 2,500 14,125.00 576,700 965,485.00 579,200 979,610.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 38 46 55 53 4 21 45 1 277

Quotation(N) 46.47 11.00 4.80 4.75 59.38 2.31 3.82 445.66 21.48

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 295,156 14,006,941.69 822,822 9,040,222.50 400,334 1,868,511.78 1,509,958 7,157,926.71 539,986 32,628,607.50 23,900 55,334.00 667,238 2,614,734.00 176,302 77,617,229.28 1,087 22,185.67 4,436,783 145,011,693.13

Quotation(N) 0.67 0.79 23.00 1.90 1.13

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 91,218 62,352.60 640,760 502,600.40 283,524 6,326,244.60 6,060 12,032.10 5,016.60 4,645 1,026,207 6,908,246.30

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 11 18 5 4 43

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

Quotation(N) 1.87

PACKAGING Company Name AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS PLC. NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 10 11

Quotation(N) 0.50 4.65

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 497,650 939,606.00 497,650 939,606.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 7,093 3,546.50 265,100 1,251,794.00 272,193 1,255,340.50

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 11 12 INSURANCE

Quotation(N) 4.94 2.59

Quotation(N) 60.67 31.50 2.95 12.23 133.91 21.50 188.10

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 9,201 543,556.92 716 22,806.00 211,160 622,922.00 347,114 4,277,620.22 44,700 5,928,540.00 1,264,024 27,283,845.38 25,309 4,761,869.43 1,902,224 43,441,159.95

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 250,000 1,235,000.00 8,347,100 19,656,485.00 8,597,100 20,891,485.00

Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 2 7

Quotation(N) 2.95 3.40

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 530,000 1,560,736.40 8,000 27,200.00 538,000 1,587,936.40

Quotation(N) 12.00

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 226,812 2,722,438.96 226,812 2,722,438.96

REAL ESTATE

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name e-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC IHS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 3 10 12 16 105 11 164

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 15 16

No of Deals 7 7

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS

Overall Totals

No of Deals 70 70

Quotation(N) 10.28

Quantity TradedValue of Shares (N) 1,911,922 19,045,467.51 1,911,922 19,045,467.51

2,606

261,376,877

1,789,617,998.74

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

17

18

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Again, intelligence fails •The Christmas day multiple bomb blasts call for an overhaul of security and intelligence strategies

A

GAIN, Nigeria’s intelligence and security network failed embarrassingly as coordinated bomb blasts hit three cities in the north last Christmas day. This round of bombings which happened in Madalla, near Abuja; Jos, Plateau State and Damaturu in Yobe State is particularly worrisome because it had been long foretold by the Boko Haram sect which has claimed responsibility for the mayhem. Recall that mid-December, an anonymous group had boasted that it would set off bomb blasts in Jos without fail. We recall also that on the eve of Christmas last year, a series of blasts went off in Jos, turning the season dark and leaving in its wake no fewer than 150 people dead or injured.

Indeed, it seems to have become a trend for the sect to choose important national events or festivals to make their deadly statements. In early November, just two days to the Eid el Kabir celebration, Boko Haram unleashed a devastating bombing spree on Potiskum and Damaturu in Yobe State, as well as Maiduguri in Bornos State.

The sect has also targeted the October 1 st Independence Day celebration, prompting the Presidency to shift the last Independence day activities into the confines of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Besides seizing the big occasions, between March this year and the December 25th, no fewer than 25 blasts have been recorded across the North of Nigeria, with about 1,000 people killed and twice as many injured.

The most significant, (though not the least deadly) were the blasts at the Police Headquarters (June 16) and the UN head office (August 26) both in Abuja, the seat of the Federal Government.

Police stations are vandalised at will and officers and men cut down with so much ease; several officers of the State Security Service (SSS) have been reportedly killed, including three in the Christmas day breach of their Maiduguri office. In like manner, soldiers, especially members of the task force, have lost their lives. Even the precincts of army barracks have been hit by bombs.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that we are in this for the long haul for the spate of bombings and wanton destruction in the last one year can only be rivalled by the situations in war-weary Iraq and Afghanistan. Apart from the fiendish killing of hapless citizens whose only offence is that they are busy about their daily chores, our very sovereignty is on the line. It is on the strength of this that we call on the Federal Government to take a more reflective look at its security and intelligence strategies, with a view to effecting a comprehensive review.

First, we expect the President, in consultation with his key advisers, has a security and intelligence vision for the nation. This vision we also expect, will dovetail into immediate, medium and long term strategies for combating this soulsearing monster of terrorism. As we have said on these pages before, and we dare to repeat it again now, President Goodluck Jonathan must quit dithering and bite the bullet now by reshuffling his security chiefs and dropping those who have not been up and doing. Admittedly, this team has put up its best effort; unfortunately, its best is not good enough under the dire circumstance the nation finds herself.

It does not require an expert to tell that this security team requires better guidance, better coordination, more prescience, more bite and more panache in its overall

activities. Again, we have not seen that confidence-boosting surefootedness since this scourge started over a year ago; neither has there been any real containment of the sect. Instead, they have become more audacious, bombing targets at will, even giving us long notices. We have not seen our security team exhibit superior intelligence by infiltrating and preempting the sect. Indeed, the reverse is the case. The miscreants are carrying the fight to Police barracks, Customs units, SSS offices and army formations.

Since the October 2010 Eagle Square bombings, we have expected a comprehensive security surveillance cover of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and all key military and security formations. The bombing of the SSS office in Damaturu on Christmas day and killing

of three operatives suggests that such sensitive places across the country are still vulnerable. In the immediate terms therefore, we expect better surveillance, using superior equipment and men and a high boost of morale for the security personnel across board. We must not hesitate or be ashamed to seek help from advanced countries that have mastered the art of fighting terrorism. In fact this barbarism has long become a global war and collaborative efforts have become the norm.

In the medium to long term, we suggest improved training for members of the security community, including strict professionalising of the intelligence corps and further deployment of technology. To illustrate the poor quality among the security corps, the National Security Adviser (NSA) made an unpardonable gaffe in his first comment after the Christmas day blast when he told reporters that the explosion at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church was lobbed from a moving vehicle. Facts later emerged

that a suicide bomber rammed a car into the church. This is an indication of the kind of reports that come to his table daily, upon which weighty matters of state are decided.

The President in his remark on the last blasts said that they are a pain we have to bear as a nation until they fizzle out. We dare say that his is the higher burden. He must recognise the need for rapprochement after a fractious Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries and acrimonious general elections. After his self-acclaimed “pan-Nigerian mandate,” the President owes us a duty to heal and reconcile a nation in turmoil, albeit in a quiet and dignified manner. Where are the wise statesmen, the presidential troubleshooters? He cannot also wish away a national dialogue any longer. He can start putting machineries into place for it.

Again, we must remind the President that his utterances, body language and more so, speech, send reverberating signals across the country and beyond, especially at times of national tragedies. It must be noted that each time the nation has been beset by catastrophe, the President’s remarks have been, to say it mildly, anticlimactic and troubling.

When the Police Headquarters was hit last June, Nigerians expected their President to show umbrage and make assertions to the effect that the perpetrators would be hunted down and brought to book. But instead, he told the country that it could have been him or anybody else.

Here again this time, he tells us that bombs falling on our heads like rain is a burden we have to carry until whenever they stopped. We admonish that the President does not have to speak off the cuff. It is allowed that he discusses some of his public utterances with his various advisers. How could you tell a nation in pain; a woman who has just lost her husband and five children that it is a burden she has to carry? For what offence? While we are carrying this deathly burden, we hope the Presidency remembers to go beyond the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and set up a body headed by a respected clergy man charged with giving succour, relief and compensation to every man, woman or family affected by these bombings.

Our last word is to the North and her statesmen, leaders and elite: It appears that they have either been cowed by evil or they are complicit in it. Whatever the case may be, it is not in anyone’s interest.

If the country implodes, nobody is immune. Second, this is turning into a precedent. Four years is not 40 years; there will be more opportunities for all zones to produce the President. Surely, every Nigerian is better off with Nigeria than bits of Nigeria.

‘Here again this time, he tells us that bombs falling on our heads like rain is a burden we have to carry until whenever they stopped. We admonish that the President does not have to speak off the cuff. It is allowed that he discusses some of his public utterances with his various advisers.

How could you tell a nation in pain; a woman who has just lost her husband and five children that it is a burden she has to carry? For what offence?

Keeping students from the polls

N

EXT fall, thousands of students on college campuses will attempt to register to vote and be turned away. Sorry, they will hear, you have an out-of-state driver’s license. Sorry, your college ID is not valid here. Sorry, we found out that you paid out-of-state tuition, so even though you do have a state driver’s license, you still can’t vote.

Political leaders should be encouraging young adults to participate in civic life, but many Republican state lawmakers are doing everything they can instead to prevent students from voting in the 2012 presidential election. Some have openly acknowledged doing so because students tend to be liberal.

Seven states have already passed strict laws requiring a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license or a passport) to vote, which many students don’t have, and 27 others are considering such measures. Many of those laws have been interpreted as prohibiting out-ofstate driver’s licenses from being used for voting.

It’s all part of a widespread Republican effort to restrict the voting rights of demographic groups that tend to vote Democratic. Blacks, Hispanics, the poor and the young, who are more likely to support President Obama, are disproportionately represented in the 21 million people without government IDs. On Friday, the Justice Department, finally taking action against these abuses, blocked the new voter ID law in South Carolina.

Republicans usually don’t want to acknowledge that their purpose is to turn away voters, especially when race is involved, so they invented an explanation, claiming that stricter ID laws are necessary to prevent voter fraud. In fact, there is almost no voter fraud in America to prevent.

William O’Brien, the speaker of the New Hampshire State House, told a Tea Party group earlier this year that students are “foolish” and tend to “vote their feelings” because they lack life experience. “Voting as a liberal,” he said, “that’s what kids do.” And that’s why, he said, he supported measures to prohibit students from voting from their college addresses and to end same-day registration. New Hampshire Republicans even tried to pass a bill that would have kept students who previously lived elsewhere from voting in the state; fortunately, the measure failed, as did the others Mr. O’Brien favored.

Many students have taken advantage of Election Day registration laws, which is one reason Maine Republicans passed a law eliminating the practice. Voters restored it last month, but Republican lawmakers there are already trying new ways to restrict voting. The secretary of state said he was investigating students who are registered to vote in the state but pay outof-state tuition.

Wisconsin once made it easy for students to vote, making it one of the leading states in turnout of younger voters in 2004 and 2008. When Republicans swept into power there last year, they undid all of that, imposing requirements that invalidated the use of virtually all college ID cards in voter registration. Colleges are scrambling to change their cards to add signatures and expiration dates, but it’s not clear whether the state will let them.

Imposing these restrictions to win an election will embitter a generation of students in its first encounter with the machinery of democracy.

– New York Times

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: After the appointment of the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah in June, she promised to fully implement the government’s transformation agenda in the nation’s aviation industry. During her maiden visit to the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos, the Minister did not hide her readiness to comply with the rationalization of government parastatals and agencies as directed by President Goodluck Jonathan during the swearing of Ministers in Abuja.

She lamented the deplorable state of the airport and promised to ensure that facilities at the airports are upgraded to a modern status.

Shortly after, the minister in what she described as “the implementation of the Federal government policy on rationalization of its agencies” went ahead to sack some chief executives of parastatals within the

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Wrong move, aviation minister industry. Those sacked were the Managing Director of Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Richard Aisuebeogun, Rector of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training College, (NCAT), Kaduna, Captain Araba, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA), Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo.

They were replaced by George Uriesi, (FAAN), Captain Chinyere Kalu (NCAT) and Nnamdi Udoh,

(NAMA) who were all appointed in acting capacity. These appointments sparked off rumblings with the industry watchers and stake holders complaining about the fact that all those appointed are from the southsouth and south-eastern part of Nigeria.

As at the end of November, only two people from the south west were left to head two aviation agencies, they were Engr (Dr) Sam Oduselu, Commissioner/CEO of Accident In-

vestigation Bureau, (AIB) and Dr Harold Demuren, Director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA). Engr Oduselu was later on December 9, relieved of his appointment seven months into his second term of office without any reason.

By the 2006 Aviation act, it is illegal and unconstitutional for a Minister to usurp the powers of a President by truncating midway the tenure of the person so appointed with-

Jonathan should not betray Nigerians

S

IR: Despite the loud hues and cries of the majority of Nigerians that fuel subsidy removal will further worsen the condition of the masses, the insistence of President Goodluck Jonathan on its removal is a daring move in defiance to people’s cries, an apparent attempt to betray and frustrate Nigerians.

The questions are: do we still need temporary pains in addition to myriads of pains that afflict us as a nation? Do millions of intelligent and capable graduates on the street still need “temporary pains” in addition to their joblessness and hopelessness among others? Will the masses who could barely afford three square meals a day pray for additional “temporary pains?”

Should President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who promised heavens and earth during his electioneering campaign be happy by adding “temporary pains” to the suffering of his people? What is “temporary” in a “pain”?

One very important advice for the President is to listen to the voices of the people if truly he is representing them. What kind of a leader would turn a deaf ear to the woes and cries of his people if not a heartless one?

Has the President forgotten those endless promises he composed in active, lively and punchy sentences

such as: “the leadership we have pledged is decidedly transformative… We must grow the economy, create jobs, and generate enduring happiness for our people…

The moment is right. The signs are heart-warming. We are ready to take off on the path of sustained growth and economic development... We will push programs and policies that will benefit both local and foreign businesses,… To drive our overall economic vision, the power sector reform is at the heart of our industrialization strategy… Fellow citizens, in every decision, I shall always place the common good before all else… The time for lamentation is over. This is the era of transformation. This is the time for action… You have trusted me

with your mandate, and I will never, never let you down… I know your pain, because I have been there.

Look beyond the hardship you have endured. See a new beginning; a new direction; a new spirit…”

Who will remember these active sentences by the President on his inauguration day and doubt his being courageous and futuristic? But is he truly courageous and futuristic?

Has he not betrayed his speech? Is he not going to betray further?

The facts before us now, if we must call a spade a spade, are indicators that the future is not bright yet. We thought that Jonathan-led administration will adhere to his promises from his first month in office, not knowing that we have not out-grown the politics of empty

promises. President Jonathan should just remember that he is making a history for himself. And it will be remarkable for two major points: being the first president from that minority region of South-South of Nigeria. The second point depends on what he does with his promises: either the first president from the minority region of SouthSouth that transform Nigeria according to his promises or a president that induces revolution and disintegrates Nigeria through harsh policies. Either of the choices has consequences upon which his history will be written. So let him choose the one to act on • Bayo Salawu, University of Ibadan.

out the concurrence of the President who by law appointed the Commissioner/CEO. By virtue of his appointment, the Commissioner reports directly to the President through the Aviation Minister and by this law, the Minister cannot fire the Commissioner/CEO without the consent of thePresident.

This apart, Oduselu is believed to have achieved a lot in his first four years in office that he needed government support instead of a sack. As an acclaimed Aeronautic Engineer and Accident Investigation Expert, Oduselu has contributed in no small measure in minimizing air accidents in the country since his appointment over four years ago.

Similarly, he has improved on air accident investigation by acquiring a modern hi-tech communication technology known as “fly away van” for the tracking of crashed planes. The technology also enables accident investigators to communicate with the head office from any crash site in any part of the country.

He also commenced the process of acquiring equipments for the decoding of cockpit voice recorders (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) otherwise known as “black box”, the Bureau partly paid for this equipment and it is sending its staff to Canada for technology transfer on the use and maintenance of the equipment. This process, if completed will save the nation a lot of money spent on sending black boxes abroad for decoding any time there is a plane crash as the process will now be done locally.

Oduselu’s sack is unjust and a gross act of disservice to the nation. To sacrifice a resourceful and consummate professional like him on the altar of tribalism and nepotism is wrong.

• Najeemdeen Suleiman, Lagos.

Boko Haram: enough is enough!

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IR: I think it is high time someone volunteered to remind President Goodluck Jonathan that he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Or does he want someone to do his job for him?

I seriously think Goodluck Jonathan must be taught the meaning of the expression “Commander-in-Chief of the

Armed Forces” and if he wants to leave a positive legacy behind, then he must marshall the armed forces of which he is chief commander to tackle the monster of Boko Haram head on.

The President should deploy full military might against the Islamist sect and bring to book all those sponsoring the sect to face the wrath of the law. If he is not ready for this, then he should simply resign as

President. The paramount interest of security must take precedence over every political expediency said to be slowing down, no, stymieing the war against extremist terrorism.

It needs no belabouring the fact that the very first task of government is to provide security to its citizens and where a government has failed in this sacrosanct obligation, the best solution is to call it quits. Nigerians

are fed up with the excuses. They say excuses are nails with which a house of failure is erected. Mr. President, it is security we want.

How you achieve it is not our concern. Simply provide security for Nigerians wherever they find themselves in their country. For how long shall the blood of the innocent ones be shed, Mr. President?

• Oscar Kubuye, Onopa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION T is a year that started like any other. But unknown to the world, there were many things in its womb. When it started disgorging them, the world was stunned. 2011, which expires in 48 hours, is an unusual year; a year in which myths were exploded. What many thought could not happen in some parts of the world happened right before our eyes, thereby making us all witnesses to history.

There were no telltale signs that 2011 will turn out like this on the first of January when we were wishing ourselves ‘’happy new year’’. We were carried away by the euphoria of our celebration that many of us did not take time to consider how it will turn out in the fullness of time.

Where were the parapsychologists? Didn’t they see with their inner eyes that 2011 will be like this? Or did their crystal balls fail them?

In the past, no new year came into being without media reports on predictions for the year by seers. The Oyewoles, the Okonzuas and the Olabayos made their names from such predictions. But we chose not to consult the masters this year. See where our thickheadedness has landed us. If we had consulted the seers, perhaps, the world would have averted some of the tumultous events witnessed in

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Year of the unthinkable some countries. Perhaps.

2011 is the year that those not normally reckoned with in most parts of the world took their destiny in their hands and decided that it was time for change. They confronted the establishment in a way never seen before and for once some leaders felt the might of the people. People’s power was at play in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Russia, United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Greece, Israel, Mexico, India, and Chile, among others.

It was a show of defiance by people, who had become fed up with the systems in which they found themselves and wanted a change. Eventhough change did not occur in some places, it was enough that the people made their grievances known. Their actions showed that as a people we can fight our cause and achieve results if we band together and not allow those we call our leaders to break our ranks. There is strength in unity, so goes a saying, but when we are divided we open our flanks to those in power.

Those wielding political power know too well that a people united is a threat to them,

‘For sure, where the army and the people’s interests are the same, there is no hiding place for dictators. There is a lot of lesson in this for our military’

this is why they will do anything to play the people against themselves. The powerful do not want to lose power because they are aware of its enormous gains. If they are allowed many of them want to hold power for life. Look at Gaddafi; even when he knew the end was near he refused to leave. He believed that he could still redeem the situation when it was glaring, except to him, that it was all over.

He paid with his life instead of leaving power quietly and going into exile in South Africa.

The Arab Spring was the harbinger of the fall of this North African leader. The Arab Spring has its roots in Tunisia where a hawker immolated himself after being harassed and extorted by policemen. The police! Yes, the police; they are the same everywhere. Even in the US, they are no different. In one of the ’’occupy’’ protests in the US, a policeman used pepper spray on protesters despite their being peaceful and orderly.

Aren’t they lucky? In Nigeria, they would have been shot.

In London, protesters challenged the police for shooting to death a suspect. For days, London burned, while the world watched. It was the same in the US during the ’’Occupy Wall Street’’ and ‘’Occupy Oakland’’ campaigns. It was time for the authorities to know that they are holding power in trust and that it is not their birthright. Hosni Mubarak, who tried to negotiate his way out after over 30 years in office as Egyptian president, was forced

out by the people. He is now facing trial before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

Mubarak failed in his bid to play soldiers against the people as Bashar Assad is doing today in Syria. But for how long will he do that before he goes the way of Gaddafi? The Egyptian army stood by the people in the crusade and dumped their commanderin-chief because there comes a time in the life of man that he should stand up for what is right and lasting and not for any temporal gain. ’’Your armed forces, who are aware of the legitimacy of your demands...will not resort to use of force’’, the military said.

For sure, where the army and the people’s interests are the same, there is no hiding place for dictators. There is a lot of lesson in this for our military.

What will 2012 bear?

I

N three days, we will be in a new year. The 366-day circle of 2011, a leap year, would have run its course by Saturday.

It is a good thing to look forward to a new year because of the belief that it would be better than the

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

preceding one; that is usually our prayer. We have all seen how 2011 played out.

Will 2012 be like that? Nobody can really say for now what 2012 has in store for the world.

Perhaps, soothsayers can make a guess as to what to expect. But one thing is sure, eventhough I am not a seer, I can gaze into a crystal ball and predict that come next year we will pay more for petrol as fuel subsidy is removed.

I can also say emphatically that the people will rise against the fuel price hike. There will be a nationwide strike; blah blah blah. Of an Arab Spring; that I am not too sure. Happy New Year in advance.

‘Their actions showed that as a people we can fight our cause and achieve results if we band together and not allow those we call our leaders to break our ranks. There is strength in unity’ SMS ONLY: 08056504763

Reforms and government’s moral burden

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ECENT economic events call for deep national introspection on our economic management. These include the recent release on national economic performance by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in between two MPC meetings; the push by government to withdraw so called “oil subsidy” and the attendant resistance by the population to the move. It also includes the admission by the Finance Minister that she could only deliver a paltry 5% reduction in national recurrent expenditure from 74% to 69% over four years. According to the NBS, headline inflation rose to 10.5% in October in spite the policy activism of the monetary authorities to keep inflation at bay. Over the last one year in particular, the monetary authority has launched a series of liquidity contractionary moves that has seen MPR jump from 6.25% in January to 12% in October, and the Cash Reserve Ratio for banks doubling from 4% to 8%.

Credit growth especially to the real sector and to consumers which had shrunk as a result of the loan default crisis of 2008/ 2009 has not also been significant as to impact seriously on investment and consumer expenditure. Banks are still not seriously lending despite off-loading their bad loans to AMCON and the stabilization of the financial system through the injection of capital into distressed banks. Bankers are not confident to lend. Business is not confident to invest.

Consumers are not confident to spend.

While our GDP continues to grow at above seven percent, we see the first signs that national economic growth rate might be tapering off, as growth rate year on year actually declined from 7.8% to 7.4%. Our economic managers have traditionally undeservedly thumped their chest that they are responsible for our economic growth. The fact is that as a nation, Nigeria has been very lucky. Global geo-politics, the war in Iraq and the possibilities of another in Iran, coupled with rise of China has meant that global demand for oil was increasing at a rate faster than it could be supplied. This has led to the rise in global oil prices, a windfall for oil producing nations with such natural factor endowments like Nigeria.

The impact on growth rates on economies like Nigeria where oil accounts for 14% of our GDP has been huge. Nigeria has also been lucky by another natural factor, sheer good weather in the last decade which has helped our agricultural output.

This along with the increase in cultivation of our huge mass of previously uncultivated arable land has seen agriculture output and contribution to GDP growing to more than 40%, outstripping even the oil sector. The increase in cultivation of previously uncultivated land however has little to do with government policy. It is an un-intended consequence of our poor economic management that has seen unemployment standing at more than 23%, with many school leavers driven to subsistence agriculture just to make ends meet.

According the National Bureau of Statistics, another 1.8

By Olu Akanmu million joined the unemployment queue in the last six months bringing the total number of unemployed in Nigeria to 15 million by June this year.

Nothing illustrates our poor economic management than the mass of unemployed youth, massive misery and poverty in a country whose people otherwise should be living with basic comfort. Our GDP growth numbers averaging 7% annually over the last ten years have not translated to jobs and economic prosperity for our young people. The social consequences are becoming manifest even beyond crime.

There is now a clear correlation between terrorism and unemployment. Yobe and Borno states, the capital base of Boko Haram have the highest unemployment rates in Nigeria at about 60%. Social conflicts and skirmishes are clearly highly correlated to social pressure to survive and the frustrations of young energetic people to get a decent living.

Despite aggressive monetary tightening, inflationary pressure has not abated, with core inflation remaining firmly above 11% last quarter. The naira is under pressure. A potential global economic contraction driven by crisis in the Eurozone could depress oil demand and oil prices, putting further pressure on the naira with attendant imported inflationary pressure. The fact is that we are seeing the limits of monetary activism especially when it is not complemented by sound fiscal economic management. Our monetary authorities might have attempted to be too heroic perhaps out of patriotic passion. Unfortunately, they may be judged by the promises which their grand heroic postures have engendered as those who have the tool box and the tools to fix our economic ailments. Until recently, we virtually forgot that we had a Finance Ministry (and even a Presidential Economic team) as our Reserve bank became a combined fisco-monetary authority.

Is there however any hope that the fiscal side of our economic management will wake up and become more potent? The admission by the Finance Minister that the current economic management team can only reduce recurrent expenditure by 5% from 74% to 69% over 4 years leaves much to be desired. Essentially, the federal and state governments will continue to consume virtually all the money they make leaving very little for investments in infrastructure, power, roads and education that will drive long term economic growth. Government spending priority continues to be misplaced. The revelation that government intends to build a new house for the Vice President at a cost of N7billion is unfortunate. The N7billion at non-inflated cost could fix tens of kilometers on the dreaded Ore-Benin Expressway with huge impact on our economic life. Such symbolic gestures are important. It will show that the government recognizes

the need for sacrifice, for prudence in economic management and it is willing to start with itself. President Jonathan lost a huge symbolic opportunity to communicate commitment to economic prudence by continuing with our traditional bloated ministerial cabinet and huge retinue of Special Assistants. The fact is that the structure of government and its civil service are too large for prudent economic management, especially at this time. The National Assembly has further compounded the problem with its own huge cost as one of the most expensive but least productive parliaments in the world. These are the root of the “Collect and Consume” mantra of the governments at all levels that have seen our recurrent expenditure growing to nearly 75% of national budget. A wise Joseph advised the biblical Pharaoh that the nation should save in its season of fat cows for the coming season of lean cows. Even the ancients understand the principles of economic cycles, of building strong national reserves to absorb economic shocks and uncertainties. In Nigeria however, we are not only consuming everything in our season of fat cows, of high oil prices, we are even borrowing after depleting our national reserves.

The federal government has not been able to win the debate on the removal of so called “oil subsidy” because the people believe that it has no moral basis to ask them to make sacrifice.

The people believe that oil subsidy is a corrupt artificial creation of our governments driven by a perverse incentive not to make our refineries work. The people do not trust that the state will spend wisely and honestly the subsidy when withdrawn for infrastructure development. If people must make economic sacrifice in form of taxes (which is what the oil subsidy withdrawal is), the government must have the moral credibility to ask them to do so. This seems to be the greatest challenge of government and its attempt at fiscal reforms. Reprioritizing national economic spend will be painful in the short term. Rationalizing the bureaucracy at federal and state levels , cutting excess fat in government, fighting corruption and entrenched interests calls for a courageous leadership that is credible, that will lead a painful structural economic and political adjustment. The government unfortunately, seems to have spent a lot of its political capital and goodwill in the brief period after the election. It can use the remaining forty-two months to make a difference. It can however only do so if it stays committed to the values of good governance, stop hobnobbing with those who compromise or destroy our economic institutions, fight corruption genuinely and demonstrate a high level of executive prudence. This will give it the moral credibility to ask the people to make the desired economic sacrifice.

• Akanmu, an executive in the financial service industry wrote from Victoria Island, Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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NALYSTS have attributed the success of The Guardian to the assemblage and fusion of Nigeria’s celebrated intellectuals and highly skilled professionals in Rutam House at its onset in November 1982.

How about with Eddy Iroh who shot the TV advert copy “sooner or later, you will read The Guardian” inside our boardroom? Or the celebrated authors and thinkers like Drs Macebuh, Jemie, Osofisan, Chinweizu, later joined by Dr Eddy Madunagu, Dr Ekwe Ekwe, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Sonala Olumhese of The Punch fame and Odia Ofeimum? The list was simply intimidating. No less intimidating was the team put together by Segun Osoba, unarguably the most accomplished reporter and newspaper manager of the time. There were Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Duro Irojah, Doyin Mamoud, Ted Iwere, and Amman Ogan among many others.

But since this scenario has played out elsewhere with varying degrees of failure, I think the success of The Guardian must have stemmed more from Mr. Alex Ibru’s personality and his unorthodox management style. He worked on the psychology of members of each group, exploiting in the process, their human frailties. He made each group believe it was The Guardian. And it paid off handsomely. Professor Olatunji Dare in his recent tribute referred to a period that editorial board members enthusiastically worked on Saturdays, Sundays and sometimes slept in the office. They passionately shared Alex Ibru’s belief that our nation needed a rebirth and saw The Guardian as part of the apparatus for change.

Of course for Lade Bonuola and a host of us escaping from the Daily Times that had heavily invested in us because of its reduction to ‘a government viewspaper’ by Shehu Shagari’s NPN administration, it was a bold relief to hear Alex Ibru’s declaration about setting up The Guardian among other reasons ‘to help journalists practice their profession without let or hindrance’.

While the intellectuals and the professional were engaged in their own chores, each group in fierce competition to justify Ibrus’s confidence, the publisher presided over the management of funds and staff welfare. He was a prudent manager of funds as he was of human resources.

He ensured job security and protection for the efficient. As Reuben Abati noted in his tribute a few days ago, the publisher kept his promise and ensured ‘he was promoted three times in a year’ because of his resourcefulness. In fact part of our selling point at a time was to say to a staff who had a better offer that, “you know Alex Ibru will not fire you if you remain productive and you are not involved in fraud” Alex Ibru, like a shrewd Jewish entrepreneur could answer ‘sir’ to a resourceful staff. He made

R

ECENTLY, the Senate passed a Bill which seeks to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, and witnessing same and provided appropriate solemnization of the marriage penalties thereof. The Bill and its passage have genuinely and overwhelmingly been applauded by members of the public generally. However, there are some who have opposed the Bill.

The Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and other kindred organizations have posited that the Bill utterly violates universal human rights.

Reference and reliance has been made to Yogyakarta Principles which has been claimed to be the universal guide to such rights which affirm binding international legal standards and the application of international human rights and best – practices in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity with which all states must comply.

The Yogyakarta Principles which was made and adopted as principles by representatives of non – governmental organizations and United Nations treaty monitoring committee members following the 2006 conference held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was by a group of self acclaimed experts and definitely not a binding international legal obligation. The principles have not been agreed to by member states of the United Nations (UN) and all efforts to pass resolutions promoting homosexual and lesbian rights have been rejected by UN member states. Therefore, the principles which the advocates of homosexual and gender rights rely on and hold out, does not in any way carry the force of international law.

A concession to the arguments and demands of this category of opposition undermines a proper understanding of international law and legitimate international legal regimes predicated on the existence of sovereign states and their willingness to enter into Conventions and Treaties but nevertheless remain at liberty to govern their national affairs in the manner that they see proper. Indeed, Article 2(7) of the UN’s charter stipulates that nothing in the Charter shall authorize the UN to intervene in

Alex Ibru, genius in newspaper management-2 his key staff feel important. But he also ensured by his act of goodness that nearly all the key staff was indebted to him for one favour or the other.

He always found a way to remind me how he stood by me when some people wanted to send me away from The Guardian.

As Lade Bonuola has correctly put it during his lying-in-state, Alex Ibru would always ask you to go and fix your salary. But he however forgot to add he also used to say ‘gratuity is gratuitous’ until you are able to make the money. But Alex Ibru was speaking as a shrewd business man. It was his indirect way of telling you to eat only what you can produce or as we say, cut your coat according to your clothe. While Alex Ibru was ready to invest ‘God’s’ money on what he saw as a voice for the voiceless, he believed The Guardian was a viable venture if properly managed as a business concern. At the beginning, he was never tired of reminding us ‘you people want an independent newspaper, you must be ready to work for it’ He insisted workers must earn their pay.

But a newspaper needs financial gestation period of a number of years. The result was that salary of workers including the directors remained very poor. Gratuity counted for nothing. Workers anger was directed at management and not Alex Ibru, the unobtrusive, white Kaftan wearing humble publisher. He was effectively shielded. I recalled how a senior colleague jokingly threatened to sue The Guardian because his severance allowance after all deductions for a decade as a director was less than 20,000 naira. A young under graduate who came for his father’s gratuity when told by late Augustine Orishani that it was about 17,000 naira just turned back and asked the administration

controller to chew the cheque. I am not sure what those who worked with blood and sweat like Olu Oke, Lade Bonuola or Femi Kusa took away. But the truth was that Alex Ibru was teaching a lesson in self survival.

The Guardian was Alex Ibru’s life. He ensured he was in total control through his own unique structure which makes his appointed Executive Consultant, Editorial the first among equals. But he humored everyone else as being in control.

Even after appointing his wife the CEO, Alex Ibru was in charge. As Executive Consultant Editorial and Advertising, (to which he later added, Engineering and Computers following the demise of those two other colleagues), he had said ‘you are in charge, you have my absolute support. If you have any problem, tell my wife who has always spoken very highly of you, if she cannot solve it, let me know’. But except you were his cousin, the highly cerebral late Andy Akporugo, you would allow yourself to be carried away by an illusion of power.

Alex Ibru who had no enemies but loyalists was going to equally inform Emeka Izeze, the Managing Director and Editor-in-chief, whose power then, hardly extended beyond the newsroom, that he was in charge and that the success of the paper depended on him. The publisher would then move on to call each of the controllers and sometimes their deputies: ‘You controllers are very, very important’ he would declare. ‘You are in charge. The success of the paper depends on you.’ he would not forget to remind them that their directors were just ‘to direct and monitor.’ And he meant his words.

When a particular finance director failed to cede enough power to a controller, he intervened on behalf of the controller because as he put it ‘the

Still on same sex bill

By Kingsley Ekwem matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. The right of the nation state to appropriately legislate on issues it deems fit and considers extremely vital to its citizens is a right that may or may not necessarily be adjudged or co – terminus with international best practices and what it purports to represent. They are integral rights of states that should not only be acknowledged but also respected.

It has also been argued and very easily too, that the Bill represents a novel classical violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the federation. These rights range from individual freedom of association, right not to be discriminated against on origin, religion, ethnicity, status, sex and gender grounds amongst other rights. Since a constitution of a people is clearly what gives such people its identity, which embodies the peoples’ experiences, accepted values and aspirations in that nation, is there one who can really, and sincerely argue that the makers of our constitution directl,,y even remotely contemplated that the bills of rights contained therein are intended to constitutionally cover and promote homosexual and lesbian activities etc so much so as to elevate such activities as recognized rights within the spirit and intendment of the constitution?

Again, the Same Sex Marriage Bill is not particularly and entirely new legislation.

Under section 214 of the criminal code, any person who have carnal knowledge of an animal or permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature is guilty of a felony and is liable to be sent to jail for 14 years. Under section 352 of the same code, even an assault with intent to commit unnatural offence is a felony punishable by 14 years imprisonment.

Similarly, section 214 of the same code also punishes by imprisonment for 7 years even an

attempt to commit an unnatural offence. Other sections of interest are 216 and 217 that deal with indecent treatment of boys under 14 years, and indecent practices between males etc respectively. It seems to me therefore that the Bill is in substance and essence nothing new and therefore not unprecedented. It has always been there. But the Senate may have been persuaded to unequivocally give vent to a rejection of such current trends in some countries (and to much lesser degree in Nigeria) by giving the contents of the Bill its full expression and nip in the bud its potential spread to our schools, colleges and institutions by the penal deterrence.

Further, by virtue of section 4(1) (2) of the 1999 constitution, the National Assembly can make laws for the peace, order and good government in the nation. Homosexual and lesbian conduct, practices etc are widely accepted as being against the natural order of things in Nigeria. Inherent in this societal rejection is a strong recognition of the positive goods that are far superior to any strange and contrary consideration. Some of these goods include the importance of the traditional family, how the rights of a child are best preserved when that child is raised in a family with a father and mother (as traditionally known and defined) and its indispensability to the flourishing of human society.

Homosexual and lesbian conducts, practices cannot sustain society or promote an enduring common good. Such practices cannot be universally willed, for to do so could mean an ultimate end to human species which by its very nature is incompatible with anyone’s conception of the common good. The Bill passed by the Nigerian Senate is therefore not arbitrary and its design will ultimately enhance and compliment the future flourishing of the human kind rather than its diminishment or even extinction.

company account is an open book.’ There was nothing to hide.

