The Nation February 01, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Court delays Henry Okah’s sentencing

Senators query N4b First Ladies’ house

NEWS Pages 4

NEWS Page 5

•Ex-MEND chief to ‘work for peace’

•Lawmakers scrutinise FCT budget

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2389 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

CUP OF NATIONS

N150.00

•Eagles ‘ll upset Cote d’ Ivoire, says Moses •NFF hikes quarter finals bonus to $15,000 •Keshi: my team will be bold, courageous •AND MORE ON PAGES 13,14 &51

•Passing-out parade for Nigeria Customs Training School in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

NNPC withdrew N1.4tr sales cash, says report

Gunmen kill seven policemen •Police stations attacked •Banks, others bombed

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

S

T

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Regulatory Corporation (NNPC) withdrew subsidy payment of N1.40 trillion from domestic crude oil sales proceeds before remittance to the Federation Account from 2009 to 2011, a report has said.

The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency InitiaContinued on page 4

•NNPC MD Andrew Yakubu

EVEN policemen have been killed in three attacks within the last 48 hours.

In Kano, two policemen died after unknown gunmen threw explosives at a police station in Bunkure Local Government

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano, Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe and Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Area of the state.

In Gombe, capital of Gombe State, gunmen opened fire on policemen who were on duty at a stop-and-search point at

6.30am in the central area of the city.

In Kaduna, the North’s political capital, three policemen were killed in Birnin Gwari, headquarters of Birnin Gwari Local GovernContinued on page 4

Lawan, Emenalo face trial for $3m ‘bribe’ today Lawmaker, official face 7-count charge From Yusuf Alli and Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T •Lawan

HE Federal Government yesterday filed a seven-count charge against the suspended Chairman of the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime, Mr. Farouk Lawan and the committee’s Secretary, Mr. Boniface Emenalo.

The trial of the suspects, under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related

THE CASE AGAINST LAWAN

rity agencies.

Lawan and Emenalo will be prose•Conspiracy to obtain $3m from Otedola to remove Zenon cuted by a private counsel, Chief AdePetroleum and Gas Company from subsidy probe report gboyega Awomolo (SAN).

The arraignment of the suspects is •Demand for $3m to show favour to Otedola by removing sequel to the granting of an order for Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company from the report same yesterday by the trial judge, Mr. •Agreed to accept $3m from Otedola Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi.

Mr. Justice Oniyangi’s order, which •Obtained $500,000 from Otedola as an inducement to remove was dated January 31, reads: “Upon Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company from the report careful consideration of the application and attached documents in support of Offences Act of the ICPC, for alleged But the Chairman of Zenon Petro- same filed by the complainant’s coun$3million bribery begins today in the leum and Gas Limited, Mr. Femi Ot- sel praying this Honourable Court for High Court of the Federal Capital edola will not face trial because he reTerritory(FCT). ported every stage of the saga to secuContinued on page 4

•FASHOLA CLEARS AIR ON OKADA P11 •GOVT CAUTIONS KWARA COMMUNITIES P8

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

2

NEWS WAR IN MALI

French forces take over Kidal airport U

•Former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), former Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko at the public presentation of a book written by Prof Akinyemi at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle), his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right), Special Adviser to the governor on Works & Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson (second right) and others during the inspection of projects on the Badagry axis ... yesterday

•Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, receiving a book on Nigerian tourim from the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Spain.

With them is Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Dokun Fagbohun ... yesterday.

•Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mrs Yewande Sadiku, Director, West Africa Actis, Mr Micheal Ejekam, Lead Speaker and Head, Real Estate Finance (West Africa) Stanbic IBTC Capital at the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Roundtable organised by Stanbic IBTC in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

NLIKE Timbuktu and Gao, which were liberated by combined French and Malian forces, France has kept the Malian army at bay in Kidal, fearing the presence of government troops could stoke tensions in the predominantly Tuareg town.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), which claims to have the town under its control, is demanding a form of autonomy for the region in return for help in fighting terrorism.

French Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian told Radio France International (RFI) yesterday that French forces were waiting for “other African forces” to secure the town.

France launched Operation Serval January 11 to help government forces halt the rebels’ advance towards the capital, Bamako.

In three weeks, the rebel offensive has been halted and most of their urban strongholds recaptured.

With the rebels dislodged from Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal, the battle is shifting to the Islamists’ hideouts in the desert and mountain.

The insurgents are believed to be holding seven French national hostages in their hideouts.

France would “contribute to,’’ but will not lead that battle, Le Drian said.

He told RFI that “within maximum period of a month, the Malian forces will be visible present everywhere.’’

West African nations under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are sending thousands of troops to join the operation.

Ethnic tensions have been running high in the troubled West African nation with human rights groups reported attacks by Malian soldiers and militia on Tuaregs and Arabs, believed to have shielded the Islamists.

France has called for the deployment of United Nations (UN) observers to the Northern towns to help keep the peace.

The intervention is to have a military operation to wrest Northern Mali from rebel hands.

France has deployed at least 4,500 troops in a three-week ground and air offensive to break the Islamist rebels’ 10-month grip on major towns.

The mission is aimed at preventing the risk of Mali being used as a springboard for jihadist attacks.

The French military plans to gradually hand over to a larger African force, saddled with the task of smoking out insurgents in their mountain redoubts near Algeria’s border.

Le Drian said French forces, using planes and helicopters, defied a sandstorm late on Tuesday to capture the airport, noting that the troops were prevented by the bad weather from entering the town itself.

“The terrorist forces are pulling back to the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains which are difficult to access,’’ Le Drian told reporters yesterday.

“There is support from Chadian and Nigerien troops coming from the South.’’

The deployment of French troops to remote Kidal puts them in direct contact with pro-autonomy Tuareg MNLA rebels, whose rebellion was hijacked last year by the Islamist radicals.

Le Drian said France had established good relations with local Tuareg leaders before deploying its troops.

MNLA leaders say they are ready to fight al-Qaeda but many Malians, including military chiefs in Bamako, blame them for the division of the country.

The MNLA rebels, who want greater autonomy for the desert North, said they had moved fighters into Kidal after Islamists left the town earlier in the week.

“For the moment, there is a coordination with the French troops,’’ said Moussa Ag Assarid, the MNLA spokesman in Paris.

A spokesman for the Malian army said its soldiers were securing Gao and Timbuktu and were not heading to Kidal.

As the French troops wind up the first phase of their offensive, doubts remain about how quickly the UN backed African intervention force can be fully deployed overrun the retreating al-Qaeda-allied insurgents.

Known as AFISMA, the force is now expected to exceed 8,000 troops.

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said France’s military operation, codenamed Serval (Wildcat), was planned as a lightning mission lasting a few weeks.

“Liberating Gao and Timbuktu very quickly was part of the plan. Now it’s up to the African countries to take over,’’ he told the Le Parisien daily.

He said: “We decided to put in the means and the necessary number of soldiers to strike hard. But the French contingent will not stay like this. We will leave very quickly.”

One French soldier was killed in the mission, even as Fabius warned that things could now get more difficult, as the offensive seeks to flush out insurgents with experience of fighting in the desert from their wilderness hideouts.

“We have to be careful. We are entering a complicated phase where the risks of attacks or kidnappings are extremely high. French interests are threatened throughout the entire Sahel.”

‘

We decided to put in the means and the necessary number of soldiers to strike hard. But the French contingent will not stay like this. We will leave very quickly.

’

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

3

NEWS WAR IN MALI

Election likely in July

I

•Malian Special Forces maintaining security in Gao...on Wednesday

PHOTO: AFP

NTERIM President Dioncounda Traore said his government has a plan to hold national elections on July 31.

Paris is pushing strongly for Traore’s government to hold talks with the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), which has dropped its claims for independence.

“The Malian authorities must begin without delay talks with the legitimate representatives of the Northern population and non-terrorist armed groups that recognise Mali’s integrity,’’ French Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot said.

After months of being kept on the political sidelines, members of the MNLA said they were in contact with West African mediators who are trying to forge a national settlement to reunite Mali.

“We reiterate that we are ready to talk with Bamako and to find a political solution. We want self-determination, but all that will be up to negotiations which will determine at what level both parties can go,’’ Moussa Ag Assarid, the MNLA spokesman said.

Tourism Minister Yehia Ag Mohmed Ali spoke anxiously of the polls.

He said: “We can’t wait until the war is over before we start preparing for the next elections. We’ve already started.”

Ali, who was appointed minister in the interim cabinet of Prime Minister Diango Cissoko believes

there is no time to waste.

“Progress must be made at the political level, parallel to the military intervention,” he insisted.

Political life in Bamako has virtually been a standstill for almost a year since the March 2012 coup, which made progress impossible.

An interim government had to be installed to pave the way for the organisation and conduct of free and credible elections.

But Ali is advocating the relaunch of a political process as soon as possible.

Officials failed to make much headway with the election plans mostly because the interim government was largely preoccupied with itself.

Early December, Cissoko’s predecessor, Cheick Modibo Diarra was literally removed from office in military putch staged by coup leader Amadou Haya Sanogo.

The coup was seen as an indication of the weakness of the interim government.

But since the beginning of France’s military intervention on January 11, there have been signs of progress in Bamako.

“We are in the process of introducing biometric voter cards,” said Ali. They are all supposed to be printed

by April, but there are a number of unresolved problems. “The electoral register is incomplete, refugees need to be registered,” said Annette Lohmann, head of the Bamako office of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, a German think tank.

President Traore welcomes dialogue •Says no deal with Islamists •A burnt vehicle used by Islamist rebels on the entrance of Timbuktu...yesterday

PHOTO: REUTERS

Militants in disarray after French air strikes A NSAR Dine fighters are believed to have left Kidal for desert and mountain hideouts Three weeks of French targeted air strikes in Northern Mali have left the Islamist militants “in disarray”, France’s defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Le Drian said the jihadists had now scattered, marking a “turning-point” in France’s intervention.

His comments come as the French troops continue to secure Kidal. The town is the last stronghold of the fleeing militants.

France is preparing to hand over towns it has captured to an African force, which has begun to deploy to Mali.

So far, about 2,000 African soldiers, mainly from Chad and Niger, are believed to be on the ground.

It will be the job of the African Union-backed force, the International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), to root out the al-Qaeda-linked insurgents that have fled further North.

At least two Malian soldiers have been killed when their vehicle hit a

landmine Southwest of Gao, officials said.

Le Drian said that some Malian militants who had been on a “military adventure have returned home.”

Others had made a “tactical withdrawal to the Adrar des Ifoghas”, the mountainous region East of Kidal, covering 250,000 square kilometer (about 96,525 squre miles), he said.

Although France has reached a a turning-point, the minister said it did not mean that “the military risks and the fighting has ended.” He pledged the support of his home country for the idea of sending a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force to Mali.