The Publisher insisted everybody was in charge of The Guardian except Mr. Alex Ibru. Yet any position you are appointed to was in furtherance of his hold on The Guardian. He made Lade Bonuola the MD and editor-in-chief after the exit of Dr Stanley Macebuh because he didn’t want another Macebuh who would try to lay claim to joint ownership of his paper. He wanted someone he could trust. Mr. Alex Ibru was equally too thorough not to know that Femi Kusa was independent minded. But he knew the combination of Femi Kusa and Bonuola, both cross bearers, would be to the advantage of The Guardian. This was probably what worked in favour of Kusa more than his competence which was never in doubt.

Of course studying the way Alex Ibru’s mind worked, appointing Emeka Izeze a deputy to Femi Kusa and as his successor after the latter’s forced exit was a calculated move. It could not have been based on Kusa’s recommendation as he recently argued. The Publisher simply believed Izeze would be more loyal than an independent minded and more intuitive Kingsley Osadolor with a first Class from UNN School of Journalism. And Ibru was proved right.

Osadolor just didn’t have the temperament of Alex Ibru’s unquestioning loyal disciples. And following what most of Kingsley ‘s senior colleagues knew was a sterile intellectual confrontation with a man who needed only your reassurance after wide consultation on an issue, the post of Deputy Managing Director, the publisher’s self serving creation to guarantee loyalty after the exit of Bonuola and Kusa and which Osadolor occupied ceased to exist. Of course Izeze has remained loyal even in the trying times, insisting part of his duties was to protect and defend the Publisher in spite of himself.

‘I recalled how a senior colleague jokingly threatened to sue The Guardian because his severance allowance after all deductions for a decade as a director was less than 20,000 naira. A young under graduate who came for his father’s gratuity when told by late Augustine Orishani that it was about 17,000 naira just turned back and asked the administration controller to chew the cheque’ There are people who would argue that it is totally wrong for the senate to legislate on the issue since it violates individual rights of the sexual minorities in question. But corollary to such claim must necessarily be a recognition of a severe and grave conflict with the social condition of an absolutely overwhelming majority of people who do not suffer from such disorder and a recognition that the existence and display of such rights are fatally opposed to norms to which in the nation this absolute majority constitute, and indeed desires a legislation accordingly for the protection of the nation.

The US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has argued that gay rights are not a western or foreign culture or practice but a “human reality”.

If the US position is to serve as a guide for what it is worth, could it not be stretched to cover several acts, conducts and practices that have both positive national and universal criminalization (because of their common abhorrence by mankind) but nevertheless remains a human condition or reality. One should not be naïve to assume that there do not exist a significant minority in any society who truly wish, even if in secret or hiding that they have a right to help themselves to any property that does not belong to them e.g. stealing and would wish to continue in such misconduct. The fact that one has a predilection to commit singular or serial adultery, drug addiction, stealing and innumerable vices and crimes does not qualify such conditions as necessarily a human reality that should be promoted or elevated to “a Right”. The point being made here is that there seem to be strong merit in the propositions that homosexual and lesbian orientations or gender identification could just well be a condition (not human rights) quite capable of being counseled, treated or cured. This claim in my view deserves to be seriously investigated for the genuine and authentic good of any society.

It is hoped that when the lower house of the National Assembly passes the Bill as prudently and expeditiously as the Senate did, the President should assent same into law.

Kingsley Ekwem • Legal Practitioner writes from Lagos

BOKO HARAM SCARE

NFF tightens security Pg. 24 ahead AGM

Six Nigerian referees make FIFA’s list for 2012

Pg. 24

•Late Ibrahim on the list

Nation PAGE 23

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Moratti dismisses Joel Obi’s Torino move

Pg. 41

Mikel wants to watch Bolt, Federer Pg. 24

Ideye targets League title with Dynamo Kiev Pg. 41

•Martins

Martins dreams silverware with Kazan Pg. 24

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

BOKO HARAM SCARE

NFF tightens security ahead AGM

S

ECURITY has been beefed up at the African Tropicana Hotel, venue of the 2011 NFF Annual General Assembly beginning today in Kaduna.

The crocodile city as the former seat of power the North East, is now agog with activities as stakeholders in the

From Patrick Ngwaogu in Kaduna round leather game converge for the 65th edition of the NFF Annual General Assembly.

Expected at the Assembly which is the highest decision making body of

NFF urged to take players’ security as priority

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been advised to take the issue of the security of the Nigeria Premier League players seriously and not to unnecessarily risk their lives when it could be prevented.

Making this known to NationSport a top football administrator in the country who pleaded anonymity stated that the NFF ought to have been more alive to its responsibilities with regard to the Charity Cup tie which pitched Federation Cup kings, Heartland FC and League Champion, Dolphins FC against each other in Kaduna State today.

The football administrator noted that with security of lives still an issue in some northern parts of the country which is alleged to be the homestead of Boko Haram, asking both clubs to come to the match through the road without showing too much concern about what happens to them on their way to Kaduna does not

•Aminu Maigari

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri show that NFF is sensitive to the plight of footballers and the dangers they are predisposed to while embarking on such journeys through the highway.

He disclosed that the wisest option for the NFF would have been to send flight return tickets to both teams and thus save them the agony of what might have happened to them enroute to the alleged troubled northern zone, asserting that with bombing the order of the day in the country in recent times, it would be foolhardy for the NFF to wait until there is a casualty before taking security as a priority.

“They just wanted them to come to Kaduna just like that without adequate protection to their lives. Is it too much for the NFF to airlift the two teams? Those are the questions the press is not asking. If NYSC can withdraw some corps members from some certain states for security reasons, what stops NFF from making arrangements to prevent these boys from unnecessary attacks that are preventable?

Those are some of the questions that answers ought to be provided but nobody is saying anything on it,’’ he said.

It would be recalled that the latest of such bombings happened on Christmas day at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja with over 30 worshippers of the said church sent to their early grave while other undisclosed numbers that got injured.

WBC 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

the Football Federation are all the States FA Chairmen and their Secretaries, Representatives of the League bodies, Referees, Coaches and stakeholders in the round leather game. The Programme is expected to begin today at the African Tropicana Hotel, with the Governor of Kaduna State and the Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) expected to grace the occasion.

The NFF President is expected to present the annual report of the outgoing year, and the budget and activities of the Federation for the year 2012 would be presented for the house.

Delegates to the meeting have started arriving the city, with all the hotels in the city well secured to avoid any ugly incident.

Six Nigerian referees make FIFA’s list for 2012 •Late Ibrahim on the list

S

IX Nigerian referees have been named by the Federation International Football Associations (FIFA). There were listed for the year 2012.

The referees includes, Solomon Wokoma, Bunmi Ogunkolade, Ago Abubakar, Amao Opeyemi, Henry Ogunyamodi and Benjamin Odey.

Also on the list is the late Auwalu Ibrahim, who died early December unknowingly to FIFA. Th world's football governing body

Boko Haram threatens Charity Cup •Dolphins to field a depleted side •Top players shun tie

D

OLPHINS of Port Harcourt may struggle to field their best players today in the Charity Cup tie they are slated to play against Heartland FC Owerri with most of their players declining from travelling to Kaduna owing probably to anxiety over the venue of the match and the threat of Boko Haram.

With security concerns still an issue the most publicised Charity Cup match between the Federation Cup winner,Heartland FC of Owerri and the NPL champion, Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt may not live up to expectation with the latest development.

NationSport checks on the two teams showed that both sides are not too keen on today’s encounter with the threat of the Boko Haram instilling fears in the players.

The Technical Adviser of Dolphins FC Stanley Eguma in an interview said that the apprehension over Boko Haram has indeed affected his preparation for the curtain-raiser tie for the league season which also

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri serves as the opening of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) because of his players failure to return to the camp ahead of their trip to Kaduna.

He said: “We are preparing for the match and I will say we are a bit ready but the threat of Boko Haram is threatening our build-up. As I speak with you, most of my players are not in camp they have not returned from the Christmas break. Some of them do not want to go owing to the obvious reason I just stated.”

An optimistic coach Eguma, however, added: “ it is not that it is not important but most of the players are declining from playing the match but we do not have any option we are going to present a team because it is a NFF programme which must be supported and adhered to strictly.I believe whoever we present on matchday will definitely give a good account of himself.”

has considered Ibrahim on provisional medical grounds,as theleadership of the Nigeria Footbal Federation(NFF) and Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) believed he will recover from his ailment and go on to pass his medical and fitness test.

When FIFA released the names of referees for 2012, Auwalu name still featured on it.

Thirty two others made it for this year.The only new name on this year’s list is Mimisen Iyorhe, a female assistant referee who replaced Elizabeth Nkiru Igwenagu who this Decmber clocked the mandatory age of 45 and was subsequently retired.

Minus Auwalu, six assistant referees were listed, topped by Peter Edibe who has been invited by CAF to be part of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Others are Sanni Zubairu, Robert Aundugh, Reverend Father

Chukwudi Onumajuru, Lieutenant Tunde Abidoye and Baba Abel.

Three women referees made it.

Felicia Okwugba, Foluso Ajayi and Uloma Nwogu.

Also on the list are four women assistant referees, Grace Agudosi, Bosede Momoh, Stella Eloji and Mimisen Iyorhe.

For Futsal, FIFA listed S.T. Ayeni, Ibrahim Umar Sanni, Paul Umago and Agbo Mark.

Veteran of many world cups, Jelili Ogunmuyiwa leads the Beach Soccer referees that include Ahmed Sanni, Mike Ushie and Jimeta Suleiman.

FIFA Referees boss Linus Mba informed that Auwalu cannot be replaced. He received the news of Peter Edibe’s invitation by CAF to the Nations Cup with Joy. “I have called him to congratulate him and to tell him the need to be in shape between now and the tests that will be conducted pre the tournament in July”. He said.

Ekeji honoured by his Moratti dismisses Joel community in Aboh Mbaise Obi’s Torino move •Falcons star, Iwuagwu; Heartland GM, Ndubuoke too

C

ONTRARY to reports, Nigeria international Joel Obi won't be leaving Inter Milan for Torino in the winter market. In recent days, the 20-yearold whiz kid had been linked with a move to Turin.

But the deal won't materialize as Obi is considered by the Inter Milan supremo Massimo Moratti as one for the future. Inter Milan have also registered Obi for the UEFA Champions League.

According to TuttoSport, the number one sports daily in Turin, Torino have shifted focus to the Italo-Egyptian midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy.

Earlier, Obi had been linked with

W

By Innocent Amomoh Morales must fight Ajose at a date to be agreed on, hopefully before the middle of the year 2012,” said Prince Oladunjoye, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

“There is no cause for alarm because from what we saw at the Convention, the WBC wants Ajose to take a shot at the world title as soon as possible and I don’t see any politics at play here. I want all Nigerians to encourage and support our own mandatory challenger, Olusegun Ajose who is the No.1 on the old and current rate of WBC in the world to beat whoever comes to fight him to retain his No.1 rating and get the slot to be challenged for the title thereafter all over the world for the mega bucks that would heavily promote Ajose, his coach, Joe Mensah and ultimately our own dear nation, Nigeria.

“I believe the efforts of all Nigerians who are behind him in this crusade would become worthwhile and obvious when Ajose becomes the new undisputed world champion by His grace,” said Prince Oladunjoye.

The delegation led by Dr Godwin Kanu, President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBBC and vice-president African Boxing Union (ABU), had Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, the President General, Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Mr. Victor John, Mr. Folorunsho Jacob, President of Pro Referees, Alhaji Lasisi Bisiriyu and Mr. Lati Muis, a WBC referee, as others who attended the Convention from Nigeria.

R

UBIN KAZAN forward, Obafemi Martins has shared his thoughts to Russia's number one sports daily Sport-Express on his adaptation to the league and Russian language.

Martins said:''I do not think my adaptation in Russia was delayed because of language barrier. The team has people who are always ready to keep the conversation in English. For example Ryazantsev, Noboa and Arlauskis. '' I hope I have the time and opportunity to win a title in Russia, any title, and go through what I felt in February at the Wembley Stadium when Birmingham won the League Cup.''

S Brown Ideye's Dynamo Kiev is technically out of the Europa League the Nigeria international forward wants the club to win the Ukrainian Championship.

Ideye told the official website FC Dynamo Kiev: ''We did everything we could. Now we have to concentrate on the Ukrainian championship. We have to win the title - then get the opportunity to directly qualify for the

L

OCAL FRENCH newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré reported on Tuesday that Evian Thonon Gaillard Football Club, newly promoted to the Ligue 1, are interested in signing the Nigeria international Peter Utaka.

Matching press reports in Denmark confirm that Evian have sent representatives to Odense to begin discussions with Utaka and his entourage.

Utaka becomes a free agent at the end of the season. This could be Odense's last opportunity to cash in.

Bundesliga side Cologne are also trailing the 27-year-old forward.

According to Martin's agent, he is on the radar of club in England and Italy in the winter market.

T

HE Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Patrick Ekeji has advised Nigerians to look at what they could do for their country in the area of sports development and not until when they are recognised by their fatherland before doing so.

Ekeji made this disclosure at the maiden edition of the 2011 Aboh Mbaise Award of Sports Excellence which the Local Government Area had for some of her illustrious sons and daughters which took place at the National Sports Commision South East Zone X1 Sports Centre at Nkwogwu Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Area of Imo State Tuesday.

NSC DG told his fellow natives that the honour done on him and others which is the first of its kind in the LGA should be seen as the re-awakening of sports consciousness in the area and he admonished the organisers to fish out others that are worthy of recognition in the subsequent editions.

Besides the DG NSC, others that were honoured included former female Junior international who attended three editions of the FIFA Under-20 Championships from 2002 to 2006, Akudo Iwuagwu; the General Manager of the Heartland FC of Owerri, Fan Ndubuoke; the foundation member of the Mbaise F A and the first National Match Commissioner from the Mbaise clan, Ben Isiguzo and Boniface Erege, a sports philanthropist among others.

A bewildered Iwuagwu told NationSport in a brief chat that when she got the call that she was among those shortlisted for a award she was surprised and that having been recognised eventually by her people, the humble gesture would only spur her to continue go give her best to her fatherland whenever called upon to do so.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri The Delta State University (DELSU) undergraduate affirmed that she still had a lot to give to football and that shelooked forward to fulfilling her dreams, first at club level with Delta United which she reckons would serve as the springboard to an invitation into the Super Falcons again in the near future.

“I was shocked when I was told by my people that I have been included for an award. I was told that because I have represented Nigeria in different outings at the World Cup made me to be qualified for the award. I am indeed happy and words alone cannot express how I really felt. I thank the organizers of this award and I promise to continue to give my best to bring more honour to my state and my LGA,”were the words of Iwuagwu, who currently plies her trade with Delta United.

•Ekeji

Kalika returns to Nigeria in 2012

F

ORMER Super Eagles’ Dutch assistant coach, Simon Kalika will return to Nigeria to see his former employers the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) early next year, NationSport can reliably report.

The Amsterdam-based tactician was deputy to erstwhile Eagles’ manager, Samson Siasia and following the departure of the former Nigerian striker he too was expected to be removed from the NFF’s payroll.

Kalika has since left Nigeria but NationSport gathered exclusively that he will be back in the country to take

By Olusoji Olukayode care of some issues with the football house.

Also, his former boss, Siasia, who NationSport learnt is away in the United States of America will be back to the country in January according to reliable source.

Kalika began his journey in Nigeria 2005 when he joined forces with Siasia at the World Youth Championship where the team won a silver medal.

He was also with the Olympic team in 2008, winning another silver.

Make players’ welfare your 3SC skipper priority, Wopa charges club owners claims 5 million member of the Nigerian

By Akeem Lawal Premier League board Naira pay-off representing North Central relegation, it’s not as if the two clubs don’t

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS

Mikel wants to watch Bolt, Federer

A

S

A

•Mikel

Champions League, that is our goal.

Actually, personally, I really want to win the championship of Ukraine.''

The 23-year-old says he is living his dreams after a difficult childhood. ''I was happy at childhood. I may not always have enough money, but the situation is the same everywhere in Nigeria. I experienced so much discomfort. I had a perfectly ordinary standard of Nigerian family. My father died when I was 17. I have four brothers and two sisters,'' Ideye added.

The Ukrainian Championship is on a three-month break. The league resumes March, 2012. Dynamo Kiev top the standings with 52 points from 20 games.

Evian to challenge Cologne for Utaka

with Kazan

FTER the failure of the Dream Team to qualify for the football event of the London 2012 Games, Nigeria international John Obi Mikel said he was looking forward to watching Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and two-time Olympic Champion Yelena Isinbayeva.

Mikel told the official website of Chelsea: ''The 100 metres, I'd like to see Usain Bolt win but I think there's another boy on the block! There's another Jamaican boy who is very, very quick so I'll be keeping an eye on him. I'll also be watching tennis because I am a big fan of Roger Federer. '' (As for my favorite Olympic athlete), I'd like to give it to some of the earlier guys I can remember. The American guys from the 100 metres, and I always loved the Russian pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva , who is a world record holder. '' The Olympics will be held in London from July 27 to August 12, 2012.

•Joel Obi

Ideye targets League title with Dynamo Kiev A

‘Nigeria to produce World Boxing Champions in 3 years’ Martins dreams silverware

ITH proactive measures being put in place, Nigerian amateur and professional boxing will produce world champions within the next three years.

This was one of the promises Nigeria made to the officials of the World Boxing Council, WBC, shortly before the conclusion of the 49th Annual Convention held in Las Vegas, USA. Speaking on the outcome of the Convention, a member of Nigerian delegation, Prince Wale Oladunjoye, said that “the convention was very eventful with interests and support from world renowned boxers and promoters looking forward to boxing exploits from Nigeria again after a period of lull in our boxing.

“We have promised them that shortly that is one to three years from now new skilful and talented boxers would emerge on the world stage from our blessed nation, due to effort in place currently.”

Shedding more light on how Nigerian Olusegun Ajose, a mandatory challenger to the holder of the WBC Super Lightweight champion, Mexican Eric Morales, was given a delay date to face the champion, Prince Oladunjoye, a member of the WBC said that “Ajose’s case had been decided on the floor of the Convention two days to the conclusion that he is the mandatory challenger to the holder of the WBC Super Lightweight champion, Morales. The Mexican wins against Danny Garcia or not in January, Segun must be fought by winner of this bout.

And if this fight does not go on, then

a move to Chievo Verona, Palermo, Bologna and Genoa.

•Ideye

ACKED 3SC skipper Sakiru Lawal has revealed 3SC football Club of Ibadan owe him at least five million Naira being unpaid sign-on fees for over five seasons.

“I don’t have any problem with Shooting Stars. All I want them to do is to pay us off since they no longer need us,” Lawal told MTNFootball.com “They are owing us balance payments of our sign-on fees from the 2006/07 season till last season. In total, they are to pay me over five million Naira.

“We worked for this money and we should be paid.”

Lawal gave a further breakdown of how 3SC owe him the said amount of money.

He said they owe him 60% of the contract fees for the 2006/07 season, 40% from 2007/ 08, 20% from 2008/09, 80% 2009/10 and 80% 2010/11.

Long-serving Lawal was released by Shooting Stars along with the likes of Kabiru Alausa and Tope Orelope ahead of the new season, which kicks off January 7.

The sacked players have already made a representation to the Oyo State sports commissioner Dapo Lam Adesina in respect of these entitlements.

zone, Owolabi Abdul Rasak Wopa has urged club owner to make players’ welfare their priority and not rely on referees for assistant during matches.

In a chat with NationSport, Wopa who noted that Nigerian referees are not ready to dance to the tune of any clubsides during matches as they are out to regain international recognition with their officiating this time around.

“My advise to all clubs is that they should recruit better players, they should not rely on referees or any other person to assist them. Nigerian league is improving by the day and Nigerian referees are not ready to sell themselves out cheaply, they are not happy that they have not been patronised by CAF and FIFA, now they want to improve their image.

“So the clubs should learn how to recruit very good players and motivate the players in terms of welfare, without that they are bound to fail. Any club management that doesn’t spend wisely to the development of their team is bound to fail.

“You see, what happened to the North Central clubs last season, I had six clubs in the North Central, two went on

have good players, but lack of management interest or lackadaisical attitude of the management or the so called club owners to the welfare of the team. Last season, Plateau United presented the best team, but they went on relegation due to the carelessness of the management.

So I will just advise the management of the clubs to spend wisely, recruit good coaches and players and by so doing, it will be very very competitive league.

You see what is happening in the English Premiership now, as at the start of the season, everybody I thought that Manchester City with the kind of players that they have, they will take the league by chance, but at it is now, you can see what is happening, the competition is very strong now. So I want something like that for the Nigerian Premier League too so that by the grace of God we shall reach the level we supposed to be. My advise to other stake holders is to put in money into the Nigerian Premier League, we will get to that level that we are praying for by the grace of God. I also want to appreciate Total Promotion for sponsoring the Nigerian Premier League.”

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Education has had its fair share of scandals and challenges in the year 2011, which will end in two days. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE and ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA recall the events that shaped the year and their implications on the future.

Issues that shaped education in 2011 S

OME events made headlines in the education sector this year. Ranging from the ongoing ASUU strike, and the killing of corps members in April, to the fight between the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and university helmsmen on the relevance of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening in October, there was not a dull moment in the sector this year. The significance of these events are highlighted below:

ASUU crisis (Showdown of the year)

By December 31, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would have been on strike for 26 days. The umbrella body of lecturers in federal and state-owned universities has drawn the battle line with the Federal Government for foot-dragging over the implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, which promises better funding of universities, extension of the retirement age of professors to 70 years, university autonomy and better condition of service, among other goodies.

Since the victory with the signing of the agreement in October 2009, after nearly three months of strike, the union, led by Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, has been complaining about the non-implementation of most components of the agreement and issued several warnings, especially this year, that it was running out of patience.

In May, after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the union, at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Awuzie accused the Federal Government of insincerity and said members of the union were calling for a strike, which came on stream on September 26, with a one-week warning strike before the main one began on the fifth of this month.

The Federal Government, through the Education Minister, Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa’i, is still asking the union to be patient, saying the bill is before the National Assembly. However, a few public officers, pressure groups, parents and students are sympathetic to the union given the time government had to implement the agreement.

At every opportunity, zonal chapters of ASUU voiced their frustration through the media. In a press statement made available to The Nation, Chairman of ASUU, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) chapter, Dr Innocent Ibeawuchi, said his members last week resolved to fully support the ongoing total and indefinite strike called by the ASUU-NEC. They accused the Federal Government of sacking the Implementation Monitoring Committee that served as the platform for dialogue with ASUU on the dispute.

The union is also fighting for the

•Corps members in camp

re-constitution of the Governing Councils of Federal Universities dissolved in October.

Chairman of ASUU, University of Lagos chapter, Dr Karo Ogbinaka, at a briefing on Monday last week, decried the dissolution of the Councils, saying the move “threatens the substance and negotiation of the negotiation.”

The dissolution of the Councils is also causing a crisis at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where the Vice-Chancellor has been allegedly accused of wrongly appointing a junior officer as Acting Bursar, a situation that would not have arisen where the govern-

ing council in place to fulfil its responsibility.

With no new move by the Federal Government to resolve the crisis, public university undergraduates should expect their Christmas and New Year holidays to be extended indefinitely.

Conflicting WASSCE results (Scandal of the Year) The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) came under fire for releasing two conflicting sets of results for the May/June 2011 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) some

months back.

On August 10, WAEC announced the release of results in Abeokuta, where it claimed only 472,906 candidates, representing 31 per cent of the more than one million SS3 pupils, who wrote the examination, obtained credits in five subjects, including English and Mathematics. But on the 26th of same month, candidates found another set of results on its website.

This caused an uproar as candidates across the country claimed that the former results, which favoured them, had been changed to a poorer one.

Although WAEC came out to

‘

On regular basis, we update until we are able to release all the results that we can. This is because we still have very few that we cannot release. For example, a candidate that never gave his or her name or examination number, WAEC cannot conjure these numbers or names

’

authenticate the first set of results, unfortunately, some students who were in possession of two results had submitted one (the one which favoured them most), for admission in their chosen universities.

The council was forced to act when the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) stepped in.

Education Minister Prof Rufa’i and the Minister of State for Education, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, summoned the Registrar of WAEC, Alhaja Mulikat Bello, and Head of National Office of WAEC in Nigeria, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, to an emergency meeting in Abuja. The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Prof Nicholas Damachi; Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Mabel Ozumba, from the Ministry of Education.

Uwadiae said the second results were not quality checked by the Quality Control Department before it was released on its website.

He said he discovered in his pre•Continued on Page 26

•TENSION IN UAM OVER BURSAR’S APPOINTMENT - PAGE 27 • 50 YEARS AFTER, SCHOOL REUNITES ALUMNI - PAGE 40

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

26

EDUCATION

Issues that shaped education in 2011 •Continued from Page 25

liminary investigation that “during the updating and uploading of results of candidates corrected due to errors of omission during registration or the conduct of the examination, someone yet to be identified used a wrong procedure and uploaded the result that was not quality checked.”

“On regular basis, we update until we are able to release all the results that we can. This is because we still have very few that we cannot release. For example, a candidate that never gave his or her name or examination number, WAEC cannot conjure these numbers or names. In the process of updating, because we have to do that on a regular basis since we know the students need them. So, even if it is two we are able to resolve in a day, we post it. We upload it to the website to allow candidates have access to their results. In the course of doing this upgrading and uploading on regular basis, something happened,” he explained.

In a release signed by the Council afterwards, Uwadiae assured that those found wanting would be brought to book, though they were not identified.

While announcing the release of the 2011 November/December WASSCE on Wednesday last week, Uwadiae prayed that such errors never occur again.

However, the Council will have to work hard to remove doubts from the minds of Nigerians regarding the activities of its employees in examination racketeering.

Election violence consumes corps members (Shocker of the year) The killing of corps members during the crisis-ridden general elections in April sent shivers down the spine of students, parents and other stakeholders across the country. Their death did little for the scheme, which has been gradually losing popularity, especially since 2008 when three corps members were killed during an ethnoreligious crisis in Jos, Plateau State.

Nigerians are particularly sentimental to the plight of corps members who are fresh graduates of universities and polytechnics and repesent the hope of their families and the nation.

They made calls for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), started in 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon’s military administration.

When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega chose to employ corps members as adhoc staff for the biometric voter registration exercise in January, and to serve as auxiliaries during the election, many viewed it as a

positive development for the scheme, as the corps members would get training, earn extra cash and be positively engaged.

However, all the positive feelings evaporated when 10 corps members were massacred in cold blood in Bauchi in the aftermath of the Presidential Election of April 16, after Dr Goodluck Jonathan was declared winner.

Earlier, some others were killed in the bombing of the INEC office in Suleja, Niger State, on Thursday, April 7, while hoodlums set fire to a building belonging to Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) in Minna, Niger State – with about 50 corps members locked in, 12 days later. They were, however, lucky to escape when one of them broke the door.

The violence against corps members sparked off pockets of protest nationwide, with parents urging the government to adopt regional posting of corps members (to their states of origin/residence or geo-political zone) if it didn’t want to scrap the scheme.

To compensate families of slain corps members, President Jonathan, ordered the disbursement of N5 million to them. Aside immortalising the victims, other goodies, according to President, include automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service for one graduate from each of the immediate families of the slain NYSC members.

The President had said: “In demonstration of our gratitude for the supreme sacrifice that they have paid in the service of Nigeria, I have decided that each of the 10 families of these gallant young men and women will receive a token monetary compensation of N5 million.

“I will formally inaugurate the Fact-finding Committee which will undertake a thorough investigation of the unfortunate incident. I want to assure you that those found culpable will be brought to book.”

But family members in attendance had, beyond the gesture, insisted on justice from the government.

Since then, the NYSC has taken steps to blacklist crisis-prone states from the yearly national assignment. From July, it stopped deploying corps members to places regarded as unsafe.

The NYSC hopes nothing happens in the New Year to renew calls for the scrapping of the scheme.

New federal universities in shaky start (Uncertainty of the year) Currently, there are 36 federal universities, 37 state universities and 45 private universities nationwide.

The need to establish more universities by the government, both state and federal, arose when the population of qualified candidates increased without room to accom-

‘

Thumb-printing capturing, which was introduced in this year’s UTME has been a subject of wide discourse; some positive, while others negative. However, to us in JAMB, it has recorded more successes than drawbacks. For instance, the system in many centres ensured candidates were orderly and peaceful. biometrics

’

•Prof Rufa’i

• Wike

•Awuzie

modate them in the universities, hence, allowing for only the best of the best to be given admission.

However, at the twilight of the penultimate year, the Federal Government announced plans to add nine more federal universities to the 36 in existence.

The initiative, described as government’s way of expanding access for prospective students who crave university education, but are denied such opportunity due to limited space, is loved and loathed by stakeholders.

Among other Nigerians, the idea was widely lauded by JAMB helmsman Prof Dibu Ojerinde, who argues that a rather microscopic portion of prospective students who apply for JAMB yearly make it to their choice institutions because of limited space. Breaking down the figures, he said a paltry 500,000 students of about 1.5 million, are offered admissions into universities.

The JAMB boss revealed that before the 2011/2012 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in June that 10,000 candidates had applied for admission into the nine new universities, which cannot admit more than 500 each as stipulated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Despite criticisms by stakeholders, led by ASUU, some universities berthed earlier in the year.

They are: Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina; Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State and Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Others are: Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State; Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State; Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa; Federal University, OyeEkiti, Ekiti State; and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.

However, the universities are yet to start academic activities because the Federal Government is yet to release all the funds needed.

There are indications that some of them would start full steam next year.

million that wrote last year. Just like last year, the results were released within seven days. The speedy release of the results, the introduction of biometric screening at centres which made its debut this year, and other security measures, are part of strategies which the JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, put in place to improve the integrity of the examination which has taken serious battering for being unreliable.

Speaking on the biometrics Ojerinde said: “Thumb-printing capturing, which was introduced in this year’s UTME, has been a subject of wide discourse; some positive, while others negative. However, to us in JAMB, it has recorded more successes than draw backs, for instance, the system in many centres ensured candidates were orderly and peaceful.

In addition, a majority of the candidates came early and the impersonators were fenced off as a result of the knowledge and utilisation of the biometrics.”

Interestingly, it is not the first time JAMB has tried security measures aimed at curbing examination malpractice in exam halls and centres. The board had introduced electronic object scanners, and then GSM before telephone jamming facilities followed, all in a bid to check examination fraud, to no avail.

However, these laudable efforts notwithstanding, Vice-Chancellors

are yet to have confidence in the integrity of the examination enough to jettison conducting a second screening, which the JAMB Boss regards as unnecessary.

Since the introduction of the postUTME (formerly post-UME) in 2006, JAMB has fought for its abolishment.

Its crusade that the post-UTME be scrapped again appeared to have got a new attention by the Senate which in August 15, labelled post-UTME tests as ‘illegal’ and commenced moves to scarp it.

A motion by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri during one of its plenary prompted the Senate to commission its Committee on Education to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the activities of those universities who indulge in such illegality.

The development has, once again, provoked reactions from Nigerians across board over the retention or otherwise of the examination, which ASUU, and the Committee of Vice Chancellors which introduced the test described as a ‘child of necessity.’

Chairman of the committee and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, led his colleagues to vehemently oppose the move. The Minister stepped into the controversy, saying both tests remain relevant for now.

•Additional contributions by Emma Mgbeahurike (Owerri), Sampson Unamka, Pascal Okezu and Jane Chijioke

JAMB on UTME (Controversy of the Year) The 2011/2012 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was held on June 18 with 1.5 million candidates taking the examination, surpassing the 1.34

“Yes, it’s a year of misplaced priorities ... with nine new universities on board, and old universities on strike!”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

27

EDUCATION EKSU FILE VC to fight vices THE new administration of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti has vowed to stamp out cultism, hooliganism and other unwholesome attitudes among students.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, has also promised to equip and reposition the institution’s security outfit to lead the crusade.

Aina spoke during a short parade by members of the security outfit to welcome him to EKSU. He charged them to be proactive in order to ensure peace on campus at all time.

The parade was led by Sule Ajayi and supervised by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) Mr Ismaila Aina.

•From Left: Head, Teacher Ambassadors College, Mr Sunday Fashola; National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Executives, Mr Laide Ibrahim and Mr Olalekan Ajenifuja; Vice-Principal, Mrs. Amarachi Olatunde; CEO, Ambassadors College, Mrs. Lillian Bademosi, and Executive Director, Mrs. Tola Smith, during an award presentation by NANS to the college.

Tension in UAM over bursar’s appointment

T

ENSION is mounting at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM), following the appointment of Mrs Susan Beetse as the Acting Bursar after the expiration of the tenure of Mr Terkula Kormi, as the former bursar.

A group known as Benue Professionals wrote a petition to the Education Minister, Prof Ruquyyat Ahmed Rufa’i, alleging gross misconduct, abused of office, high handedness and arm twisting against the Vice Chancellor of UAM, Prof Daniel Uza in the said appointment.

Leader of the group Dr Paul Onoja accused the vice chancellor of not

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

following the laid down rules and regulations in the appointment of Mrs Beetse as the acting Bursar.

Onoja, in the petition, said that under the university law, the most senior officer in Bursary department should have been appointed in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive bursar.

He said: “But the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Daniel Uza, unilaterally wrote to the Minister of Education, but before the Minister could reply, went ahead and ordered the out gone Bursar, Mr Terkula Kormi to hand over to Mrs Beetse, who is not the most senior in the department,

taking advantage of the dissolution of Governing Council of the University to act against the guidelines for such appointment.”

Onoja said the most senior person in the Bursary Department at present is Mr Samuel Laana Wase, and called on the Minister to immediately reverse the appointment to avert another round of crisis in the university.

The group accused Uza, whose tenure ends in 10 months of a hidden agenda to cover up some shoddy deals, claiming that was why he chose a junior officer to act over a senior officer in the Bursary department.

“We shall resist any illegality.

Sanity must be returned to our campus. This is what ASUU is saying, reinstate the dissolved councils of universities to carry out their assignments or we fight to finish,” the petition said.

When this reporter put a call through to the Vice-Chancellor seeking his reaction on the allegation, he promised to call back.

However, after a second attempt, he said: “I have no comment on this matter” and switched off.

Before his appointment, there was a protest by the host community who preffered Prof Emmanuel Kucha who came first in the vicechancellorship interview while Uza came second.

Ex-DMI boss Akilu offers scholarship to 18 students

T

HE former Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, Brigadier-General Haliru Akilu, has offered scholarship to 18 students in Kano State.

Akilu, who is also the proprietor of Alhaji Akilu Comprehensive Islamic Secondary School, Madobi, gave scholarship at the Third Speech and Prize Giving Day of the school.

The retired military officer, who disclosed that the school offers scholarship a year to primary six pupils in his home town, Madobi, promised to extend the scholarship to beneficiaries who are able to secure admission in any in any university of their choice in the country.

Describing this gesture as part of the school’s efforts to support bright promising boys in the area, Akilu disclosed that one of the beneficiaries of the Secondary Education Scholarship Award, Yau Muktar, a 2011 product, has been given scholarship into one of the universities because of his performance in the last Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

He said the gesture will remain for a long time to come so as to encourage bright students from poor homes to be educated.

He commended the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as well as the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero for sending representatives to the ceremony.

Akilu called on parents to continue to support the management

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

and staff of the school in their effort to ensure excellence.

Established 15 years ago with 24 pioneer pupils, the Alhaji Akilu Comprehensive Secondary school, which now has 189 students, provides Islamic and western educa-

tion to boys from Madobi town.

Principal of the school, Aliyu Hassan Darma, in his welcome address, said the school has produced 19 ex-students who are now university graduates, while 36 others are now pursuing various degree programmes within and outside the country.

He cautioned parents and guard-

ians against emphasising only on students’performance in examinations. Rather, they should ensure that students boost their moral and academic performance, he added.

He called on teachers to carry out their responsibilities effectively to produce citizens that would be a pride to the family and country at large.

•Prof Aina

Dean appointed administrator THE repositioning of the Works and Services Department of EKSU has begun with the appointment of the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Sunday Adeyemo as the Administrator of that Department by the ViceChancellor, Prof Aina.

A Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Adeyemo’s appointment took effect from December 19 and will last six months in the first instance.

Adeyemo is to ensure costeffective use of the generators, and effect within the shortest time possible the connection of the university to the national grid and recommend appropriate alternative energy sources.

He is also to recommend sustainable potable water source that can be developed within the shortest time for public water supply to the University Community and embark immediately on the beautification of the University Estate.

Chancellor gives support

•Prof Lateef Salako (right) presenting a Camera gift to Miss Sekinah Abubakre of Muslim International School, Iwo, Osun State, second runner-up winner in the essay competition organised by the Glorious Islamic Centre (GIC), Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

THE EKSU Chancellor, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, has promised to join hands with the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aina in re-engineering the university.

Evangelist Olumilua, a former Governor of old Ondo State, made the pledge while welcoming Aina and Principal Officers of the university who visited him in his hometown IkereEkiti.