Bristish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reporter Christian Fraser in Paris said the UN Security Council had previously been uncomfortable with the deployment of a force under a UN mandate, but the support is growing.

Envoys believe it would be easier to monitor and prevent human rights abuses if the UN could pick and choose which national contingents to use, Fraser said.

French army spokesman in Bamako Lieutenant-Colonel Emmanuel Dosseur, told the BBC French Service that France’s special forces were in Kidal, but the majority of troops were still at the airport.

A heavy sandstorm that hampered operations on Wednesday was starting to clear and troops may soon be deployed, he said.

Haminy Maiga, who heads the regional assembly in Kidal, said he had witnessed no fighting as French forces entered and two helicopters were patrolling overhead.

Jean-Yves Le Drian adjudged the French intervention as successful.

The secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) said its fighters would support the French but would not allow the return of the Malian army, which it accused of “crimes against the civilian population”.

I

NTERIM President Dioncounda Traore has ruled out negotiations with any of the Islamist groups that are being chased from the North of the country with the help of French forces.

In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Traore said he “initially thought we could negotiate with groups that were essentially composed of Malians.”

“But almost all these groups have disqualified themselves, except maybe the MNLA,” he said, referring to the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, a secular Tuareg nationalist movement that initially joined forces with the fundamentalists and later fell out with them.

The “disqualified”groups included Ansar Dine, a Malian Islamist group led by a former Tuareg independence fighter, Iyad ag Ghali, who allied himself with two al-Qaeda-linked groups.

The three groups that took control of Northern Mali last year are now on the run from French and Malian forces.

President Traore gave a condition for the open dialogue with the autonomy-seeking Tuareg MNLA. He said they must dropped any claim for independence.

“Today, the only group that we could think of negotiating with is certainly the MNLA. But, of course, on condition that the MNLA drops any pretence to a territorial claim,” Traore told French Radio International (RFI).

“For Ansar Dine, I think the only solution for them is to formally announce that they are rejecting the application of the Sharia Law,’’ Traore said.

Asked about the whereabout of Ansar Dine’s leader, Traore said he heard the rebel leader had retreated into the Tirarar mountains, near the Algerian border.

A rebellion started in the North last year by the Tuaregs was hijacked

by Islamist radicals, who seized two-thirds of the Sahel nation, following a military coup in the capital, Bamako.

A three-week ground and air offensive by French and Malian forces has broken the 10-month grip of the Islamist alliance — grouping Ansar Dine, MUJWA and al Qaeda’s in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) — over the cities in the North of Mali.

The MNLA said this week that they had taken control of Kidal, the last of the Islamist strongholds after the militants abandoned the town.

UN Security Council considers peacekeeping force

T

HE United Nations (UN) Security Council is to begin talks on the possibility of raising a peacekeeping force for Mali, an idea it had been uncomfortable with before France’s recent military intervention, envoys said on Wednesday.

Last month, the 15-nation Council approved an African-led force for Mali that likely would have been funded with voluntary contributions from UN member states and trained by the European Union (EU).

That force would not have begun operations until late this year against Islamist militants, who seized a vast region of Northern Mali since last year.

However, France’s military intervention, which began on January 11 rendered that plan moot, diplomats said.

“There is increasing talk of moving straight to

a UN peacekeeping operation,” a senior Western diplomat said on the condition of anonymity.

Another diplomat and a UN official confirmed the development. The official said the discussions would begin within days.

United States (U.S.) Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, had hinted of that possibility last week at a Security Council meeting.

Other Council members are now warming to the idea, the diplomats and UN officials said.

Deployment of a UN peacekeeping force would require the approval of the Security Council.

Another option would be to send an African Union (AU) force mandated by the council with logistical and other support from the UN, similar to the AU’s Somalia mission.

Washington favours a UN mission rather

than an AU force, diplomats said.

Details would have to be worked out but one idea that floated was for a UN peacekeeping force of some 3,000 to 5,000 troops, the diplomats said.

They, however, noted that since the threeweek-old conflict has not ended, it will be too early to deploy peacekeepers.

“There’s no peace to keep yet. We’re still in the peace-enforcement phase,” said another diplomat.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had been uncomfortable with direct UN involvement in the proposed African-led operation, diplomats said. The UN top official felt such intervention would have been an offensive combat mission and not peacekeeping.

But now that the French-backed Malian army has reclaimed most of the cities, the

possibility of deploying UN peacekeepers has become less remote, the envoys said.

They said a UN peacekeeping force would offer certain advantages over the African-led force approved by the Council last month.

“Funding would be clear, it would be easier to monitor human rights compliance and the UN could choose which national contingents to use in the force,” they said.

Many of the African troops that are already in Mali supporting the French and Malian forces, could theoretically remain and become part of a UN peacekeeping force, one diplomat said.

It is an idea France would likely support.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Tuesday that Paris would favour a quick deployment of international monitors to Mali to ensure human rights are not abused.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

NEWS Court delays Okah’s sentencing

C

•From left: Garrison Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Col. Nasiru Muktar; Commander, Joint Task Force, Maj.Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chief of Staff in the Garrison, Col. Glod Chibuisi, during the commissioning of a Garrison standby hall and officers mess in Port Harcourt…yesterday

NNPC withdrew N1.4tr subsidy cash, says report Continued from page 1

tive (NEITI) Independent Oil and Gas Industry Audit Report Covering 2009 to 2011, which made this disclosure yesterday, also noted that subsidy payments claimed by NNPC increased by 110 per cent, as the payments rose from N198 billion in 2009 to N416 billion in 2010.

According to NEITI chairman, Mr. Ledum Mitee, who presented the report in Abuja, in 2011, subsidy payments rose to N786billion. The increase between 2009 and 2011 was 186 per cent.

Said Mitee: “The financial report clearly underlines that contrary to the practice where subsidies payments are claimed from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) through PPPRA by all qualifying oil marketing companies, that the NNPC draws subsidy payments directly from domestic crude sales proceeds before remittances to the Federation Account. As a result, a sum of N1.40 trillion was claimed during the period by NNPC as oil subsidy payments.”

The report noted that financial flows from Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) include dividends and repayment of loans of which $4.84billion was received by the corporation.

The report confirmed that

these amounts have not been remitted neither to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/NNPC JP Morgan Account nor the Federation Account.

NEITI, in the report, observed that there has been a recurring $3.996billion that was also reported as received but not remitted by NNPC in the previous audit.

Mitee said the audit revealed that “NNPC owes N1.305trillion to the Federation Account as at December, 2011”. “This is a trade debt.

This is because the sum of N928billion falls within the 90 days permissible period, leaving a balance of N377billion, which the NNPC is currently paying installmentally to the Federation Account.”

According to the audit report, the derived average conversion rate by NNPC differs from the annual average CBN rate and, therefore, results to apparent losses of the N98.3billion during the three years under review.

Continuing, the chairman said: “One of the salutary highlights of this report is that it has a section that reports on the status of the remedial efforts on the findings and recommendations from previous audits. Thus, for example , out of the reported PPT under-assessments amounting to $2,645,725,704 arising from the

use of subjective pricing by companies, a total sum of $442m has been paid by some companies whilst others have threatened legal actions. On the recommendation of previous audit that NNPC should accelerate the implementation of SAP, it reported that SAP is being implemented by NNPC and covers the sale of government crude.”

Mitee explained that the report highlighted the unresolved differences between what the government received and what companies claimed that they paid was $68.4million. The sum of $311.85million representing flows to the Federation account were claimed to have been paid by the covered entities to the relevant accounts, but such payments were not confirmed to CBN bank statements.

The differences, according to the report, emanated from the flows by the CBN but yet to be confirmed by the paying entities as well as differences, which arose from payments made by the covered entities but which are yet to be traced to CBN bank statement.

NEITI said that the audit discovered that in some cases, the covered entities were issued Treasury Receipts by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation on payments, which NEITI’s auditors could

not trace to CBN records during reconciliation.

According to the report, the $69.44million and N2.525billion contributions made to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which were reported by the Commission, could not be confirmed to covered entities’ records.

Similarly, NEITI noted that contributions made to NDDC amounting to $3.75 million and N1.20billion, which was reported by the covered entities, could not be confirmed to the commission’s records.

But the report said that the total financial flows to the Federation from the oil and gas sector in the years under review was $143.5billion.

On the breakdown of the earnings, NEITI noted that “ sales of crude oil and gas within the period amounted to $81.9billion”, adding that the total sum of revenues accrued to government from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Royalty, Signature Bonus, Gas Flaring Penalties and Concessinal Rentals amounted to $45.7b.

It also stated that revenue from Companies Income Tax, Value Added and Withholding Tax and PAYE was $1.5billion while the total revenue from other entities arising from contributions to NDDC and Education Tax was $3.2billion.

ONVICTED terrorist Henry Okah will work with the government to bring peace to the Niger Delta, a High Court in Johannesburg was told yesterday.

“Mr Okah will work with the Nigerian government in the peace processes,” said his attorney Lucky Maunatlala, who argued for a postponement of his sentencing.

“We can’t take the threats that were made lightly. He (Okah) feels that he will be able to assist the government and calm the situation down.”

Maunatlala was arguing for the sentencing to be postponed to give enough time for witnesses to come from Nigeria and the United States to testify to mitigate the sentence.

He was referring to threats allegedly made by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on January 23 that the South African judiciary should “stay away from events that happened in Nigeria or else some South Africans will pay dearly for it”.

However, Judge Neels Claassen told Maunatlala that Okah should prove his influence and tell whoever made the threats to retract them.

“If he has the influence for them to withdraw those threats, then I can believe he has the power to help in assistance to resolve disputes,” he said.

Okah’s wife, Azuka, sat in court dressed in white. She wore sunglasses. She shook her head and put her head in her hands a few times during proceedings.

State prosecutor Shaun Abrahams opposed Okah’s application for a postponement, saying he was “playing for time” and that a day had been wasted.

He argued that Okah, who

claimed he was never given a chance to provide his side of the story, should take the stand and testify.

Claassen postponed the matter till 10am today. He said Okah’s attorney had to take the stand to explain what communication there had been with potential witnesses to guarantee they would come to South Africa.

“I want to hear what steps were taken to get hold of witnesses and in what way they will argue in mitigation,” Claassen said.

He would only be able to rule on the application after gaining clarity from Okah’s attorney.

On January 21, Claassen found Okah guilty of engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device.

He said the State had proved Okah’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Claassen said Okah’s failure to testify meant the evidence against him remained uncontested.

Twelve people were killed and 36 injured in two car bombs in Abuja, on October 1, 2010, the anniversary of the country’s independence. Okah was arrested in Johannesburg the next day.

He was also found guilty on terrorism charges relating to two explosions in March 2010 in Warri, Delta State.

Claassen found no evidence that Okah did not head MEND, which claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Okah denied any involvement in the blasts and said the charges against him were politically-motivated.

After the postponement, Okah, dressed in a blue, red and white striped shirt, and jeans, turned to wave at his wife, before about 20 heavily-armed police officers escorted him back down to the holding cells.

Lawan, Emenalo face charge today Continued from page 1

the following order: Application for leave to prefer a criminal charge under Section 185(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code against the Accused.

“Leave is hereby granted to the Complainant/ Applicant to prefer a a criminal charge under Section 185(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code against Hon. Farouk M. Lawan and Mr. Emenalo Boniface in the High Court.

“The case is fixed for the 1st day of February, 2013 for arraignment.”

In the charge sheet, dated

January 29, 2013 and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mrs. O.O. Fatunde, the government said the suspects have to defend even allegations bordering on conspiracy to corruptly obtain $3million.

The charges are as follows: “ That you, Hon. Farouk Lawan and Mr. Emenalo Boniface sometime in April 2012 or thereabouts at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory did, while acting in the course of your official duties as Chairman and Secretary (respectively) of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Continued on page 59

Gunmen kill seven policemen in Kaduna, Gombe, Kano Continued from page 1

ment when an army of robbers overpowered the policemen on duty at a police station.

They raided two banks in the town.

The Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG) for Zone 1, Kano, Mr. David Olufemi Omojola, told reporters that investigation had begun into the Kano attack.

The Nation gathered that the incident took place at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Omojola told reporters that a wing of the police station was razed when unknown gunmen suspected to be terrorists threw explosives at the station.

A police source said a sergeant and a corporal were killed.

“One of the wings of the station was razed down when explosives were thrown at it,” Omojola said he could not confirm whether the perpetrators

were members of the Boko Haram sect.

Gombe Police spokesman Fwaje Atajiri said they always fortified security in the area with two patrol vehicles and a Rapid Response Squad.

He said the hoodlums struck after the reinforcements had left the Gombe Central roundabout at about 06:30 hours.

Atajiri vowed that the culprits would be brought to book, adding that the police have got some leads.

He urged the public to remain calm as the security of their lives and property is guaranteed.

Yesterday’s incident in Gombe takes the death toll to five and in four attacks on policemen at duty posts since December 31, last year.

The robbers in Kaduna vandalise the two banks they robbed and set the police station on fire.

Sources said the robbers made straight for the police station where they engaged policemen on duty in a gun duel for hours.

According to a source, the attack started at about midnight.

It lasted for about two hours, leaving the police station in ruins.

A source said: “Yes, there was an attack on a police station and two banks here in Birnin-Gwari today.

“Thereafter, they went to two banks - an old generation bank and a new one - where we heard a deafening sound of bombs. They vandalised the banks and broke their ATM machines.”

The source said the robbers might also have planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in some buildings which exploded simultaneously, but this could not be confirmed.

A police spokesman, who confirmed that three policemen were killed by the robbers, however, said no arrest had been made. He said an investigation had been launched.

The robbery came barely 24 hours after the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril, reportedly raised the alarm that armed robbers had taken over his domain.

The Emir reportedly told Governor Mukhtar Yero that the robbers raped their victims’ wives and that over 7,000 cattle had been stolen by the bandits.

The Emir said: “Since November last year when we had the Dogondawa incident, the government promised to do something. The late Governor Patrick Yakowa and the General Officer Commanding (GOC), One Division, were there, but till now, my people are still waiting for the action

of the state government. The situation has worsened. They are doing what they like and they are heavily armed.

“Except in Birnin Gwari town, in other villages in my domain, I am not in charge and you are not in charge too.”

Police Commissioner Olufemi Adenike, who visited the robbery scene in company with Yero, said: “About 100 armed robbers attacked the station and the two banks with sophisticated weapons.”

He assured that the command would do its best to address insecurity in the area.

Yero said the state would partner with the five neighbouring states of Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina to ensure protection of lives and property.

Two commercial banks were attacked with rocket launchers and undisclosed amount of money carted away.

•Yero

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

5

NEWS

Senators query N4b First Ladies’ Mission House

S

ENATORS yesterday queried the N4billion earmarked for the building of the First Ladies’ Mission House in Abuja.

The lawmakers were also uncomfortable with the N150million proposed for the renovation of the Vice President’s Guest House in Asokoro, Abuja.

The query followed the consideration of the 2013 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Statutory Appropriation Bill.

The Bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the FCT Administration Account the total sum of N253,199,752,409.

Out of the amount, N4billion is proposed for the construction of the First Ladies Mission Building and N150million is set aside for the renovation of the Vice President’s Guest House in Asokoro.

The sum of N2.4billion is proposed to maintain security in the capital city and N7 billion is proposed for the building of two city gates at the entrance of Abuja.

Five billion naira is set aside to address some of the social menace in the FCT, including the rehabilitation of prostitutes and the destitute.

Lawmakers to probe dumping of bodies in Ezu River

T

HE Senate yesterday asked its joint Committee on Police Affairs, Security and Intelligence to conduct indepth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dumping of bodies in Ezu River in Anambra State.

This followed the adoption of a motion, entitled: ‘Strange dead bodies found in Ezu River of Anambra State’, sponsored by Senator Andy Uba, (Anambra South) Senators expressed indignation over the incident and said the identities of the victims must be established.

Uba noted that in the early hours of January 19, some villagers of Amansea community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State witnessed one of the most horrifying sights in the history of the community when they found 30 bodies, mostly males, floating on the Ezu River.

He said he was worried that between January 23 and 24, four more bodies were discovered floating on the river.

Uba noted that he is concerned that “even as we speak, no explanation has been proffered as to the possible origin of the bodies.”

He said he is worried that the autopsy orFrom Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The Social Development Secretariat, scheduled to handle the rehabilitation of prostitutes and the destitute, is also

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

dered by the Anambra and Enugu state governments has yielded no report.

He said he is also worried that the Ezu River, being the only source of water for domestic and other uses for the people of the five communities of Anambra State, namely- Amansea, Ebenebe, Ugbenu, Ugbene and Oba-Ofemili as well as other communities in Enugu State, has been polluted and has caused a lot of discomfort and hardship to the people of Anambra and other affected communities.

Uba said he is further concerned that the river in its polluted state may trigger an epidemic in the adjoining communities to the river in the two states.

Senate President David Mark noted that the incident deserved the attention of the Senate.

He said: “It is curious, it is disturbing that up till now not one community in this country has come to report that it can’t find one person.

“I am worried that 30 human bodies were found on a river. No community has reported a case of missing person.

saddled with the responsibility of promoting social activities such as sports, arts and culture, tourism and empowerment programmes.

Senator Ayogu Eze said FCT budget has been growing an-

nually without commensurate improvement in infrastructure.

He said: “We have been voting all the money every year, it should be purposefully executed for the benefit of Ni-

gerians.

“Satellite cities in the FCT should be made functional with light, good roads and water because the people who live there are also Nigerians.”

Senator Babafemi Ojudu noted that the N4billion proposed for the building of the First Ladies Mission House is wasteful.

The lawmaker, who said the office of the First Lady is not known to law in the country, wondered how the Senate could vote money to an office not known in law.

Ojudu also faulted the N7billion earmarked for the building of two cities gates in Abuja.

He prayed the Senate not to pass any figure in the budget that could embarrass the upper chamber.

But Senate President David Mark noted that the main problem of the budget is getting the priorities right.

He said there things in the budget that should ordinarily be in the forefront.

Mark asked the FCT authority to address the issue of quick project completion.

The controversy generated by the N14 billion budgeted for the building of the Vice President’s House is yet to die down.

Ibrahim loses bid to prevent hearing of suit

By Eric Ikhilae

A

BUSINESSMAN, Jimoh Ibrahim, yesterday lost in a bid to prevent the hearing of a suit by some shareholders of Newswatch.

Mr Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos dismissed a preliminary objection brought by Ibrahim and his companies - Global Mirror Media Limited (GMML) and Newswatch Newspaper Limited (NNL).

Mr Justice Buba held in a ruling that the application failed because it was without merit and should be dismissed.

The judge described as “a huge joke”, Ibrahim and his companies’ claim that by virtue of the provision the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) entered in May 2011, it was the state High Court that could hear cases relating to the agreement.

He upheld the argument by the plaintiffs -Nuhu Aruwa and Professor Jibril Aminu that the agreement relates to share transactions on which the Federal High Court possesses exclusive jurisdiction.

The SPA of May 2011 between Newswatch Communications Limited and Global Mirror Media Limited formed the basis on which Ibrahim purportedly assumed majority shareholding and became the Chairman of Newswatch.

Justice Buba also held that the suit was not an abuse of court’s process contrary to Ibrahim’s argument that the suit was similar to the one he filed against some pioneer directors of Newswatch.

On Ibrahim and others’ argument that the plaintiffs, being minority shareholders, were incompetent to sue, the court held that they were within the law, having brought the case under Section 311 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

Amaechi: elite are the problem of Nigeria From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

NIGERIAN Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman Rotimi Amaechi has said Nigeria’s problems are not caused by the poor who live on less than $2 per day, but the elite who constitute 50 to 51 per cent of the population.

He said trade unions contributed to national development because they provided stability in the society, adding that no nation could progress without stability.

Amaechi, who is the Rivers State Governor, spoke yesterday at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, when he opened the Fourth Triennial State Delegates’ Conference (SDC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Rivers State council.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ibim Semenitari, frowned at the attitude of the tiny 20 per cent in top management and administrative cadre responsible for policy implementation, but who have failed to deliver.

The NGF Chairman said: “The problem begins and resides with us in this room. The tiny cabal, who are responsible for advising policy makers, defining policy, contracting, monitoring, evaluating and supervising.

Review criminal, penal codes, says Fayemi

•From right: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Chairman and Chief Executive, General Electric International Operations Nigeria, Mr. Jeff Immelt; Vice-Chairman, Mr. Keith Sherrin; and President and Chief Executive Africa, Mr. Jay Ireland, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman to the Vice-President in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Nigeria is under pressure, says Babangida

F

ORMER Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), has reiterated the need for dialogue, saying the country is under pressure.

Babangida, who spoke yesterday at the launch of two books in honour of a former minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, said it was time to regard the country’s rescue effort as a joint enterprise to secure maximum benefits for all.

He said: “Maybe in the past, there had not been sufficient recognition of the fact that each national group has legitimate fears and grievances…That after nearly 100 years of existence, people and national groups still have grievances provide us with an opportunity to address these grievances.