He commended Aina’s selection for the job at a critical time when the university should be repositioned to meet the yearnings of the Ekiti people.

Olumilua challenged the ViceChancellor to produce graduates who could be self- reliant in future. He also asked him to look into making the University relevant to the people in the field of agriculture.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE Don praises VC THE Director of Studies of the London Academy for Higher Education, Dr Larry Jones-Esan, has commended the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, for his contribution to the capacity building of workers.

Jones-Esan gave the commendation at the Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He identified inadequate exposure of public servants to international training, especially in the nation’s ivory towers as a militating factor against university development.

He, however, expressed his delight that the FUNAAB management sends members of staff on overseas training, regularly.

Students help pay fees MEMBERS of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), FUNAAB Branch, have a paid the tuition fees of three of their colleagues.

The President of NAAS, Mr Titilola Munkail, said the association released N45,000, which was disbursed to three students at N15,000 each, to enable them to pay their school fees.

He said: “We are aware of the economic downturn in the country. We are also aware of the fact that some fellow students are living in abject poverty, such that the payment of school fees is a problem. This may be as a result of their parents’ or guardians’ poor financial standing. Some are products of broken homes. We felt the need to assist in our own little way by paying their school fees and this we did to the glory of God.” Responding to NAAS’ gesture, the Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Sam Oluwalana, described it as a welcome development that should be emulated by similar groups on campus.

Librarian retires THE University’s Governing Council, has okayed the retirement of the University Librarian, Mr Abayomi Agboola, with effect from May 24.

In a statement signed by the Acting Registrar, Mrs. C.B. Kuforiji, the Council commended the retiree for his contributions to the development of the library and the university and wished him good luck in his future endeavours.

ASUU seeks reinstatement of Governing Councils T HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to reinstate the Governing Councils of federal universities, saying this will facilitate the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government Agreement.

The union also implored state governments to start the implementation of the said agreement with their state universities. Particularly, it urged the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, to improve facilities at the Lagos State University (LASU) before imposing fees on students.

ASUU Chairman, University of Lagos chapter, Dr Oghenekaro Ogbinaka, who read from a six-page document at the ASUU secretariat in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday last week, at a briefing said it was necessary for the government to honour certain as-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

pects of the agreement at aimed at improving university standard.

The 56-page agreement contains six chapters that deal with such issues as condition of service, funding, university autonomy, and sundry matters.

Ogbinaka questioned the rationale behind government’s dissolution of the council in federal universities shortly after the

union’s one-week warning strike in November.

He said: “It is bad when you have a situation where you treat university Councils like boards or mere parastatals, and you can see it’s even affecting the substance and legitimacy of the ASUU negotiation. On what ground are we going to discuss with the government if there are no boards in place?

“The governments have always given us what we call a gentleman’s understanding that ‘whatever you discuss,

‘It is bad when you have a situation where you treat university Councils like boards or mere parastatals, and you can see it’s even affecting the substance and legitimacy of the (ASUU) negotiation’

we will accept’, but they can also back out, saying that we are foolish people for us to have discussed with the people who are not legitimately appointed. And for the government to sack the council at a time we are in this type of crisis is a form of bad faith. It was between the ASUU warning strike in early November and now that the board was sacked. So why did government wait till this time?”

Ogbinaka also frowned at a scenario where governments now appoint politicians, to chair the Council.

“An ideal chairman of a university Council should be someone who has seen it all; who is ready to give rather than take from the university. He must be someone who has been in and outside the country and can, therefore, leverage on his connections to attract funds into the institutions and not those who are merely looking for what to profit through their posi-

•Dr Ogbinnake

tions,” he said.

On LASU, Ogbinaka noted the budget of Lagos State is bigger than certain countries in West Africa, who he claimed, still run their better universities well.

He said there was no reason Fashola cannot provide enough funds to improve the facilities rather than impose outrageous fees on students.

Commission chief urges states to fund UBE

T

HE Head, Southwest Zonal Office, Nigeria Examination Review Development Commission, Dr Moses Salua, has called on state governments to access the Universal Basic Education fund to develop the education sector.

Salua spoke during an interview with The Nation at a workshop organised by the Lagos State chapter of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) for science teachers on the new Basic Education curriculum in Nigeria.

He said the inability of

By Adeola Ogunlade

many state governments to pay their counterpart funding and access the UBE funds has undermined the development of most public primary and junior secondary schools in rural areas.

This, he noted, has also led to inadequate manpower and low distribution of education materials key in the implementation of the new nine years Basic Education and Senior Secondary School Curriculum.

Salua, who spoke on the topic: Strategies for successful

implementation of the new NineYear Basic Education and Senior Secondary School curricula said the need for the new curriculum was to equip school leavers in terms of academic standards, civil, ethical and moral responsibilities and entrepreneurship.

He said: “Every learner, who has successfully completed the nineyear of continuous basic education schooling should have acquired appropriate levels of literacy, numeracy, manipulative, communica-

tive and lifelong skills as well as ethical, moral and civil values needed for laying a solid foundation for life-long learning as a basis for scientific and reflective thinking.

Salua asserted that the effective teaching methods which include guided discovery, demonstration, storytelling, dramatisation and instructional materials are highly needed for the del i v e r y o f t h e c urriculum contents.

In his welcome address, the state Chairman of the association, Dr Gabriel Ojewole, said the workshop is aimed at empowering the science teachers in Lagos with the methodology of implementing the new curriculum.

He noted that although the introduction of the new curriculum is laudable, “the need to properly use it effectively in the interest of the students is imperative”.

Ojewole added that the workshop will be held for science teachers in all the six education districts in Lagos.

ASCON expands training facilities

L

OTS of learning opportunities await potential trainees at the ASCON in the coming year. Such learners will not only acquire knowledge under a better learning atmosphere than what is being offered at the moment, they will also enjoy benefits of the college’s infrastructural upgrade.

The 39-year-old college is being given a new look; ditto for its auditorium, conference hall, lawns, canteen, among others.

At the Phase 1 unit of the college, an additional 16-bed edifice of international standard has reached an advanced stage. When completed, the management hopes it will also attract foreigners to take part in ASCON training.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

The Director-General, Mr Ajibade Peters, at the closing ceremony of the ninth regular course of the college last Thursday, said: “The reconstruction is intended to give the college a new look and then launch into international status. At the Phase 1, we are constructing a 16-bed facility of international standard basically targeted at trainees outside the country to attend programmes here.

By the time we finish and inaugurate it, everybody will know what we are talking about.”

Adressing the 70 graduands who just completed a training in Primary Healthcare Management; Records Management Course and Computer-Based Management System, Ajibade who was represented by his deputy, Mr Bitrus Kefas, commended the participants for exhibiting patience, maturity and tolerance, despite the rigours of the course.

Ajibade said tone of the key components of the training is to address the bankruptcy in human development which he said, threatens the nation’s economic growth.

“While we celebrate the successful completion of your courses today, we also know

•One of the participants Mrs Pamela-Ogwuazor Momah collecting her certificate from Mr Kefas Acting DG.

that human capital deficit in our nation is still huge. This cut across both the public and private sectors in the country.

There is, therefore an urgent need for us as a nation to address this critical human capital deficit. It is for this reason that the present government attaches great importance to human capital development, which has become a major requirement of its transformation agenda.

Ajibade, who also reiterated the commitment and preparedness of the institute to train both workers in government and private institutions,

recalled that nine months ago, the college trained 20 generals in the Nigerian Army who graduated this month.

The director-general reminded the graduands to key into the transformation agenda of the present administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, even as they returned to their duty posts, “As managers of change, it is not unexpected that you will, along the line, be saddled with the responsibilities of implementing those reforms policies laid down by this present admin-

istration as to make Nigeria a better and great nation.

However, our fervent hope is that your two- weeks sojourn here has given you some level of preparation to enable you play the role of catalysts in change process.

The various reforms programmes embarked upon by governments are attempts at institutionalising a culture of excellence, as well as reducing responsibilities for direct provision and enthronement of transparency and accountability in the conduct of national affairs,”he added.

29

Another season of death in Plateau

‘How Salem University transformed our lives’ Page 34

Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

END OF THE YEAR REVIEW

In 48 hours, 2011 will expire. During the outgoing year, many things happened on campuses. Some claimed lives; others robbed victims of their pride and dignity. Whether good or ill, students had their fair share in events that shaped 2011. OLAWALE AJETUNMOBI chronicles the events that shook campuses.

•Students gathered in a campus during the post-election violence in the North

W

ITH 2011 about to end, preparations for the New Year, which is three days away, are in top gear. From government offices to private firms, everyone is involved in one thing or the other to usher in 2012. Many people and religious houses will christen the New Year names that appeal to them. “The Year of My Glory”, “The Year of My Progress”, “The Year of Endless Blessing, “The Year of Uncommon Favour to my Family” and so on.

But as the New Year unfolds, the story starts changing, according to the chain of events in an individual’s life. This underscores why people remember certain years with joy or sadness.

Every year has its good and bad sides. These are not limited to the larger society alone; the campuses too have their fair share of these vagaries of life.

For students, 2011 would linger in their memories for long. From campuses in the South to those in the North, events came tumbling over themselves.

For students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), the arrival of 2011 was heralded on a tragic note.

The students had gone on Yuletide break but resumed on January 8, to learn that two of their colleagues had been killed by unknown assailants, who attacked Bukuru and Riyom areas in Plateau State. In January 2010, six students of the

Events that shook campuses in 2011 institution were said to have died in similar circumstances.

The then newly-constituted Students Union Government (SUG) led by Nantok Dashuwar condemned the killing, saying it was a declaration of war against students.

He said: “Many people in Plateau State have given the crisis different names. Some said it is religious, others said it is political and yet another described it as communal. But we don’t care about what it is called. UNIJOS is a heterogeneous community and we must remain one.”

He added that campuses should always be spared the bloody attack that arises from disagreement between opposing groups in the society.

As if prodded by Nantok’s harangue, some cultists dressed in black and red shirts invaded

the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The incident, which shook the school, happened on February 14, St. Valentine’s Day. According to reports, the cultists had initially killed a student identified as Ayodeji Sonaike, who lived off-campus, before they vented their spleen on an unidentified student at the front of a hostel on the campus. Students expressed horror, describing the killing as Valentine Day’s tragedy.

The same February, some serial rapists, who were non-students, terrorised female hostels in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. On the first night of this sexual attack, the masked attackers raped two students in Ribadu Hostel. To compound the students’ woes, one of the rapists, who was arrested by the university secu-

rity operatives and handed over to a Sharia Court, was convicted but the verdict: he should be given 100 strokes of cane! The affected students expressed horror over the judgment, which they described as a slap on the wrist.

In June, a similar event happened in Ramat Hall at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK). A female student was said to have been asleep when she felt a hand caressing her. When she opened her eyes, she allegedly saw a strange man pleading to play with her virgina. Immediately, she screamed for help and the stranger disappeared. Though the school authority denied the existence of the “Virgina Man”, the name students called the faceless rapist, it took another rape attempt on another girl and protest by students before the varsity management tightened security on the campus.

After the April general elections, the wave of violent protests that rocked the northern states left a bitter taste in the mouths of Nigerians.

Students and corps members had their share.

Ten corps members serving in Bauchi State were killed in daylight by those protesting the outcome of the election that returned President Goodluck Jonathan. Tears flowed freely as the remains of the corps members were buried.

The wind of the violence blew to the Federal •Continued on page 31

•Law student dies in pool - PG 32•Groups donate to the physically-challenged - PG 33

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

30

CAMPUS LIFE

No doubt a Pushing Out mixed odd Ngozi Agbo year

ans suddenly woke to the fact that the corps members were the way to go, if the April general elections were to be anywhere near what we desired. So, the experiment began.

With many first false starts, they went ahead to pull off the registration phase that January. with The election proper was equally going well; it did, that is until the results started coming in. Riots erupted in some states in the North; 08054503104 WAS cautious; but all the same I expected sadly, the NYSC members became (SMS only) some positive fluttering for the educaeasy scapegoats and were attacked. tion sector this 2011. Towards the end of At the end of the madness, more than •campuslife@thenationonlineng.net 2010, November precisely, President 10 of them lay dead. Many more, •ladycampus@yahoo.com Goodluck Jonathan called a summit where including other Nigerians, were seeggheads were invited to talk on how we riously injured and displaced. “great intervention” of setting up nine new can reclaim our lost values in education as Apart from families of the dead who bewell as restructure the sector to be what we federal universities. His 2012 budget proposal all would be proud of. Just as the year says it all; nothing much has changed. One is came known as “the NYSC 10”, no other corps started, in January, he set up a committee left with the sinking feeling that yet again, member was compensated for the injuries. of eminent educationists and administra- we have been led through another ruthless Matters were made more unfortunate when tors to work out the proper modalities for politicking season. At the expense of our many of them had to stage demonstrations to be paid for serving as election officials. children’s future. doing this.

What the election fiasco brought up again While Jonathan was going through the cerThat was the last we heard of it until after the elections. In May, eventually, the com- emony of setting up his reclamation com- – more poignantly than ever - to the front mittee was allowed to submit its report. mittee in Abuja, last January, students of the burner was the need to review the NYSC We are just two days to the end of the year, University of Jos (UNIJOS) were fighting for scheme. Following the outcry that greeted but we are yet to know the basics of that their lives. The year had barely started when the corps members’ killing, many had actureport especially which of them the gov- the beleaguered Plateau State capital erupted ally called for an outright suspension of the in another orgy of killings. This time, some programme, if not indefinitely then until a ernment is actually going to implement.

Meanwhile, most sadly, as we sign out of people took the fight directly to the students’ better arrangement was made for the secu2011, members of the Academic Staff Union doorstep, forcing many to hole up in the hos- rity of the youths.

Citing its role in strengthening ties beof Universities (ASUU) are on strike – for tels. Feeling caged, the students had to demthe umpteenth time. Students are home for onstrate calling for a stop. Those that ven- tween different tribes and fostering underthe Christmas and New Year holidays but tured out of the campus premises had hor- standing too, the federal government inthey are loath to think of what will happen rible tales to tell or be told about them – the sisted that the scheme remained relevant. in the next two weeks at the most when last part for the unlucky ones who did not With the coming of a new Minister of Youth live to tell their stories. At the end of that Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, they should be back in school.

With all their faults, members of ASUU killing spree, more than 10 students lay ei- and a new Director-General of the NYSC, some reviews (not yet satisfactory though) cannot really be blamed for this strike. The ther killed or missing till date. were effected. Today, the corps members January actually saw a lot of action, because blame lies squarely with the government.

But even sadder is the fact that with the it was not only the students that stole the are still out there, improvising ways to unceasing attacks of the Boko Haram group, headlines. Their “senior” counterparts, serv- protect themselves and stay alive. They the Jonathan government does not seem to ing NYSC members became the nation’s have suddenly become endangered species.

As we sign out of a year of more talk than have time for the education sector; all the hope for a free and fair election. Thanks to talk about restoration and reclamation is Prof Attahiru Jega, former vice-chancellor of any actual change in our education sector, just that - talk. That is, if we discount the the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Nigeri- we still thank God for life and… so we hope.

I

‘Era of violent unionism gone’

•Kolapo

H

OW would you describe your tenure as the ISEC chairman?

It was innovative because we introduced new things into the system. We introduced Direct Electronic Voting System (DEVS), several debates for the aspirants and an acceptable screening for the aspirants. All were very interesting.

Students and management applauded us for the job we did in the poll. But we hope the next election will improve on what we did and adopt electronic system.

How would you describe unionism in UNILORIN? Generally, students’ unionism varies according to institution and terrain under which the constituted student union authority operates. What is applicable elsewhere may not work in the same way here, because there is an environmental factor to this. If the essence of unionism is to champion the students’ welfare, then I can say that UNILORIN is a good example. Violence should not be employed by students to call the attention of the management to their plight. The era of violence has phased out. Now, dialogue is in vogue.

Is it true that management has influence in who becomes the Students’ Union president?

Kolapo Abayomi is a 300-Level student of Political Science, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). He is the immediate past chairman of Independent Students Electoral Commission (ISEC), the electoral body in UNILORIN that conducted the last Student Union elections. MURITALA HAMEED (200-Level Mass Communication) had a chat with him.

That is not true at all. Being a former chairman of ISEC, I can tell you unequivocally that nobody pressurised me to do his or her bidding. We had our total freedom to work in accordance with the students’ union constitution.

Do you have any political ambition?

Aristotle said man by nature is a political animal. There is no segment of life where there is no politics.

There is need for all of us to partake in the process in order to contribute our own quota to the development of the people. But for me, when we get to the bridge, we shall know how to cross it.

In addition, we must not give up our faith – in God, in ourselves and in our nation.

I will sign out with the conclusion of a piece I wrote on the way forward after the April elections and the backlash that greeted the announcement of the results.

I had written: I know that there are some Nigerians who are strong and consistent, and who not only wish the best for the nation but are willing to give whatever it takes to see things done better. As we have given the man from Otuoke (President Jonathan’s town in Bayelsa State) the mandate to steer the ship for the next four years (I voted differently but the majority has spoken and this is a democracy), the strong and consistent among us must ensure we keep our heads above water.

We must poke him on, nudge him on; push him on if need be. We must because we put him there so we cannot say anybody imposed him on us. If we continue with the “business as usual”, then we have learnt nothing.

That nudging on is what I have been doing on this platform since then; not only on him but on all of us. We must roll up our sleeves and really get down to work, or this dear nation of ours will crash. I am paraphrasing most of the speakers who spoke at the town hall meeting in Lagos recently on the impending removal of fuel subsidy, Jonathan’s new swansong. And these speakers – Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Petroleum Minister Dieziani Allison-Madueke, CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, among others – are speakers who know what they are saying. They were talking mainly about the vexatious deregulation of petroleum products and all, but that is about the economy and the economy has a symbiotic relationship with education. The quality of the one determines the quality of the other. It is time for honest plans and corresponding work.

Ciao

‘Malaysia’s education is incomparable to Nigeria’s’ Michael Ogungbesan was at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) briefly before he travelled to complete his degree programme in Malaysia. He told HABIBA ALIU (300-Level Political Science, UNIABUJA) his experiences in Malaysia. cation and set up independent bodies

Y

OU came back to the country after your graduation in Malaysia. What was the experience like?

It was okay to me as a person coupled with the fact that it was an avenue to gather students from all over the world in a single auditorium.

Every moment was thrilling and interesting. From the registration process to the collection of certificates, everything was a worthwhile experience.

What do you think our government should do to enhance the educational system?

In my own view, we need what I call a “constructive mechanism” towards the rehabilitation of our educational system. We need a major over-hauling as well as the full funding by the government. The government should increase the current budget allocated to the Ministry of Edu-

to help look into the fallen standards of education.

How would you rate the system of education in Nigeria as compared to what is obtainable in Malaysia?

On a scale of one to ten, I would rate Malaysia 8 while Nigeria will be rated 2. This is as a result of poor and inadequate infrastructures in Nigeria. As I speak to you, many universities in the UK and Australia are beginning to franchise their services in Malaysia simply because of the huge infrastructures and high level of professionalism in that country. However, I am still baffled and surprised that despite the poor educational system in Nigeria, we still have bright and intelligent students in abundant.

For example, in my school, the overall best student was a Nigerian, likewise, I emerged the best student in my department. This goes to say that if the government supports the sys-

•Michael

tem, we would be among the best in the world.

What are the challenges involved in schooling abroad?

A lot. Having unlimited freedom is a challenge itself because it gives one the leeway to misbehave. Others include financial problem, intense academic competition, racism, alcoholism, adjustment to new environment and peer pressure. However, with the right motivation and zeal to excel, you can overcome them. I also believe that students under the age of 18 should not be sent abroad to study as they can easily lose focus.

UNILAG begins preparation for golden jubilee •Calls for participation

T

HE preparation for the golden jubilee celebration of the University of Lagos, scheduled to hold early next year, is gathering momentum.

The 50th Anniversary Committee announced last week the commencement of submission of entries for anniversary theme logo, theme song and commemorative postal stamps competitions.

The competition, CAMPUSLIFE learnt, is open to students and mem-

From Ayodeji Adesina UNILAG

bers of the staff of the institution.

The university authority said all ideas that would be projected must be anchored on the “progressive benefits of the great people and ideas the university has nurtured over the last 50 years”.

It is believed that the Prof.

Sofoluwe-led administration want to showcase the impact the university has had on the society with its plan to link Town and Gown.

He said the institution would use the anniversary to support the development of new ideas and leaders that will lead the society in the next 50 years of the institution.

The committee has set December 31, as the deadline for submission of all entries.

Meanwhile, information around campus has it that the university has announced undisclosed cash prizes for winners in the three categories based also on some terms and conditions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

31

CAMPUS LIFE

Another season of death in Plateau The twin bomb blasts that rocked two locations populated by students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the death of a girl have heightened the fear of medical students in the institution. ESTHER MARK (400-Level, Mass Communication) writes.

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T was 8pm on the fateful day.

She was in the room when suddenly there was power outage.

Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) had interrupted supply and her phone battery was flat. She needed to recharge and so, she left her room, an off-campus residence, to borrow an extension socket from a friend in another compound. Little did she know that that would be the last time she would see her room.

Had she known, she would have stayed back. On her way, she was attacked by unknown hoodlums who shot her in the head. She lay in a pool of her blood until passersby rushed her to the hospital.

She could not bear the pain. She died at the hospital’s gate. The incident happened on December 8, 2011.

Stephanie Rinret Kaye, 19, was a 200-Level student of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Jos (UNIJOS). She was also the only child of her parents. Becuase of the accommodation problem, Stephanie and several of her course mates live off-campus. Described as gentle, quiet and good-hearted,

Stephanie was said to be “too gentle but loved to retaliate an offence she considered wicked”. She was buried on Tuesday, December 13, amidst wails and tears by family, friends and classmates.

Two days later, in the same neighbourhood, some die-hard football fans who were mostly students and native youths, were at a viewing centre watching the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona . The ecstatic students focused on the intrigues on the pitch as the match progressed but none of them had an inkling of the tragedy that was about to strike.

Boom! The bomb went off. And before any of them could stand up to run, one viewer was dead and many others injured.

The twin bomb blasts, which occurred around 9.30 pm on December 10 at Odus on Bauchi Ring Road and Tina Junction, were said to have minimal effects because the explosives were planted outside the location. No student died in the blast.

Jonas Okoli, 600-Level Medical student, who was injured in the incident, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I can

•Stephen... killed by the soldiers

•Hostels in UNJOS burnt during the Jos crisis in January

•UNIJOS gate

only thank God for sparing my life.” The president of Jos University Medical Students Association (JUMSA), Humphery Kamah, said: “About 10 students sustained various degree of injuries. Most were soft tissue injuries and thus, were not hospitalised. They have all been discharged except Jonas Okoli, who had some particles lodged in his legs.”

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Richard Maiwada, a 400-Level Mass Communication student, said: “The casualty was few because most students who reside in this area had gone home due to the strike. Were they to be around, the casualty rate would have been high because most students like to watch matches in this viewing centre. It would have been worst.”

•The late Staphanie

The Bauchi Ring Road can rightly be called medical students hostel. One common thing about this area is the high rate of hoodlums’ attack on students. They will break into the rooms of the students during the holidays and make away with their property.

The burglar incidents forced the students to take their belongings to safer places after each semester and bring them back on resumption.

When news of Stephanie’s death broke, coupled with the blast in Odus and Tina Junction, students of UNIJOS vented their anger on social networks as 2go and Facebook.

Ojomaye Ameh, 500-Level Medicine, said: “Medical students have suffered enough in the hands of these killers. We are tired of watching them inflicting pains on us. We are sick and fed up.”

Nankling Dagu, 500-Level Medicine and Treasurer of JUMSA, said: “Accommodation is the greatest problem facing the medical students in UNIJOS. While we pride ourselves as one of the best medical school in Nigeria, accommodation problem tries to hamper that dream. Stephanie, the girl that was shot, died because she was residing off-campus. Other medical students wounded in the blast were all residing off-campus. We spend a lot of money transporting ourselves to school and JUTH, which is another journey on its own. Even those residents in hostels complain about the distance which takes over an hour to reach, all thanks to the bad roads leading to the hospital. There is no how we can comprehend fully in such environment because learning is impaired due to such problems.”

Events that shook campuses in 2011 •Continued from page 29

University of Technology, Minna (FUT, MINNA), where students were attacked by youths protesting the election outcome.

Hitherto, the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State was hardly known for violence. However, the tranquility for which the polytechnic is known was shattered in July. The students went on a demonstration over the increment in their tuition fee by the management. Also, the students protested what they called inadequate teaching facilities. They claimed that the school admitted more than the quota it was given, thereby forcing a large number of students to receive lectures in a small lecture theatre. All hell was let loose.

Mayhem ensued.

During the demonstration, three students were reported to have been felled by police bullets.

The porch at the main gate of the school was torched by the rioters.

Several other properties of the institution were vandalised before the protesting students were dispersed and sent home indefinitely.

During the year, the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), which came under severe security threat by mem-

bers of sect, Boko Haram, was shut. The sect had threatened to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the university’s campus to further its campaign against the western education. Its name Boko Haram mean “western education is sin.” Preempting the sect, the UNIMAID management sent the students home for three months.

The sect also threatened some universities in the southern part of the country, such as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Benin (UNIBEN) and University of Ibadan (UI). The Federal Government tightened security around the affected campuses but academic activities were affected because the students could not bank on the increased security surveillance.

In Adamawa State, a group of soldiers in Operation Tsaro squad killed a Batch “C” 2010 corps member, Stephen Enyinnaya Nwosu.

The incident happened on August 26.

According to Stephen’s colleague, who was with him when the incident happened, he had gone to withdraw money from an ATM point around 3:30pm on the fateful

day. Unknown to him, Boko Haram members had robbed the bank the previous day.

Tall, brawny and slightly bearded, Stephen was accosted by the soldiers who claimed he was among the robbers that hit the bank the previous day. His plea that he was an Igbo man did not deter the soldiers riddling his muscular body with bullets. Stephen, graduated in Animal Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Till date, his family has not been compensated by the government even as the killers remain unknown.

Students got a parting gift for the year from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government. The duo have been quarrelling over the agreement they reached in 2009, which borders on the funding of education, pay package for lecturers and their retirement age. ASUU had downed tools several times without government yielding to its demands. Now, an indefinite strike has been declared by the lecturers and nobody knows when it will end. But will the woes of students continue in 2012?

•Nurudeen Abdulkadir, a FUT MINNA student injured during post-election crisis

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE Institute gets acting Registrar

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•Some of the students after the rally

Club holds rally against women abuse

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RALLY was held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, to sensitise students and members of staff on the need to stop violence against women.

Held a fortnight ago, it was tagged: Rally against discrimination and abuse of women.

The organiser, Alpha Club,

•Students during the christmas carol

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T was a colourful afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, during a carol service on Monday.

Tagged The carol of Nine Lessons, the event was held in the MultiPurpose hall.

It was well attended by members of staff, students as well as clergymen from St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Awka.

The lessons from the scripture were read by principal and nonprincipal officers after which Rev

From Opeoluwa Sonuga OAU

collaborated with Mrs Bisi Fayemi, wife of the Ekiti State Governor.

The procession of students who wore customised t-shirts took off from the Students Union Building.

The rally was rounded off at Anglomoz Car Park near Angola Hall.

Sogo Akinola, a 400-Level Law student, who participated in the event, told CAMPUSLIFE that “the rally was geared towards telling Nigerians that abuse and discrimination against women are anti-developmental.”

From Uche Anichebe UNIZIK

C. Amobi, the officiating priest, gave the sermon on the lessons.

In his reflections, he charged those present to embrace the good life which is characterised by kindness, love, charity and compassion.

While charging the congregation to celebrate the season with deeds of charity and hearts of love, he

added that the joy and essence of Christmas is never complete if people continued to recognise only its social implications and willfully cast aside its spiritual undertones.

The event was concluded with a performance by the UNIZIK high school choir, the Music Department as well as artistes from the Theatre Arts Department.

F

From Musliudeen Adebayo TV COLLEGE JOS

hances the understanding of television massages.

These elements, he explained, help the viewer to know where and when an action takes place as well as harmonises a script. He added that it was the responsibility of producers and designers to use computer-aided design software to create structural forms that simulate physical structure.

The objective, according to him, can be achieved if there is a high level of training for producers and designers in the television industry.

Olayoriju called on the management of the college to fasttrack infrastructural development and procure a training transmitter and modern broadcast equipment to enhance academic activities. He also suggested that the college should revive the award of diploma and degree certificates in Design.

The Rector, Dr Ayo Fasanmi, said management had commenced a programme for the award of diploma in Design. He noted that a few NTA personnel are sent to the college for professional training, stressing the need for NTA to patronise the college.

•Mrs Ewere From Michael Ariwei PTI

nel Management of Nigeria (CIPM).

Law student dies in pool

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HE atmosphere at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on December 13, was joyful as students had just finished their exams to end the 2010/2011 session. No one had the premonition of a tragedy about to happen.

After the exams, a 200-Level Law student, Femi Oduola, and a friend, went swimming in a motel in Ife town. The swimming lesson turned awry when Femi was said to have suddenly disappeared. After several futile efforts to search for him, his bloated body appeared on the pool.

He was said to have been rushed out of the pool for first aid but efforts to revive him failed. He died while being conveyed to the hospital.

Femi, who was described as an easygoing student by his classmates, died two days the after exams.

Lekan Fadeyibi, Femi’s classmate, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I re-

Faculty Christmas carol at UNIZIK holds picnic

How TV can remain relevant, by don OR television to continue to be relevant to the society, its content must enhance socioeconomic, intellectual and spiritual development.

The Head of Department of Television Production at the NTA Television College, Jos (TV College), Mr Bayo Olayoriju, made this submission while delivering the 4 th Inaugural Lecture of the institute which took place on December 15.

In his paper entitled: Visual Space in Television Production: Concepts, structures, aesthetics and functions, Olayoriju said the use of devices, such as costume, makeup, props, sound and light, en-

RS Angela Ewere has been named the first woman Acting Registrar of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, and Delta State.

Mrs Ewere’s appointment was ratified at the 114th meeting of the institution’s council held recently in Lagos. Mrs. Ewere joined the institute as an Administrative Officer in 1981. She was the Deputy Director (HRA) until her appointment.

She holds a degree in Geography from the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1979, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

Also, she is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Chartered Institute of Person-

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HE Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NASS), UNILORIN chapter, has held a picnic for students of the Faculty at the UNILORIN Biological Garden. The picnic, according to the organisers, was to improve the social life of students, orientate newly admitted students and look around the garden.

Each student paid N200 to attend the picnic which was also witnessed by students from other faculties. The event, which commenced around 2:00pm, saw stu-

•Femi From Opeoluwa Sonuga OAU

ceived news of his death in disbelief. Before our last paper, we thanked God for sparing our lives till the end of the session. I had no premonition that that would be the last prayer with him. Femi was gentle, intelligent and hardworking. He always said there is a solution to every challenge. I will miss him.”

From Olushola Aremu UNILORIN

dents participating in various activities, such as career talks, quiz and dancing competition A 200 level student from the Faculty of Agriculture, Samson Anuoluwapo, described the event as fun.

“Some students, especially the girls made the programme more interesting during the dancing competition,’’ he added. Another 200 level student in the same faculty, Endurance Nagunda, appraised the quiz competition which comprised current affairs questions and naming various kinds animals as educative.

Prizes were presented to students who answered the questions correctly.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

33

CAMPUS LIFE ‘Journalism confers privileges’

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•Students waiting to take the matriculation oath

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HE Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has matriculated 1,005 students for the 2011/2012 academic session.

No fewer than 454 students were admitted for Higher National Diploma (HND), 511 National Diploma (ND) and 40 certificate.

Students were admitted into seven departments — Welding Engineering and Offshore Technology, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Marketing/Business Studies, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing Departments.

In an address, the Acting Rector, Mrs Nnenna C. Dennar, said: “The construction work going on in the

Institute matriculates 1005 From Akindotun Akintomide PTI EFFURUN

institute, courtesy of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is to strengthen capacity building in petroleum technology to reposition the institute to serve the oil and gas industry better.”

She admonished students to focus serious academic work.

Mrs Dennar also stated that the management decries vices, such as cultism, the use of hard drugs and examination misconducts, urging students to desist from them.

Mrs. Dennar, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE at a briefing after the matriculation, said: “For the first

time in the history of the institute, the admission list was uploaded on the school’s website. A number of abandoned projects inherited are now close to completion. We have also introduced e-portal to make students access information online which will save next year’s applicants the stress of travelling far distances for admission and registration,”.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, one of the new students, Florence Jiya, HND 1, Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing, said: “I will be an ingrate if I fail to appreciate God for granting me the admission and making this day a success for me and my well-wishers.”

VETERAN journalist and former Federal Commissioner, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Liadi Tella, has advised Mass Communication students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to always feel honoured by their training as journalists.

Journalism, he said, is a profession that confers privileges on an individual.

He spoke when he visited the Mass Communication Department where he also lectured 200 Level students on the practical aspect of newspaper production under “Editing and Graphics Communication”. ‘’Being a journalist confers on you so many privileges and presents you with many challenges.

The society expects much from you as journalists,” he assterted.

The former Managing Director of Monitor newspaper said newspaper production starts from news gathering by a reporter who submits stories to the editor, who then assesses the quality of the stories and decides the placement of the stories on the newspaper

From Muritala Hameed UNILORIN

pages.

He stated further that the production desk headed by the production editor does the most challenging work in newspaper production.

“The production desk is divided into two which are the sub-desk and the front & back production unit,” he added.

Tella advised the student journalists to prevent their stories from bleeding. Bleeding stories are stories riddled with errors.

After the lecture which lasted for more than two hours, the students were given tests to examine their level of understanding. The lecturer in-charge of the course, Mr R.A Adisa and the students thanked Tella for sharing his time and experience with them.

Tella worked with Daily Times, Monitor newspaper and The Guardian, among others. He was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for House of Representatives for Iwo Federal Constituency, Osun State in last April’s elections.

Students hail Ajimobi

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TUDENTS of the Polytechnic Ibadan have praised Oyo State Governor Senator Isiaq Ajimobi for reducing their school fees.

The students thanked the governor on his effort to ensure that the school becomes a degree awarding institution.

Some new students, who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE said the development would enable parents keep their children in school and encourage many National Diploma (ND) graduates to complete their programme without disruption.

Bolaji Quadri, an ND 1 student of Accountancy, said the fee reduction helped him to pay his school fees on time.

Another ND1 student of Science Laboratory Technology at the

From Jeremiah Oke POLY, IBADAN

Saki Campus, Ifeoluwa Fape, said she was excited to tell her dad that the fee has been reduced. She urged management to maintain the status quo for subsequent sets to give the common man a chance to acquire western education.

Other students agreed that the move to convert the institution to a degree-awarding institution is in the best interest of Oyo State indigenes and the students because of gross discrimination against polytechnic certificate in the labour market.

Omowunmi Afolabi from the Department of Mass Communication said Oyo State is the only state without a state university in the Southwest.

Orientation for freshers

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•Students with one of the physically challenged

Groups donate to the physically-challenged

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n the spirit of the Yuletide, two student groups from Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have donated gifts to physically-challenged students.

The God Bless Nigeria Initiative (GBNI) and the Corporate Swaggz Incorporation (CSI) donated a bag of rice, used clothes, packs of tissue papers, cake, biscuits and cartoons of Indomie noodles to the

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HE Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has held a workshop, the second since its creation in 2008.

The guest speaker was Titi OmoEtuh, a telecoms expert.

Before the lecture, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Lenrien Aina, in a speech entitled “Faculty of CIS: The light,” listed the achievements of the faculty to include facilitating easy communication within the University, creation of UNILORIN FM, implementing of online course wares and provision of an online forum for members of the university community.

From Dayo Ojerinde AAUA

School for the Physically-Challenged and Destitute Children, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo state.

The representatives of the groups present at the Physically-Challenged home were Toyosi Ayeleso, Olusegun Akinsehinde, Akintomiwa Adaran, Adebayo Adebola, Olaleke Oni, Ganiyat Olotu, Busayo Ojewale, Toyin Aliu

and Peter Akinbowale.

Toyosi Aiyeleso of CSI said: “We cannot close our eyes to these physically-challenged children.

We saw the need to stand up for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) which is the rationale for this gesture”.

Akinsehinde of God bless Nigeria Initiative (GBNI) corroborated Toyosi, adding that the physicallychallenged and destitute children need our help.

Faculty holds workshop From Michael Adebayo UNILORIN

Speaking on “ICT applications and contemporary challenges for emerging graduates,”Omo-Etuh said Nigeria has three targets that it failed to meet before deadline. These, according to him are; the World Information society target of 2015, MDGs target of 2015 and vision 20-2020. He said Nigeria can still meet the target deadline by planning in totality and implementing in phases rather than the normal syndrome of trying to implement in total and planning in

phases. While challenging students to look within and develop the contents in them, he added that emerging graduates will be faced with problems at individual and societal levels which may surface as lack of access, cost, environmental factors, education and motivation. “Induce demand by propagating your contents,” he charged as he proffered two antidotes, “think in systems, not in projects and think in productivity, not in consumption.” These, he said will make any emerging entrepreneur rather than a job-seekers.

HE Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Samaru Chapter, has held a three-day orientation for its fresh men.

The President of NFCS, Simon Bingari, while delivering a lecture entitled: “NFCS and you”, enlightened the freshers on the aims and objectives of the organisation.

Freshers were taught how to calculate their Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Jeremiah Oyeganche, a motivational speaker within the environs, gave a talk on spiritual and social life on campus. He said for the freshmen to succeed in both aspects, their self- esteem should

From Moses Kawaat ABU

not be tampered with.

A picnic was also organised to enable the freshers relax during the orientation . The climax of the picnic was the cutting of the NFCS welcome cake by the new students.

CAMPUSLIFE spoke with some of the freshers.

Donatus Abbah form the Department of Biochemistry said: “The orientation weekend was a nice experience. I learnt how to calculate my GPA/CGPA thanks to NFCS.” Mary Odeh from Building said “The orientation was a wonderful experience. I commend the organisation. Indeed, NFCS is a place to be.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

34

CAMPUS LIFE

From church to students Accommodation is one of the major problems facing the students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, has come to the students’ rescue, with its 128-room hostel. EMEKA ATTAH was at the inauguration of the hostel police post.

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HE Holy Family Youth Village Hostel, Amansea, built by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha for students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka is a unique world on its own.

Though, owned by the Church, the Vice -Chancellor of the institution, Prof Boniface Egboka, has endorsed it as another official hostel of the university to accommodate students who are exploited daily by Awka landlords.

UNIZIK has a history of accommodation problems. The school took off as a non-residential university but the status changed in 1998 when the first hostel for female students was built. Since then and with an estimated number of students above 20,000 presently, the institution has grappled with the problem of providing accommodation for its students.

In salvaging the situation, the university management recently entered into an agreement with a Canadian firm known as ELMADA Consult in building students’ hostel under the arrangement of build, operate and transfer (BOT). The firm is expected to build, collect rent for the hostel for a specified number of years and finally hand over the ownership to the university.

But the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan Onitsha

Ecclesiastical province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has taken a bold step in complementing the efforts of the incumbent VC in ensuring that the students study in a comfortable environment. The Holy Family of Youth Village hostel was a concept of the Archbishop to provide a decent accommodation with state of the art facilities to give the students, better chances of turning out their best after graduation.

Recently, the Archbishop gathered eminent personalities and individuals to commission a police post and a lawn tennis court for the service of the residents of the hostel. The event attracted the presence of the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi among others. One of the occupants of the hostel told CAMPUSLIFE that residents addressed themselves as princes and princess. Ijeoma Uzodimma, 200Level Quantity Survey, gave more insight on life at the Youth Village.

“The hostels here are the best you can get anywhere around. It is a fourblock edifice comprising of 128 rooms each. We have a chapel for prayers, with a serene environment for students. Visitors lounge for comfort and relaxation; we also have internet facility for our research works, mini market and kitchens in

•Prof Egboka posing with some students inside the hostel

every floor for private cooking and also a common lounge for food at a subsidised rate.”

For Georgeth Ezechukwu, 200Level Microbiology, it is a challenge for other well-to-do people and corporate organisation to emulate what the Archbishop has done. “I happen to be a princess in this hostel and I want to say this is the best hostel I have seen. The Archbishop was very thoughtful about the idea and I think other people can take a cue from the vision and do something for the benefit of the student at a very cheap rate.”

Prof Egboka, after inspecting facilities at the hostel, could not hide his joy. He openly endorsed the hostel. Surrounded by students residing in the hostels, the VC said: “For the Archdiocese of Onitsha through Archbishop Okeke to build this dream hostel is a commendable feat. I feel very happy and the university has been marketing the hostel to the students.

This place is organised and it looks like hostel in Europe, America and Canada. Students here are well taken care of and it is also a chal-

•Holy Family Youth Village Hostel

lenge to other religious denominations and dioceses to emulate,” he said.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, the immediate past president of Student Union Government (SUG) of UNIZIK, Onyinye Umejiburu, said: “It is a wonderful thing for

students to live in a safe environment and also develop their sporting skills for their good health.

Some students are living close to pit toilets and stinking sewage but with what the Archbishop has done, he has set a pace and standard worthy of emulation.”

‘How Salem University transformed our lives’ Students of Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State, have been reliving their experiences on the campus, SUNDAY OGUNTOLA writes.

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DRIS Okeme was practically enslaved to drug addiction for seventeen long years. Though he knew the habit was hurting and killing him, Idris was powerless over it. He sought solutions in many places to no avail. He tried orthodox and unorthodox methods without any positive result. “I was really in a mess and I could do nothing about it,” he recalled.

“Though I knew drugs were harmful, I was really hooked on them.”

At a point, he even paid for a rehabilitation programme that also failed to rescue him. Today, Idris is as free as the air. He said he was rescued from drugs after admission in Salem University (SU), Lokoja, Kogi State. Idris, whose story moved many to tears last week, is a 200-Level student of Criminology and Penology in the university. He spoke at a testimony’s event organised by the institution. He said: “Being in the school delivered me from drug addiction. This school is a transformational ground. The messages I heard helped me to publicly relinquish the act. The atmosphere in the cam-

•An aerial view of the Salem University campus

pus fostered my recovery and I am totally free from drugs today.”

According to him, the school combines strong spiritual orientation with academic excellence, a development he said has fostered his total personality. “I am not only being academically trained, I also receive spiritual helps that contribute to my total make-up,” he stressed. But he was not the only one at the ceremony. Many students who spoke at the event reeled out amazing stories of transformation since they joined SU. Vanessa Akpabio, 400-Level Re-

gional Integration and Diplomacy, said she has discovered and developed her leadership traits since she joined the school. “There is an aura of leadership and sense of responsibility that announces me wherever I go. People have learnt to entrust me with leadership positions and responsibilities and I have always delivered dues to what I learnt here,” she stated.

Justice Akowe, 300-Level Geology, said the leadership seminars organised by the school has made him imbibed vital skills. ‘’I have learnt the art of team work and ev-

eryone treats me with more respect now, including my parents.

Justice started The Reformational Youth (TRY), an advocacy group, through lessons and values he learnt from the school. According to him, “There is no place where I would have been for such transformation. Salem University is the place for me.”

Joseph Adaudi was hooked on examination malpractices until he gained admission to SU. According to him, “I have always depended on others to pass. I always waited for people to round up be-

fore copying their works. But when I came here, I learnt to depend on myself. I have learnt to use my initiative and not compromise while standing on the path of truth”. Adaudi said he has also learnt the art of time management and discard the popular African time mentality.

Samaila Samaila, 400-Level Criminology and Penology, said her life had taken a well-defined course since she came to SU. “I was lost with no sense of direction until I came here. I was just wandering along in life, expecting just anything,” she began. But she said seminars in the school have changed her outlook to life. “I am now a transformed global leader, an agent for social change determined to combine academics, integrity and hard work”.

The institution’s chancellor, Archbishop Sam Amaga, said the school was deliberately structured to endanger transformation. “We are passionate about transformation of lives and situations. We are moved when we see people and things changing for good. It thrills us that you are partaking in the transformation that God is helping you to create at this time,” he said.

He urged the students not to rest on their oars. Amaga said much lie ahead in their personal lives. “You have not seen anything yet. God has promised us to do much more with you. I urge you to be more committed to what you learn here.

The more you act on these things, the more you become transformed.

The more there will be improvement in your lives and the more guaranteed your future is.”

THE NATION THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2011

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CAMPUS LIFE

Opubor: Exit of a distinguished scholar

By Ayodeji Adesina ayo2sun@gmail.com

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ARELY three weeks ago, the atmosphere at the department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, was unusual. Students and members of staff who heard the news of the demise of the first indigenous Head and Chair of Mass Communication department, UNILAG, Professor Alfred Opubor wore worried faces as they queued to take their turn in filling the condolence register dedicated for that purpose. The Nigeria’s foremost communication expert died in the late hours of the night of 2 December, 2011, following a brief illness at the University Teaching Hospital in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

He was aged 75 years.

Among the town (practitioners) and gown (academic), the late Prof.

Opubor was a highly revered scholar who carried himself with dignity and integrity. During his lifetime, he represented many things to many people. He was a distinguished scholar and a perfect gentleman. Little wonder, huge eulogies trailed his departure among the Nigerian media practitioners as well as academics. On December 9, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) award night, a condolence register was opened for the late Prof. The remarks of his ex-students were profound and one can only wish the deceased could spare time to savor the flavours of the comments. A few days later at Sheraton hotel, his name reverberated during the 2011 Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME). At DAME, he won a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the development of journalism education in Nigeria. He shone brightly even in absence!

At home in UNILAG Mass Comm., lecturers have been taking their turns to pour encomium on the man-Opubor whom most of them refer to as Professor of professors. Of special mention is the remark of Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye

and Mr. Tayo Popoola that ‘the man-Opubor will forever live in the hearts of those he had contacts with. They are right judging by my first year adventure at the department. I can say that any pride of the Department of Mass Comm.

UNILAG can be traced to Prof.

Opubor’s influence. He was larger than life. He typified the class of ‘old school’ teachers who are religiously sold out to excellence. For him, you either shape up or you shape out! He was the Teacher of teachers. Prof of Profs. Available records at the department showed he taught great minds like the great columnists, Dr. Olatunji Dare, (Nation newspaper); Ray Ekpu, (Newswatch); Dan Agbese, (Newswatch); Debo Adesina, (The Guardian); Lekan Otunfodunrin, (The Nation newspaper); Azubuike Ishikwene (formerly Punch ED) among others. The department and the university at large will surely miss him.

This means Prof. Opubor impacted his knowledge on the current generation of media practitioners. Interestingly, the knowledge and his works will continue to impact many generations yet unborn.

In his days as the head of department of Mass Communication UNILAG, it is on record that not too many similar institutions can compete with the department. The

students were willing to learn from the masters and the masters too were willing to teach.

In the last four years, he was an occasional visitor to the department. During his last visit, I recalled Dr. Oloruntola Sunday, called me in my capacity as the president of the departmental Students Association to meet with him.

My short conversation with him that day was memorable. Every of his statement was full of wisdom.

Then, I understood why the department was close to him too. Beyond the fact that he committed nearly three decades of his life to serve the department, he was truly concerned about the development of education.

This surely was the reason four senior lecturers of the department led by Dr. Victor Ayedun-Aluma paid him an official visit sometimes in 2008 in his then new abode in Cotonou, Benin Republic. He had moved to Benin following his appointment in 2003, as SecretaryGeneral of the West African Newsmedia and Development Centre (WANAD Centre).

Albeit, his departure might still be excruciating for those he taught.

We all should be consoled that the man-Opubor lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation. His legacy and style will live on in the hearts of those he had impacted.

Now, the department should do something to immortalize the departure of such an erudite scholar.

Prof. Opubor, was reputed to be the first man in Africa to get a doctoral degree (Ph. D) in Communication. He was one of the first generation of specialists in the field of communication as a behavioural science, having graduated from the Michigan State University, in the US, with a Ph.D degree in 1969. His expertise was in Communication Theories and Message Systems, and their applications in development.

Indeed, UNILAG Mass Comm. has every reason to celebrate the distinguished scholar even in death for his awesome contributions to the department and by extension to journalism education in Africa.

In his wisdom, the 2009 Mass Communication department’s best graduating student, Tommy Solomon aptly captured the thoughts of many students when he said on his Facebook page: “(Opubor) is a great man in all ramifications. A man who put UNILAG Mass Comm. on the world map. A man deserving of all the accolades he has received. A faithful servant to the academic cause”.

Adieu Prof!

Ayodeji recently graduated from Mass Comm., UNILAG

Why there is need for students’ activities at UNN

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N the early Saturday morning of January 15, 2010, a group of students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) went on a six hours rampage over the rumoured increase in tuition fee for students of the institution. This resorted to a demonstration that shocked the university and its environment before it was halted by the intervention of mobile policemen from Enugu.

In a reaction to the chaos, the university’s administration set up a panel to investigate the matter, which resulted into expelling three students while social activities was banned till further notice.

Also, it was estimated that properties worth millions of naira belonging to the university were

By Oladele Oge oladeleoge@yahoo.com

damaged and a curfew was declared between 10pm and 6am on campus. Also, a review of the reports submitted by the works department indicated that many o electrical circuits were destroyed.

The panel concluded that each of the students have to pay the sum of N8, 000 as damages save for those who went for their Industrial Training (I.T) during the incident.

At the same time, the grievances of the University’s students were not merely hinged on physical discomforts. Interviews with students’ union government officials revealed that before the students

went on rampage, there was communication gap between them and management.

Reacting to the incident, the ViceChancellor of the institution, Prof.

Batho Okolo, denied the allegation flatly as untrue.

Now, it is a pertinent to note that students embark on such actions when new arrangements offend their sensibilities. The demonstration naturally came up owing to the speculation that increase in the sales of course forms from N5,000 to N10,000 and acceptance fee from N6,000 to N25,000 may possibly repeat itself in main tuition and accommodation fees respectively.

Today, the problem which most Nigerian higher institutions face is

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elled to every school (with a list that can be generated by anybody) to pay students. This was the case in Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) when just twenty-two names were released as opposed to about eighty approved in Akure. It took the intervention of some Ondo students (I inclusive) before the man released some 20 more names. The money for the remaining students went straight to his pocket. Some workers in the Students’ Affairs Department in PTI were witnesses to this anomaly.

They were shocked by the broad day light stealing by the official of the Ondo State Scholarship Board.

Paying students’ scholarship didn’t fare any better either. Gov. Mimiko had increased the scholarship to N100, 000 per student only to reduce it to N50, 000 a few months later. No student complained. We decided enough was enough when the government suddenly decided to conduct exams for would-be beneficiaries who studied engineering. To add salt to injury, over 80% of the students that applied for the scholarship could not find their names on the list despite meeting up with the requirement of upper credit (for polythecnic) and second class upper(for universities). The students under the aegis of National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) went on a very peaceful protest in Akure on November 26, 2011. The Commissioner for Education and some top Ondo State

What can one say about a village farmer who has two or more children in higher institutions?

It obvious that many of these institutions parading high fees cannot be regarded as ideal higher institutions. Some are just “glorious secondary schools”. The truth of this ugly situation occurred earlier this year when the National Universities Commission (NUC) visited some institutions in the country. Above all, bureaucratic insensitivity should be shunned while giving room for empathy when dealing with students.

Oladele, 300-Level Mass Comm., UNN

Time to end Expo in examination

Ondo Scholarship Board and its many faults TILL seems like yesterday when Governor Olusegun Mimiko rode gallantly on students support to the state house in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Even when he faced the daunting task of claiming the mandate the people gave him when the 2007 elections were rigged in favour of the then incumbent, students stood by him through thick and thin. Iroko (as the Governor is fondly called) rewarded the students with increased bursary and scholar immediately he resumed office. The students were elated and looked forward to collecting the scholarship and bursary money even though it took longer than usual. Gov. Mimiko claimed then that the Scholarship Board needed some “restructuring” as it was riddled with corrupt officials under the Agagu government.

Alas, that was never to be! Instead of removing corrupt officials from the Board, it appears more were employed to deprive Ondo State students their rights. Scholarship forms were never available, forms got missing, and names suddenly disappear from the list among other vices. It became apparent that staff members of the Scholarship Board were more interested in lining their pockets with money meant for the support of Ondo students than disbursing the money rightfully. This came to the glare during the disbursement of the bursary to various schools in July as only one staff member trav-

“students’ unrest”. This normally emanates from the increase in tuition fees, kidnapping of their mates and so on.

To appreciate the magnitude of this malady, it is equally better to understand what poverty is all about?

The gap between the poor and the rich is a battle field on its own.

Unemployment among youths is another missing gap of government at all levels.

Corruption and fraud in high places is another endemic factor promoting poverty.

This problem does not enhance academic excellent in indigent students whose parents do not earn big salary at the end of the months.

I

By Olugbenga Amojo mojotini@yahoo.com

government functionaries came to address the protesting students and promised to relate their issue to the governor when he comes from the UK. They even set up a meeting between NAOSS representatives and the governor for the following Monday. That meeting never took place. The governor was either too busy to see them or just “doesn’t want to see” them. He seems to be biting the fingers that fed him.

The students have been patient enough. NAOSS has given the state government an ultimatum of seven working days (counting from 14th December, 2011) to pay the outstanding students. I hope the governor is still “the friend of students” like he claimed to be. We are waiting!

Olugbenga, HND II Petroleum Engineering, PTI

AM addicted to these words “achieve and defend”. I have always told myself that I can never be a part of the evil and deadly menace that is destroying our society popularly known as ‘expo’ or leakages in examination. It is even common among primary school students from 10years old and above to the extent that little children now open their book to copy answers when writing test in primary school. That is why I still insist that evil is taking over good in our country.

Just last week, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board conducted the nation wide Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exams (UTME). I went round some centres to watch what the exercise will look like having heard that the registrar of the board, Dibu Ojerinde prior to the exam vowed to curb the menace of exam malpractice which, according to him, has bedeviled the conduct of public exam. Has the use of thumb print and biometrics machine put an end to the whole shit? Nope!

There was a funny incident that took place in one of the centres I visited. A girl received the choke from a guy; she put the stuff in her jean and after writing the exam she came out happily asking the guy, the choke you gave me is for what paper type? When the guy answered her she became angry. She

By Hope Ofobike hopeofobike@yahoo.com

never had the time to even read the questions; she was busy shading the wrong answer. Oh how I wish I’m opportune to see the result.

Does it just end with Jamb? 2005 when I wrote my WAEC, I could remember that five papers were cancelled due to exam malpractice and leakages. We had to rewrite the papers under thorough investigation.

Even in tertiary institutions, expo is a common thing among students. Although various universities have sanctions for exam malpractice but the fact remains that ‘good girls are bad girls’ that have not been caught.

Now I want to state that this leakages in result must be blamed on the various bodies organising exams since among every 12 apostles, there must •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE

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Turn the page

HE yearend fast approaches. As we sit back to reflect upon it, be sure that each of us shall ponder on 2011 in differing dimensions. For some, the year has been an

By Uche Ogbonna amazing one that is full of prosperity, great opportunities exploited, thriving relationship marketingcommunication@fidelitybankplc.com uche.ogbonna@fidelitybankplc.com and telling breakthroughs. It is clear that to 08055061278 these people, luck has smiled on them. They reflect with a smile on their face as they carefully and mentally note all their many achievements. To many of us on the other side, well this year reflect on the things they did these young success stories are the lucky few. that made them successful. Let them identify There are some of us who have made poor the things they need to keep repeating and choices in 2011; choices that have left us also note the things that they must jettison. derelict of good stories. What we have are They must also think of new things to do, come scars and regrets. Some of them include up with more efficient ways and methods of depleted finances, failed exams or poor grades achieving success faster. They must re-invent in them, broken and or damaged relationships themselves and forge on into the New Year.

Those who have a-not-so cheerful story and odd moments.

The good thing is that for the two groups concerning 2011 must be wise enough to described above there are some common identify the wrong choices and associations that brought them to this poor place. Once denominators.

One of the common factors shared by these identified, you must take the very bold step two groups is LIFE! The fact that we are all of determining never to find yourself in that alive is a fact that must not be taken for situation again. Poor grades begin when poor granted. Has your year been good? Be glad. decisions as regards attendance, cumulative Has it been bad? Well think about this - you scores and poor attention to details from are alive. This is so critical for only those alive assignments to tests all begin to add up.

Now that you know you must make up your understand the principle of the second chance.

Do not therefore overtly rejoice on your mind not to be found there again. Other times, academic victories over some of your peers. poor choices in friendships snowball into They are alive and therefore may well give something unimaginably huge and the very you a run for the money in 2012. To those of course of the lives of many potentially gifted you who feel that you have made very wrong young people are altered for life. So leverage choices, well, think about the amount of on hindsight. Use this period to reflect on the opportunity waiting for you in 2012. Three year past and make up your mind to forge hundred and sixty six well spent days will see better friendships, make better choices and you make mockery of your past mistakes. This choose better paths. Many have taken this is the way to positive and rightly position decision at one point or the other in their lives. yourself to turn the page into a successful 2012. You can too.

Every successful organization uses these The second thing really going on for both groups is equality of opportunity. No matter very principles to prepare for the year ahead. the distance between the successes and the They may have fancy names like strategy failures, nature does not allot them difference meetings, performance review sessions or end of days. Both the failure and the successful are of year retreats, but basically all they are doing each allotted 366 days of 2012 meaning that as is looking back at the passing year, identifying the clock chimes into the new year, both of the key indices that helped define success and you will be given the very same amount of also identify pitfalls that landed them in hours of the day, the very same amount of failure. Even when highly successful days of the week, and the very same amount organisations like Fidelity Bank look back and of months in the year. It is now your duty to see more good than failure, it would be foolish ensure that you refuse to make the same to take many things for granted. Looking around and identifying why others around us mistakes you made in 2011.

Another thing that is common is the power failed also helps ensure that we do not fall of hindsight. Both the successful and the failure into the same quagmire.

We wish you a very successful 2012 as you both have the power of hindsight to leverage on. Remember that success isn’t a constant. It join us to reap the many successes lying ahead must be fought for and engaged on every side of us.

Have a great New Year! for it to be enduring. So let those who did

On and Off Campus

•Chima with other members of the executive

Sandwich students party

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THE University of Lagos Sandwich Students’ Association (ULSSA) has held its end-of-year party at the newly renovated Education Hall near the Faculty of Education of the institution.

The party was held in honour of the apex class of 400. It was titled ‘ULSSA Groove’.

Scores of sandwich students from different levels turned out for the programme. The students happily danced to different genre of music not minding that quite a number of them are married.

The President of the association, Mr. Chima Ejiogu, a 400 level student of Education Administration, UNILAG, said the programme was aimed at consolidating friendship among the students, ease examination stress and ultimately to crown the year’s activities in a unique way.

He added that all levels were carried along

From Juliana Edet UNILAG

because ‘everybody needed to dance off exam rigours.

“We must socialise and celebrate ourselves and exchange season’s gifts. That is what we have done. We have also encouraged some upcoming Sandwich artistes by creating platforms for them to show their skills at the programme. For us, education is more than just reading”, he said.

The association is also planning to launch a new magazine. The magazine, according to the president, will be the first of its kind in the University of Lagos. The magazine is named ‘Education Light.’

The editor of magazine, Miss Queen Obayojie, said the focus of the magazine will be education, health, recreation, sports, and entertainment, among others.

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600 •The new president being sworn in

Rotaract installs president

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HE Rotaract Club of Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki recently installed their new President, Kelechi Adindu. The event which was witnessed by many Rotaract members across District 9140 took place at Adig suites. It also had in attendance some notable personalities among whom were the president of the sponsoring Rotary Club of Abakaliki South, Rtn Dr Ken Okoro, the chairman of the occasion, Rtn Chooks Oko, Rtn George Ejogha, Rtn Dr Uzoma Agwu who was also the guest lecturer, awardees and other guests.

The guest lecturer Dr. Agwu in her paper titled ‘Youths and Innovation’, called on Nigerian youths to be innovative and creative and quit queuing for white collar-jobs that are not available.

In his hand-over note, Adindu’s predecessor, Rotaractor Lawrence Daniel, a CAMPUSLIFE man recounted that though his tenure was cut short by the south-east ASUU strike, it was still eventful owing to the num-

From Emeka Benjamin EBSU

ber of projects executed. These include breast cancer awareness campaign, renovation of toilets in the male hostel of the teaching hospital, free diabetes screening test for adults.

He appreciated the media outfits such as Nation Newspaper, Radio Nigeria and Unity FM Abakaliki for publicizing the club’s activities as well as thanked other well wishers and friends who made his tenure one with impact. The new president in his acceptance speech solicited for support and encouragement from all since his projects will border on the year’s theme “Reach within to embrace humanity”. The event witnessed a presentation by Girls Guide on climate change, presentation of awards, choreography by Golden Ark troupe, comedy Whale mouth and induction of new members among whom were the SUG President John Ogbu, Henry Onwe, president of Ebonyi State Medical Students’ Association (EMSA) and others.

Time to end Expo in examination •Continued from page 35

be a Judas. I am calling on the various exam bodies to investigate their organisation and make sure the leakages are not associated to any of the staff.

Government and the education sector should on their own introduce and encourage a good reading culture among students. Students on their own part should always strive not only to achieve

a good result but to defend it too. Parents have a role to play, they should remember that the way you train a child is the way the child will go. I hope to see a revolution in the Nigerian youth and a Nigeria were reading culture will be promoted.

Hope, recently finished from Mass Comm., UNIJOS

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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EDUCATION UNN joins ‘Tuning Africa’ Project

FEDPOFFA FILE Female students honour Rector

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HE Department of Vocational Teacher Education of the University of Nigeria (UNN) has been selected to participate in the African Higher Education Harmonisation and Tuning Project (Tuning Africa) after a rigorous and competitive process.

The selection of the department to participate in the project was contained in a letter sent to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo by the Coordinator of the project Dr. Julia M. Gonzalez.

Tuning Africa Project is an EU-AFRICA project, which helps to improve staff capacity to design and develop curriculum, provide opportunities for generation of additional resources and support effective and productive networking.

The letter reads: “The project uses internationally established methodology to enhance degree comparability, graduate mobility and employability.

“The objective of the project is to further strengthen the cooperation between EU and African Higher Education Harmonisation strategy and to enable closer ties between high education policy makers.

“It involves academics working in subject groups with employers and other stakeholders in curriculum development to enhance student competences.

“The Turning Africa project, which will last for 18 months, will have its first meeting from January 23 to 25, 2012 in Cameroon. The second project meeting has also been scheduled to hold from May 23-24 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa. “ The contact person for the university is Dr. Emmanuel C Osinem and he is expected to attend both meetings.

•A cross section of members of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria(MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit during their annual conference, at Adeyemi Bero auditorium, Alausa, Lagos.

Wamakko okays N172.5m for bursary

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OKOTO State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, has approved N172.5 million as bursary allowances to indigenous students studying various medical programmes in the United Kingdom.

Chairman of the state Scholarship Board, Alhaji Abdulakadir Kalgo, disclosed in Sokoto that 34 students are to benefit from the payment to be made with immediate effect.

Kalgo, in a statement signed by Isa Abubakar Shuni, Information Officer of the board, explained that the students were currently studying in University of East London, University of Sussex, London metropolitan university, Queen Mary University, and South Bank University.

“The money is for the 2011/2012 academic session, for the payment of tuition, registration and maintenance allowances. We intend to

•Club plans bursary for Ibadan students From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

create a conducive learning atmosphere by attending to students’ needs and aspirations on time,” Kalgo said.

Kalgo also said another batch of students have been sent to the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Ile-Ife, Osun State in the pursuit of National and Higher National Diplomas in Geo-Information and Surveying, a move by the government to develop and provide qualified manpower, particularly in the disciplines of sciences and technology.

The Chairman called on the students to reciprocate the good gesture by dedication to their studies to encourage the state to create more opportunities for others.

Similarly, to contribute towards

the improvement of education in Ibadan, the Oluyole Club Lagos, an Ibadan Social Club, plans to give out its annual bursary awards soon.

The event billed to hold at Kakanfo Inn, in Ibadan at an undisclosed date, is meant to support students of Ibadan extraction studying in higher Institutions across the country.

President of the club, Prof Bashir Akande, said the club seeks to assist 10 brilliant but indigent students who he did not name.

“Oluyole Club, Lagos is determined to assist Ibadan indigenes and we think one of the ways is to help our undergraduates who are facing financial challenges. We don’t want anybody to drop out of school due to non-payment of school fees and those we have selected are currently doing well in their various fields,” he said.

Achievers Varsity holds end of year service

Sweet potato bread for exhibition FEDPOFFA is to participate in the maiden edition of Ijakadi Day, a food exhibition intended to promote the culture of the Offa people.

Students from the Food Technology Department are expected to represent the institution, exhibiting all products made from sweet potato, which is historically associated with the Offa people.

Speaking with reports, Head of the Food Technology Department, Mr Gabriel Ogundele, said during the event, which runs through December, the institution would exhibit bread, flour, chips, juice, doughnut, puff - puff, cream, cookies, ethanol, wine, caramel chin-chin and meat pie made from sweet potato.

Other events lined-up for the exhibition are Ijakadi Road Show, Football Match between Iyeru Okin and Moremi, Annual Prayer, Ceremonial Homage to Olofa,Tree Planting, Food and Heritage Expo, Lecture, Beauty Pageant and Ijakadi Day.

Farewell party for librarian

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S Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State celebrated the fourth Christmas Carol/endof-year service last Thursday, members of staff and students alike lifted up their voices to God to intervene in the crisis bedeviling the country.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the institution, Mr Bayo Ayorinde, also admonished workers and students to allow Christ to be part of their celebration during the Yuletide.

The Principal Assistant Registrar of the institution Sumbi Awobuluyi, who led the special prayer session, expressed her belief that with God’s intervention, peace would return to the country and the nation would be freed from all those currently holding it to ransom.

The university community thanked God for the successful accreditation conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria during the year.

Speaking on the need to reflect Christ during the celebration, Ayorinde said: “Please, don’t get lose as people often do during this period. When everybody is losing their heads, keep yours.”

In his own address entitled: What

THE National Association of Nigeria Female Students (NANFS) has conferred a leadership award on the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), Dr Mufutau Olatinwo, for his efforts in maintaining peace and academic excellence in the institution.

Speaking at the award presentation, the National President of NANFS, Comrade Funmi Farinde, of the Lagos State University (LASU), called on heads of other sectors to emulate his good examples, while urging the recipient never to rest on his oars in making positive change in his environment.

Olatinwo thanked workers and unions leaders in the institution for their support, which he said translated to various achievements being recorded in the Polytechnic.

•The choir singing at the event

kind of child are you?, Taiwo Adenegan, a lecturer in the College of Social and Management Sciences, implored staff and students to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by giving joy to their parents and community, and serving as good models to the young ones.

Quoting from the Bible, Adenegan urged them to examine

their lives and turn a new leaf if they have not been impacting others positively.

During the event, which was put together by the Rev Bayode Oladimeji-led Achievers University Chapel of Grace and Glory, Bible lessons were read and the audience were entertained with songs, hymns, instrumental and drama – all of

which revolved around the conception and birth of Jesus Christ – by the university choir and drama group,.

Sam Ojemeh, a lecturer in the Accounting Department, who is also the co-ordinator of the performing group, promised that the group had more to showcase at the maiden convocation of the university holding between January 22 and 28.

ENCOMIUMS were poured on the outgoing Librarian of FEDPOFFA, Mr Maxwell Oyinloye, at an impressive send off party in his honour.

The Rector, Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo, described Oyinloye as a good example of an academic icon and world-class librarian, who worked tirelessly for the Polytechnic to reach the pinnacle of academic excellence and advised others to emulate his attitude of commitment and leadership capabilities.

Olatinwo, who was represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Abdulhamid Raji said the polytechnic will always remember him for all his contributions to the institution especially as a ‘senior advocate of digital library’.

The Registrar advised the Acting Librarian, Mr Adegboyeg Adedeji and other staff, especially of the Library to keep alive the good work of the outgoing principal officer.

Responding to the kind words, Oyinloye described FEDPOFFA as an institution of potentials with quality lecturers and equipment.

He said he has laid the foundation of turning the school library to electronic library with the use of computer.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 , 2011

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EDUCATION ACE FILE Provost thanks God THE Provost, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, has enjoined workers of the College to show appreciation to God for what he has done in the outgoing year.

Idowu, in a Christmas message to the College Community, noted that despite the year being a mixed grill of the good, the bad and the ugly, people ought to thank God. “As we have all enjoyed the inexhaustible grace and mercy of God Almighty throughout this year, I pray that the remaining days will bring us more joy and peace; especially as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” he said.

He also prayed that 2012 will be a year of good tidings for us as individuals, College and the Nation.

Prayers for New Year IN preparation for 2012, the workers and students of the College of Education, Ondo will hold a New Year’s Prayer meeting on January 3.

The Prayer meeting will be presided over by the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ondo Diocese, Dr. Latunji Lasebikan at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium.

The Muslim community will also hold the prayer meeting at the College mosque same day to be presided over by the Chief Imam of Ondo Central Mosque, Alhaji Bashir Alimi.

SCHOLARSHIP APPROACHING DEADLINES Bachelor Scholarship Programme at BI Norwegian Business School, Norway Bachelor Scholarship in Business Administration and Shipping Management at BI Norwegian Business School, Norway 2012 Study Subject(s):Business Administration, Shipping Management Course Level:Bachelor Scholarship Provider: BI Norwegian Business School Scholarship can be taken at: Norway Eligibility: • The bachelor scholarships are intended for non-norwegian applicants not residing in norway, and cover one-third of the tuition fee for each year of the programme. Total value: approximately noK 60,000.

• a. wilhelmsen foundation scholarship programme The a. wilhelmsen foundation scholarship programme provides a two-year scholarship valued at noK 150,000 per year, for up to two students each year.

• scholarships are also available for excellent candidates from the bachelor of shipping management programme.

-The scholarships consist of a full tuition fee waiver for the first year of the programme (value noK 65,200) and a 50 % tuition fee waiver for the second and the third year of the programme (value approx. noK 30,000 for each year).

- The 50% tuition fee waiver for the second and third year is contingent on above average academic performance in the first , and the second year of the programme Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The bachelor of business administration programme at bI norwegian business school will give you a taste of what globalisation and internationalisation are all about: a taste with a scandinavian favour, which will prepare you thoroughly for a career in international business or further postgraduate studies. The bachelor of shipping management programme at bI norwegian business school will introduce you to an exciting and globalised industry: the shipping Industry. norway is one of the leading shipping nations in the world and bI has a long tradition of teaching and doing research in the shipping area.

How to Apply: Online, Post Scholarship Application Deadline: 15 April 2012 Newcastle University International Postgraduate Scholarship (NUIPS), UK International Postgraduate Scholarship at Newcastle University, UK 2012 Study Subject(s):Courses offered by the University Course Level:Postgraduate Scholarship Provider: Newcastle University Scholarship can be taken at: UK Eligibility: you have been offered a place on any postgraduate taught degree programme - you have been assessed as international/overseas for fees purposes - you hold a first class honours degree and IELTS 7.0.

-Applicants holding an upper second (2:1) equivalent degree and IELTS 7.0 will be considered on a competitive basis by the closing date for applications.

-Applicants who do not hold a first class or upper second honours degree at the time of their scholarship application will be considered for NUIPS awards conditional upon their final degree grade.

- you intend to register to start your studies during the 2012-13 academic year.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: Newcastle University is delighted to announce 70 new Newcastle University International Postgraduate Scholarship (NUIPS) awards. These are available for international students starting their studies in September 2012, in the 2012-13 academic year. Each scholarship will have a value of £1,500 per year, payable towards tuition.

How to Apply: Electronically Scholarship Application Deadline: 25th May 2012.

Three Sloane-Robinson Awards at Keble College, Oxford, UK Graduate Scholarship for the courses offered by the University at Keble College, Oxford, UK Study Subject(s):Courses offered by the University Course Level:Graduate Scholarship Provider: Keble College, Oxford Scholarship can be taken at: UK Eligibility:Preference given to applicants from developing countries.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: Keble College proposes to elect a number of graduate scholars to come into residence in October 2011. These scholarships will be awarded solely on the grounds of outstanding academic merit, and continuing tenure will be subject to satisfactory supervisors’ reports.

How to Apply: By Post Scholarship Application Deadline: 21st January 2011 University Hall St Andrews Graduates’ Association (UHStAGA) Scholarship, UK 2012 Postgraduate Scholarship for UK and International Woman Graduates at University of St Andrews, UK 2012 Study Subject(s):Courses offered by the University Course Level:Postgraduate Scholarship Provider: University Hall St Andrews Graduates’ Association Scholarship can be taken at: UK Eligibility: -The successful candidate will be expected to reside in University Hall during term time and to take an interest in the life of the Hall. If from overseas, it is hoped that she will put the knowledge and experience gained in St Andrews to full use upon her return home and thus contribute to the development of her own country and to the role and status of women there.

-Candidates must be graduates of a high academic standard with an excellent knowledge of English, sufficient to allow them to benefit from full-time study at St Andrews. It is expected that the successful candidate will complete a graduate diploma or degree in St Andrews.