“That these grievances are of sufficient magnitude for them to demand dissolution of the nation shows the extent of the grievances and therefore it

By Precious Igbonwelundu

should point to the magnitude of the seriousness with which we should address them.

“From the creeks in the Niger Delta to the sahelian areas of the North, Nigeria is under pressure. Now is the time for us to regard the rescue effort as a joint enterprise to secure maximum benefits for all and not an enterprise to secure temporary advantage for one group over another.”

Babangida, who said Nigerians have cause to rejoice as the country will celebrate its centenary in less than a year, noted that despite the numerous challenges, the country still stands united.

The former president said the principle of federal character be revisited and made to work at par with merit.

He said: “In a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation, the principle of federal character is a sensible one and there is no alternative to it. Each national group must

be given a feeling of belonging. What needs to be refined is the question of standards.

Federal character can go hand in hand with merit.

“There should be no question of employing unqualified people in the name of federal character, just as there should be no question of abandoning the principle of federal character in a federation.”

Babangida said: “As Nigerians, we are aware of the great doubts that have been cast about what 2014 portends for the continuing existence of our nation. I am aware that Nigerians have taken great umbrage at these predictions.

“I regard it as a challenge to our intelligence to ensure that these prophecies do not become self-fulfilling. We should engage these predictions on an intellectual level, testing whether the facts justify the conclusions.

“On a practical level, we must import honesty into our public policy assessments. We

must identify the problems that need to be addressed: address these problems honestly; and identify the most current and appropriate mechanism for addressing these issues.

“My position is dictated by my conviction that Nigeria is precious enough to be saved.

It deserves an investment of our time and resources to make Project Nigeria a success. But the starting point has to be an admission that we need to fix things.

EKITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged the Judiciary to review the criminal and penal codes.

He said it is better for the people to advocate wholesale review of the nation’s “criminal and penal codes than condemn the judge.”

Fayemi spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the capital, at the inauguration of the Justice Funmilola Adekeye Best Graduating Law Student Award for the Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Law students.

The award was instituted in honour of Justice Adekeye, who recently retired as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

According to the governor, the blame of lighter judgment should be traced to a faulty penal code, which offered a clause exploited by the judge for the accused to escape punishment, despite having committed an offence deserving punishment.

6

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

NEWS Jonathan orders NACA, governors to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

W

ORRIED by Nigeria’s rating as the second highest HIV/AIDS endemic nation in Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday ordered the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) and other stakeholders to put their acts together towards reducing the prevalence rate.

He gave this directive in a meeting with the governors of the worse-hit HIV/AIDS states, leadership of the NACA, donor agencies and other stakeholders at the State House.

Speaking with State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam said that President Jonathan was worried about the social, economic and security implications of the disease in Nigeria, and he sought for a way forward.

He said: “It is not a hidden fact that Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Plateau and some other states are the worst hit in the country and it is the level of seriousness that the President attached to the issue that necessitated this meeting.”

“So, NACA has been directed to come out with a workplan for 2013 as part of measures to bring the rate down. States have also been encouraged to go back and do more to reduce the rate in their domains.”

He said the Federal Government has promised to intervene in the area of funding, while state governments will also contribute some percentage to fund issues of HIV in their states.

Court to deliver verdict in Rev King’s appeal today

By Joseph Jibueze

D

ID the leader of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Rev. King) pour petrol on a worshipper, Ann Uzor and set her on fire?

This is the question the Court of Appeal, Lagos, will answer today.

It will deliver judgment in the appeal filed by the convicted cleric, who was sentenced to death by hanging.

He is urging the court to quash the sentence passed on him by a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

Ezeugo’s lawyer, Mr Olalekan Ojo, told The Nation yesterday that he had been served with a notice of the judgment by the court’s officials.

He said: “It has been confirmed. The case of Rev. King is for judgment tomorrow (today).

“I have been served with the hearing notice.”

At the hearing last November 5, Ezeugo urged the court to allow his appeal.

He said the trial judge, Justice Joseph Oyewole, erred in several respects and miscarried justice.

T

Two judges may face trial for alleged corruption

WO High Court judges are to face trial for alleged corruption, a source said yesterday.

Investigations into the misconduct of the judges have been completed.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) may look into the demonstration against the sentencing of a N23billion pension fraudster, John Yusufu, to six years imprisonment with N750, 000 option of fine.

According to sources, the judges for trial are from the Federal High Court and the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A source, who spoke in confidence, said besides living above their means, the two judges have been found to be compromising the course of justice.

The source refused to disclose the identities of the judicial officers.

The source said: “The government will soon clean up the Judiciary and rid it of bad eggs.

Already, there is an ongoing

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

probe of the activities of some judges, which has revealed some startling dirts.

“Out of about five judges under investigation, we have sufficient evidence of corruption against two judges, including one at the Federal High Court.

The other is serving with the FCT High Court.

“To act as a deterrent to others, disciplinary action will soon be taken against these two judges.

“The last time we had a cleansing of the Judiciary was in 1994 when the administration of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, raised the Justice Kayode Eso Judicial Reform Panel.”

Asked when the two judges would be arraigned, the source said: “The report of the findings against the judicial officers will be sent to the relevant Judicial

Service Commissions and the National Judicial Council.”

Section 13(b), Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution reads: “The Federal Judicial Service Commission shall have power to recommend to the National Judicial Council(NJC), the removal from office of the judicial officers specified in subparagraph(a) of this paragraph(CJN, Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Court of Appeal, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, a judge of the Federal High Court, and others.

“Recommend to the National Judicial Council (NJC), the removal from office of the judicial officers specified in subparagraph of this paragraph.”

“Section 21 (b), Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, says: “The National Judicial Council(NJC) shall

have power to recommend to the President the removal from office of the judicial officers specified in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph, and to exercise disciplinary control over such officers.”

On the public outcry against the Monday judgment in which a former pension director, John Yusufu, was given a N750,000 option of fine for stealing billions of Naira, the source added: “The National Judicial Council(NJC) will look into issues raised in the petition against Talba, which was submitted on Wednesday.

“The NJC will look at what the law says, the circumstances or negotiation (if any) leading to the judgment between the parties, and why the judge gave an option of fine.

“The fact is that there had been some issues against Talba, including allegation of having 11 children, which might make him to live above his means. It is left to the NJC to ask the antigraft agencies to probe this aspect of alleged corruption.

20 suspected Internet fraudsters held

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has arrested 20 suspected Internet fraudsters.

The commission, which announced in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were arrested in Benin.

The statement reads: “The arrest, carried out in a joint operation with officers of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army,

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Benin, followed intelligence report on their activities.

“They were nabbed during a surprise raid on their cyber office in an old building located on Siluko Road, Benin City.

“At the point of arrest, the fraudsters had in their possession 45 laptops of different brands, 28 mobile telephone sets, eight Internet mobile mo-

dems and one Nissan car with registration number USL 375 AG. “The suspected fraudsters, who are mostly in their 20s, include: Idehen Obabueki, Adesa Lucky, Usuagu Uche, Eloghosa Olikiabor, Larry Edomwonyi, Amowie Maike, Francis Ezegbede, Itua Samuel and Endurance John Egbeifo. Others are: Amego Ovenseri, Iyen Ighodaro, Philip Agbodori, Lucky Robinson, Nnadi Obinna, Osabuohien Osahon,

Chinenu Eze, Peter Sunday, Solomon Ogu, Niyi Femi and Osagie Aghedo.

“The suspects have made useful statements. Most of them confessed to be engaged in online dating of foreigners, particularly widows.

“They also confessed to using different pseudo names and faces to deceive their prospective victims.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Senator Tinubu presents N108m to LASU

S

ENATOR Oluremi Tinubu, (ACN Lagos Central), yesterday presented a cheque of N108 million to the Lagos State University (LASU) as grant from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

Mr Jerry Olatunbosun, Media Officer of the institution, disclosed this in a statement made available in Lagos.

Olatunbosun said the money was meant for the development of the institution.

Senator Tinubu is a member, Senate Committee on Education.

The statement said Senator Tinubu decided to give the grant, despite the fact that the university was located outside her constituency, as a sign of

P

love.

Quoting Senator Tinubu, it said: ``The bond between us-the senators representing the state at the National Assembly- is a strong one that cannot be thwarted by allocations. ``We agreed on the grant; it could be the turn of another senatorial district to make concession for my district or another tomorrow.`` The statement added that Senator Tinubu hailed her colleagues, who she said supported her to ensure that the special intervention grant was given to LASU. Olatunbosun said that Sen. Ganiyu Olarewaju, (ACN Lagos West) accompanied Senator Tinubu to present the cheque.

•Senator Tinubu

He said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa, assured that the fund would be spent judiciously.

The statement identified specific projects the university plans to undertake to include the Language Laboratory and TOS Benson Hall.

Temper rises as House fails to present Constitution report

EOPLE got angry yesterday as the House From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja of Representatives postponed its presentation of the collated results of the People’s rian Students (NANS), National Council for Public Sessions on the review of the 1999 consti- Women Societies (NCWS), National Union of tution. The sessions were conducted across 360 Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nafederal constituencies. tional Youth Council, Nigeria Union of TeachSpeaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal announced ers (NUT) and others. the postponement of the presentation, sparkling But The Nation learnt that the real reason for speculations that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum the last minute cancellation of the event was the (NGF) was behind the “conspiracy” of the cancel- attempt to doctor the document by a high ranklation because it does not want financial au- ing principal officer. tonomy for local governments and independence The cancellation, it was gathered, was part of of the Houses of Assembly. the efforts of the House leadership to make the The hall was jam-packed due to the media blitz results “tamper-proof”. that preceded the event. For over two hours, guests “The Speaker was incensed by the act and conand representatives of labour, trade unions, stu- fronted the principal officer, expressing his disdents, women, professional groups and other appointment over the attempt. The Speaker said stakeholders, who have been invited to the only the original form of the document, reflectprogramme, waited in anticipation. ing the wishes of Nigerians, will be given to the The Emeka Ihedioha-led Constitution Amend- public. He thereafter stormed out of the Princiment Committee had invited the Nigeria Labour pal Officer’s office and headed for the venue to Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), cancel the event.”

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Academic Staff All entreaties to the Speaker to allow even a Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigeria Union of ceremonial presentation of the results were said Journalists (NUJ), National Association of Nige- to have fallen on deaf ears.

THE NATION FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2013

7

NEWS

ACN wins battle for Obalende/Ikoyi HE Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal sitting in Igbosere, Lagos Island, yesterday declared the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Adewale Adeniji, winner of the chairmanship election in Obalende/Ikoyi Local Council Development Authority.

It ordered the State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to issue a certificate of return to him immediately.

The appellate tribunal, presided over by Justice Opeyemi Oke, the third most senior judge in the state judiciary, set aside the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT).

The EPT had declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, Mr. Babajide Obanikoro, the winner.

A member of the appeal panel, Justice Samuel

T

By Joseph Jibueze, Legal Reporter

Candide-Johnson, who read the judgment, said: “The judgment delivered on October 4, 2012, declaring Obanikoro chairman of Obalende/Ikoyi Local Council Development Authority is hereby set aside.”

He said Obanikoro’s appeal was “incurably bad”.

According to him, the EPT failed to hear and determine Obanikoro’s petition within 30 days.

It also failed to give a specific order for extension of time, which robbed it of jurisdiction, the judge said.

Justice Candide-Johnson said the failure to hear and determine the petition within 30 days contravened Section 14 of the State’s Local Government Election Tribunal Law (LGETL).

According to him, the violation nullified the entire proceedings of the tribunal.

‘The law may be harsh, but it is the law. With the exception of God, nobody can put something on nothing and expect it to stay’ The judge said the decision of Obanikoro’s lawyers, led by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), to withdraw their application seeking 60 days extension of the petition’s lifespan was an unpardonable error and without justification.

The lawyers, he said, should have first accorded priority to saving the petition’s life by obtaining leave to extend its legitimacy.

Justice Candide-Johnson chided the EPT for refusing to accord priority to

Obanikoro’s application for extension of time.

He said instead, it chose to take ACN’s preliminary objection to the petition first, which further wasted time.

“The law may be harsh, but it is the law. With the exception of God, nobody can put something on nothing and expect it to stay,” said the judge.

The judgment was unanimous, as all the panel members concurred.

Justice Oke said the error was a preventable one, adding that the provision of Section 54 of the law “is not a decorative ornament”.

Justice Kazeem Alogba described the lawyers’ mistake as “a fatal somersault”.

The tribunal also blamed the respondents’ lawyers for failing to file a cross-appeal.

It said had they done this, they would have rectified the errors they committed at the EPT.

The Nation Shopping girl Nkoli-Ifeme is dead

H

EAD of The Nation’s Shopping Desk Miss Janice NkoliIfeme is dead.

She died in Lagos on Tuesday after a brief illness.

She was 40.

The late Nkoli-Ifeme joined The Nation at its inception in 2006 after working as an Information Officer with the Ogun State government.

She also served in 2002 as press secretary to Mrs. Derin Osoba, wife of former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

The late Nkoli-Ifeme attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and graduated with a degree in English in 1998.

She hailed from Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State and was born in Onitsha in 1972. Her death shocked her friends and colleagues, who testified to her good nature.

A devout Christian, she had a ministry – Global World Ministry -, which catered for the needy and the weak.

The ministry ran a TV programme called, Beyond the Limit.

This year’s edition of the programme was held a few weeks ago.

Nkoli-Ifeme’s mother, Mrs. Amara Chukwuemeze, could not comprehend her daughter’s death when she received a delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at her Ikorodu home in Lagos yesterday.

Health Reporter Mrs. Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha, in a facebook posting, lamented Nkoli-Ifeme’s death.

Labour Reporter Mrs. Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, who is also the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State chapter, said: “Janice could not hurt a fly; she was always at peace with everybody.”

Mrs. Olaoye-Osinkolu said the late Nkoli-Ifeme died while waiting to be part of this year’s training programme organised by NAWOJ, which will hold in the United Kingdom (UK).

Some Nigerian journalists are billed for a week training at the Goldsmith International Business School in London next month. Nkoli-Ifeme was one of them.

The family has not announced burial plans.

T

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

life.

Rev. Ipinmoye said: “You should fear God and stay permanently with Him. Whatever happens in life, Jesus says ‘it is me, fear not’.”

He described the late Adegbonmire as “a devout Christian and lover of peace”.

Kaka described the late Adegbonmire as a consistent politician, who started with the Action Group and moved to Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and finally ACN, which he led in the state till his death.

He said: “Papa Adegbonmire used his facile pen to point out the truth. He was imbued with tenacity of purpose. Once he made up his mind, it took extremely superior argument to convince him.”

Chairman of Sijuwade Landlords Association Mr. O. Ogungbe said the late Adegbonmire was a progressive to the core, who remained humble and friendly with everybody till his death.

The late Adegbonmire’s son, Tobi, who spoke on behalf of his siblings, rendered various songs to eulogise his father, who he described as a great man.

Songs, Bible readings and prayers were the highlights of the event.

The remains of the late ACN leader will be buried today at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Isikan, Akure.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T

WO members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olusegun Olaleye and Temitope Olatoye, have said there is no crisis in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

They were reacting to a rumour that the party was in disarray over the endorsement of Governor Abiola Ajimobi as its leader and for a second term.

They spoke yesterday at a meeting of ACN members in Ibadan North II Constituency. The meeting was held at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) garden in Ibadan, the state capital.

Olaleye said: “No section of the state is opposed to Ajimobi’s endorsement. We are all one. The governor is performing; he is a credible man and an agent of change. We shall not allow anyone to distract him or stop Oyo’s transformation. What is happening in our party is not a major problem but an internal one, which has been settled amicably.”

Olatoye said: “We endorsed Ajimobi today because of the development Oyo State is witnessing during his era. No government has done such in the last 20 years in this state. We need to be patient with him and support him to achieve more.”

•The late Miss Nkoli-Ifeme

•Senator criticses FCT budget the money was paid as evidence.

He said the 17 Ekiti indigenes were recruited and trained, only to be directed to bring their letters of employment to Abuja after three months in the NSCDC’s employ.

Ojudu said the matter took a dramatic turn in Abuja and they were sacked.

He alleged that this was the practice in the federal civil service and urged the Senate to look into the matter.

The Senate leadership directed the Committee on Petitions to look into the complaint.

Ojudu had earlier alleged

P

OLITICAL Associates, friends and family of the former leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, converged at his Sijuwade Quarters home in Akure, the state capital, yesterday for a Service of Songs in his honour.

Adegbonmire, who was the former Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG) in the administration of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, died on December 28, last year.

Dignitaries at the service included Chief Olu Falae, Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East District), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr. Kola Ademujimi, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Ayo Fasanmi.

Others were Chiefs Makinde Oguntona and Erastus Akeju, Dr. K.B Shaaba, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and Otunba Gboyega Adefarati.

Also there were Chief Olu Adegboro, Mr. Seinde Arogbofa, Mr. Ade Adetimehin, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi and Mrs. Modupe Johnson Erelu.

The retiring Bishop of Akure Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Michael Ipinmoye, who led the service, urged Christians to have trust in God. Quoting Corinthians chapter 15:50, he said whatever people pass through in life is destined to happen, adding that Jesus Christ passed through various problems in

No crisis in ACN, say Oyo lawmakers

Ojudu seeks justice for sacked NSCDC workers HERE seems to be no end to the rot that is fast becoming a feature of everyday life in Nigeria.

At the Senate’s plenary session yesterday, Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Ekiti Central) opened another can of worms.

In a petition, Ojudu brought to the notice of the Senate the case of 17 indigenes of Ekiti State, who allegedly paid N200,000 each to Femi Ajao before they were offered employment into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The money was paid into a Skye Bank account with the number 1740582592.

Ojudu tendered the lodgment voucher with which

Adegbonmire eulogised at Service of Songs

during a budget defence before the Committee on Public Service and Establishment that applicants paid for employment.

Also yesterday, Ojudu condemned some provisions of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget presented to the Senate.

He criticised the provisions of N4 billion in the budget for the building of the First Lady Mission House, N7.4 billion for the construction of two gates into the FCT and another N130 million for the renovation of the Vice-President’s Guest House.

Ojudu wondered why N4 billion should be spent on

building a First Lady Mission House when there is a Women Development Centre.

He said the money should be used to create jobs for youths.

•Senator Ojudu

8

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

NEWS Kogi federal lawmakers protest poor roads From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

F

EDERAL lawmakers from Kogi State yesterday protested the poor roads in their state.

Senator Smart Adeyemi, Tajudeen Yusuf and Sunday Karimi took their protest to the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, in Abuja.

Adeyemi represents Kogi West Senatorial District; Yusuf represents Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency and Karimi represents Yagba Federal Constituency.

Adeyemi, who led the other lawmakers to the protest meeting with the minister and his directors, decried the sorry state of the Obajana-Kabba-Ilorin road.

He said: “We are here particularly to bring to your notice and to probably ask what the ministry is doing about the poor state of the Kabba-Ilorin highway.”

The lawmaker noted that the Kabba-Ilorin highway is a major road connecting Kwara with Kogi State.

The senator noted that residents of the district had attempted to bar lawmakers from the area from celebrating the last Christmas and New Year festivities in their localities as a result of the deplorable condition of the roads.

He sought to know if the people of Kogi West that voted almost 100 per cent for the Peoples Democratic Party in the last have offended the Federal Government in any way to be so neglected.

Adeyemi said: “In Kogi West Senatorial District, we voted almost 100 per cent for the party that we know, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and my people have been asking us if we offended the government and I have been saying no.”

Court dismisses appeal against T Wada’s victory HE Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, yesterday dismissed the appeal by Jibrin Isah Echocho against Kogi State Governor Idris Wada.

Echocho had filed a suit against the emergence of Wada as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the party’s primary after Echocho had reportedly been given the ticket.

In the unanimous judgment by Justice Useni Mukhtar, the court upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which had dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction.

In the brief judgment read

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

by Justice Akomolafe Wilson, the appellate court said by the provisions of Section 255(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 133 of the Electoral Act, the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit and, therefore, the competence to strike it out.

Justice Wilson said: “Any order is tantamount to exercising its coercive power. The Appeal fails on this ground; it is hereby dismissed.”

Echocho, the winner of the

January 2011 PDP primaries, had approached the High Court, challenging the process that brought in Wada and his swearing-in as governor.

Justice Kafarati, in his judgment said Echocho lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit, because he did not participate in the governorship election that brought Wada to power.

Besides, the judge said the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit and held that it is a post-election matter

which only the election tribunal can adjudicate upon since the election took place in December and the action was filed in February.

He dismissed the suit for being an abuse of court process and awarded N100,000 cost against the plaintiff.

Dissatisfied, Echocho, through his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), approached the Appeal Court, praying it to set aside the judgment.

Olanipekun argued that the court did not consider any of the fundamental, constitutional and jurisprudential issues submitted to it for adjudication.

Lassa fever kills two in Plateau

P

LATEAU State Commissioner for Health Dr Fom Dakwak has confirmed the death of two persons from Lassa fever.

Dakwak told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos, the state capital, that the first victim, a woman, died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH); the other, a man, died at the Vom Christian Hospital.

He said: “Two other persons are on admission at the Vom Christian Hospital and are responding to treatment.”