School marks Xmas with safety campaign

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•Mrs Adebayo Onikepo, Chairperson of the occasion (right) presenting the trophy to Master Ayodeji Adeyinka of Yellow House with the assistance of the Principal, Mr Adetayo.

PHOTO: BADE RARAMOLA

Babcock High School holds sports meet

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T was all fun when Babcock High School held its 17th interhouse sports penultimate week.

Principal of the school, Mr Adetayo Timothy, emphasised the importance of physical exercise to enhancing a child’s total learning ability.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, goes the popular adage.

Our students are committed to their studies. However, continuous learning without exercise will make learning ineffective because the ability to recall has to do with

By Sampson Unamka

exercise,” he said.

He said the SeventhDay Adventist Church, under which the Babcock University and the high school are run, believes in holistic education, comprising the brain (mental), hand (physical), mind (spiritual) and relationship (social).

“We believe in sports for recreation not for entertainment. The spirit of cooperation rather than competition should be our focus.

Olympic Games is not only to win

but to participate,” he said.

The pupils, who represented green, yellow, blue, and white houses, engaged in activities like march past and track and field events.

However, Yellow House won the competition with 16 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals. White House came second with 15 gold,12 silver and 11 bronze, followed by Blue and Green houses in the third and fourth positions with nine gold, nine silver and 15 bronze, and seven gold,12 silver and 12 bronze medals.

ATHER than throw a party complete with Santa Claus grotto and other fun activities to mark the yuletide, Salvation International School, Ikeja, Lagos decided to embark on a safety awareness programme for commercial motorcyclists( a.k.a.

Okada riders).

Pupils and their teachers joined men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) to counsel the cyclists who operate in the Ikeja GRA area to advocate for compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

They distributed reflective safety jackets to the cyclists and even entertained them while they listened to the safety talks.

The Okada riders were enlightened about what roads they are allowed to ply by law, their rights, and road signs among other safety issues they would come across in the course of earning their daily bread on the roads.

Head of School, Mrs Olayinka Soboye said the aim of the programme was to contribute to

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

safety awareness among cyclists, which the school regards as more important than wining and dining.

“The reason for organising this event is to make motorcyclists aware of safety. This is our own way of celebrating Christmas,” she said.

Speaking on the gesture, Comrade Innocent Agu, one of the cyclists, commended the school for the initiative.

“It is a welcome development and very commendable. We have been hearing things like this before. Today’s event serves as a reminder and we will pass it on to others that are not here. Even before they told us we should be safety conscious, we too want to be alive to stay in business. We appreciate the effort of the school,” he said.

Thanking the cyclists for participating in the programme, Head Boy of the school, Israel Galadima, urged them to take precaution on the roads.

LASU is ‘best state varsity’

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HE management of the Lagos State University (LASU) has promised to leverage on its recent achievements among universities in Nigeria to continue to offer more qualitative service delivery to its students.

A statement signed by the university’s Director of the Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, Dr Sola Fosudo, stated that LASU is currently rated the best state university in Nigeria, and the

ninth best among the 117 universities in the country. It added that despite its de-accreditation, LASU Law programmes still remains outstanding in Africa, according to the www.universitiesofnigeria.com The university also expressed strong faith in its Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Obafunwa, who assumed the mantle of leadership two month ago, to repeat the feat he achieved as two-time Provost of the LASU College of Medicine, Ikeja.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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EDUCATION

Ministry fetes principals, directors

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RINCIPALS and directors in the Lagos State Ministry of Education swopped their suits for traditional outfits on Sunday last week during an end-of-year party organised by the ministry at the Grandeur, Oregun Lagos.

They were treated to sumptuous meals by Tastee Pot, drinks, and music by Femi Town band, popular in the Lagos State education circles, while they were admonished by top government functionaries to continue to give their best.

Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye opened the floor, thanking the principals for their hard work, while assuring of government support. She also thanked Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for placing priority on education “I welcome the principals because they are the ones doing the job. I appreciate you very well. I am only your LASTMA while you are the drivers. I only give directions.

“I thank our Governor and his deputy for their support and passion for education. The Governor meets with the education family every month since I assumed duty and he has been supporting us financially,” she said.

Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe also praised the princi-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

pals. However, he urged them to make efforts at improving performance in public examinations as he noted that the Governor was unsatisfied with the results of the 2011 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by WAEC and NECO. “On behalf of his Excellency, we want to say a big thank you for a job well done in the past year. But the results we’ve had in WAEC and NECO are not where we want it to be. What will ginger the government to do more is if you ensure that the results of our students are better than what we had this year,” he said.

In response, Chairman of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr Albert Philips assured that the teachers would put in more efforts to remedy results.

He said: “I assure the Commissioner that we have put machineries on ground. We have organised seminars in each district to introduce new teaching methods to teachers to ensure the performance is improved.”

Prizes were presented to the best principals in each of the six education districts.

From left: Chibuzor Nnamah, Head Boy; Mrs Mogbonjubola Ejirinde, Principal; Alhaji Mansur Kazeem, Chairman, PTA, Mrs. Rachael Alabi, CEO/MD; Mrs. Bola Adekoya, Staff Welfare Officer and Adaora Emefo, Head Girl, as join hands to cut the Christmas cake of Ronik Comprehensive School, Ejigbo, Lagos, during the end of year carol service and Christmas party, at the school premises.

‘On behalf of his Excellency, we want to say a big thank you for a job well done in the past year. But the results we’ve had in WAEC and NECO is not where we want it to be. What will ginger the government to do more is if you ensure that the results of our students are better than what we had this year’

•From Left: Mr Tope Ashiwaju, Prof Osanyin, Femi Ashiwaju, CEO, Brandels Communications Ltd, and Area Marketing Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Jide Adebiyi during the seminar.

Firm trains teachers HE importance of teaching and empowering pupils effectively was brought to the fore during the primary school teachers seminar organised by Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie noodles.

Its theme was, Teacher as a manager in modern day Nigeria.

One of the facilitators at the training held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos, last Friday, Prof. F.A. Osanyin, said basic education is a very essential aspect of a child’s development that construct its future.

She said teachers should be grounded in their subjects, have skills and enjoy the job so as to impact, sound knowledge in children.

Acknowledging the challenges

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By Jane Chijioke

teachers face as well as the problems bedeviling the country, such as poverty, corruption, insecurity, poor state of education, violence, Prof Osanyin counselled them not to let them stand as a hindrance to their responsibilities.

On the contrary, she advised them to be friendly, create a physical and interactive environment for learning and have passion for the children.

Mr Tope Ashiwaju, Public Relation Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, appreciated the relationhip which teachers have created with the company in achieving the Indomie shows that have been carried out in various primary Schools.

Ekiti gets N40m book donation •Pupils of Chrisland School, Opebi, Lagos making hand murals on a map of Nigeria during the champion of health event, organised by Procter and Gamble, to launch safeguard soap.

Board caters for retired teachers

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S a way of recognising the efforts of the teachers who retired from the state employ for their contributions to the academic development of public school pupils, the Local Government Staff Pension Board organised a welfare event for them last Thursday.

The pensioners, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s, were given rice, cooking oil and refreshments, in addition to free health checks, during the programme held at the Board’s

By Jane Chijioke

office, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.

Mrs Olubukola Agunloye, Executive Secretary of the Board said the programme is done biannually to show appreciation to the retirees.

“The package is to show appreciation for the teaching and non-teaching staff of schools, care for the pensioners and also give them free health screening, and welfare packages,” she said.

Mr Sanya Joseph Odediran, Chairman Lagos State Primary School Pensioners thanked the government for the initiative.

“The purpose of today is to be catered for. Aside the pension we receive the government, the board also conducts a welfare celebration for us and we teachers from both primary and secondary school respond to the kind gesture. We are happy and grateful to Lagos State Government,” he said.

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US-BASED non-governmental organisation, Books for International Goodwill (BIG), has donated textbooks worth over N40 million to the Ekiti State government in support of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s vision of an improved education sector.

This is one of the fruits of the various interfaces between the state government and developmental organisations within and outside the country aimed at developing critical sectors.

Receiving the textbooks at the State Library Board in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Eniola Ajayi, said the texts, mainly in subjects where instructional materials were inadequate, would improve teaching and learning in schools.

“We are trying to get our children to read more but we know that they cannot read when they do not have books. So, this is just one of the initial efforts to make reading easier because if you have the tools, it is be easy to get the children to work,” she said.

Dr. Ajayi explained that the textbooks are meant for all levels of education and would be distributed to the benefitting schools as well as the state library.

She added that the vision of the Fayemi-led administration would be actualised as necessary logistics are being put in place to strengthen the education sector, even as the state would be equipping teachers with laptop computers and training them to meet the global standard while the first phase of distribution of laptops to students would also commence in 2012.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

EDUCATION EDUTALK

50 years after, school reunites alumni

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RANGE School, Ikeja, Lagos is bringing its old students together to consolidate on its success over the years. Its alumni started by a group of British in 1958 gathered on Sunday last week at the school’s Ikeja premises for the first time where they reminisced about how much the school contributed to their development as individuals.

Its Principal, Mr William Pope who addressed the former pupils, some of who are now in their 60s, expressed hope that they would be of help like their counterparts from schools in the United Kingdom who contribute their expertise and endow funds to help their alma mater grow.

“The school has been trying to start an alumni association. One of the reasons why we have to form an alumni association aside net-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

working is to boost the standard of the school. By the time the school turns 60, the alumni would have become strong so they can help the students to develop. We are hoping that in future we will register the alumni with CAC because it is one of the strongest stakeholders of the school. The role of alumni in the schools cannot be overemphasised. In the UK, alumni help schools to develop,” he said.

Some former pupils including Ms Idowu David and her twin sister among others shared about their time in school, remembering the fun activities and the SAMCO drink and Cow biscuit they were given as refreshments during the break time.

In an interview with The Nation,

Chairman of the school’s Governing Board and an old pupil, Otunba Alaba Shonibare, said the alumni association has become necessary for the school to leverage on its pedigree.

“In every great school over the alumni association is very important. It is from there you produce senators, politicians. The association provides a platform for networking,” he said.

Shonibare added that Grange has maintained its standard over the years because of hard work put in by management to continue evolving with the times.

“Our mission statement is to be the best and have continuous improvement. What was fantastic 10 years ago may not be pertinent now. You have to keep up with the latest development in education,” he said.

•From left: Prof Victor Mordi presenting the Life Achievement Award to Prof Gabriel Osuide, pioneer DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while Mrs. Osuide looks on, at the Edo College Old Boys Association (ECOBA) Lagos branch yearly Dinner, at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Expert canvasses more ICT equipment in schools

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HUMAN resource expert, Mr Kehinde Onijingin, says the deployment of appropriate Information Technology tools, and infrastructure in education, will reduce teachers’ workload and increase student’s exposure, making learning a more exciting experience, Onijingin spoke at the passing out of 41 secondary school pupils trained in the theory and application of computers, Microsoft office, and computer engineering,at Awe town in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The three-month training was organised by a leading agro-allied company, Amo Byng and Amo Sieberer Hatchery Limited.

Public schools in Oyo State were invited to the event, which is second in the series.

The company had in the past awarded scholarships to indigent students in tertiary institutions, economically empowered youths,

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

especially young school leavers, as well as contributed to the development of communities.

In his career talk on the occasion, Onijingin, who is also the company’s Group Human Resource Manager, stressed the need for massive creation of IT awareness in all educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, so that pupils and teachers would be aware of its importance in nation-building.

“Increase in IT funding will surely complement the development to a remarkable level, so that the full impact of IT can be felt in human capital development in the formal sector of the country.”

He also suggested the development and immediate implementation of examinable IT curricula for the educational sector, as well as

the incorporation of IT in all courses.

“So many adults, in spite of their education are not computer literates. There must be curricula development to ensure that all graduates are IT literates, to increase the efficiency of education delivery, and adequate response to the need in learning paradigm. This is why the company prefers bringing younger people up through the training in computer.

“Apart from helping them, we want them to be self-sustained and responsible citizens in the society.”

While advising the pupils to remain focused, and identify areas of competence where they can build their careers, Onijigin urged them not to be discouraged or lose hope in seeking more knowledge whenever they face challenges.

At the end of the training, the first two pupils received computer systems, to further enhance their skills.

OAU, UNN get Geology equipment

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SSO Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has donated buses and geological equipment to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) under its University Partnership Programme (UPP).

The UPP is aimed at funding geological field work programmes in selected Nigerian Universities as a

means of improving the quality of their graduates. In addition, it seeks to improve the skills of those making and interpreting maps and also contribute to the production of quality geological maps in the country.

Speaking on the donation at Black Diamond Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, Mr Chikwendu Edoziem, Executive Director/General Manager, Upstream, EEPNL, said the initiative is aimed at reversing the fall-

ing standard of education in the country.

“We stated this programme with some targeted universities, to assist them halt the decline in the quality of education, especially in geosciences. This is considered a key component within a broad-based programme that would help achieve the goal of developing and enhancing the quality of geosciences graduates from our universities.

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2011 in review

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HERE is a lot to learn from the issues that emanated from the education sector this year. As we take stock of how we fared, we should note those things that should be avoided so we can make the education system more vibrant.

Kofoworola ASUU Strike After the New Year holidays next week, our university undergraduates studying in public universities Kofosagie@yahoo.com will begin to feel restless at home 08054503077 (SMS only) on forced vacation if the Federal Government does nothing to persuade the Academic Staff Union of Universities to end their strike. Rather than begging, however, the government should resolve the issues once and for all, namely: implement the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement. Agencies or groups that have one role or the other to play in the speedy implementation, including the Federal Ministry of Education, National Assembly, Presidency, Committee of Vice-Chancellors among others should be diligent about it so our students can go back to the classroom and not fall into the temptations that lurk when they are idle.

Moreover, extended strikes do no good for the quest for international recognition for our universities. We hope in the coming year strikes will not occur once in any of our institutions. If that is the case, it would indeed be novel, and we can hope that development has finally knocked on our door.

Belo-Osagie

Conflicting results, Leakages, examination malpractices For certain, we do not want a repeat of the national embarrassment that occurred with the release of conflicting results by the West African Examinations Council this year. It has shaken the confidence of Nigerians.

To regain the faith, the Council should ensure it monitors the activities of its officers. We hope in future that those involved in scandals such as this are exposed, punished and prosecuted. We need to borrow a leaf from what obtained in other countries where officers who abuse public trust are forced to resign or are publicly prosecuted.

Thankfully, we did not hear of leakages in any of the public examination this year. However, all the examining bodies should tighten security around sensitive materials so candidates don’t make a mockery of the process.

Examination malpractice is still a big issue, with tens of thousands having their results withheld because of culpability in the act. The examining bodies have to find other ways of discouraging candidates from engaging in it, and they should not be alone in the struggle. They can embark on campaigns to encourage candidates to prepare for the examinations rather than rely on short cuts. However they need the government to enforce examination malpractice laws and provide necessary infrastructure and learning materials for schools; schools to institute integrity in the teaching and learning process; teachers to give their best in preparing students; parents to monitor their wards; and the candidates to be focused on their studies. If all these are in place, we should smile by the end of 2012.

Post-UTME screening: To stay or not to stay The controversy about the relevance or otherwise of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening is still raging. ViceChancellors definitely want it to remain but the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Dibu Ojerinde wants its scrapped. Both parties have their supporters, and rightly so.

Without the post-UTME, some students would not have had the chance to get into the tertiary institutions today because their spaces would have been taken up by undeserving candidates, who get in and cannot cope with academic demands because they did not earn their UTME scores in the first place.

However, on the other hand, the post-UTME screening takes a lot from applicants. They spend so much on registration, transport and accommodation to take the tests in the various institutions they applied to for admission. They also undergo a lot of stress when there is problem with organisation of the tests by these institutions. The worst part of it is that now, the integrity of these tests is now being called to question as unscrupulous officials in these schools have found ways to sell admission spaces because of the stiff competition for them.

The problems need to be addressed. While JAMB works hard at restoring confidence in its examinations, tertiary institutions need to find ways to make the post-UTME screening less cumbersome, and defend its integrity with all they have got – after all, that is the reason it was introduced in the first place.

UBE funding Without doubt, the intervention of the Federal Government in funding Universal Basic Education has helped improve quality education in our primary and junior secondary school. It is therefore worrisome that N34.1billion of the funds meant for the sub-sector sits in the coffers of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja because states have failed to provide their own counterpart funds to access the funds.

The UBE Act stipulates that states must provide the funds before the matching grant is made available by UBEC. However, some state governments are kicking against this, claiming they do not have the money.

They want the money released to them without their counterpart funds, but they are not trusted to use the funds for exactly what it is meant.

However, if they set their priorities right, I am sure state governments will be able to provide their own part of the funds. It simply requires their plugging loop holes through which public funds disappear into private pockets. In the New Year, we are urging states like Benue, Ebonyi, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa and Enugu, which are yet to access between N1 and N2 billion UBE funds would speedily do so and give hope of quality education to the millions of children in the society.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

43

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

House Committee urges growth of traditional medicine

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HE House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology has charged the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to encourage the growth of traditional medicine.

The Committee Chairman, Hon Ishaq Akinlade, who spoke to reporters during the committee’s visit to NNMDA in Lagos, said the agency had been doing its best but more needed to be done, adding that it was yet to meet it’s vision and mission.

According to him, the agency’s mandate is to encourage the development of traditional medicine practitioners.

“Its mandate would not be complete if the end user, which is the consumer, doesn’t benefit from the research. It means, it has to go a step further,” he added.

On challenges of the agency, he said: “It has constraints which one is funding. And that is why I am afraid for Nigeria. How do you move forward if we are not funding science and technology, research and technology, development and operation?”

He said the N30 billion allocated in the budget is for science and technology capital and overhead costs.

“How do you move a country forward with such an allocation? Everybody is talking about China, Taiwan and India today. The difference between advanced country and developing countries is in the area of science and technology.”

He said there was the need for redirection, particularly from the executive arm of the government to move the country forward. “If we invest in education and in science and tech-

•Hon. Akinlade (3rd left) inspecting some products at the agency. With him are some of the committee members.

Stories by Wale Adepoju

nology, there will be employment. We don’t need ad-hoc approach to things,” he added.

Akinlade said the budget of the Ministry of Science and Technology should be looked into. We have to ensure that we support the agency in this year appropriation because it needs a lot of fund to function very well, he added.

“I consume natural medicine and I want the public to also do the same because we need to believe in ourselves so that we

can move forward. For example, the traditional bone setters are very effective and as such, should be encouraged, but people pretend that they are not good.

But they patronise them in one way or another.

“The agency needs to collaborate with all these bone setters, and introduce them to modern technology. That would make their operation more effective. It has to go further to convince the public to patronise traditional medicine. If a product is good and people are not using it, it means you

have to go a step further.”

NNMDA Director-General, Tibuomi Okujagu, said the visit of the committee was necessary as part of their oversight function to ensure the growth of the sector.

He said the challenges of the agency were enormous, adding that the visit was timely to tackle some of them.

Okujagu said the agency was represented in the six-geo-political zones of the country, adding that it has trained 12,000 traditional medicine practitioners.

Alternative practitioners tackle medical doctors over control

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N order by a Lagos State High Court urging the Federal Ministry of Health to establish a Central Alternative Medical Board is causing disaffection in medical circle.

In Suit No ID 378792 filed by the All Nigeria Homeopathic Medical Association against the Federal Government, the court ruled in favour of the association.

But the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners said they have no business being in the same group with homeopaths.

In a statement, which was signed by 35 of its members, CAM said after a meeting in Lagos, that involving the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in its affairs is an anathema.

It said: “In fairness, homoeopathy, such as the CAM practitioners should not be in the same council with the orthodox medical practitioners. In addition to all these, the CAM Stakeholders Forum observed that the MDCN may not be knowledgeable in matters affecting Complementary and Alternative Medicine.”

The group alleged that the MDCN has not advanced alternative medicine even though it was supposed to regulate and supervise it.

The stakeholders appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health to discontinue relying on MDCN on policies affecting CAM, saying having a separate council for CAM would aid its development in the country.

The stakeholders commended the efforts of the Minister of Health and the Ministry for repositioning CAM in the Nation. Part of which is the establishment of Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine,

FEDCAM which stakeholders urged that the government should have its frontiers extended to Lagos, Enugu, Abuja and other geo-political zones of the Country to take CAM benefits closer to the masses.

Similarly, the forum implored the National Assembly to pass the Bill “An Act to establish the Complementary and Alternative Medical Council of Nigeria (CAMCN) to promote the growth and regulate the practice of alternative medicine and other matters connected therewith which has gone through its second reading.

Remedies for diarrhoea

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HEN stool is loose and without consistency, it is called diarrhoea. It is an effective way for the body to get rid of undesirable substances.

This may be followed with symptoms, such as vomiting, stomach pain, thirst, fever, nausea and dehydration. In children, this may be dangerous as in people 65 and older.

Diarrhoea and vomiting cause loss of fluids which need to be replaced. In some cases diarrhoea is the secondary symptom of another problem, but in most instances it is caused by food poisoning; bacteria in food or water; food allergies; or a virus. Also, excess alcohol consumption; laxatives; caffeine are known to cause diarrhoea. Some medicines can trigger diarrhoea, such as antibiotics (tetracycline, clyndamycin, penicil-

lin). If you find, blood or mucus in the stool is a sign of infection or parasites.

Some well-known drugs will stop diarrhoea but they interfere with the natural process of cleansing that the body desperately needs. With natural remedies, we may help ourselves feel better without stopping the immune system from doing its job.

Your body uses diarrhoea to flush bacteria or viruses you might have ingested by eating bad food. Therefore, it might be a bad idea to stop diarrhoea too quickly. However, diarrhoea does not work sometimes and if it goes on for several days, dehydration and loss of important nutrients may occur which can be dangerous specially in children. That’s why we recommend the use of home remedies for diarrhea instead of over the coun-

•Blackberry

•Ginger

ter drugs, using herbs you can stop diarrhoea and target the cause of it at the same time.

Recommend home remedies for diarrhoea: •Take homeopathic Arsenicum if you feel you have eaten spoiled food. This will help control the discharge without interfere with the elimination of toxins.

• If you feel weak and have a burning pain in mid-section, take cuprum arsenicosum .

Take four charcoal tablets every hour. This will absorb the toxins from the body.

•Drink blackberry tea for mild diarrhea.

• Take cayenne in capsules.

• Wild oregano oil is an antibacte-

rial, anti-parasitic and anti-viral.

• Ginger tea can stop cramps and pain. Or take ginger in capsules.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but stay away from caffeine and alcohol.

Drinks like ginger ale or carrot juice is good for making the stools less watery.

• For decades, charcoal has been used for absorbing and expelling intestinal gas. Charcoal may also be used for relieving a variety of ailments, such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high cholesterol and intestinal bloating.

Charcoal’s ability to absorb and prevent substances from dislodging or reabsorbing into the body make it a popular choice for detoxifying the liver and kidneys. Tip: do not drink apple juice this will make diarrhoea worse.

• Boil brown rice and water for 45 minutes eat the rice (it contains Vitamin B) and drink the water.

Culled from www.homemademedicine.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

NATURAL HEALTH

Water massage: Healing medicine to watch in 2012 (4)

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HE hydros are coming. A hydro is a hotel which treats health problems with curative waters. Mrs Nina Uduku, a lawyer married to a doctor and mother of two doctors, has just sown the seeds of one in Abuja. And she has employed Mr John Happiness, a 2008 Political Science graduate from Nasarawa State University, to nurse and transform this water medicine seed into a full-fledged hydro.

As the photograph shows, I have just emerged from a box in which, for 10 minutes, I was locked up and separated from the world while warm water caressed my body, all my clothes on, without wetting them or my body, removing pains here and there, improving blood circulation and relaxing taut nerves and muscles. The box resembles a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (HOC) in which sick people who need oxygen to survive their conditions are isolated and infused with this air fraction pressure higher than normal.

Water makes up about 70 per cent of the adult human body.

And oxygen makes up a substantial part of the water molecule. So, the body is thought to burn germs and disease away if it has the right amount of oxygen. If it doesn’t, as it is suspected in cancer for example, a doctor may send the patient to the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for some oxygen.

My wife had been pressing that I needed a short holiday in Abuja, the first in about five years, and had sent me a brochure of the Aqua Massage Centre at the Ceddi Plaza, Abuja, where the said water massage could take strains of Lagos stress off my health and knock some years off my age. She’d recovered dramatically from the stress of executive work years but I’d put all of that to food supplements which her doctor, Dr John Abakasanga, a retired army colonel, said she trusted more than pharmaceutical drugs. In our two hours discussion on December 6, my first meeting with him, he said many times she would see him for diagnosis but request to discuss drug presumptions with her husband. Eno Asam, our baby who works at the Central Bank in Abuja, also told me about Ceddi Plaza Aqua Massage Centre. I call her baby because she was a toddler in Calabar in 1977 when I went on national youth service there.

She showed interest in alternative medicine practice when she worked in Lagos, and I encouraged her. The last time she was in Lagos, she looked firmer and fresher, more proportionate than before. She was to tell me later that Acai Berry, from the Fruits of the World stable, went well with her. She, too, pressed that I come to Abuja to experience water massage which, she said, was turning her health around. So, on December 6, three of us met at the Aqua Massage Centre. John Happiness met us. And, in no time, I was locked up in the machine after his assurances that the water would not wet my clothes and no oil would smear them or my body.

Suddenly, I heard a noise which was like that made by a train rolling on the tracks. And, in a split second warm water was all over me, caressing yet pounding but not wetting. Happiness had asked for my health profile. I had pains in the right heel which were almost gone. I knew they were caused by accumulation of uric and hip uric acids. It got so bad a few months ago that, when alighting from the bed in the mornings, I couldn’t step comfortably on the right foot. I had to land on the toes and gradually get the heel accustomed to the fact that the day had broken, and I was going to need it all day. If I was able to exercise it, then it worked for me effectively till I took a break, and repeated the process. Then, I noticed that my colon must have been congested. I was not straining to poop, no doubt. But the movement of the poop from the last segment of the large intestine to the colon caused such waist pain that could make one fear a prostate gland upheaval, if the markers of prostate trouble supported the experience. I had no reason to suspect the prostate and the bowels. My urine was clear, urinary frequency and retention levels were in order and, sometimes, I did not wake up from night sleep to void. For the leg pain, I increased my intake of alkaline food supplements. I took my Moringa and night cap Moringa tea with lime, a uric acid antagonist potassium gluconate powder, a pinch of sea salt, one gramme of alkaline vitamin C, silica complex (comprising calcium, magnesium zinc, betaine hydrochloride, Boron, horsetail). A tablet of kelp provides more alkalising minerals and iodine to drive up metabolism which, at 95.40F on the Basal Body Temperature check, was 2.80 F below optimum peak. It is understandable. Stress wears down the adrenal glands and adrenal insufficiency may trigger hypothyroidism, slow or low functioning thyroid gland, which may lead to blood sugar elevation and a drop in blood pressure which makes the vein of some people difficult to find for the lab technician who may have to take blood specimens. I got my blood pressure up from 95/ 60, which made me fainty, to 100/70, taking Bee pollen, Gin chia (ginseng and golden chia from FLP), Sea salt, Kelp and Energy Now, from Food Science of Vermont. I hope that I’d soon hit 110/70, my traditional blood pressure for about 20 years. In the massage machine at Aqua Massage Centre, I noticed the water came for my heels, travelled up my lower limbs to the buttocks, came up the spine and then settled on the neck and shoulders. Apparently, heated water was ejecting powerfully under pressure from some nozzles but was held back from direct contact with my body and clothes by a pliable, impermeable membrane that hit its

•Water massage: healing recipe to watch in 2012

skin for excretion that would otherwise have lingered in the blood, disturbing the brain and other critical organs, overburdening the liver and the kidney, particularly. I saw other benefits in the water message treatment at Abuja.

ONE: women and men who on religious or other grounds detest body contact with the opposite gender other than their spouses have their desires met in the process. I am conservative in this regard. I still haven’t done a high colonic irrigation simply because I am shy to expose my body to a nurse!

TWO: many people prefer a hands-free body massage these days to minimise exposure to HIV infection. Who knows the status of the masseur or if grazing or bruising may occur during a massage?

Three: requiring no more than 10 minutes on the average, aqua massage is time friendly for the busy person. Busy executives can walk in during break time and return to their desks smoother, soon after, as if nothing had happened.

Four: privacy means a lot to many people. There were about 10 of us in the hall when I took my turn in the aqua massage machine. I did not have to take my clothes off, the water pounded and caressed me, but not a drop of water touched my clothes. I emerged about 10 minutes after, warm and light. target with the force and warmth of the pressured water.

Through remote control, John Happiness would train the water on a targeted part of the body or concentrate it on a spot or split it in diverse places so that the effect was multilateral and simultaneous. I came out of the machine feeling light and flighty. I have not felt those waist pains which signal oncoming poop. But they may very well have been eased, also, by Colon Cleanse by DaVinci which I brought along on the trip in error. I had wished to try Bell’s Intestinal and Weight Control supplement which, as reported a few weeks ago, turned my mother-of-three niece, Mrs Folake Ogunje, into such a sweet seventeen that she now desires to add a little more flesh to match her age and status.

LTHOUGH the Aqua Massage Centre is still a long way from a hydro, its six massage machines are no small deal. The staff work in two shifts till 10.pm every day. On Sunday, they run a 12 noon to 12.pm shift. At N2,500 a session this promotion season, N5,000 when business is running at full steam, or N30,000.00 a year for Club membership which entitles the members to as many seasons a day, year round, the price is worth the service for the projected target clients. These are corporate organisations which appreciate the value of sound health in optimal productivity. From my experience, chief executives and executives are often stressed up. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels rise. Vision dims, pain wracks the body, energy sags. There have been reported cases of those who died right in their offices. Massage, generally, and water massage, especially, has the potential to help break up blockages in the circulatory system, bring up toxins to the

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e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

A

QUA massage belongs to water medicine known as hydrotherapy which the Readers Digest Guide on Al ternative Medicine says - can treat the following conditions… adenoids, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, bursitis, catarrh, cramps, croup, cystitis, depression,, foot problems, joint problems, lumbago, muscular dystrophy, sciatica. sports injuries and many more. It says: “We have all eased ourselves into a comfortable bath of warm water to soak stiffness and pain from overworked limbs, or we have splashed on invigorating cold water to make ourselves alert. Hydrotherapy (water treatment) is much more specific in its use of water’s properties to cure ailments... It can be used to induce relaxation, to stimulate blood flow, to ease pain and stiffness, to remove impurities, drugs or alcohol and to treat disease” In the Aqua Massage Centre in Abuja, I believe we have a powerful reminder of the medicinal properties of water which led the ancient Greeks, for example, to build temples in honour of their god of medicine, Asklepious, at the sites of hot water springs.The Romans, Turks, Chinese, French and the English till this day have their spas, health farms and hydros. Maybe ours is on the way.

As I left the Aqua Massage Centre, Suite 12A in the basement of Ceddi Plaza on 264, Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business District, Abuja, I couldn’t help wondering how the face of medicine is changing in Nigeria and how the mainstream doctor who wishes to remain relevant in today’s world of burgeoning Alternative Medicine must live and work in both worlds.

Would Mrs Uduku, a lawyer, have been able to venture in this area if her husband, a doctor, and her two doctor sons didn’t see anything good in it? If they succeed in winning us over to the use of water massage as medicine, may be 2012 will herald the coming of the hydros in Nigeria.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

e-Business The advantages of telecommunications services are numerous. They have improved people’s ability to stay in touch with friends and family and changed the way people live, work and play. But subscribers, especially people living with disabilities, are not happy with the quality and nature of service delivery. An industry consumer advisory forum has been set up by the telecom industry regulator to address issues of service delivery, ADLINE ATILI reports

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How to improve services for the disabled

IGERIAN telecommunications subscribers are faced daily with myriad challenges ranging from dropped calls, high tariff, dubious sales promotions, poor dispute resolution mechanism, inability to connect operators’ call centres, unsolicited Short Messaging System (SMS) and caller tunes, erratic data or Internet service, incorrect airtime billing, among others.

To these subscribers, the disadvantages of telecommunications far outweigh the advantages. They see operators as shylock and believe consumer protection bodies do not exist.

A telecom subscriber, Olayinka Esan said he has been using a mobile phone since the introduction of Global System for Mobile communications services in 2001. According to Esan, an engineer, he has spent at least N500,000 on recharge cards alone. Esan said so far, he has not enjoyed quality service worth N20,000.

“Since 2001 to date, I have spent not less than N500,000 on recharge cards alone. I don’t think I have enjoyed up to N20,000 in services. You remember in those days before the per second billing system, when you make calls and there is poor connectivity, you are fully billed. No apologies or compensation from anyone. Those days were terrible.

Though services have improved since then, it is still not up to standard.”

Challenges of the disabled The worst critic of telecom services in the country, arguably, is disabled telecom subscribers. To them, all the operators and their services have “connived to work against them because of their circumstances.”

A blind telecom subscriber who gave his name as Uche Eze said apart from the difficulty he faces, using a mobile phone, whenever he visits the customer care centre of his network operator, he is treated with contempt. “Has disability become a disease?” he asked.

He urged operators and other stakeholders to come to the aid of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in ensuring they are treated fairly.

President of the National Disability Empowerment Forum (NADEF), an umbrella body for PWDs, Dr Chris Nwanoro, said though the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has, through the years, tried to make sure that the telecom industry lives up to standard and make its services available and accessible to all Nigerians, the industry has increasingly become unfriendly to persons with disabilities.

He regretted that PWDs do not enjoy the advantages of telecommunications to the fullest.

“We persons with disabilities sometimes wonder if we are precluded from gaining the joy derivable from the services of the industry. When the Federal Government brought Information and Communications Technology to the limelight in 2000, Nigerians accepted it as great relief as it afforded every Nigerian the opportunity to communicate with others within and outside the country. We were as happy as our compatriots since we hoped it would break the communication barriers, which have existed over the years.

“Eleven years on, we are still left in

sumer Code of Practice Regulations.

Experts’ perspectives

Speaking at the forum, a member of the House of Representative Committee on Communications, Lara Omidiran said that the nation’s lawmakers would continue to give necessary support to ensure efficient service delivery in the sector.

The Chairman, Industry Consumer Advisory Forum and Director-General, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs Ify Umenyi, noted that people, particularly policy makers, are becoming more concerned about the condition of consumers and the manner the industry works towards protecting consumer interest in the country.

According to her, recently the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce invited the NCC and other regulatory bodies to explain the dearth of quality service delivery and consumer protection in Nigeria.

“This behoves all of us, particularly operators, to do all that we can to minimise the hardships faced by consumers in the marketplace,” she said.

the dark by the telecom service providers. The absence of disability desks and wheelchair ramps in the offices of the service providers clearly illustrate the case in point. Again, the telephone user who cannot see the phone screen is made to pay for just checking his/her account balance. This, you will agree, is so painful that he regrets buying the phone in the first place.”

Quoting a blind American, Darren Burton, who said ICT is bound to positively affect the life of every American and so persons with disabilities should not be left out of the benefits of ICT, Nwanoro said Nigerian telecom service providers need to do everything possible to serve every Nigerian efficiently including persons with disabilities.

He wondered if there ever would be a way to make the lives of PWDs worth living in the ever-emerging world of technology. He said some of the service providers have foundations which give scholarships and other financial aid to Nigerians.

“One wonders if any disabled person has ever benefited from such worthwhile deed. Someone may wish to argue that the NCC, in conjunction with some of the service providers, doles out wheelchairs, white canes and such things to disabled persons. Is that enough?

Certainly not. Owing to the enormity of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, the telecom service providers should do more to help mitigate challenges faced by us,” he said.

‘Bogus’ sales promotions

Other jurisdictions Nwanoro said further: “A Telco, Vodacom in South Africa sells phones that are pre-installed with ‘Talks,’ a screen-reading software, to their blind customers in order to make them use the phones independently. Tunisia, a country less-wealthy than Nigeria, currently has a disability desk in all their telecom offices.

“These desks are meant to take care of concerns of persons with disabilities. Sadly, this is not the case in Nigeria. The United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have disability numbers which is universal across the country. A disabled person will have his/ her questions answered promptly as soon as he/she calls that particular number. Can we not have such a number in Nigeria?”

Nwanoro observed that in other African countries, PWDs are employed in call centres, taking a lot of them off the streets.

“In Mauritania, Angola, South Africa and many other Third World countries, persons with disability are employed in call centres where people come to make calls or do research for information related to ICT. In Nigeria, many of us are not employed or supported by government. This also explains why thousands are on the streets begging for alms. Who knows how many thousands would have been employed in our call centres?”