According to him, the ministry has sent out epidemiologists to sensitise the people at COCIN Pastoral School, Kanke, where a student died of the disease sometime ago.

The commissioner said two other victims of the disease in Kanke are also on admission.

Dakwak said the epidemiologists are focusing on measures to curtail the disease.

He said: “The Epidemiology Unit is also sensitising the medical and health personnel in the area on the symptoms of the diseases because we have noticed that some young medical and health personnel are not aware of its symptoms.

“Once the symptoms are detected early, there is a high possibility of treatment and survival.”

Kano by-election: Police arrest 23 From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

HE police in Kano yesterday said they have arrested 23 suspects following violent clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) ahead of tomorrow’s House of Assembly by-election in Garko and Gaya constituencies.

The Nation gathered that on Wednesday evening, the convoy of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau was attacked by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs.

Funeral for RCCG member today

A

FUNERAL service for Mr Adeolu Abimbola Okulate will hold today at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Resurrection Parish, opposite Femi Okunnu Estate, on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. He was a member of the church.

A wake-keep was held for the 51-year-old yesterday at Mayfair Gardens Estate playground, Awoyaya, on the LekkiEpe Expressway, Lagos. Okulate died on January 23.

Internment will hold, after the service, at Victoria Court Cemetery, Awoyaya, Lagos.

He is survived by his wife, four children, and siblings.

PUBLIC NOTICE DIDI CENTRE FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matter, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1) DR. RICHARD OKACHUKU OFURU --- Chairman 2) BARR. LEYII KWANE ---- Member 3) FRANK ACHINIKE OWHOR ---- Member 4) DR(MRS) NGOZI ORDU ---- Member 5) MR. GODWIN AMADI ---- Executive Director 6) MR. MOSES AMAGBOR JOHNSON --- Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To provide capacity building training on peace education through seminars and organise events, rallies that will enhance peace and development in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within twenty-eight days to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Signed: DR. RICHARD OKACHUKU OFURU Chairman

•Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero (middle) addressing officials of First Bank Plc after an attack by armed robbers in Birnin-Gwari...yesterday.

Ahmed vows to punish perpetrators of communal clashes K WARA State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed yesterday vowed to unmask those behind this week’s communal clashes between Offa and Erin-Ilein Offa and Oyun local governments and bring them to justice.

“The government will not condone any act of lawlessness from any individual or community,” the governor warned.

He urged both communities to embrace peace.

Ahmed noted that the killing of innocent people and destruction of property between hitherto friendly neighbours is cruel and barbaric.

The governor called for an immediate end to the clashes and restoration of peace and order in the communities.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor directed the traditional rulers of both communities to maintain peaceful co-existence or face the consequences of hostilities.

The governor added: “It’s by sheer providence that Offa and Erin-Ile became neighbours. Both communities must, therefore, show gratitude to God by living together in harmony. Efforts of the state government to bring development to the state may continue to be a mirage in an atmosphere of violence and destruction.”

Ahmed stressed that security agencies would fish out

•Monarch, Saraki warn against land disputes •Belgore urges peace

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

those behind the crisis and punish them according to the law.

The governor said the government would not tolerate lawlessness, adding that this was the reason it imposed a 24-hour curfew.

He added that the government would take other measures to ensure that law-abiding residents carry out their legitimate activities without molestation.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has warned against avoidable land disputes in Ilorin Emirate.

The monarch urged land owners in the emirate to avoid unnecessary land disputes that can degenerate into communal clashes.

A statement by the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Woru Mohammed, said: “The royal father expresses concern over the incessant cases of avoidable land disputes with their attendant threat to life and property.

“He warns that he will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons in his domain who engage in any activity capable of disturbing the prevailing peace and harmony in Ilorin Emirate and the state.

“The monarch advises land owners to always lease their land to potential investors rather than outright sale of the family land so as to protect and safeguard the future interest of their young generations and enjoins good people of Ilorin Emirate to love one another.”

Also, former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday urged both communities to live in harmony.

Saraki, who is representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, said no development can take place in a rancorous environment.

In a statement by his media aide, Akintoba Fatigun, the senator said: “Crisis will not attract government and private patronage. People of both communities need to learn how to tolerate one another to attract any government and private patronage and economic development.”

He urged the people to cooperate with the government to explore lawful channels for a peaceful resolution.

Saraki advised the traditional rulers in both communities to call their people to order.

The senator hailed the state government for inviting appropriate security agencies to

restore order to both communities.

Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) has urged the warring communities to sheathe their swords and live in peace.

Belgore, who was ACN governorship candidate in the 2011 election, also implored the “the good people of Offa and Erin-Ile never to give in to anybody or interest fanning the embers of discord among them for whatever ulterior motives”.

A statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, reads: “We are saddened by the renewed hostility between the Offa and Erin-Ile communities during which lives and properties worth millions of naira have reportedly been lost. We call on the good people of Offa and Erin-Ile to please sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

“As fellow Kwarans and members of the human community, we urge both parties to forgive and live together in peace as brothers and sisters. We urge the good people of Offa and Erin-Ile never to give in to anybody or interest fanning the embers of discord among them for whatever ulterior motives.

“Finally, we call on the security agencies to move in quickly and restore order, without resorting to tactics capable of worsening the crisis or causing yet another uproar in terms of rights’ abuses.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

9

NEWS

Ondo commissioner, five others A accused of assault

COMMISSIONER and five members of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State have been accused of pouring acid on a member of the party, Mr. Adetutu Ajisafe.

The victim, popularly called Pistol, was attacked last weekend in his shop at Ala Quarters, Akure, the state capital, by five people suspected to be loyalists of the Commissioner for Natural Resources, Alhaji Lateef Olubayo.

Ajisafe, who is on admission at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, is an LP chieftain in Ode-Irele.

Speaking with The Nation on his sick bed, Ajisafe accused Olubayo of sponsoring the attack.

He said: “Olubayo phoned me three days before the incident, threatening to deal with me for petitioning the

•Politician denies allegation From Damisi Ojo, Akure

governor about his ministry.”

Ajisafe, who is a former member of the State Forest Monitoring Unit, said he wrote three petitions to the governor on how the commissioner allegedly colluded with encroachers from Edo State to fell trees illegally in the Ondo’s forest reserve.

He said: “I think the governor must have acted on those petitions. That should be why the commissioner phoned me and threatened to deal with me for reporting him to the governor.

“I thought he was joking.

Three days later, I was in my

shop at about 8 pm when five men came in a Toyota Avalon car. I thought they came to relax at my joint, but they approached me, poured acid on me and vamoosed. I know the driver of the car, but I cannot identify the others. They have destroyed my life but I know the God I serve will spare my life.”

Ajisafe said his family reported the matter at Ala Police Station but wondered why the police are yet to arrest the suspects.

He said: “It is obvious the police are playing politics with the matter because of the personalities involved. As I speak, no arrest has been

made.

“The commissioner is walking freely and boasting that heaven will not fall.

That is why I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and rights activists to come to my aid and ensure that justice is done in this matter.”

Olubayo said he was not aware of the attack on Ajisafe and denied threatening Ajisafe. He said the only time he phoned the victim was when he heard that he was among members of the Timber Trade Organisation (TTO) that protested against the closure of forests.

Said Olubayo: “The only thing I did when I became the commissioner was dissolve the former forest monitoring unit in which Ajisafe was a member.”

Communities must be security-conscious, says Fayemi •NOA DG: effective leadership'll curb insurgency

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said communities must be involved in the fight against insecurity.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day Zonal Forum on Security Challenges and Peace Building in Nigeria, organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in AdoEkiti, the state capital.

The theme of the forum is: "Do the right thing and transform Nigeria".

Fayemi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, said scholarly works have proved that the best approach to peace and se-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

curity is "bottom-up".

He said efforts must be made by the Federal Government to "reverse the journey to nowhere and prevent an imminent slide into the precipice of insecurity".

Fayemi said: "There is a direct correlation between security and socio-economic development. No meaningful development can evolve in the midst of crisis and untoward situations."

NOA Director-General Mr. Mike Omeri said Nigeria's political class can ensure stability and peace through effective leadership.

He said one of the consequences of the political class' failure is insecurity, which "could be reversed when history is allowed to offer useful guide and lessons".

Omeri said: "The changing dynamics of a globalised world has not been matched with an equally changing value system, giving rise to the security and moral challenges witnessed in the country lately."

He said peaceful co-existence would be enhanced when citizens love and respect one another.

The NOA boss said the event would "foster cross-cultural harmony among traditional rulers in Nigeria, promote inter-faith interaction during faith ceremonies and other special days".

Other objectives include "support for communities, organisations, women and youths to reinforce the core role of religion, culture and politics in promoting peace and respect for pluralism in the society".

Omeri said: "The Nigerian society is a melting pot of people with more than 400 cultures, languages, dialects and religions, as well as converging and diverging customs, interest, ethos and morals.

Akeredolu assists rainstorm victims From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

HE governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has donated relief materials to victims of last week’s rainstorm in Owo, his home town.

He urged wealthy indigenes of the town to come to the aid of the victims.

Akeredolu, who donated roofing sheets worth millions of naira to the victims, said he was shocked by the magnitude of the destruction and urged those entrusted with the distribution of relief materials against politicising it.

Speaking through the former Managing Director of Owena Press Ltd, Chief Ademola Adetula, Akeredolu said: “These relief materials are being donated on humanitarian grounds and must be devoid of politics.”

Over 200 residents from all wards in the town benefited from the gesture.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Catherine Onaolapo, thanked the lawyer for his kindness and prayed that God will always help him in his times of need.

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

11

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Dangote reopens Gboko Cement Plant

D

ANGOTE Cement Plant Gboko in Benue State, shut as a result of the glut in the domestic cement market, has been reopened, the management has said.

The decision to reopen the plant was reached immediately after a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and Chairman, Dangote Cement,Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in Abuja yesterday.

Giving reasons for the reopening, a source from Dangote Cement said: “Since the shutdown of the Gboko Cement Plant, Government has been engaging local cement manufacturers in discussions, trying to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry.”

According to the source, Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, was in high spirits after the meeting with the President. In appreciation of the President’s concern and willingness to intervene, he directed the reopening of the plant immediately.

When contacted, the Group Head, Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Mr Tony Chiejina, confirmed the reopening. He said: “We are confident that in the days ahead, we will see positive developments and actions that will address problems of local cement manufacturers caused by the glut in the cement market.”

‘Since the shutdown of the Gboko Cement Plant, Government has been engaging local cement manufacturers in discussions, trying to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry’

US import drop hits Nigeria’s oil exports T HE oil industry faces a difficult 2013 as shale oil in the United States takes an increasing share of the north American market.

Togo-based Ecobank, according to the Financial Times, said Nigerian crude oil exports to the US could fall by over a quarter this year, from 800,000bpd in 2012 to as low as 580,000bpd in the year.

Already, in January, there were signs of stress. Crude oil shipments from Nigeria have, Ecobank says, declined from 75 cargoes in January to a scheduled 59 in March, and there is an unsold overhang of 21 out of 65 February cargoes. This is an unusual situation given that the cargoes contain Nigeria’s premium grades of sweet and light crude, which are usually very much in demand.

As Rolake Akinkugbe, the Head of Energy Rsearch at Ecobank, explained to beyondbrics, refiners in Asia

NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.7% 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 $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

are increasingly capable of handling larger volumes of sour crude oil grades, while European refiners are facing pressures on their margins and seeking lower-priced inputs. Neither are looking as favourably upon Nigerian oil grades, which are priced at a substantial premium to the sour grades from the Middle East.

“Nigeria and other oil producers in west Africa had a window of opportunity during the Libya crisis when their [Libya’s] supply was taken off the market”, she said. “There was a great switch to African crude grades, which partly accounts for their pricing premium at the moment.”

Libyan oil is now coming back online, but the major problem for Nigerian crude is the soaring volumes of shale oil being produced in the US. The US is still Niger-

ia’s biggest oil export destination, but the relationship can no longer be taken for granted.

“A decade ago” says Akinkugbe, “the industry thought that by 2015 around 25 per cent of America’s oil would come from west Africa, but now there’s a dramatic change in that picture. African governments need to look for alternatives destinations.”

In recent years, she says, producers in west Africa and the Gulf of Guinea have exported around 2mbpd of oil to north America, but this has fallen to around 1mbpd, with the slump in Nigerian exports to the US being particularly severe due to the steeper price of its crude. Having accounted for 12 per cent of US crude imports in 2011, Nigeria’s share fell to 6 per cent in 2012.

Nigerian oil exports to the

US, Ecobank says, have already slumped to 700,000bpd from the 2012 average of 800,000bpd, and that could fall as far as 580,000bpd in 2013 as US domestic oil producers add an expected 800,000bpd of new capacity.

As if the stiff new competition from Texas and North Dakota were not enough, Nigeria’s oil industry also has sizeable domestic problems too. Theft and pipeline vandalism cost it $7 billion in 2012, according to the International Energy Agency, and uncertainty surrounding the longawaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is causing nervous oil companies to hold back investment.

Oil and gas make up 94 per cent of Nigerian exports, and so even a small slackening of demand for its hydrocarbons spells big trouble. No wonder senior figures in the Nigerian government seem to have been talking so much about economic diversification recently.

• Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (centre) receiving the keys to the five vehicles donated to the state government by Diamond Bank from the bank’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Alex Oti, in Umuahia. With them ( from left) are Minister of Labour,Chief Emeka Wogu; Deputy Governor, Sir Emeka Ananaba and Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh.

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

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

T

Fed Govt seals $1b deal with GE

HE Federal Govern ment yesterday signed a $1billion investment deal with General Electric Company (GE) for the establishment of a new manufacturing and assembly facility in Calabar.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government, and the Global Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of GE, Jeff Immelt, signed for his company.

The new investment also takes care of additional investment in the service workshops in Port Harcourt and Onne and it is at the point of execution, according to Immelt.

The deal, which comprises $250million capital expenditure and over $800 million incremental spending on local sourcing of goods and services, is expected to create 2,300 jobs and make Nigeria the regional hub for GE’s manufacturing service and innovation

• GE, firm $500m to build power plant in Aba

By Emeka Ugwuanyi, Lagos and Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

in Africa. It will also support the company’s power generation, oil and gas production and exploration activities.

Aganga said GE’s proposed investment in Nigeria was based on the country’s positive macroeconomic indicators.

He said: “This is the beginning of many more investments that will come from GE and we are committed to providing a conducive investment climate for both GE and other foreign investors.

“GE’s size of investment, which is $250million, for the outset, and $1bilion over the next five years, is significant in every respect. It is far more important because the investment is in critical areas of our economy, which is power and infrastructure. This investment will support our Indus-

trial Revolution Plan, which is based on the areas where we have competitive and comparative advantage.

Immelt pointed that the investment was a demonstration of the company’s confidence in the Nigerian economy.

“The time is now and the place is Nigeria.The government of Nigeria has made significant progress in its economy within the last few

years.

“GE, as a global infrastructure company, will be investing $1billion in Nigeria within the next five years, which will create about 2,300 jobs. We see a lot of opportunities in Nigeria.We are committed to playing our part in the sustainable growth of Nigeria and the positive impact this will have on Nigeria and the continent of Africa as a whole, ” he said.

Why we borrow to fund projects,

by Fashola • Clears air on okada specification

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

L

AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday said the government’s decision to borrow to fund projects in its fiscal budget was geared towards future development of the state.

Fashola also cleared the air on the criteria for the specified 200cc motorcycle to ply Lagos roads.

He spoke while on inspection of several projects in the Badagry axis of the state.

Fashola, who was with members of the State Executive Council, said his administration is investing huge resources on infrastructure that will determine the quality of, not only the present, but also the future generation, adding that the government could not fund the massive projects in the state by the meagre amount it gets from internally generated revenue(IGR), hence the need to source for bulk funds from other means.

“IGR will only give us about N300 billion. From the demand we got from various communities for roads and other infrastructure, what we saw when we quantified it was about N750billion, but we couldn’t generate N750billion, that’s why we scaled down the budget to N495billion, over and above what we can reasonably pursue,” he said.

Fashola also flayed those castigating his government for its debt profile, saying they were ignorant of the intentions of his administration,saying the initial N50billion bond his administration took has paid off.

He said the alarm usually triggered by debt profile should not be based on borrowing, but the ability of such government to pay back, saying the state has shown its capacity to pay back funds borrowed.

“This is why I have chosen to ignore all those voodoo economists. From the way they are talking, they don’t know what the economics of governance is,” he added.

Clearing the air on the okada specification requirement, Fashola said: “First of all when you have a 200cc motor cycle, as your own form of transport, not public transportation, you can ride on any road in Lagos.

You don’t need any permission. You don’t need any exemption.”

$150m AfDB boost for rice

T

HE African Develop ment Bank (AfDB) is supporting the rice value chain of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) with $150 million, the bank’s Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Patrick Agboma, has said.

He spoke at the opening of a stakeholders’ workshop by AfDB in Abuja.

AfDB, in 2012 pledged $500 million to support Rice, Cassava, Aquaculture and Sorghum of the ATA. Agboma said: “It is well

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

known that the AfDB has committed $500 million for the ATA over the next three years but for this programme maybe up to $150 million could be put up.”

However, he emphasised the need for infrastructure development in the states.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. IbukunOdusote, said that the programme will be imple-

mented in six Staple Crop Processing Zones (SCPZ) across the country.

She added that the centres would be located in areas where there are high potential for production of the selected crops.

Odusote, who was represented by Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Dr. Julius Odeyemi, said 13 sites have been designated for the first set of SCPZs for rice, cassava, sorghum, aquaculture and horticultural crops.

12

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Innocent Amomoh

REPORTING FROM

SOUTH AFRICA

NIGERIA VS COTE D’ IVOIRE Pg. 14

Eagles will be bold, says Keshi

Taofeek Babalola Reporting from South Africa

Sport

Friday, February 1, 2013

PAGE 13

EAGLES TO GET

$15,000 each to beat Cote D’Ivoire SUPER EAGLES

will upset Cote d' Ivoire —Moses Pg. 14

E

ACH Super Eagles player will receive $15,000 if they beat Cote D’Ivoire and qualify for the semifinal of the 2013 AFCON on Sunday.

A top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official re-confirmed an MTNFootball.com exclusive of several weeks ago when he also announced that each player would be $20,000 richer if Super Eagles triumph in the semi-final.

For victory in the championship

game on February 10 inside the National Stadium in Johannesburg, each player will pocket another $30,000.

Each player received $30,000 a day after the team qualified for the quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Team sponsor Guinness has also made a financial commitment for goals scored at the AFCON, while the Eagles are expecting billionaire Aliko Dangote to splash more cash after they reached

the last eight.

Each player was paid about $80,000 when Nigeria finished third at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

On Sunday afternoon in Rustenburg, Super Eagles will face 1992 champions Cote D’Ivoire. The winners of this match-up will clash with the winners of the quarter-final match between host South Africa and Mali.

Homeboy Mba wants more against Cote D Ivoire

Shorunmu: Enyeama ready for Drogba, others

Pg. 14

Pg. 14

I'll score 14 against Pg. Mikel again, boasts Kalou

14

NATION SPORT

AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013...AFCON 2013

Innocent Amomoh

REPORTING FROM

SOUTH AFRICA

S

•Mba

Homeboy Mba wants more against Cote D Ivoire From Innocent Amomoh, Rustenburg, South Africa

S

UPER EAGLES’ midfielder Sunday Mba says he's looking forward to a better game against the dreaded Ivorians when both teams clash in the quarter final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Mba, who anchored the Eagles midfield, showing understanding with Chelsea midfeilder, Mikel Obi in the last game against Ethiopia, said defeating Ivory coast will enhance Nigeria's chances of lifting the coveted trophy a dream he is personally nursing.

"It is going to be tough," Mba admitted.

"We all know the quality of this team, they are a good side that we must not underrate or take likely.

But I believe we can win the battle with passion and determination."

"We don't need to be intimidated by their pedigree but we must respect the fact that they are a very good team."

"I am very sure that beating the Elephants will give us the trophy and that is why we must show all we have."

"Everybody in the team wants the trophy, and that is why we are here. So we are all ready for the battle.”

Kanu wants more support

F

51

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

ORMER NIGERIA captain Nwankwo Kanu has called for support for the Super Eagles ahead of their quarterfinal match-up Former Nigerian captain Nwankwo Kanu has called for support for the Super Eagles ahead of their quarterfinal match-up against Cote d'Ivoire.

Kanu was at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium to see the team work their way past Ethiopia and says the Eagles need all the support from their fans.

"Most average teams are lifted by the support of their fans," he told KickOffNigeria.com. "I know a lot of people have written us off already, but this team will surprise people.

"I remember the same thing happened at the Nations Cup in 2004 when we were about to face Cameroon, but we ended up beating them 2-1. I believe in this team and the coach."

Kanu said the fans would have to do their part and not send negative energy to the team.

"The boys need encouragement, and if they see that the fans are backing them to win, they will

NIGERIA VS COTE D’ IVOIRE

Eagles

UPER EAGLES’ boss, Stephen Keshi has advised Nigerians to remain steadfast behind the national team, as it will be bold and ready for the quarter final duel against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire on Sunday. His skipper, Joseph Yobo also spoke in similar vein on Thursday in Rustenberg. Keshi was reacting to news making the rounds that Nigerians were scared of the confrontation with the Ivorien Elephants.