Making out a case for the disabled

•For some telecom subscribers, using a mobile phone is a bittersweet experience.

He proposed establishing a dedicated disability desk in offices of service providers and a universal number dedicated to PWDs which will take care of whatever issues they may face.

“From our little research, there are no PWDs employed in any of the Telcos.

Telcos, should as a matter of necessity, employ as many qualified PWDs as practically as possible,” Nwanoro added.

He stressed the need to provide vocational education for PWDs as well as provision of wheelchair ramps in offices and sales outlets of service providers. Responding, the NCC said it will not relent in ensuring efficient service delivery in the nation’s telecom sector as well as safeguarding telecom consumers and other stakeholders from unfair practices.

The commission’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr Okechukwu Itanyi said the commission has set up a forum, Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) to aggregate and provide solutions to issues

concerning telecom consumers.

At the first industry-wide ICAF forum, Itanyi said: “There is a paradigm shift from mere service provision to ensuring that consumer satisfaction ranks highest in our priorities as a nation in the provision of ICT services and this forum earnestly seeks ways towards achieving this primary objective.”

He assured that the NCC would continue to safeguard the interests of the consumers, especially as it relates to facilitating investment, ensuring national spread, facilitating rural access, licensing new operators, holding consumer outreach programmes and consumer parliaments, ensuring service availability, affordable and quality service for subscribers.

The overall objective of the ICAF, while acting in an advisory capacity, he explained, was to make recommendations to the commission regarding the interests and concerns of consumers, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, as well as submit memoranda on and facilitate the review of the Con-

To Henry Osa-Uwaje, of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), a most unfair practice towards telecoms consumers is bogus sales promotion and reward schemes that are targeted at unwary subscribers. “Some of the promos are outright deceit,” he stated.

“Everyday, we open the newspapers and read of winnings. I’m sure if I go round and ask if anyone knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who has ever won anything in these promos we see everyday, I’ll get a negative response. The winners, if there are any, are few and far apart. If truly, people win the so-called millions, there’ll be no more poverty in Nigeria.

But while the operators are smiling to the banks, the consumers become more and more impoverished. The problem is these consumers do not even know where to complain.”

Osa-Uwaje said to address the issue, in 2012, NLRC will work in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission to censor the language used in the sales promotions, noting that the language used in some of the adverts are “flowery and deceptive.”

He added that in 2012, the commission will tighten its noose around operators who contravene the regulations of the lottery act and those without proper permits from the commission.

Addressing dispute resolution in the telecom sector and how consumers can be better protected, Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Emeka Obegolu said dispute in the telecom sector can be enormously disruptive, adding that effective dispute resolution in the sector is increasingly central to successful deployment of modern information infrastructure.

Obegolu noted that successful dispute resolution is key to industrial harmony and is increasingly important for attracting investments, competition and development.

He advised NCC on the use of wellfocused regulatory intervention to create an environment where industry players and consumers have incentives to resolve disputes constructively.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER

29, 2011

e-Business

MTN launches international telepresence

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•From left: General Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN, Ladipo Nylander; Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, Babatunde Osho and Managing Director, Cisco Nigeria, Said Rechchad at the launch of the solution in Lagos.

Zinox to Govt: Vote N500b for ICT deficit C

HAIRMAN of the Zinox Group, Leo-Stan Ekeh, has lamented the deficiency of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) content in tertiary institutions across the country, calling on the Federal Government to invest at least N500billion to reverse the trend.

He also said the government should establish ‘ICT finishing schools’ to retrain ICT-deficient and unemployable graduates roaming the streets.

At an interactive session with reporters on the company’s 2012 projections, Ekeh urged the Federal Government to create ‘digital activity’ in institutions across the country by spending N250billion to refurbish decayed infrastructure and another N250billion to provide ICT content and subsidise cost of education in the nation’s institutions.

Ekeh said: “In 2012, government should create digital activity by creating wireless infrastructure across major cities in Nigeria to reduce cost of connectivity by 50 per cent so that children of the poor can have access to ICT. “N500billion should also be spent to refurbish and automate the

Stories by Adline Atili

school system in the country.

While about N250billion is spent to refurbish infrastructure, N250billion should be spent to provide ICT content in tertiary education system to make cost of education cheap and enable more people acquire education. A new Nigeria is not about roads; we already saw roads even when we were born. A new Nigeria is a new educational system.”

According to him, this will boost the knowledge and digital economy and enable dividends of democracy reach all Nigerians.

He added that the government should also spend an additional N250billion to create ‘intervention programme’ to re-educate graduates of the nation’s deficient education system, saying this will make them employable and boost the nation’s human resource capacity.

“Government should also spend another N250billion to re-educate by creating finishing schools for the over five million graduates

who went through bad schools and are roaming the streets without jobs.

“They need to go through some form of re-education to measure up with the peers in the international market and become employable.

This will address the problem of human capital as entrepreneurs will be able to employ more people to expand their businesses and create more jobs.”

He also urged the Federal Government to partner with local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to provide subsidised laptops to students. According to him, this can create jobs for more Nigerians while increasing the nation’s capacity for development.

“If government puts N250billion through subsidy, about 50 per cent of financially-deficient Nigerians would have access. There are whiz kids among these ones. Opportunity has to be created for the emergence of financially-deficient communities as global leaders,” he said.

According to Ekeh, the investment, spread over three quarters of 2012, will significantly impact the lifestyle and create hope for Nigerians.

‘Govt should enact policies to aid ICT growth’ P RESIDENT of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), Mrs Florence Seriki, has urged the Federal Government and stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry to take advantage of convergence of ICT to move the nation forward.

Mrs Seriki said the newly-created Ministry of Communications Technology provides an opportunity for stakeholders to seal the union between Information Technology and communications.

She said this in her acceptance speech and swearing-in as president of ITAN in Abuja, adding that ITAN was prepared to work with the Federal Government and network operators to ensure Nigerians enjoy the benefit of convergence.

According to her, the computers and other hardware that members of ITAN sell are usually equipped with Wi-Fi facilities that are poorly utilised as a result of poor Internet facilities offered by the nation’s Internet Service Providers and network operators.

She said: “We plan to get the new ministry to marry IT with communications to get ICT. Communications services such as hotspots and Wi-Fi need to be established as Internet service, in the country is very poor compared to other parts

of the world.

“Major ICT events and conferences can then favour ITAN members in hardware and this will enhance their businesses.”

The ITAN boss, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Omatek Computers, regretted that the zero duty rate enjoyed by knocked-down ICT products during the tenure of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, has been removed.

She said government should put in place policies and environment conducive to growth of Small and Medium Enterprises, entrepreneurship and manufacturing, in order to ensure the survival of businesses and penetration of information technology in the country.

Mrs Seriki said: “Government must focus on developing manufacturing and SMEs industry as a major factor for creating employment and empowering youths. The Asians declared local policies to promote local patronage and enforced all citizens and government parastatals to buy locally-made products. Several incentives were created to promote their locallyproduced products.

“Hence, we want to work with the Federal Government and the ICT ministry in the launch of a major

local patronage campaign championed by Mr President and mandating government agencies to enforce this.

“Duty gaps between foreign and local personal computer and products are required to give incentive to locally-made products. For example, zero per cent for locallymade products and 10 per cent for imported products. This was in force, but now disregarded.”

The ITAN boss noted that promoting local SMEs and manufacturing in the ICT sector would create employment for many Nigerian youths, promote technology transfer, and enhance Research and Development prospects.

“It would also facilitate technology know-how, contribute to driving the economy, promote local content and empower youths,” she added.

Mrs Seriki assured that her tenure as ITAN chief would promote joint partnerships with foreign investors; work with financial institutions to find funding for viable IT ventures; increase membership drive and re-brand ITAN. She added that the association would work closely with the Ministry of Communications Technology and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to ensure consumption of locally-produced ICT products in the country.

TN Nigeria has launched the international version of its teleconferencing solution, aimed at bringing effective collaborations among businesses and individuals by reducing costs of travelling and doing business.

According to the company, the solution, MTN International e-Presence, will make it possible for users to do business beyond borders in a cost effective manner.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Officer, Babatunde Osho, explained that with the solution, organisations would be able to set up meetings with international business partners and colleagues, have medical consultations and hold training sessions with people in locations across the world just as they would, in the same room.

He announced that MTN is offering the service in partnership with its partners, Cisco, Resourcery and TATA

Communications that owns TelePresence public rooms in major cities across the world such as China, New York, London, Dubai and India.

He said in addition to being international, the new version of ePresence from MTN offers other new features different from the former MTN ePresence.

Osho said the solution now offers a data sharing facility which allows customers using the service to view presentations and other documents at the same time in all locations on separate screens during the session.

He noted that the solution can also be installed in various offices at clients’ premises and not just boardrooms.

“This is through a cost efficient model which consists of smaller screens and simpler installation equipments. This means C-level executives can meet with their counterparts across the globe, from the comfort and convenience of their offices,” he said.

Winners emerge in Samsung dual-SIM promo

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IFTY-FIVE winners have emerged in the ongoing Samsung dual SIM promo after completion of the fourth draw in Lagos.

The number of winners in the promo, designed to reward consumers who purchase Samsung dual SIM devices, has grown to 220. Forty consumers have won 43” LCD TV sets; 60 have won netbook computers and 120 have won DVD players in the promo which kicked off in October.

According to Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), in the grand finale , three lucky winners are expected

to win the highly-coveted Samsung Home Kit offer which contains a 43” LCD TV set, air conditioner and refrigerator each.

At the draw, Marketing Manager, Hand Held Products at SEWA, Jumoke Okikiolu, enjoined consumers to continue to purchase Samsung mobile devices. She noted that the promo was a reinforcement of SEWA’s commitment to loyal consumers and urged consumers to participate in the promo by purchasing any of Samsung’s dual SIM devices from authorised dealers, with genuine Samsung hologram.

Glo produces 10 millionaires

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EN more millionaires who won prizes in the Glo N1billion Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card registration promo have collected their cheques of N1 million each at a presentation ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony, the winners expressed surprise for being declared winners of N1 million just for registering their SIM cards on the Globacom network.

A student who had just completed his school certificate examinations, Alex Etadafe, described himself as the “happiest person on earth,” saying he would use the money to sponsor himself through university.

Another winner, a nursing stu-

dent, Perpetual Nkiruka, was full of thanks to Globacom and its Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga for creating millionaires across the country. She urged all Nigerians to join the Glo network, which she described as the best.

Globacom’s Director of Customer Care, Ms Maria Svensson said the prize presentation to winners was in fulfilment of the company’s promise to reward subscribers who register their SIM cards with fantastic prizes during the Christmas and New Year season and to thank them for their loyalty.

She urged existing and new subscribers to participate in the promo by registering old and new SIM cards at any of the company’s sales and registration outlets.

Airtel introduces BlackBerry Internet packages

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IRTEL Nigeria has launched two BlackBerry packages on the daily, weekly and monthly subscription options. According to the company, with the packages, BlackBerry Complete and BlackBerry Social, subscribers can enjoy BlackBerry services for as low as N100 per day and N400 per week.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Deepak Srivastava, said the packages were introduced to remove entry barriers for both old and new customers for unhindered access to the BlackBerry service.

He said the monthly fee for the BlackBerry Social suite is now N1,200 while the Blackberry Complete is N1,400. “The BlackBerry Complete service allows for Internet browsing, 100 free on-net SMS every month and free weekly

information on the BlackBerry device, while the Blackberry Social plan allows for all the benefits associated with the Complete plan except Internet browsing. Customers can activate the latest BlackBerry plans through SMS and by short code.

“For the Airtel BlackBerry Social, subscribers can send the word “bsm” to 440 while for the Complete Plan, it is, “bcm” to 440. To activate the daily plan, customers are required to dial the short code *440*6#and *440*5# for the weekly plan while the monthly plan can be activated with *440*5#.

Srivastava added that the Airtel BlackBerry suites come with features such as Enterprise Solutions, Internet Solutions and BlackBerry Lite for both social and messaging plans.

THE NATION THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 29, 2011

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e-Business Matters e-Rising

the NCC as being weak and unwillingly to do its duty to protect the consumers.

Segun Oruame segun@segunoruame.com

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F there is anything the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communi-

cations Commission (NCC) Dr Eugene Juwah has come to be closely associated with since assuming office last year, it is his ultimatum, to telecom operators on poor quality of service (QoS). This regulator desires to put some sanity in an industry that has gained notoriety for congested networks and the consequences to consumers including massive cases of call drops, disappearing and undelivered SMS. Juwah’s ultimatum was the result of field tests the NCC carried out on some base stations which findings were as shocking as they were annoying. Out of 100 base stations tested, about 30 per cent were heavily congested. It was shocking because congested base stations would mean that operators cannot fulfil their obligation to deliver services that meet the basic standard for QoS as demanded by law. It was annoying because for every failed or dropped call made, consumers paid the penalty. In all cases, consumers appeared to be the defenceless pawns.

For the NCC, it was time to apply the stick. Operators must decongest their networks immediately as interim measures while they work at building more base stations in the long term. Achieving both the short and long terms solutions pose a very serious challenge that the NCC itself has severally acknowledged.

This acknowledgement has tended to portray

Why quality of service is everyone’s business

Consider these facts: since the liberalisation of the market about a decade ago, Nigeria’s telecom industry has grown exponentially by 23 per cent in dollar value in 2008 and generated $8.4billion in overall telecom service revenue. Since 2008, has increased to 5.7 per cent rate from $8.42 billion in 2008. It is expected to tip at $11.14billion by 2013. Even this projection is conservative.

Total phone subscription currently stands at over 90 million and is expected to climb over in the 100 million very soon.

This bright outlook has several blights including the absence of transmission backbones occasioned largely by the failure to turn NITEL around into a major carrier; erratic power supply forcing operators to deploy their own alternative and expensive power source; increasing acts of vandalism by criminal elements and even government agents wanting to assert local laws; insecurity and rising cases of attacks against telecom personnel on duty at remote locations and then the more disturbing misfortune of multiple taxation operators are forced to contend with at the federal, state and local government levels.

All these have connived to ensure operators fail to deliver good quality of service.

Upon this also is the crude instinct to survive and prevail against rising competition which underscores operators’ unwholesome tendency to run all sorts of promos to get consumers connected to their networks or to get them to talk more

on networks that have already exceeded their capacity by well over 40 per cent.

But a congested network hurts consumers as much as it hurts operators. Ultimately, talk must crash in terms of quality and the tendency to use the network reduces, thus profit is also reduced in a way that could potentially slow down the ability of operators to expand their networks.

This is why QoS demands a holistic approach to resolving it. It demands looking at the entire spectrum of the industry to recognise the problems that undermine the ability of operators to deliver on their QoS obligations and to help them resolve those problems.

Because telecom operators are perceived to be super-rich, all sorts of taxes are imposed at every level of government in a way that turns taxation to punitive or retrogressive action and not progressive or positive attempt to empower government to meet its developmental goals. When telecom operators fail to meet such financial impositions, they are forced to close down major components of their operations particularly within local government jurisdictions.

Recently, a major operator had its workplace in the eastern part of the country shut down together with the critical operation within that site. Local government officials had got a court order allowing it to invade the premises of the operator over tax and levies-related issues.

When the site was closed, that part of the country was disconnected from the na-

tional network and for consumers, no more services could be delivered. Consumers will not know what has happened.

It is the operator that must bear the brunt of being a failure to its consumers and to a government that was using court injunction to perpetrate an illegality.

Why do we want to conveniently forget that erratic power supply eats away the ability of operators to perform well just as the same problem has eroded our capacity to live a good life in our offices and homes? Frequent power failure means operators must divert critical funding that should go into connectivity infrastructure into building and maintaining their own power systems. We also must remind ourselves that the inability to get NITEL working again is a national catastrophe. It has meant that mobile operators must build their own transmission infrastructure.

Money that could have gone into building last mile points have gone into building long distance connection trunks because there was carrier to rent from. How do we expect to get robust QoS in the absence of support infrastructure for biological and corporate citizens?

Quality of service is not just an operator challenge, it is a problem all stakeholders particularly government, must determine to resolve. When the NCC shows understanding and appears to be weak, it is because it knows that the burden of QoS ultimately lies with all of us. And all of us must resolve it.

Ministry to focus on software development •Launches Website in Jan.

M

•Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson (left) presenting Best IT Personality award to Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr Leo-Stan Ekeh (right). With them is the President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Mr Demola Aladekomo.

T

Mobile Number Portability starts next year

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the main focus of its regulatory mandate in 2012 would be to ensure that telecom operators provide quality service to subscribers.

As part of measures to ensure operators improve quality of service delivery, the commission has said it will implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) initiative next year.

Number Portability will allow phone users to move from one network to another without losing their original numbers.

Fielding questions from reporters in Lagos, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, said with the implementation of Mobile Number Portability next year, there will be intense competition among service providers to improve quality of telecommunications service delivery.

According to him, this initiative will empower subscribers to choose service provider based on service quality.

He assured that “in 2012, we are going to see a remarkable improvement in quality of service as a result of competition and power now in the hands of the consumers because they have choice.”

In October, the commission announced the appointment of a consortium of three companies to

implement the service in Nigeria.

According to the commission, the consortium made up of Interconnect, Saab and Grintek/ Telecordia, will be responsible for the setting-up and implementation of MNP Clearing House in Nigeria, and provide MNP solution administration in Nigeria within six months of receiving the licence with a testing period of two months.

INISTER of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, has identified software as a key area of focus for the development of the nation’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

Mrs Johnson noted that to give verve to the drive for software development, the ministry had set up the Information Technology (IT) business incubation centres committee. This committee, she said, will develop a framework that will help incubate and develop IT companies that will contribute to national development.

According to Mrs Johnson, proliferation of mobile devices and a youth generation that is technology-savvy requires support for the ICT sector to nurture, develop and push out to the market, Nigerian software entrepreneurs “that will become the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of Nigeria and of the world.”

She said: “We have identified software as a key area of focus for Nigeria going forward for obvious reasons. There are 80 million or so mobile phones users in Nigeria today and they need software. We also have a youth population that embraces technology.

“I have met over 10 Nigerians who won competitions both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria practicing software. These are people who have gone to Geneva and all over the world participating and winning software competitions and doing Nigeria proud. And we hosted with the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria

Illegal frequency: Bank sealed

T

HE enforcement team of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sealed off the equipment room of a branch of one of the recently acquired banks located in Wuse, Abuja, for illegal use of the 5.4GHz frequency band.

The commission has also sealed off one of the offices of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), IPNX Limited for the same offence.

According to the NCC, two officers of the bank have been handed over to the police for questioning over the source of the bank’s transmission as the institution has no operational licence to provide the service.

Head, Media and Public Relations of NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka, said the action was in line with

the commission’s mandate and commitment to ensure that the frequency spectrum is not abused.

He said the frequency spectrum is a finite resource and that the companies involved are denying the Federal Government of its source of revenues.

Muoka said apart from sealing the offices and removing the equipment of culpable companies or institutions, they will also be made to pay all relevant fees for the duration they utilised the frequency, in addition to paying penalties associated with flouting telecommunications regulatory statutes.

According to him, the commission was able to detect the illegal operators and users through its signal monitoring equipment.

Stories by Adline Atili

(ISPON), three Nigerian universities that emerged tops in software.

“So software development is going to be a priority for us going forward. We are going to use the IT incubation centres to nurture, develop and push out to the market, Nigerian software entrepreneurs that will become the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of Nigeria and of the world.”

She advocated professionalism in the ICT sector to drive the ministry’s vision of creating a sector that will act as catalyst for other sectors of the economy.

Mrs Johnson stressed the need for professionals in the industry to work together to reposition the sector to achieve results.

She disclosed that the ministry has concluded the harmonisation of the national ICT policy, adding that the policy will appear on the ministry’s Website, www.commtech.gov.ng on January 9th, 2012, for public consultation and input.

She said: “The ICT policy will be the overarching guide of what we will do in the industry. I really believe that with the new policy we will be well on the way to making the ICT industry what it should be in a country as large, as diverse and as important as Nigeria.”

Mrs Johnson acknowledged the challenges the sector is confronted with, assuring that the ministry and relevant stakeholders will not relent in pursuing lasting solutions for the benefit of Nigerians.

“There are many challenges that we have ahead of us and we know that the one that people are most conversant with both within and without the ICT industry is the quality of service of telecom business. I will say it is bad, we all know that it is bad and the operators know that it is bad. And I will just like to say here that we are working with the NCC to ensure that this issue is no longer a problem.

“There are many issues the operators are facing including number of base stations and infrastructure that we have, but we are working hard to ensure that Quality of Service is an issue of the past.

“NCC has published Quality of Service indicators and they are enforcing them vigorously and holding the operators responsible. I have met with a number of those operators and I can assure you that they are doing all they can to improve service delivery in the sector.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

50

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08022664898 ALPHA-MUMERIC PUZZLE Every column, row and 2 by 3 box in the grid below contains the numbers 1 -3 and the letters A, B and C. Fill them to ensure that no letter or number appears more than once in each column, row and 2 by 3 box.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7 9

8 10

11

12

13 14

16

15 18

17 19

20

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ACROSS

KNOW YOUR PHRASE

TRAVEL & LEISURE

One swallow doesn’t make a summer

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Rank High among Tourist cities

Meaning

Origin This old proverb is listed in several early glossaries, notably Richard Taverner’s transcription of the [Latin] proverbs of Erasmus - Prouerbes or adagies with newe addicions, gathered out of the Chiliades of Erasmus, 1539:

It is interesting that, even in the 16th century, the figurative meaning of the phrase was made explicit.

SHOWbitzz

High-schoolers who like spy sagas may happily buy into this espionage-andassassination thriller, with its European setting, its middle-aged star and its nicotine-stained glance back at Cold War cloakand-dagger. The violence is awfully graphic and intense. Liam Neeson plays a biologist, Dr. Martin Harris, who flies to Berlin

thriller.

January Jones

Pep Talk

HUMOUR Bob the hardworker

His wife is puzzled and asks if he’s been to this club before.

‘Oh no,’ says Bob. ‘He’s in my bowling league. When they are seated, a waitress asks Bob if he’d like his usual and brings over a Budweiser.

It is not one swalowe that bryngeth in somer. It is not one good qualitie that maketh a man good.

to deliver a speech at a science summit, accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth (January Jones).

As they’re checking into the hotel he realizes he left his briefcase at the airport. He jumps into another cab and heads back, but the cab is in a bad accident. Martin awakens days later in a hospital, his memory shaken and his ID missing. When he returns to the hotel, his wife does not recognize him and claims her husband has always been with her (the “new” Martin is played

by Aidan Quinn). Neeson’s Martin begins to wonder if he’s going insane. When he realizes he really is under lethal threat, he gets help from a former East German spy (Bruno Ganz), and the cab driver from the accident, Gina (Diane Kruger).

The film grows ponderous with plot near the end, but mostly it is a better-than-average cerebral

1. Correspond (9) 2. Pinch (3) 3. Sexual Desire (4) 4. Ourselves (2) 5. Moisture (3) 6. Discourage (4) 10. Expression of Surprise (3) 11. Get with Difficulty (3) 15. Enumerate (4) 17. Bird (3) 18. Taxi (4) 20. Father (2)

Bob works hard at the office but spends two nights each week bowling, and plays golf every Saturday. His wife thinks he’s pushing himself too hard, so for his birthday she takes him to a local strip club. The doorman at the club greets them and says, ‘Hey, Bob! How ya doin?’

A single instance of something is just that; it doesn’t indicate a trend.

UNKNOWN

DOWN

1. Finalised (9) 7. Employ (3) 8. Tear (3) 9. Succeeded (3) 10. Consumed (3) 12. per Unit (4) 13. Bird (4) 14. Beer (3) 16. Imitate (3) 18. Bed (3) 19. Resort (3) 21. Justly (9)

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are among the top three cities in the region to visit, according to a recent poll taken by the New York-based magazine Travel + Leisure.

Cape Town was ranked by readers as the No. 1 tourist destination in the Middle East and Africa category, with Jerusalem and Tel Aviv trailing close behind. The trend for Israel’s booming tourism industry is clear, as more than 1.6 million visitors visited the country in just the first half of 2011 alone.

Readers chose their favorite cities based on a number of criteria, including culture, sight-seeing, food and restaurants, travel costs and of course, shopping.

While Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were ranked closely by readers, they are in fact quite different tourist attractions.

Jerusalem offers a unique religious experience with sites catering to all three faiths, such as the Dome of the Rock, the Kotel (Western Wall), and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

The shuk (market) in Jerusalem projects enough colors, smells and delights to satisfy any weary traveler s.

Tel Aviv by contrast, a city full of night life and attractions, boasts a Soho-like vibe in its southern neighborhoods, with glistening beaches along the coastline. It was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2003.

His wife is becoming increasingly uncomfortable and says, ‘How did she know that you drink Budweiser?’ ‘I recognize her, she’s the waitress from the golf club. I always have a Bud at the end of the 1st nine, honey.’

A stripper then comes over to their table, throws her arms around Bob, starts to rub herself all over him and says, ‘Hi Bobby. Want your usual table dance, big boy?’

Bob’s wife, now furious, grabs her purse and storms out of the club. Bob follows and spots her getting into a cab. Before she can slam the door, he jumps in beside her. Bob tries desperately to explain how the stripper must have mistaken him for someone else, but his wife is having none of it.

She is screaming at him at the top of her lungs, calling him every 4 letter word in the book. The cabby turns around and says, ‘Geez Bob, you picked up a real bitch this time.’

Brain teaser

/

Awake at Night You can see me awake at night, I am so dark I can be out of sight, Some are scared of me when I come around, I make a little squeaky sound.

What am I? I can tear down mountains, or build them up. I can blind a man, or enable him to see. What am I?

The diamond may adorn royalty, regardless of personal worth; but jewels of thought render even poverty illustrious and sublime.

/

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

51

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PROLOGUE

2012: Can APGA, PPA upstage PDP in Southeast?

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HE bid by the late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu to build the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) into a modern-day National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) may have failed, with the party’s dismal performance at the polls since 2003. Realising this, Chief Orji Kalu, erstwhile governor of Abia State, founded the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) just before the 2007 election. The party succeeded in making impact only in Abia State.

Since then, Igbo leaders have continually bemoaned the fate of the Igbo in the federation.

While the Alliance for Democracy (AD) succeeded in coming up with a reincarnation of the Action Group (AG) in the Southwest at the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that had emerged the national dominant party moved in powerfully four years later. The trend continued in 2007 , but the courts intervened to retrieve from the PDP the people’s mandate that had been freely given the Action Congress (AC).

The AC now as Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has consolidated its hold on the Southwest. But, both APGA and PPA appear to have been destabilised. In 2007, there was really no governorship election in Anambra State as the one conducted by INEC was disregarded by the Supreme Court that held that Governor Peter Obi’s tenure would not be up, until February 2010. However, the PDP won all the House of Assembly seats. It was obvious to all that the PPA was declared winner of the Imo governorship election owing to the discord within the PDP. It was a matter of time before the main beneficiary, Governor Ikedi Ohakim, would defect to the ruling party. He did in 2009.

The Igbo political scene has been unsettled since 1999. Different strategies

By Bolade Omonijo, Group Political Editor

aimed at restoring the relevance of the Igbo as the third leg of the Nigerian political tripod have failed thus far. In 1999, many Igbo leaders, including the late Chief Sam Mbakwe, the late Chief Evans Enwerem, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, Ojukwu, among others, moved to occupy space in the All Peoples Party (APP). However, the strategy failed after the first set of elections.

They drifted to the PDP that had better prospects nation-wide.

In the PDP, their fate has not been much better. There has been rancour over all the major positions allotted them. No sooner was the Senate Presidency zoned to the region when every Igbo Senator began to see himself as the potential head of the federal legislature. Then came the PDP national chairmanship. It was attended with so much dissension that the party and polity became very unsettled.

Now, seven months after the inauguration of new governments all over the country. Where do the Igbo stand? What are the new plans to regain foothold of relevance in national politics? How would the death of Ojukwu, the prime mover of APGA politics, impact on the place of the party in the scheme of things? It took a frail Ikemba’s campaign to win the governorship poll in his Anambra State.

Even then, the legislative elections this year did not follow the pattern.

The Rochas Okorocha victory is seen more as evidence of the people’s dissatisfaction with the PDP than either the new governor’s sagacity or APGA’s acceptance.

The struggle continues for the opposition parties in the five states of the Southeast. How do APGA and PPA stand? Correspondents in Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu survey the political horizon of the troubled region.

New twists and turns of Anambra politics O N February 6, 2012, it will be two years since the last governorship election was held in Anambra State. It was the poll that brought Mr. Peter Obi to power for the second time.

A lot has changed on the state’s political scene since then. Much more is changing as a consequence of this year’s legislative elections in the state.What does 2012 hold in store?

During the governorship poll, five political parties presented formidable candidates as the state turned a pilgrimage centre for party stalwarts in the country.

Some of the leading parties during the exercise were the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), featuring the incumbent Governor Peter Obi; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Dr Chris Ngige as its torch bearer; Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paraded former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo.

Parties like Hope Democratic Party (HDP) came up strongly with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as its candidate, while Dr Andy Uba pitched his tent with the Labour Party (LP).

The atmosphere was tense as Anambra State quaked with the fierce political battle that ensued.

But some political analysts did not believe that some of the candidates actually came for a real contest but rather to spoil the fun for others.

For instance, based on the attitude they displayed, Dr Andy Uba and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the LP and HDP respectively, were said to have joined the race

• Obi From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

on a mission to distract Soludo.

They believed that their party, the PDP, denied them the ticket which was handed over to Soludo. It also informed Ekwunife’s decision to join PPA to make the contest more interesting and there was panic everywhere especially within the PDP in the state.

The task of governing Anambra has been herculean. Before former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, arrived the scene the state had been barren for infrastructure; there was high crime rate; communal conflicts were peaked while violence became a norm.

What transpired during the 2010 governorship in the state has become history as some of the par-

• Ngige

ties have soldiered on while others are now trapped in a maze.

The likes of PPA, HDP and LP have gone into oblivion with their torch bearers back into the party that made them – the PDP. Today, the only leading parties in the state are APGA, ACN and PDP waiting for fresh battle in 2014.

However, despite their dominance in the state, they are still swimming in one crisis or the other, thereby casting doubts on their chances in the 2014 election.

The PDP has been torn into shreds with leadership crisis in the state to the extent that it has no state executive, while (APGA), which is touted to be an Igbo party, is fast losing its grip in Anambra.

Though, the party won majority of the seats in the state House of

• Uba

Assembly and the House of Representatives during the April elections, some of them are being booted out by election petitions tribunals.

The party has already lost the Idemili South Constituency seat to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is being challenged at the appeal court in Enugu.

And last week, it lost the State Assembly seat of Anambra West Constituency at the same appeal to ACN. From every indication, it appears that the only fast-rising party in Anambra State today is the ACN with a Senator, a House of Representatives member and seven state Assembly members in its kitty.

But despite the crisis ravaging PDP, the party is still a force to

reckon with. It currently parades a senator, five House of Representatives members and seven House of Assembly members.

APGA, however, still leads the pack with currently 14 House of Assembly members, five House of Representatives members with no Senator. However, its senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Prof Dora Akunyili is still challenging the declaration of Senator Chris Ngige of ACN by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the tribunal.

However, the 2014 governorship contest in the state may likely change the political equation of the state if analysts’ views are anything to go by.

Currently, rumour mongers have gone to town dropping names of likely bigwigs who may do battle with one another in the state.

They include oil and gas magnate, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba who recently sacked Senator representing Anambra South, Dr Andy Uba; exCBN boss, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Chief Uche Ekwunife among others. All of them except Capital Oil’s Uba and Ekwunife are members of the PDP. A chieftain of APGA in the state who pleaded anonymity, told The Nation that despite being a strong member of the party said that he would follow Ifeanyi Uba to any party that finally gives him ticket.

Though, the oil and gas guru has not disclosed his ambition, it was gathered that he had already gone to the grassroots, changing the lives of the less-privileged, the widows and youths.

He has already compiled the list of about 400 youths in the state for •Continued on page 52

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

POLITICS

• The late Ojukwu (addressing a rally). With him are Umeh (left), Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and Governor Obi (right).

How far can APGA, PPA go in Abia?

A

FTER winning the 2007 governorship election, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) held out so much hope in Abia State. The hope has literally vanished.

It has been six months since the last general elections were held in the country. The two political parties believed to be in position to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Igbo influenced and controlled PPA - have not been able to do anything meaningful politically in the state.

This is because none of the parties was able to win any seat in the State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the governorship. Even during the presidential elections the two parties were found wanting as neither could present a presidential candidate and thus decided to adopt the presidential candidate of the PDP. Since then, things are no longer the same for the supposed Igbo parties.

After the elections the members of the PPA cried foul over what happened to them first having lost the governor which they produced first to APGA and later to PDP. The party felt that the governor, Theodore Orji who left the party for another party was the brain behind their misfortune during

No room for opposition in Enugu From Chris Oji, Enugu

I

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

the elections.

The second problem the PPA faced during the election was the alleged problem between the state governor Theodore Orji with his former political godfather and the ex-governor of the state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and the manner the former deputy governor, Chris Akomas was removed from office. The members of the party felt that their problems started and ended with the problems between these two members of the PPA and the state governor.

On the side of APGA, there is nothing to show that they are an Igbo party that is supposed to be on ground except with presence of their leader, the late Dim Emeka Ojukwu. This is a party that believed so much in the magic of the late leader of the party and most of the candidates of the party failed to do enough for the elections.

Most of the candidates of the party during the elections in the state were also disappointed in the attitude of the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who they believe, should have done better for some of them if he wanted the party to succeed in the last elections.

The candidates alleged that the Anambra State governor did not put in money on the candidates to help

• Orji them succeed. They described the governor as the problem the party had in the state and other South East states during the election, stressing that he never gave them any sign of encouragement before, during and after the election.

Since the elections the two parties have been trying to put their homes in order by going underground to sort out their problems. The PPA has no faction within the party since the end of the elections, while the APGA once had what one can call a faction, but the leader of the party in the state, Reagan Ufomba quickly move and put a stop to it.

For now there is nothing both parties are doing to challenge the dominance of the PDP in the state, except they are doing it underground for now.

N Enugu State, the political structure is firmly in the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The total domination was demonstrated in the April elections and it will be a herculean task for any party to upstage it in the coming year.

Even if through implosion, the PDP loses control, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) are not parties that can pose any threat to the ruling party in the state.

2011 was an election year, and 2012 should be governance year.

However, pending electoral cases give the impression that the governor’s wall is not so impregnable, after all. This is the flicker of hope available to the opposition parties.

After the grim battle in the PDP which Governor Sullivan Chime eventually won, it was expected that the waters would be calm. This depends a lot on how the courts resolve the petitionn attending the 2011 governorship elections.

In the April elections, the parties appeared to be non-existent. The two parties’ imprint was not found in almost all the positions contested. The only threat that was felt came from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Labour Party (LP).

The People for Democratic Change (PDC) which provided former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani a platform showed little presence in the state. And so it has remained.

Every politician of note in the state either belongs to the PDP or a product of the PDP taking refuge in another party as a result of failure to pick ticket for an election. Such politicians normally come back to the PDP when the chips are down. The actual threat facing the PDP in the state is intra-party squabble.

All the big shots jam-packed themselves in the party and none is ready to leave the party to another for a serious contest, no matter the popularity and credibility of the person. Perhaps due to fear that no party can outsmart PDP in the state.

At the just-concluded local elections in the state, of the 17 local councils, there were no contests in 15 for both chairmanship and councillorship positions as the PDP candidates were returned unopposed.

In the other two that were contested, only APGA showed up in one of the local councils for the chairmanship and a councillorship seat while in the other, a councillorship seat was contested.

And surprisingly, APGA was declared winner of a seat. But political analysts contend that the seat was conceded to APGA in order to make it look credible.

APGA and PPA are not threats to (APGA)-led government and PDP in the state. It is only a party with the rising profile of ACN, it like the ACN can cause a stir. But it may be the party to beat. appears that the national leaderWith the recent sack of Senator ship of the party does not know the Uba by the Appeal Court, his popotentials of the party in the state, litical profile has diminished eshence does not know how to grab pecially as people are already disit. enchanted with the attitude of his In the last April election, it apyounger brother, Chief Christian peared that the party was going to Uba whom they claim, sees PDP make headway, but all of a sudden, as his private enterprise. it back-pedalled. Another party that Meanwhile, the battle for the could marshal the arsenals to upsoul of Anambra State is likely to stage PDP in the state is the Labour be fierce between APGA, ACN, Party. Its strength: Its financial caand PDP with the death of PPA pacity and organisational skill of the and the like. party’s leadership in the state.

New twists and turns of Anambra politics •Continued from page 51

a trip to China to acquire different skills while his free kerosene gift to indigent persons and widows has endeared him to the hearts of many in Anambra.

Besides, he recently gave out N5 million to equip the N50million Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre being built in the state by another philanthropist, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo.

Uba also gave out working tools to the state NUJ worth over N30 million. They include camcorders, cameras and tape recorders.

One of Uba’s close allies told The Nation that his fall-out with Governor Peter Obi recently over his ambition could ignite his pitching tent with Senator Chris Ngige in ACN. If that happens, with Ngige’s popularity, Uba’s sagacity, his stupendous wealth and the nonparticipation of Obi in the race in 2014, ACN may likely take over the state starting from next year.

Already, he has aligned himself with money men in the state like Mr. Cletus Ibeto, the cement and oil magnate and Dr Obinna Uzor (Gocus) who vied for the gover-

norship in 2003.

With the new face of Anambra politics, people have started saying that the political myth of the popular Uba dynasty in Uga in Aguata has been broken.

It was gathered that the alleged sour relationship between Obi and the oil guru was as a result of the former’s insistence that he had already promised the people of Anambra North the position when he steps down in 2014.

But this did not go down well with Uba (Capital Oil) and he allegedly abandoned Obi and that is likely to pitch him against the

THE NATION THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 29, 2011

53

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

54

NEWS NEMA condemns youth vices

Mark calls for state creation

From Chris Oji, Enugu

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Senate President David Mark has pledged his support for the creation of Adada State from the present Enugu State.

Mark said if there was any state he wished to be created in the Southeast it was Adada.

He called for the return of the Senate Committee Chairman on Works, Ayogu Eze, in 2015.

The Senate President made the call in EnuguEzike during a civic reception organised by the people of Igboeze North Local Government in honour of Eze. Dignitaries present included former Senate President Ken Nnamani; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Gil Nnaji; Deputy Governor of Anambra Emeka Sipodu; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj-Gen Sunday Idoko; Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi, among others.

Training for ex-militants EX-militants and some selected youths are to be trained in class pipe and plate welding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Inspection and Tests Limited (ITL), Sam Azoka, said the firm is partnering a welding training academy, the TWI, to offer scholarships to some youths from the Niger Delta.

He said: “The youths would benefit from the new institute as they would be trained and assisted in finding jobs in oil firms across the country.

“There would be trainings in the fields of professional pipe or plate welding which would take lot of unemployed youths off the streets, out of militant camps and out of kidnappers’ dens.

“Nigerians are good and hard working people, looking for opportunities to express their initiatives.

“It is when opportunities for positive expressions are not available that you find the negative expressions of today, leading to insecurity of life and property.”

T

•Mark (second left); Ekweremadu (right); Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime (second right) and Eze ...at the reception

Generator fumes kill six in Ebonyi

S

IX persons have been confirmed dead and six others in critical condition after inhaling fumes from a power generator in Amata Urobo in Ohaozara Local Government of Ebonyi State.

An eyewitness, John Kish Onu, said the incident occurred when the family was asleep.

Onu said: “The victims were members of the same family.

“The parents went to bed early; their children late.

“According to the infor-

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

mation we gathered, one of the children was sick; the others went to pray for him.

“Unfortunately, one of them carried the generating set to the corridor while the door of the room was open.

“After praying, they all went to sleep without putting off the generating set.

“In the morning, we realised that their door was locked and nobody came

out from the room until one of the relatives forced the door open and we discovered that none of them was conscious.

“The neighbours took them to the Presbyterian Joint Hospital.

“They were 12 people who slept in the room and at present six are dead.

“Immediately the incident occured, we reported to the co-ordinator of the Development Centre.

“At present, the parents are still in a coma.”

Chairman of Ohaozara

Local Government Enekwachi Akpa said the Deputy Governor, Dave Umahi, visited the victims at the hospital and donated N100, 000 on behalf of Governor Martin Elechi.

Akpa said the deputy governor directed the Ministry of Health to ensure proper treatment of the victims. Besides, it should start an enlightenment campaign on the dangers of generators.

Police spokesman John Eluu confirmed the incident.

Lagos lifts movement restriction

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EHICULAR and human traffic will not be restricted in Lagos on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation, it was learnt yesterday.

Lifting the restriction order between 7 and 10am yesterday through its Ministry of the Environment, the state said the gesture was to allow free entry and exit for those who may want to travel for the New Year.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, said the sanitation programme was never in-

troduced to inflict hardship on Lagosians but to ensure a filth-free environment.

Bello said: “According to the popular saying, cleanliness is next to godliness.

“We cannot but encourage cleanliness in all aspects of human endeavours.

“We therefore enjoin all and sundry to ensure that the festival is celebrated in the cleanest environment possible.”

He urged Lagosians to clean their homes and environment, despite the

gesture, stating that the programme would be observed next month.

The commissioner urged residents to sort out their waste for easy collection and disposal to designated dumpsites by officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators.

He said LAWMA would deploy men and equipment to ensure quick evacuation of the refuse generated during the festive period.

Bello urged Lagosians to

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By Oluwakemi Dauda

The slick from the Shell facility was said to have affected over 115 miles of ocean and puts at risk fish, birds, vegetation and other acquatic animals.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the agency’s Director-General, Patric Akpobolokemi, who was represented by the Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Ishaka Shekarau, said the oil spill is moving faster to the Nigerian

shore.

He said it requires both international and national responses.

Shell is still mobilising resources to identify the source of the link before commencing application of dispersants.

Akpobolokemi, however, said the agency’s representatives had carried out an overfly of the area to observe the extent of the spread and the danger posed to marine flora and fauna.

Anambra bishops praise Obi From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

B

•Bello desist from throwing refuse into the drains and unapproved sites.

NIMASA raises alarm over Bonga oil spill HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has raised an alarm over 40,000 barrels of oil spillage from the Bonga facility of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

It is the worst oil spill to hit the country since 1998.

The Bonga facility is located about 120 kilometres off Nigeria’s coast and produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day. It is in Bayelsa State.

HE Southeast Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abdullahi Onimode, has condemned what he described as “the appalling condition of youths in the country.”

He regretted that some of them had constituted themselves into professional thugs and a willing tool in the hands of politicians.

Onimode said the youths were supposed to perform specific functions that would complement the efforts of the adults and elite in enhancing the development of their communities.

He spoke at a lecture entitled: “ Living on the Edge : Youth and the dwindling Fortune of Education in Oworo Land” yesterday at the 44th National Convention of the Oworo Students’ Union at Apata -Oworo , in Lokoja Local Government of Kogi State.

His words: “The present condition of our youths is to say the least appalling.

They now live a hard life, they have became exceeding overzealous, earning a living through violence , extortion of money and making themselves available for hiring for nefarious activities.”

The NIMASA boss said in line with its mandate, the agency’s team is at the spill location to assess the response efforts to ensure strict compliance with relevant regulations.

NIMASA, Akpobolokemi said, is also in contact with Shell and the Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to prevent further degradation of the marine ecosystem.

ISHOPS of Anglican and Catholic churches in Anambra State have hailed Governor Peter Obi for returning mission schools to their owners.

Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke and Anglican Bishop of Awka Rev. Alex Ibezim have assured that the church would live up to expectations.

The clerics said the development would restore discipline and morality to the society.

According to Ibezim, “we are happy over the development, but we would continue to pray to God to give Governor Obi the wisdom to handle the situation.”

Okeke said: “Government has returned primary schools to their rightful owners, believing that the rightful owners are in the best position to use those schools to deliver integral education to the majority of the children of the state.”

Fidau today THERE will be a Fidau today and on Saturday for the late Alhaja Ojo Abake Halimat, who died a year ago.

The venue is 10, Wuraola Ojo Close, off Pipeline, Idimu, Lagos.

50 houses razed in Akwa Ibom communal clash

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T least 50 houses were razed on Christmas Day in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, by a group of people suspected to be members of a rival community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that no life was lost in the fire, which destroyed household property and outboard engines in Idung Abasi Ekwere fishing settlement.

Police sources confirmed the incident and said no

arrest has been made.

NAN gathered from a police source that the incident took place around midnight.

The arsonists, according to members of the community, came from a rival community in a nearby local government.

An early morning fire on December 5 destroyed more than 10 houses at Iwuokpon, a coastal settlement by Qua Iboe River in Ibeno.

A community leader in Ibeno, John U. Etim, told NAN yesterday that the incidents took the community by surprise.

“We were rather surprised and indeed cannot believe that those behind the fire can be from a community that shares the same affinity with us.

“We are hoping that the police will uncover those behind this wicked act during the Christmas season that is characterised by love for one another.”

•The late Alhaja Ojo

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

55

NEWS NASFAT condoles with bomb victims

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*Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat with the Director, Tage Resources Limited, Ali Awada and his family during their visit to the the Government House, Osogbo...yesterday

HE Nasrul Lahi L Fatih Society (NASFAT) has condoled with victims of the Christmas Day bombing at the ST. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Suleja, Niger State.

In a statement by its National President, Sheriff Yusuf, the association said:”We feel deeply saddened at the needless killings and maiming afflicted on innocent persons by evil and cowardly perpetrators.

“Islam abhors violence in all its ramifications as the Holy Quran states in 2;256 that there is no compulsion in Religion;Q,2;190 “And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors”,Q4;93, “ And whoever kills a be-

liever intentionally, his recompense is hell to abide therein; and the wrath and curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him” “Nasfat condemns this act of wickedness and terror against innocent Nigerians and the country and commit the perpetrators to the stern judgment of Allah.

“We further refute in strongest terms the reference to the suspected perpetrators as Muslims or members of an Islamic sect.

“People who operate through destruction of innocent lives and property are evil and cannot be Muslims or represent Islam.

“We call on the security agencies to strengthen their intelligence strategies to unmask the evil doers.

‘Put your house in order’ ORMER Cross River State Governor Clement Ebri has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve the governorship primary logjam in Bayelsa State immediately.

Ebri, in a statement yesterday, said as leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), it was up to Jonathan to settle the rift in his home state as the situation was getting out of hand.

The former governor said it was not acceptable that the President would remain passive under the guise of noninterference in party affairs.

Ebri said Jonathan cannot maintain peace and stability across the country if he cannot resolve an inter-party dispute in his home state.

“It was apparent from the non-attendance of the primary by Jonathan, the governor and the statutory delegates and party leaders that all was not well with the process by which the PDP candidate was selected,” he said.

Ebri noted that disqualifying the most eligible aspirants, including Governor Timipre Sylva, amounted to a miscarriage of justice.

The former governor warned that endorsing a primary that was characterised by such level of impunity is a clear signal to Nigerians that 2015 will be business as usual.

He urged INEC to denounce and reject the PDP primary in Bayelsa State and order a fresh one.

Ebri blamed the security challenges in the country largely on political conflicts, advising the President not to allow the conflict to turn Bayelsa State into another flash point.

F

•Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke (second left); Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (right); Managing Director, First Bank, Bisi Onasanya (left) and the bank’s Executive Director, Public Sector, U.K Eke at the ongoing Calabar Festival

Oshiomhole for second term

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday declared his intention to contest next year’s governorship election on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Speaking in a live interview programme of the Independent Television in Benin, the governor said although he has been adopted by the party, he would still go through the process of nomination .

“For the first time, I can say I intend and wish to be a candidate of the ACN for next year’s governorship election.”

Oshiomhole said there is a new law which has reduced the tax burden for wage earners.

He said government is encoding the law and from next year, workers in the state would pay less tax as provided by the new law.

“As a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), I never went on strike against tax because it is the law.

“Tax will be paid but it will not be pocketed because I have a duty to appropriately deploy the money.

“We are not taxing the

Coalition parties unveil candidate

Lawmaker decries spate of bad roads

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HEAD of the governorship election in Edo State, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); Labour Party (LP) and Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) have unveiled their consensus candidate for the July 14 election.

The parties, under the Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (CPPP), said their candidate is Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri.

CPPP Chairman Godwin Erhahon said they came together as progressive parties to win the election.

He said other parties that have dominated the political scene in the state have not lived up to the expectations of the people.

Edebiri promised to provide leadership based on responsibility, integrity, transparency and accountability.

•Speaks on tax, Yar’Adua and council polls less privileged. The unemployed, petty traders, hawkers and Small Scale farmers are exempted from paying tax.”

On the conduct of the local government election, Oshiomhole said the first step is to clean up the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) According to him, “we had an electoral body composed of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.”

He said the government appointed members who

were not known.

“Even the chairman was not nominated by the governor.

“Right now, EDSIEC is cleaning up the system.

“It is not the government that will give a date for the conduct of the local government election, it is the responsibility of the EDSIEC,”Oshiomhole said.

On his comments on the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Oshiomhole said: “We had a President who believed in me and did not play narrow- minded

A •Oshiomhole

politics.

Yar’Adua said to me, “Adams if you contest election in Katsina you will win so how can anybody say you lost in Edo.” “Now when he is no more, we have to remember his good and bad sides.”

He said those grumbling over his comments on Yar’Adua are local politicians.

“Has the Yar’Adua family complained?

“On the contrary, they are happy that I said Yar’Adua was a statesman.

“If today, the PDP National secretariat issues a statement, then it would be an issue. Those making noise are not in the PDP.”

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, representing Kabba-Bunnu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf, has blamed the spate of robberies in the Yoruba speaking area of Kogi Stateon bad roads.

Yusuf spoke in Kabba Local Government while rendering an account of his stewardship to the people.

He said the Kabba-Ilorin Road, which has now become a robbery spot due to its bad shape, has damaged cars and caused several accidents.

Assuring motorists that his office is working in collaboration with members of the House, Yusuf hinted that arrangements are in place to rid the road of robbers.

“We are putting much pressure on the Federal Government on the need to reconstruct this road.

“We are also working with relevant security agencies to curb the insecurity, which is alien to our

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

people,” he said.

The lawmaker promised to dig 60 boreholes in his constituency, by the first quarter of next year.

“It is my constitutional duty as a House of Representatives member to always fight for projects that will benefit my constituency.

“The issue of unemployment in my constituency will soon be over. We are working with other people to embark on skill acquisition programme aimed at creating jobs for the unemployed,” he added.

According to him, over 360 unemployed youths are captured in his data base.

“We are also working with people within the constituency to see how they can create employment for the youths.

At the occasion were Senator Smart Adeyemi; the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Micheal Olabayo, Olushola Akanmode.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

NEWS Bauchi to hire midwives From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

THE Bauchi State Government has said it will employ over 150 midwives in the employ of the Federal Government to boost the state government’s health care service delivery.

The over 150 midwives are on Federal Government’s Midwifery Service Scheme in the state.

The two-year scheme is a Federal Government intervention programme to provide health care services in rural areas.

Participants for the programme are drawn from parts of the country.

The Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Musa Muhammad Dambam, spoke yesterday in Bauchi on the government’s plan.

He said Governor Isa Yuguda has approved the employment of the midwives.

The state government has paid the allowances of the three batches of the midwifery workers deployed in Bauchi State for the year, he added.

Family of three killed in Plateau night attack

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HREE members of a family were on Tuesday night killed at Wereng village in Kuru Station, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Residents and the deceased’s family alleged that the killers entered the family’s bedroom at 10pm when they were asleep, and murdered them in cold blood.

The bed was soaked with blood yesterday when reporters visited the family’s home.

The deceased are: Philip Francis Pam, 37; his wife, Simi Francis, 28; and their only daughter, who was a few months old.

The couple had gunshot wounds on their chests and

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

stomachs as well as machete cuts on their necks.

The baby had machete cuts on her rib. Her little finger was severed.

Speaking in Hausa and Berom languages, the parents of the late Philip, Baba Francis Pam, and his wife, Ngo Mary Pam, narrated their experiences.

Francis Pam said: “I was not at home at that time. I was just on my way to the house when I heard shouts and gunshots in the house.

I suspected a foul play and ran to alert others. I raised the alarm, and when the attackers knew people were awake, they ran away.”

The elderly man could not tell how the attackers entered the house.

He, however, said the assailants were Fulani herdsmen because of the pattern of attack.

Pam said: “Attacks have been happening in this neighbourhood and this is always the mode of operation: gunshots and machete cuts.

“They were not thieves because they did not steal anything in the house; they did what they always do at other places.”

Mrs Pam, who slept in another room from the slain family, said: “They (killers) came at about 10pm, when we had already slept. When I heard gunshots, I escaped through the window to alert neighbours.”

On her return, she said she found her son, his wife and their daughter dead.

The Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ayuba Pam said the government was sad over the incident.

Ayuba said: “It is very sad that this is happening at the time the government has intensified efforts at sustaining the peace in the state.

“When I got the distress call in the night, I was very disappointed at this type of planned attack still persisting in the state.

“The government has kept faith by providing security, but some people are still bent on ensuring that the problem in the state continues.”

Ayuba praised the Special Task Force (STF) for its prompt response.

He urged the residents to

Wake-up call for youths

By Mercy Michael

A GROUP, Youngstars Development Initiative (YDI), has urged youth organisations to focus on increasing the capacity of their members to enable them achieve maximum development.

YDI founder Kingsley Bangwell spoke in Abuja at a seminar organised by the group for youth organisations.

He urged youth leaders to ensure capacitybuilding among youths to enable them attain their maximum potential.

“There’s need for us, as a youth empowerment organisation, to keep youths abreast of the salient points that would make them competent in their endeavours so that they can stand out wherever they find themselves,” Bangwell said.

YDI held the second edition of the Nigerian Youth Talent Hunt and Top 12 awards at the Conference Hall of Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.

Dankwambo appoints cleric Commissioner •Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III (right) with the Director of Protocol, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Mr. Afolabi Oduniyi (left) during the Emir’s arrival at the airport from Abuja after attending a security meeting...yesterday

PDP, ACN trade words over attack on Ugba

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HE Benue State chapters of Action Congress of the Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are blaming each other for the recent attack on ACN governorship candidate, Prof Torkuma Steven Ugba.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, an ACN lawmaker representing Buruku Federal Constituency, Orker Jev, accused PDP supporters in Buruku Local Government Area of allegedly masterminding the attack.

He said while Ugba was addressing youths at the

PUBLIC NOTICE THE GREENLIGHT SCREEN AND MOVIE MAKING INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

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be security-conscious to avoid falling preys to night attackers.

Two lawmakers representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and Riyom State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Samuel Mwadkon and Daniel Dem, said the efforts of the federal and state governments on peace was not yielding the desired result because of the alleged insincerity of security agencies.

They said: “We are the people at the grassroots.

We know what is happening here and we have alerted the security personnel many times but they have refused to take action.

“There are places called Rankum and Rafin Acha, which the Fulani took from the Jol community. The Fulani live there and they have sophisticated weapons. They train in that place regularly. Series of meetings are held there regularly and they come out from there to attack any community at will without any arrest.

“We have appealed to the security personnel to investigate the activities of the Fulani there but no one listens. Those places are threats, not only to Riyom Local Government Area, but also to the entire Plateau State.”

AKINLADE ADEDOYIN AKINLADE ADEBAYO (SECRETARY) AKINLADE ADEPONLE (MRS) AKINLADE OLAKUNLE UYI EHIGIE

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Signed: Bayo Akinlade, Esq. Akindele, Akinlade, Daudu & Co.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

bank of River Katsina-Ala at Buruku ferry point, suspected PDP thugs stoned him and his entourage.

The lawmaker added that some ACN supporters were injured in the ensuing melee.

Jev urged security agencies, particularly the police, to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack.

The lawmaker accused a PDP chieftain of planning the attack, warning that ACN members may be forced to defend themselves in future, if attacked.

But Commissioner for Youths and Sports Aondowase Chia, a PDP chieftain in Buruku, Local Government

Area, dismissed the allegations.

He blamed the attack on a crisis between canoe operators and Ugba’s convoy.

He said the crisis broke out between the canoe operators and the ACN candidate’s convoy when they were ferried across River Kastina-Ala at Buruku.

Chia said: “Ugba and his convoy were ferried across River Katsina-Ala on canoe.

When the boys demanded for their fees, there was a heated argument and a security detail attached to Ugba pulled out his gun and shot severally into the air. But when the boys surged forward, Ugba hurriedly left the place under heavy security.”

Police spokesman Ejike

Alaribe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told The Nation that the information he received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Buruku was that some party youths crossed the river on canoe and refused to pay.

He said some people were injured during a confrontation between the youths and some residents.

Alaribe said three people have been arrested over the incident, adding that they would be charged to court today.

The police spokesman added that the situation has been brought under control as the police have declared the suspected ring leader wanted.

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OMBE State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has named a public commentator and cleric, Rev Habu Dawaki of Grace Chapel, Kaduna, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

The cleric was among the 19 commissioners who were recently sworn in at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

The Dankwambo administration has created four new ministries –Science and Mineral Development; Trade and Industry; Economic Planning; and Youth Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation.

The governor said the creation of the new ministries “is informed by the need to de-concentrate responsibilities so that each of the commissioners will have a manageable scope of responsibility to enable them impact very well in the areas under their purview”.

Security: Kwankwaso approves N37.7m for patrol motorcycles

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HE Kano State Government has approved N37.2 million for the purchase of five BMW motorcycles to boost security.

Commissioner for Information, Prof. Umar Faruk Jibril, addressed reporters yesterday in Kano after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

He said this became necessary following the security challenges in the country, adding that the motorcycles would be used in

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

the rural areas.

Jibril said the motorcycles would complement operational vehicles the government purchased recently for security agencies.

According to him, the State Executive Council also approved N195.03 million for the construction of perimetre fence and gate house for the sports complex at Kofar Nasia in the Kano metropolis.

The commissioner said the government would spend N150 million to train 3,751 health teachers in public primary schools under a joint of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Jibril said the SEC approved N16.16 million for the feeding of 8,481 SS 3 pupils for this year’s West Af-

rican Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations in 32 public boarding schools.

The council also approved N59 million for the provision of facilities at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education; about N7 million for re-designing the wall fence at the institution; N9.6 million for the completion of the library complex at the state’s University of Science and Technology, Wudil said..

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THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

FOREIGN NEWS

US warns Iran over threat to block oil route T HE United States Navy has said it will not tolerate disruption to a vital oil-trade route, following an Iranian threat to close it.

Iran warned it would shut the Strait of Hormuz if the West imposed more sanctions over its nuclear programme.

The US and its allies believe Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon - a charge Tehran denies.

Reacting to Iran’s warning, a US Fifth Fleet spokeswoman said it was “always ready to counter malevolent actions”.

The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf - and the oil-producing states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - to the Indian Ocean. About 40% of the world’s tankerborne oil passes through it.

The US maintains a naval presence in the Gulf, largely to ensure the transport of oil remains open.

The strait “is not only important for security and stability in the region, but also

is an economic lifeline for countries in the Gulf, including Iran”, Pentagon spokesman George Little said.

“Raising the temperature on tensions in the Gulf is unhelpful”, he said, but added that he was unaware of any hostile action directed against US vessels.

US Fifth Fleet spokeswoman Rebecca Rebarich told the BBC the navy would be ready to act if required: “The US Navy is a flexible, multi-capable force committed to regional security and stability, always ready to counter malevolent actions to ensure freedom of navigation.”

Western nations recently imposed new sanctions against Tehran following a UN report that said Iran had carried out tests related to “development of a nuclear device”.

Further measures being considered to target Iran’s oil

and financial sectors have brought a furious response from Tehran.

“The enemies will only drop their plots when we put them back in their place,” Mr Rahimi was quoted as saying on Tuesday by the official news agency Irna.

Adm Sayari later told Iran’s Press TV that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be “really easy” for Iran’s armed forces “or, as Iranians say, easier than drinking a glass of water”.

“But right now, we don’t need to shut it as we have the Sea of Oman under control, and we can control the transit,” he added.

Iran’s threats to close the strait have not flustered markets and oil prices actually fell after a senior Saudi oil official said that Gulf Arab nations were ready to offset any loss of Iranian crude.

Earlier, US State Department

Somali pirates hijack Italian ship

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OMALI pirates have hijacked an Italian cargo ship with 18 crew off the coast of Oman, according to Indian shipping officials.

The Turkey-bound Enrico Ievoli is now reportedly headed for the Somali coast.

The crew includes seven Indians, six Italians and five Ukrainians, the report said.

The incident comes at a time when Somali pirates appear to be finding it increasingly difficult to hijack vessels at sea.

Latest figures provided by the European Naval Force show just 12 attempted pirate attacks in November 2011, compared to 35 in the same period last year.

Correspondents say this is

Church holds ‘Xmas party for prisoners A PENTECOSTAL church, House on The Rock, founded by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, will today hold Christmas parties at four prisons in Lagos State.

This is to encourage the inmates and share the word of God with them.

The church has touched the lives of many persons this Yuletide.

On December 17, it distributed 600 bags of rice, frozen chicken and several gallons of groundnut oil to over 1, 800 families in Olodi Apapa, Bariga and Isale Eko. On December 22, the church distributed provisions to patients at the General Hospital in Lagos Island.

On December 24, it donated food and gift items to an Old People’s Home, a Rehabilitation Centre, a Remand Centre and Destitute Home in Lagos.

On Christmas Day, the church donated provisions and diapers to patients at the Island Maternity Hospital. It also distributed to food stuff to widows and the needy during its fourth service.

The church urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of sharing.

partly the result of the growing number of armed guards on board ships.

But at least 200 hostages are still being held in, or just off, Somalia.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping said in a statement that the hijacked ship was carrying a cargo of caustic soda from Iran to Turkey.

“The master of the vessel has reportedly informed the owners that the ship is now bound to Somali coast. There are no reports with regards to any injuries to the crew,” the release said.

It added that 43 Indian crew members of various ships have been held by Somali pirates.

China’s bullet train crash ‘caused by design flaws’

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BULLET train crash which killed 40 people in China in July was caused by design flaws and sloppy management, the Chinese government says.

Almost 200 people were injured in the crash near the south-eastern city of Wenzhou.

“Missteps” by 54 officials led to the disaster, the longawaited official report says.

The crash led many Chinese to accuse the government of putting development and profit before safety.

It also triggered a wave of popular anger against officials who were accused of trying to cover up the seriousness, and causes, of the crash.

After receiving the report, China’s cabinet criticised the railways ministry for lax safety standards and poor han-

T

dling of the crash, according to Reuters.

Premier Wen Jiabao was presented with the official investigation’s conclusions at a cabinet meeting yesterday.

The accident occurred after one train stalled following a lightning strike, and then a second high-speed train ran into it. Four carriages were thrown off a viaduct.

The report found that serious design flaws in control equipment and improper handling of the lightning strike led to the crash.

More serious penalties could follow for some of the 54 officials criticised in the report.

Among the officials singled out was the former railways minister, Liu Zhijun, who was sacked before the crash, accused of corruption.

Israelis rally against ultra-Orthodox extremism

HOUSANDS of Israelis have held a rally in the town of Beit Shemesh against ultra-Orthodox Jewish extremism.

The protest followed clashes after an eight-year-old girl said she had been harassed on her way to school.

Some ultra-Orthodox in Beit Shemesh are seeking to segregate men and women.

President Shimon Peres has backed the protest, saying the “entire nation must be recruited in order to save the majority from the hands of a small minority”.

He said the demonstration was a defence of the “character” of the state of Israel “against a minority which breaks our national solidarity”.

By early evening thousands of demonstrators had gathered in Beit Shemesh, waving banners saying “Free Israel”.

People are angry at the growing influence of Israel’s conservative ultra-Orthodox Jews and in particular their treatment of women.

It is a tiny minority of ultra-Orthodox who carry out such attacks. But many Israelis believe the country’s character is at stake. They resent the fact that most ultra-Orthodox men don’t work or serve in the army. Instead, the government gives them subsidies to carry out religious studies. One man here told me Jewish religious extremism posed a bigger threat to the country than Iran.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

58

FORIEGN NEWS

Kim Jong-il state funeral held in North Korea

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ORTH Korea has begun two days of funeral services for late leader Kim Jong-il with a huge procession in the capital, Pyongyang.

Footage showed tens of thousands of soldiers with their heads bowed as a giant portrait of Mr Kim was carried slowly through the streets.

His successor and third son, Kim Jong-un, walked beside the hearse, images from state television showed.

Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack on 17 December, aged 69, state media said.

He has been lying in state for the past 10 days.

No schedule was released ahead of the commemorations and no foreign delegations are attending.

But observers said the ceremonies echoed the displays of pomp and military might that marked the death of Mr Kim’s father, Kim Il-sung, in 1994.

The young Kim Jong-un

will have the backing and guidance of his uncle, Chang Song-taek, a senior figure in the leadership who is married to Kim Jong-il’s sister, Kim Kyung-hee - a general in her own right.

Will the new team try to keep the lid on North Korea as firmly as his father did? It is much too early to tell, but it is a historical truism that a dictatorship is at its most vulnerable when it tries to ease up.

Yet if North Korea maintains its ferocious grip on the lives of its citizens, there is always the possibility that they will finally be pushed too far.

People who visited Nicolae Ceausescu’s Romania as late as the summer of 1989 believed that the ferocity of his rule had wiped out the very instinct for personal freedom among ordinary people. But by late December that year they had risen up, and he and his equally tough wife had

•Kim Jong un walks beside father’s hearse

been executed.

It is a great deal easier to set up a dictatorship than to change the way it operates.

Funeral seeks to unite N Korea Kim Jong-un - who is thought to be in his late 20s and who has little political experience - was shown weeping beside the hearse as it drove through the snowy capital.

He was accompanied by his

uncle, Chang Song-taek, who is expected to be a key player as the younger Kim consolidates power.

Ri Yong-ho, the army chief, also accompanied the hearse as it drove past ranks of troops.

The three-hour funeral procession was led by a limousine bearing a huge portrait of a smiling Kim Jong-il.

The coffin was draped in a red

Arab League observers work in Syria amid violence, controversy

A

TEAM of Arab League observers began its second day of work yesterday in the troubled Syrian city of Homs, amid shooting in the flashpoint Baba Amr neighborhood and growing questions about the team’s methods and credibility.

The delegation is tasked with observing whether Syrian authorities are upholding an agreement to withdraw troops from cities; free political prisoners; and end the use of deadly force to quell a nine-month uprising against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Protesters opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad face violent responses from security forces.

On the observers’ first day

•755 detainees set free in Homs, residents gathered by the thousands to protest against the government and plead for help from the outside world.

Saleem al-Qabani, a member of the Local Coordination Committee opposition group in Homs, said he cancelled a planned meeting with the observers because they insisted on having army officers with them, including at least one whom Qabani said he recognized as having killed protesters.

The observersrs, Qabani said in a telephone interview, said they had met with ruling Baath party members in the neighborhood.

Another activist, who is in contact with people in the area, said there was shooting by government forces from buildings in Baba Amr while observers were nearby.

Because Syria has closed its borders to journalists, it is not possible to independently confirm such reports.

Also yesterday, Syrian state media reported the release of 755 prisoners who had been arrested during the protests.

More than 2,500 prisoners were also reportedly released last month. But human rights activists say that many more have been arrested and that the state has failed to provide a comprehensive list of

those detained.

Sarah Leah Watson, of Human Rights Watch, said the release of some detainees was a good sign. But she expressed concern about reports obtained by the rights group that other detainees were being moved, possibly in advance of planned inspections by the monitors.

Watson also raised concerns about whether the Arab League monitors are properly qualified for their mission.

About 60 monitors are now in Syria, with more due to arrive. Their names have not been released. Watson said the Arab League should have offered some assurances that the group had received training in human rights investigations before being deployed to Syria.

Mubarak back in court on hospital trolley

T

HE trial of Hosni Mubarak resumed yesterday after a three month break with the ousted Egyptian leader returning to the metal defendants’ cage in a Cairo courtroom.

Egyptian state television showed the 83-year-old covered by a green blanket and lying on a hospital gurney when he was brought from a helicopter and taken to an ambulance for the short ride to the courthouse.

He remained on the gurney throughout the hearing and spoke only once to say ‘present’ when Judge Ahmed Rifaat called out his name at the start of the session.

Mubarak is charged with complicity in the killing of more than 800 protesters in the crackdown on a popular uprising in January and February that forced him out of office.

He could face the death penalty if convicted.

He has been under arrest

since April, but he has never gone to prison and instead has been confined to hospitals.

His lawyers and doctors say he is suffering from heart problems.

Mubarak and his two sons, who are in prison, also face

corruption charges in the same case.

Yesterday’s session lasted for only a few hours, and the next session is set for January 2. An 18-day uprising forced Mubarak to step down on February 11, after 29 years in

power.

Protests and unrest have continued throughout the year, with pro-democracy activists keeping up pressure for reforms from the military, which took over from Mubarak.

‘Argentine president has with thyroid cancer’

T

ARGENTINE President Cristina Fernandez has thyroid cancer and will undergo surgery next month, her government said yesterday, adding that the cancerous cells had not spread.

Fernandez, 58, was easily elected to a second four-year term in October, vowing to deepen her unorthodox policies despite complaints from business leaders who say her heavy-handed management of the economy is stiffling investment.

Fernandez was diagnosed with a papillary carcinoma that has not metastasized, said her spokesman, Alfredo Scoccimarro.

The operation is scheduled to take place on Jan. 4, and she is expected to take a leave of absence until Jan. 24.

“The thyroid gland will have to be removed,” said Buenos Aires-based cancer specialist Julio Moreno.

“The prognosis is very good. The chances of being cured are 90 to 98 per cent.”

The cancer was detected last week during a routine check, papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer and normally affects people under the age of 40, especially women.

A skilled orator fond of glamorous clothes, high heels and make-up, Fernandez still wears black as she mourns her husband and closest adviser, former President Nestor Kirchner, who died late last year.

When Kirchner died, many thought it spelled the end of the couple’s idiosyncratic blend of state intervention, nationalist rhetoric and the championing of human rights in grains exporting powerhouse Argentina, the world’s No. 3 soybean supplier.

But Fernandez pulled off a remarkable comeback on the back of a brisk economic expansion and an outpouring of public sympathy.

flag and surrounded by white flowers.

As it passed by, crowds of mourners wailed and flailed their arms as soldiers struggled to keep them from spilling into the road.

One soldier interviewed

by North Korean state television said: “The snow is endlessly falling like tears.

How could the sky not cry when we’ve lost our general who was a great man from the sky? As we’re separated from the general by death, people, mountains and sky

are all shedding tears of blood.

Dear Supreme Commander!”

The procession was broadcast live on state television.

When it ended outside Pyongyang’s Kumsusan Memorial Palace, state TV began broadcasting documentaries about Kim Jong-il’s life.

Mr Kim’s body had previously lain in state in a glass coffin at the palace.

Observers are keenly watching the line-up over the twoday funeral to see which officials are in prominent positions.

Putin for talks with Russian opposition groups

T

HE Russian prime minister, Vladimir Putin, has given the first signal that he might be prepared for dialogue with opposition groups but said they would have to form a proper bloc with a political platform first.

“There should be a dialogue, but what form it takes – I’m thinking about that,” he told journalists at a year-end press conference on Wednesday. “They should come together with some form of joint platform and joint positions so we can understand what these people want. They are very different.”

Referring to an anti-government protest on Saturday that snowballed into the largest ever manifestation of discontent with his 12-year rule, he said: “You had some people from [the] Yabloko [party], Communists, to some extent people from the nationalist movement, liberals.

“Was there a joint platform? No there wasn’t. Who should we talk with? We should discuss all of their claims, their problems, but this will need some common sense.”

Iran dissident leader jailed eight years

A

LAWYER says an ailing dissident, once Iran’s foreign minister, has been sentenced to eight years in prison and deprived of civil rights for five years.

Ebrahim Yazdi was convicted of acting against national security by Iran’s hard-line Revolutionary Court, which deals with security and political crimes.

Yazdi is 80 and suffers from cancer and a heart ailment.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Yazdi’s lawyer, told The Associated Press yesterday that he has appealed the sentence.

Yazdi is free for the meantime.

Yazdi’s Freedom Movement of Iran opposes Iran’s clerical rule. The party played a key role in the 1979 Islamic revolution but turned against the clerics as they consolidated power and crushed dissent. It rejects violence and advocates democratic reform

Saudi women to run, vote without male approval

A

SAUDI official says for the first time, women in the conservative kingdom will not need a male guardian’s approval to run or vote in municipal elections in 2015.

Shura Council member Fahad al-Anzi says that approval for women has already come from the Saudi king. The country’s Shura Council is an all-male consultative body with no legislative powers.

The state-run al-Watan newspaper announced the change yesterday. Even so, women in Saudi Arabia cannot travel, work, study abroad, marry, get divorced or gain admittance to a public hospital without permission from a male guardian.

While King Abdullah has pushed for some changes on women’s rights, he has been cautious not to push too hard against ultraconservative clerics, who have in the past challenged social reforms.

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Serena is still tops—Petkovic G

ERMAN star Andrea Petkovic is tipping Serena Williams to bounce back to her best ahead of next month’s Australian Open after a disappointing finish to 2011.

After a three-month absence, Williams will make her return to the WTA Tour next week at the Brisbane International, where she will be seeded fourth behind Australian Sam Stosur, Petkovic and Italy’s Francesca Schiavone.

Petkovic was the beaten finalist in Brisbane last year against Petra Kvitova.

Despite having US Open champion Stosur keen to kick off 2012 with a title at her home tournament, and

defending Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters looking to continue an unbeaten run in Brisbane, Petkovic believes Williams is the woman to beat.

The American is No. 12 in the world rankings due to an injury-interrupted year that finished abruptly after Stosur upset her in a dramatic US Open final in September.

But the 10th-ranked Petkovic, who idolised Williams as a child, fully expects the 13-time grand slam winner to continue her knack of returning from a lengthy break in great form. ‘’I haven’t seen her now for the last three or four months because she’s been injured, but she is always a weapon,’’

Petkovic said in Brisbane yesterday. ‘’She always comes back and seems not to have been gone at all, and it’s always very amazing and incredible. I’m a very big, big Serena fan. She was my first idol when I was growing up after Steffi [Graf]. ‘’She’s a weapon in the field, but also Kim [Clijsters] obviously she’s one of the greatest female athletes in the world and she can beat anybody. And always Sam, as the home favourite, I think it’s going to be very exciting.’’

The women’s side of the Brisbane International has been boosted by an upgrade in 2012 to make it a WTA premier event, which has eight of the top 20 players in the field.

Khan: I want to bring title fight to Pakistan

F

ORMER lightwelterweight champion Amir Khan has revealed his ambition to stage a world title fight in Pakistan, using Muhammad Ali’s title fights around the globe as an example.

Khan, who considers himself a British-Pakistani, is in his parent’s homeland as a guest at the Benazir Bhutto International Boxing

• Serena

Bolt: Mo will be Olympic marvel

S

PRINT king Usain Bolt is backing Mo Farah to do something special at London 2012.

Farah, 28, won world 5,000 metres gold — days after taking silver the 10,000m in South Korea this summer.

And Jamaican Bolt said: “My hot tip for next year would be Mo Farah, based on what he did at the World Championships.

“The long-distance races are extremely competitive but he was able to win against the best Kenyan and Ethiopian talent.”

DAVIS CUP:

Corretja keen for Nadal u-turn

S

PAIN’S new Davis Cup captain Alex Corretja is keen for Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer to change their decision to miss the 2012 event.

The pair were instrumental in Spain’s victory in this year’s competition with both players winning their singles matches against Argentina in the final.

But they immediately declared themselves unavailable for selection for next year’s event, explaining that the packed schedule and the London Olympics made it

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Blake misses out on Melbourne

J • Bolt

AMES Blake has pulled out of the Australian Open according to tournament director Craig Tiley.

Tiley wrote on Twitter: “Just got word that James Blake has withdrawn from the AO [Australian Open] and Brisbane. Sorry to hear this and we wish James all the best.”

The 30-year-old was ranked fourth in the world in 2006 but injuries and a drop in form have seen him slip to 59th.

Blake reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park in 2008.

impossible to commit to the prestigious event.

• Nadal

Corretja has agreed a twoyear spell as captain, and he made it clear that he will speak to all the top Spanish players to ascertain whether or not they might make an appearance in 2012.

“My duty as captain is to talk to all players and all coaches,” he said. “Neither player has told me they will not play, this is what they said in the press.

“If there are players who feel they have to rest, I will respect this and try to make the best possible team for each tie.”

Championship where his younger brother Haroon is fighting for Pakistan.

And the Bolton man told BBC Sport that he aims to bring a ‘huge title fight’ to the Asian country in the future, claiming, ‘Muhammad Ali did it in so many different countries around the world.

Why can’t we do it in Pakistan?’

‘That’s what my ambition is, to bring a huge title fight to Pakistan. It can happen, there’s so much support we have here. I’ve been here for two days and the accommodation’s been brilliant, the hotels are safe, and I’ve had no problems at all.’

Khan also went on to reiterate his desire to fight Floyd Mayweather, claiming the undefeated star would be affected by prison time. ‘I hear Mayweather is in prison for 90 days. I think this is the best time to catch him,’ said Khan.

‘He’s making a lot of mistakes now. He’s doing a lot of things wrong in the street as well. This is the best time to catch him while his hands are low. I know I have the style and skills to beat him.

‘I think it will affect anyone, going to prison and not being around your family and friends, and the gym. It’ll definitely affect him and like I said it’s the best time to catch him.’

Watson ruled out of season opener

H

EATHER Watson Watson was the first British woman in 17 years to win at the French Open in 2011 Heather Watson has been ruled out of her first tournament of the season in New Zealand with a sprained ankle.

The British number three was due to start the new WTA campaign in the ASB Classic qualifying rounds in Auckland.

Watson, 19, wrote on her Facebook page: “I will not be playing in Auckland because I sprained my ankle badly.

“It’s very frustrating but Auckland is one of my favourite tournaments of the

year and I’m looking forward to playing it next year because I love the event.”

Watson is hoping to return for the Moorilla International in Australia where qualifying starts on 6 January.

She added: “Hobart will now be my first tournament of the year.”

Watson has direct entry into the Australian Open, which begins on 16 January.

She will be playing in the tournament for the first time after rising to 92 in the world rankings.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has also withdrawn from the Auckland tournament through injury.

• Khan

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EUROREAN FOOTBALL... EUROREAN FOOTBALL... EUROREAN FOOTBALL...

Thiago Silva: I want to be Milan’s captain T

HIAGO Silva has revealed that he would like to become AC Milan captain, and that he hopes to sign a new five-year contract when his current deal expires in 2016.

The 27-year-old Brazilian wants to become the club’s first foreign club captain since Nils Liedholm in 1961 after being handed the armband for last month’s Serie A fixture against Chievo, admitting that earning that honour on a regular basis has become a target of his in the long term.

“I hadn’t originally wanted to be captain, but then I became the Brazil skipper and I changed my mind,” the former Fluminense defender told Ansa.

He is currently placed behind the likes of Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso and Christian Abbiati in the pecking order for the role at San Siro, but his vision for the future revolves around a lengthy stint with the Rossoneri.

“In 2016, I will speak with [CEO] Adriano Galliani about

renewing my contract for another five years. We will see what happens.”

Thiago Silva’s compatriot Ganso has been linked with a move to Milanello lately, and the defender says the 22-yearold Santos star could have a very positive impact.

“If we bought him in January he would make a big difference in both Serie A and the Champions League.”

Thiago Silva signed for the Rossoneri in 2008, making his debut for the club at the start of the 2009-10 season.

Del Piero will play on A

LESSANDRO Del Piero will continue playing once he leaves Juventus in June – but don’t ask him where.

The Old Lady of Italian football have confirmed that the 37-year-old will leave once his contract expires during the summer.

The club captain, signed from Padova in 1993, has admitted that he won’t hang up his boots, but he’s put his future on hold for now.

“I won’t stop playing,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“There is just Juventus in my future for now. All that I

• Del Piero

am thinking about is this Serie A season and the Bianconeri.

“The hope is that we’ll be able to do well in 2012 all of the things that we did well in 2011.”

The 2006 World Cup winner has failed to score so far this season in 12 Serie A games and one Coppa Italia

• Silva

tie.

Del Piero is no longer guaranteed first team football under Antonio Conte as the statistics for the current campaign illustrate.

The forward has started just three Serie A matches and played in only 296 minutes of top-flight action overall.

Lahm: Spain are favourites for Euro 2012

G

E R M A N Y international defender Philipp Lahm has branded Spain as the favourites to win Euro 2012.

Speaking in an interview with France Football on Tuesday, after the publication declared Joachim Low’s men as the best team of 2011, the 28-year-old admitted that La Furja Roja still possess the greatest chance to achieve glory next year ahead of their rivals.

“Our confidence has never been so great as now,” said Lahm. “The results are excellent, our game is spectacular and effective and we have recently got the better of great teams like Brazil and the Netherlands. “[However] Spain are the favourites. Then there are four or five other teams that may struggle to dethrone [them].”

Lahm then proceeded to reflect on their honour, and highlighted Germany’s rapid development in footballing philosophy, combined with

their efforts in producing gifted young talent as the reasons why they can be considered worthy winners.

“We’ve learned to take possession of the ball as quick as possible. All our players want the ball and always want to attack. That’s where again we have progressed,” he continued.

“It is our virtue always. The difference is that our game has become more modern.

“With that philosophy, we have the means to work together for many years, knowing that the coach can have a core composed of [Bastian] Schweinsteiger, [Sami] Khedira, [Mesut] Ozil, [Manuel] Neuer and myself.

It is important to be able to support these important players for several years.

Di Natale delighted with Italy recall U

DINESE striker Antonio Di Natale is very happy and

enthusiastic to be back in the

Conte tactics rejuvenated LAUDIO Marchisio Marchisio believes Antonio Conte’s tactical

C

tinkering has been the reason behind his explosion at Juventus this term.

The Italian international was being linked with a summer exit before the start of the campaign, but he’s now an untouchable in the Bianconeri midfield.

“I think the new system has helped bring out my best qualities,” the Juve youth team product told Reuters.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a central midfielder with good technical ability and a good engine,” he added.

“The boss’ new style helps my game and I’ve been able this season to get in between the opponents’ defensive lines.”

Conte started the campaign with a 4-4-2, but he’s altered

the side’s shape by using Marchisio alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in central midfield.

Marchisio – Juve’s top scorer thanks to his six goals in 15 games – has also praised the new tactician, signed in the summer from Siena, for reviving the club’s fortunes.

“Conte has brought a new mentality to the club. One of his merits has been to eliminate the fear which had unfortunately taken hold at the club after years of disappointing results.

“The boss knows what winning means and he brings that winning mind-set to the club every day based on his own hard-working, committed character.”

Italy squad.

It was announced earlier in the week that the 34-yearold and Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli are set to lead the attack for Cesare Prandelli’s men in the friendly against USA on February 29 in Genoa.

Di Natale conceded that there is great rapport between him and the coach despite the two having barely communicated.

“What can I say? I am happy and enthusiastic,” Di

Natale told Il Corriere dello Sport. “[Cesare] Prandelli and I haven’t spoken much, but there’s a deep respect between us.”

The striker also had a word on his recent appearance on the pages of the Wall Street Journal.

“That sort of thing is dedicated to great people like [David] Beckham.”

Di Natale has scored three goals in 15 international appearances for Italy.

Reus prefers Dortmund switch

B • Di Natale

ORUSSIADortmund have reportedly held talks with Marco Reus about joining the reigning Bundesliga champions at the end of the season.

The Borussia Monchengladbach forward, who has been in sensational form this season, has also been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

However, according to DerWesten, an insider claims that after talks with BVB, “the player is leaning more towards Dortmund than Bayern”.

The 22-year-old Germany international was born and raised in Dortmund and was taken on by his hometown club as a youngster.

However, Reus was rejected because of his perceived

physical deficiencies and was allowed to join Rot-Weiss Ahlen in 2006.

He has developed into one of the most exciting young talents in the Bundesliga over the past couple of seasons and has now been capped three times by his country.

The issue now is whether BVB, who were on the verge of financial collapse as recently as 2005, are in a position to re-sign their former youth team player.

Dortmund CEO HansJoachim Watzke has recently claimed that the club’s two most valuable commodites, defender Mats Hummels and playmaker Mario Gotze, are not for sale even for £100 million.

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Chibuzor Okonkwo on trial with Aston Villa N IGERIA international defender Chibuzor Okonkwo is currently undergoing trials at English Premier League club Aston Villa, officials have disclosed.

According to an official statement by the media officer of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya, the Heartland right full back has been released by coach Stephen Keshi to attend the Aston Villa trials.

The 23-year-old defender has established himself as top choice right back for the Super

Eagles this outgoing year.

The former Bayelsa United star is solid defensively, loves to join the attack and packs a good shot.

He only recently boasted that he is Nigeria’s best right back.

He has fully recovered from a thigh injury which stopped him from featuring for Heartland in the final of this year’s Federation cup in September.

He has already undergone trials in France, Turkey and Ukraine.

Another Nigeria Premier League star on the way out of the country is Enyimba star striker Uche Kalu, who has also been excused to return to Morocco to sign for CAF Champions League finalists Wydad Casablanca.

The local Eagles training camp in Abuja has also permitted Kalu to leave for Morocco on Saturday.

MTNFootball.com learnt that the player and the Moroccan club failed to agree terms on his first visit, but that has now been ironed out.

Wydad eliminated Enyimba from the Champions League in the semi-final.

I will win matches –Tunde

K

•Chibuzor Okonkwo

Glo urges NFF to repackage Nigerian football

T

ELECOMMUNICATION giant, Globacom has called on Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to use its forthcoming Annual General Meeting holding in Kaduna as a platform to diagnose the challenges facing Nigerian Football and proffer germane solutions towards re-packaging the game in the country.

The company in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday also called on the NFF to take the bull by the horn and take measures that will lead to the restoration of the nation’s pride in continental and global football.

According to Glo “The expectation of the nation is indeed huge and we have the confidence that the NFF has the capacity to rise to the occasion and salvage our football”.

The company stated further that NFF needs the support of all well meaning Nigerians at this critical juncture, urging the people to avail the federation of such support.

Globacom stated that its sponsorship of sports particularly football is predicated on the game’s role as a national unifier adding that the company is optimistic that far reaching decisions will be taken during the Assembly that will facilitate the resurgence of Nigeria’s National teams.

The company assured the

NFF, football administrators, the coaches, players and Nigerians in general of its commitment towards the comprehensive development of the game in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

WARA United manager, Tunde Sani, has revealed that he is ready for the challenge of bringing success to the club in his debut season.

Sani, who played for Kwara United before taking up a coaching job with the team will be one of the NPL's rookie managers when the new season begins next January.

Ironically, the rookie manager is likely to be under pressure at United, a club that has never won a title in the country and the supporters are always in a hurry for victories.

Interestingly, it's a challenge he is ready to embrace.

"I"m more than capable to manage Kwara United. I've played for this team in the Nigerian League and I know what to do. All I need is support from the fans and motivation for the players,” the young manager, who assisted the legendary Kadiri Ikhana last term said to SuperSport.com.

Sani actually acted as stand-in coach during some matches when his former boss, Kadiri Ikhana, was unavailable last term.

Pillars’ new boy Papa Idris shines

N

EW Kano Pillars’ central defender Papa Idris was outstanding as the local Eagles pipped an Abuja selected team 1-0 in a test game Tuesday.

Former Kaduna United skipper Idris joined the team only on Monday night and was drafted to play the trial game the following morning.

Starring in the central defence role, Papa was a delight to watch as his calmness, swift play and initiating attack from the defence was hailed by all who watched him.

Keshi said he was shocked too at the rate of communication on the pitch of the player as he was calling each player by name when he wanted the ball Keshi therefore asked him whether he knew all the players before the game, to which he answered in the affirmative.

Another player who shone

was Azubuike Egwueke, the towering Warri Wolves central defender who has been consistent for the local Eagles.

He has a commanding presence, reads the game very well and organises his teammates, like ‘Gentle Giant’ Uche Okechukwu in the good old days.

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has been good in the midfield and NYSC member Stephen Morah, has also shown that his small frame bellies his dazzling runs down the left side of attack.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeping department seem to be the most competitive as the coaches are finding it difficult to decamp any of the four goalkeepers.

The goalkeepers are Warri Wolves Chigozie Agbim, Okemute Odah of Sharks as well Enyimba’s Paul Godwin and Moses Ocheje from Sunshine Stars.

Keshi said he was encouraged and not yet impressed as the team won again Tuesday.

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Mba relishes first goal for Eagles W

ARRI WOLVES’ midfielder, Sunday Mba whose goal made the difference for the Home based Super Eagles when they tackled Abuja selected X1 on Tuesday, has revealed that the strike is just the beginning of other good things to come for him in the national team.

Mba’s 42nd minute minute goal was all the Home Based Eagles had to play for after another labored victory as a follow up to the 1-0 win over FRSC side in the other previous tie.

The only goal of the match came after a dazzling run from the left flank by Enyimba FC’s striker, Uche Kalu was coolly finished by Mba to the delight of Coach Stephen Keshi and his backroom staff.

Speaking with NationSport from Abuja on telephone an elated Mba informed that it was always a special feeling for him whenever he receives call up to the national team stating that it became an added motivation that he was

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri on the scorer’s chart in the tie against Abuja X1.

He vowed to continue to give his all while still in the team and singled out Coach Keshi for his fatherly role played in the team since the camp opened last week.

Quoting Mba: “Of course I

am happy and elated to have scored. It was however a combined effort of the whole players to make the goal possible it wasn’t by my might. I hope to continue to do my best and see if it will be enough to fetch me a space in the Super Eagles. Coach Keshi is like our father because we are pleased with what we have seen of him thus far.”

The Eagles have an African Cup of Nations Qualifier on February 29th 2012 against the Wasps of Rwanda and the team’s boss, Keshi wants to groom some players in the local league ahead of the invitation to the Eagles’ players based abroad from where the list of those to be selected for the said AFCON tie will be decided.

Nigeria will be missing out

on the AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next month for the first time since the 1986 loss to Zambia besides the withdrawal of the Eagles from the 1996 finals in South Africa for political reasons by the then Head of States, Late General Sani Abacha which fetched the nation an additional two year ban from the competition.

Why we delay constitution of sports associations – Oshodi

T

HE overwhelming applications received from qualified individuals willing to be part of the new sports associations in Lagos State may have delayed the unveiling of the officials.

The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi disclosed that the need to also engage qualified people to handle sports in the state may have also made it impossible for the new board to be made known.

His words: “The surprising thing about this is that I had felt that within two weeks, we will

By Innocent Amomoh have the association back on board. The reason for the delay is the one we are happy about in that we have had overwhelming application from honourable people willing to serve on these associations.

So it behooves upon us to do a good job in selecting the best people. We have come up with a draft list now and final consultations are going on. We are hopeful that before the end of the year, we will announce that the associations are back on board.

He added: “Like I maintain, works start in January 2012 and the association will be made known before the end of the year. The new association is not going to be a jamboree as people gets straight into the work and the association will not be a place where somebody can hide. We will be looking strictly and assessing their performance every six months and if we feel that we can still find better people to serve, we will definitely be changing members of the associations as we go along.

“But so far from the massive number of applications, we have

received from people to serve, what makes us very happy is that there are loads of competent people, independent and even from our sponsors – private sector that have been given us money but has come forward to serve and to know where their money is going,” he explained.

To ensure that transparency and accountability are the watchwords, Oshodi said: “Also, accountability will be the watchword for the associations.

Monies they get from government and private sector will need to be accounted for totally.”

We’re ready for the League – 3SC coach •Moves Camp to Ijebu-Ode

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BADAN darling team, 3SC has left the University of Ibadan training ground on Wednesday afternoon for Dipo Dina international Stadium Ijebu-Ode in a bid to commence a close camping that will engender more cordiality between the old and newly signed players.

Disclosing this was the assistant Coach of the team Tunde Odubola popularly known as Zico in his active playing days, he allayed fears that might be troubling the minds of the teeming followers of the traditional team by assuring that the newly recruited boys would put smile back to the faces of the fans again.

Odubola noted that the Ijebu-Ode camp idea is to help every members of the team, both new and old get acquainted to each other and for the team to also have a better concentration in preparedness for the commencement of the league slated for early next year.

THE NATION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011

63

SPORT EXTRA

Eagles pip Ranchers Bees 1-0 in friendly •Confidence building up –Keshi

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OME-BASED Super Eagles got its first real test on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Abuja , with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Pro-league division One side Ranchers Bees of Kaduna.

As expected goalkeeper and captain of the side Chigozie Agbim, started the game along

side Azubuike Egwueke, Papa Idris in the central defence, while Gabriel Reuben and Godfrey Obenabo complete the back line.

The midfield was expectedly anchored by Bathlomew Ibenegbu and Izu Azuka, while Kalu Uche, Sunday Mba, Ibrahim Ajani and Uzoenyi Ejike, were the attackers.

WAC snatches Kalu Uche •Players released for Charity Shield

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FFORTS by national team handlers to raise a formidable home-based squad may be hindered now and again as some of the best players locally hardly play long enough to be part of the rebuilding process.

The latest case is that of Kalu Uche who is scheduled to depart for Morocco , this Saturday to put pen to paper for Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) of Morocco . Before now, Chibuzor Okonkwo, had left the national camp for trials with Aston Villa, the results are yet to be seen.

However Kalu’s case is slightly different, as the Moroccan club is said to have finalised details with Enyimba International of Aba for the sleeky striker and he is merely expected to go there and pen the deal.

Meanwhile, at least four players have been released by the national team technical crew for this weekend Charity Shield between league champions,

Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Federation Cup kings, Heartland of Owerri in Kaduna , during the NFF Annual General Meeting.

Notable among them is Bathlomew Ibenegbu, Victor Michael, while two goalkeepers, Moses Ocheje and Godwin Paul, were also released for personal reasons by ever considerate handler Stephen Keshi.

•Returns from knee injury

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HE Skipper of Heartland FC, Owerri, Chinedu Efugh has expressed his joy over the caliber of players the Naze Millionaires have recruited to beef up the team ahead of the Nigeria Premier League season and the CAF Confederations Cup Competition which the club will partake of in 2012.

Efugh in a brief chat with

Chairmen, scribes are no match

•Ahmadu Bello Stadium now venue

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the Eagles were missed with Ejike, who returned later and youth corp member, Stephen Morah, showing relentless energy throughout the encounter. But Ranchers keeper Badnmus Kassim, was impressive in goal, while skipper of his side Onyebuchi James, stood commanding in his defensive midfield role throughout.

The national team almost paid direly for their wastefulness in front of goal, when a last minute onslaught by Ranchers Nasiru Shehu, missed target by the whiskers after goalkeeper Paul, was well beaten.

Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, said it was a confidence building encounter and he hopes to have many more of such games as he tries to raise a formidable homebased squad.

He praised the high standard of the game and promised that a more formidable side will be the next team that the Eagles will play.

New Heartland players excite Chinedu Efugh

NFF EXCO BOASTS

EMBERS of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation say they will take the State FA Chairmen and Secretaries to the cleaners in tomorrow’s NoveltyMatchbetweenthem,which will serve as curtain raiser to the annual Charity Shield match between League champions Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt and Federation Cup winners Heartland FC of Owerri.

The NFF Executive Committee and Management team is loaded with gifted ball jugglers who take

As always, the national team started the brighter of the two sides, but were shy in front of goal. But in the 16th minute, Ajani’s dangerous incursion deep into Ranchers danger zone was cut short with a malicious challenge from Bees Usman Mohammed., for a free kick from about 22 yards.

Ibenegbu’s free kick was easily converted by Kalu Uche, who was playing with a blistered toe and was replaced midway into the half. It was to be the only goal of the entertaining encounter, the third by the Eagles since camp opened a little over a week ago.

Ranchers managed by exinternational, Ishaya Jatau, caused quite some troubles for the national team but they were easily curtailed by the defence line.

The second half was no better, with the introduction of Godwin Paul in goal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Kabir Musa, Kola Anubi, while Papa Idris was retained.

Chance after chance that fell to

no prisoners, led by the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who is a skillful left-sided midfielder.

There is also the inimitable Deji Tinubu, another left-sided midfielder, as well as defensive ace Olaleye Adepoju, ‘safe hands’ Chief MikeUmeh,wingwizardsSuleiman Kwande, Shehu Adamu, nononsense centre backs Effiong Johnson and Felix Anyansi-Agwu, midfield impressario Emeka Inyama and Ahmed Kawu, and unforgiving marksmen Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Rumson Baribote, Muazu Suleyman and Chris Green.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri NationSport on telephone noted that with the quality of the players now in the team’s fold from the defence to the attack the Naze Millionaires would be among the clubs chasing for honours in the NPL and not just make up the numbers like it was last season.

“I am happy with the quality of players I heard the club has signed ahead of the season. It showed that the club has ambition and that we do not want to just make up the numbers but to do what we can do to bring more silverware to Imo State. If you look at the team now from defence to attack you will notice that we have lots of options now to choose from for the NPL and the continental matches,”Efugh said.

The hardtackling defender informed NationSport that he would not be at the Charity Cup tie between his club and Dolphins FC because he was still recovering from the knee injury he sustained last season but was very sure he would be fit before the club’s

Week One tie away to NPL newcomer, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

He dispelled the report that was credited to him in the media recently that he wanted to leave Heartland for another club, the former Enugu Rangers player opined that it was the figment of the writer’s imagination since he never had it in mind to dump the Naze Millionaires for another team in the NPL.

Laying-in-state for Bada holds today

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ORMER Olympic Silver medallist, Sunday Bada's laying-in-state has been scheduled to hold at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos today at 8.am.

The late Bada whose wakekeep ceremony drew the crème de la crème of the sports fraternity on Wednesday at the Police College, Lagos, met his untimely death few weeks back.

The quarter miller would have clocked 42 on June 22 was a sports administrator par excellence who manned the technical department of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Bada was one of the few athletes who never failed a dope test at international competitions. He won three medals at the World Indoor Championships including a gold medal at the Paris event.

He also won silver medals at the 1993 (Toronto) and the 1 9 9 5 ( B a r c e l o n a ) competitions. He set his personal of 44.63 seconds at the 1993 World Championships where he finished fifth. Bada’s indoor best of 45.51 is still the African record of the event. The late AFN Technical Director would be interred in his home town, Kogi State.

Ochei Wheelchair Basketball gets February 18 date

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ELTA state is set to host the maiden edition of Victor Ochei National Open Wheelchair Basketball Championship which attracts 5million naira price money.

President, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF), Bukola Olopade revealed that the championship aimed at developing wheelchair basketball in the country among special sports athletes is expected to have all the thirty Six state of the federation in attendance.

According to him, the overall

By Akeem Lawal winner will go home with 2:5miillion, while the second placed team/state will pocket 1:5million and the third place winner to smile home with 1million naira.

The former commissioner for youth and sports, Ogun State who expressed appreciation to the sponsor, Victor Ochei, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly informed that the championship will hold as from February 18th-25th, 2012 at Asaba Township.

Jatau: Eagles’ glory days are back

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ANCHER Bees of Kaduna handler, Ishaya Jatau, said he was delighted to see the high standard of play and professionalism displayed by the home-based national team, and does not expect anything less from a side handled by well groomed ex-internationals.

Speaking after his side lost be a slim 1-0 to the Super Eagles, Jatau, who was a thorn in the flesh of defenders in his playing days, said with the little he has seen, the glory days of Nigerian football has returned.

“Stephen Keshi is one of the best players Nigeria has ever produced and he led us to a Nations up victory, Daniel Amokachi is also in that class, same for Ike Shorunmi and Sylvanus Okpala. I think we may have gotten it right this time with the calibre of coaches we have but I will plead with Nigerians to be a little bit patient with them, because they are building a new team”.

He recalled that between 1989, 1990 and 1994, the national team technical crew began a search for new players in the national team

and the result was the fact that the country had by 1994, one of the greatest national teams in the world. “Keshi has started that now and we must give him a chance to give us a new team along with his technical crew”.

He called for prayers for the technical crew and coaches, adding that he would not fail to point out any wrong step he feels that they have taken. On invitation of more players, he said: “the coaching crew know better and which department they lack players and we should give them that respect.

WHO SAID WHAT

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‘We cannot but encourage cleanliness in all aspects

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

of human endeavours. We therefore enjoin all and sundry to ensure that the festival is celebrated in the cleanest environment possible.’

VOL. 7, NO. 1,991

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HE signs were there that another calamity was on the way. Even then, the scale was clearly unimaginable.

There was the Damaturu, Yobe State, incident in which an Assistant Commissioner of Police and a Squadron Leader of the Mobile Police were killed. Police Commissioner Tanko Lawal told reporters gleefully that his men took the battle to Boko Haram. It was a rain of bullets, according to a resident, who recalled that “gunshots around Ponpomari was like music”. An elegy for peace. By the time the smoke cleared off the Sabon Pagi skyline, 12 sect members lay dead; seven security men were killed, according to official figures. Other sources put the figure higher.

The story of the Friday Damaturu violence was splashed all over the papers on Saturday. I had thought both sides – and relations of the innocent people caught in the crossfire – would take some time off to mourn their losses. How wrong I was.

The bloody encounter was a mere rehearsal for the Christmas Day bloodshed in Madalla, near Abuja – the seat of power, home of the rich and symbol of Nigeria’s advancement.

It was a horrible sight. Burnt bodies bursting out of mangled metals – all that was left of the cars in which the victims rode to the church – and cracked buildings. So far, 32 deaths have been recorded. A man was thrown off his apartment onto the roof of a building.

How did it all happen? A lone driver, who refused to stop for a check, rode slowly into the church, turned his car before any questions, faced a line of worshippers filing out and slammed the throttle to send the car flying into the crowd. Bang! Bang! The earth shook. Many were swept off their feet by the explosions. Before they could make any sense of it all, there were balls of fire flying all over the place. In a few minutes, an early morning Mass had produced a mass of burnt bodies, broken heads and battered limbs.

Disaster.

A girl, who lost all members of her family, was crying her eyes out. She missed the Mass because she went to dress her hair. Her parents and three sisters attended. It was their last Mass. Nancy Maduka was lamenting her future, shattered by a suicide bomber with whom she had no business. Mrs Dike was crying like a baby. She lost her husband and five children.

It was not as if the authorities did not know that Boko Haram had warned of attacks. Jos, the beautiful city that has become a cauldron of hatred and instability, had a taste of the violence. Two churches were attacked. Why couldn’t we stop the bloodshed? There is a mass of conflicting reasons, ranging from intelligence failure and slothfulness to lack of preemptive action as well as elite con-

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

War in season of love

•Mrs Dike

spiracy. It could be any of these. Or all.

What will induce a young man to choose the path of suicide in redressing whatever wrong he may have experienced? Irascibility? Frustration at a system that he feels will never give him a chance to live the way he wants? Sheer fiendish adventurism? Financial inducement? Hypnotism? Enchantment?

We really cannot tell what will make someone’s blood boil to the extent of not just taking up arms against the state, but embarking on a suicide mission.

Security agents have been blamed for not doing enough to stop the bomber, this newspaper’s Man of the Year. I don’t think this is absolutely right. They have lost many men and materials since this madness sprouted like water hyacinth on the Lagoon. But the problem, in my view, is that our security chiefs have not been able to take care of the enemy within. The rank and file have been

RIPPLES EXPECT GAINS OF DEREGULATION MID NEXT YEAR–Jonathan

Yes...from APRIL 1st

poisoned, infiltrated by enemies of the state who know the workings of the security organisations.

Consider the attack on the office of the State Security Services (SSS) in Damaturu. SSS offices do not usually carry sign boards like pepper soup joints. Somebody must have shown the invaders the location and when to strike. The result: three officers gone —in one fell swoop.

Some have blamed it all on leadership failure, drawing their conclusion from what they see as the sluggish response of the authorities and the President’s thoughts on the grave matter. First, Dr Goodluck Jonathan said it was not peculiar to Nigeria; terrorism is a global phenomenon that even the giants have not been able to kill. Then, when Boko Haram launched an attack the other day, he said maybe it was our turn . And now, he is saying it is a burden that we must live with, until it fizzles out. At what price, sir? This, many have said, is not good enough; not presidential.

Special Adviser Dr Reuben Abati had earlier issued a statement, saying Dr Jonathan commiserated with the families who lost their loved ones and vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to face justice. Fine. This is the way it should be. The President must talk tough whenever the might of his office is tested and the state is under attack.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi, should also not speak as if he is asking us to surrender. “It is absolutely difficult to man every point in the country when there are security problems,” he was quoted as saying on Tuesday. No sir. What we are saying is that we must forge an iron cast bulwark against these problems by developing a solid intelligence network that is modern and highly responsive. Chasing Boko Haram with guns on the street means we went to sleep a long time ago. Now, we are paying the price.

What ails Boko Haram (Western education

HARDBALL

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HIS columnist did not coin the adjectives in the headline above, and so, they are not a reflection of Hardball’s judgment of the competence or otherwise of the two gentlemen. They were in fact the creations of the considerably flippant former Oyo State governor, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, as he attempted a Christmas Day put down of his successor, Governor Abiola Ajimobi. When an enterprising reporter asked the former governor what he thought of the performance of his successor, he gave this memorable answer: “I am now a statesman by virtue of my previous position (as governor), and by that, I won’t criticise the administration as you want me to do…Ajimobi’s criticism of my policies is a product of his being naïve and inexperienced…I will not criticise him in public, and I will not say anything bad about him…You don’t criticise your predecessor (referring to Alhaji Lam Adesina) in office like that.”

Alao-Akala is free not to criticise his successor, for whatever style he chooses to embrace in and out of office is his prerogative.

But we find it unusual that he attempts to elevate to the level of theory his decision to be silent on Ajimobi. “You don’t criticise your predecessor (and successor) like that,”

TUNJI BELLO

is a sin)? The sect wants Sharia, the Islamic law, in some states, justice for the extrajudicial killing of its leader Mohammed Yusuf – the very reason why it vowed to always kill people in uniform – and freedom for all its members who are detained, among other demands.

Boko Haram is right to seek justice for Yusuf’s assassination. He had a right to life, like all of us. He should have been allowed to face justice in a court of law rather than being summarily executed after he had been handed over to the police. Who ordered his execution? Why? To cover up the truth? Imposing sharia will assault the rights of others. Besides, why must there be a violent agitation for it?

Many leaders of the North, excluding Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and a few others, have kept quiet about Boko Haram. Are they, by their silence, loudly hailing the sect’s bloody exploits? Don’t those governors who apologised to the sect when it threatened them know something about it? Why did they beg?

A judge is said to have been forced to throw in the towel after he was discovered to have links with Boko Haram. Why was he allowed to go just like that? Why was he not named?

Was there no proof to haul him before the law? Does this not tell us that Boko Haram has penetrated every step of the system? Isn’t this because there are too many people who are angry at the same time? Why is there so much anger in the land? Bad governance?

Poor leadership? Poverty and its cousins – hunger and diseases?

When a young man, Ali Sauda Umar Konduga (aka Usman al-Zawahiri), was charged with terrorism after naming Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) as one of the sect’s alleged sponsors, we all thought we had made progress. The Senator denied it all. Why have others so mentioned not been asked to say all they know or deny knowing anything at all?

A man claiming to be Konduga’s father came up after he had confessed to the crime that his son was insane. Why did he do this?

Has anybody cared to check out the man’s background?

The military campaign against Boko Haram has yielded little gains. The sect has targeted military bases– recall the Kano incident in which three Air Force officers were killed when Boko Haram members invaded the Nigerian Air Force Comprehensive High School. These times call not for raw strength, the mere brawn of a Samson or a King Kong. No. These times call for wisdom, the wisdom of Solomon and its corollary of justice and transparency.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Statesman Alao-Akala vs naïve Ajimobi Alao-Akala spuriously said. We can hazard a few guesses for the former governor’s reticence, but we won’t go into psychoanalysis.

Suffice to say that there is neither a convention nor a legal rule that bars any former or serving governor from offering trenchant opinions on their predecessors and successors. Admittedly, criticisms have usually not been well put in these climes, but there is nothing noble or ignoble about dismissing a serving or former governor very harshly. In terms of the other leg of his statements, especially about the governor’s supposed naivety, we must allow Ajimobi’s aides to answer for their governor.

But Alao-Akala’s declaration that he had become a statesman simply on account of his position as a former governor is incredibly highfalutin. Does he know the meaning of the word? Does he think that because the word statesman is in a way prefixed by the word state, then he is ineluctably a statesman? Let us even forget the analysis of the word and the dubiety that attends the connection between it and the former governor’s self-proclaimed position. Let us instead limit

ourselves to his simple appropriation of statesmanship. If every former governor becomes inevitably a statesman, it means every former head of state or president is also a statesman. Then, of course, the late sybarite, Gen Sani Abacha, could claim the statesman status, and Chief Ernest Shonekan’s usurpation could also qualify him for statesmanship.

If everybody who declares himself to be something invariable becomes that thing, it seems to us that Rene Descartes, the French mathematician and philosopher, would feel insulted that his profound statement “Cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am)” had been demeaned and vulgarised by perverse usage.

Alao-Akala could not summon that Cartesian logic to burnish his banal years in power any more than the late nihilist, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, could claim to be a revolutionary fighter. Alao-Akala was not statesman then; he is not a statesman now; and judging by his uneventful and cantankerous years in office, he is unlikely to ever be a statesman.

But perhaps he would next imagine himself to be a diplomat.

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