“If you must win a trophy you must beat the biggest and best teams, so why should we be afraid of any team. The bigger they come the bigger they will fall. Who told you that if it were to

Taofeek Babalola Reporting from South Africa

NASS’ visit boosts Eagles ahead Elephants duel •Team hails Amaechi’s gesture

will be bold, says Keshi be the Hawks of Togo, it will be a walkover. There is no small team anywhere and the Ivoriens know. It’s a classic and we will show why we are the Super Eagles on Sunday”. Keshi said the spirit in camp has been very

SUPER EAGLES will upset Cote d' Ivoire —Moses •Says everybody has written off Nigeria From Segun Ogunjimi, Rustenburg

W

NATION SPORT

HAT is your expectation as regards the quarter-finals match against Cote d' Ivoire on Sunday?

The quarter-final game against Cote d' Ivoire is not going to be an easy game but we should be able to make Nigerians proud again come Sunday.

T h e n how much do you know about the Cote d' Ivoire nationa l team?

I don't know a lot about the Ivorian team to be honest and Sunday would be the very first time I am going to play against them. They have got quality with their Skipper (Didier) Drogba ranked one of the best in Europe. We just have to concentrate and go out there and try to win the game. It is not going to be an easy game but we try our best to win.

How do you feel scoring the two goals that sent Nigeria to the quarter-finals of the on-going 2013 AFCON? “It was a good feelings scoring both goals but the credit goes to the other players as well. We all worked hard and was looking for the goals in the last 10 minutes the goals came at the end. I was delighted with the goals to be honest. The most important game at the moment is the Sunday game.

Almost everybody is tipping Cote d' Ivoire to have the upper hand in Sunday's game.

What is your impression about this?

People said this because the Ivorian national team has got quality players but we are working hard to play as a team. Everybody expects us to lose the game on Sunday but we are going to go there with full force and try and make sure we cause a little bit of upset. That is what we are looking at come Sunday. The battle is on the field of play so we don't need to bother ourselves on what people say or think would happen Sunday.

•Moses How are you taking your Africa Nations Cup debut for Nigeria since you dumped England for Nigeria?

I am enjoying it so far and no regrets at all. I am happy that we are doing well collectively as a team and we just want to win the competition.

How do you see the support to the team

by Nigerians in South Africa?

We are very happy about this and we want them to continue to support and believe in us until we win this Cup. We want to win it for Nigerian fans all over the world.

Thanks for your time It's my pleasure.

good so far and all the 23 players in the squad are all healthy and ready to give their best. Nigerians should just be praying for their team and have belief in them instead of expressing any fear, because on Sunday it will be

eleven players from Ivory Coast against the same number from Nigeria”. Yobo on his part said the game will be an exciting one for him and he is eagerly looking forward to it.

T

“They are a great team and so we are and we know ourselves well, so no one is afraid of the other just a case of top football giants clashing at the wrong time. I think we shall be up to it”, he said.

HE leadership of the National Assembly led by the Sports Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon visited the Super Eagles to boost their morale ahead of the all-important quarter final duel against the Elephants of Cote D ‘Voire in Rustenburg on Sunday.

The members were led by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Sen. Adamu Gimba, his deputy, Mudashiru Hussain and members as well as Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaya and members. They were led to the Super Eagles camp by the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

On Maigari’s delegation were Chairman, Technical Committee, NFF, Barr. Chris Green, Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director, Competitions, Dr Musa Sanusi.

Senator Gimba, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly team, said the team was delighted with the Super Eagles gritty display against Ethiopia, who they defeated 2-0, and urged the team to move a step further by caging the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the quarter final match. Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, who spoke on behalf of the team declared that the team was delighted that lawmakers despite their tight schedule at home still find time to come and support the team in South Africa, assuring that the team will not let Nigeria down in Sunday’s crucial duel.

•Ogude

SHORUNMU: Enyeama ready for Drogba, others

S

UPER EAGLES’ goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorumu has assured that the goalkeeping department of the team is ready for the challenge that Didier Drogba and others will pose during the quarter final match of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to NationSport at a training session on Wednesday, the former goalkeeper said Enyeama especially will undergo a special training that will keep him in shape against the fire

From Innocent Amomoh, South Africa works from the Ivoriens during the match.

"We are making sure that our goal keepers are in shape and ready for the challenge. The attack of Cote D Ivoire is one of the best in the competition and should not be taken lightly," he said.

Asked what was responsible for the late goals conceded during the first two matches against Burkina Faso and Zambia and how he

intends to avoid a re-occurence, Shorumu said it was a function of momentary loss of concentration in the last game, which has been rectified.

"After the first two matches, we discovered that the team loses concentration at the last minutes of every game. That is in the past now and was rectified before the match against Ethiopia.

"The performances of

o u r goalkee pers in thi

s compet ition has been very encouraging.

The technical crew is happy with this department and we are ready for the next game," .

Glo congratulates Eagles

•Urges them to cage the Elephants

L

E A D I N G telecommunications operator and major sponsor of the Nigerian national teams, Glo, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for securing a quarter final ticket in the ongoing football tournament in South Africa. Glo noted that the Super Eagles have been improving with every game in the competition and praised the team for displaying tenacity to clinch the three points

at stake in their last match against Ethiopia, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa.

In a statement from the company on Wednesday, Glo advised the Eagles not to allow the text-book rating of The Elephants of Ivory Coast to affect their psyche. "Like the Super Eagles that you are, you must soar and aim for the highest point," the statement said. The company

fur t h e r encou rage d the Eagles to remain focused on the pitch and "cage the Elephants on Sunday.

They are not too big to conquer."

The company commended Super Eagles’ fighting spirit and tenacity of purpose which earned them the deserved victory over hard fighting Walyas Antelope of Ethiopia.

It observed that the Super

Eagles and their handlers needed to improve in all departments of the game in order to triumph against Ivory Coast, the highest rated team in Africa, and advised them to work harder for victory on Sunday.

“Do not be afraid of the Ivorians as you will play eleven men against their own eleven. The Technical crew should also adopt a strategy that will capitalise on the weaknesses of the Ivorians and neutralise their threats," the statement advised.

A

S preparations for the quarter final match between the Elephant of Cote D Ivoire and the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations reach the heights, Lille of France speedy forward Salomon Kalou told NationSport how much he loves scoring against Nigeria especially his friend John Obi Mikel.

The former Chelsea star said though they respect the Nigerian team, he intends to record a repeat performance

From Innocent Amomoh, South Africa like he did in Ghana edition of the competition.

"I told Mikel that I am going to do it the way I did it in the 2008 edition. We have a bet already. I always like scoring against Mikel and he knows it.

We have played against them before and I know it is going to be a difficult match," Kalou admitted. He revealed that the resolve in the Ivoriens camp is to give a 200 percent

performance if they expect to have an easy ride against the Eagles. Kalou put special emphasis on the current form displayed by Chelsea star Victor Moses in Nigeria's last match against Ethioipia, but assured that he will be curtailed by the more experienced defence line of Ivory Coast.

"Victor Moses is a great player and he is in top form. But we have a team that can withstand any team in the competition.

"We missed the trophy last year but don't think anything can stop us this time around, not even Nigeria." he said.

T

HERE are indications that the Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club may boycott the Eagles’ quarter-final match against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

The crucial clash would be on Feb. 3 at the ongoing Africa Cup

•Ladipo

of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) covering the tournament reports that the Eagles would meet Cote d'Ivoire at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

NAN gathered that the members have been skeptical about going to cheer the Eagles at the match because of a lack of `support’ from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

A senior member of the club who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the members had always been on self- sponsorship to cheer the national teams, mainly the Eagles, at international competitions.

•Maigari

Kolo Toure expecting tough quarter final

I

I'll score against Mikel again, boasts Kalou Supporters plan to boycott Eagles’ next match •Dreads Victor Moses

“When we see top government officials like this, we get encouraged that we are not just here to represent our families but actually here for the greater glory of Nigeria. We thank you sirs for coming and by God’s grace we shall not let you down. The Super Eagles also took time off to thank River State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for redeeming his $100,000 dollars promise to the team at a time many Nigerians had reservations about the team.” Team Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, said Governor Amaechi has shown his outstanding leadership qualities by staying with the national team through thick and thin.

“We acknowledge him and NFF President, Alhaji Maigari, whose leadership style in football has continued to attract support from the highest level of government in Nigeria”, he said.

The member noted that the NFF had yet to show appreciation for their efforts.

"We are not happy with the NFF because the federation has refused to appreciate our efforts over the years.

"Rather, the NFF always caters for themselves and `their friends’ all the time in international competitions, without bothering about the supporters’ welfare, whereas these friends have little or nothing to support the Eagles,’’ the source said.

NAN reports that the supporters, in their hundreds, had been rendering their selfless services of cheering the Eagles since the beginning of the competition on Jan. 19.

VORY COAST defender Kolo Toure says the Elephants are looking forward to a tough quarter final match when they face Nigeria at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The Elephants played to a 2-2 draw against Algeria in their last group match on Wednesday night, a match which proved to be a tough

•Kolo Toure

test for the Group D winners as they had to come back from being two goals down.

“We conceded two goals, then we came back, I think it is a good reaction. This shows that we do not want to lose,” said Toure.

“I think that Algeria is a very good team, they have very good players but we have been more realistic.”

Ivory Coast will now look for their third straight win over Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations after beating the Super Eagles 1-0 in 2006, with Didier Drogba scoring the only goal, while Salomon Kalou secured another 1-0 win two years later.

“It is going to be a very difficult game; we will have to remain focused,” said Toure.

“It is a quarter-final. The outcome will depend on small details. We will need to remain extremely focused.”

“I think that our chances are good. We will rely on our qualities.

We will have to remain focused.

“We will also need a bit of luck

15

OTHER SPORTS

NATION SPORT

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBUARY 1, 2013

Isner emerges with team on the line W

ORLD No. 16 John Isner provided tennis fans with one of the more surprising stories of the year in 2012 through his Davis Cup heroics.

Playing on the road in every tie, and on clay, Isner wore the red, white and blue of his nation proudly, stunning Switzerland’s Roger Federer and France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga en route to leading his country through to the semi-finals.

Although the United States eventually succumbed to Spain, Isner proved he has the potential to be a perennial threat on any surface.

Now, the Greensboro, N.C. native finally has the opportunity to play a tie on home soil, headlining a strong Team USA squad also featuring fellow Top 20 player Sam Querrey and recent Australian Open doubles champions, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan. The Americans face off against Brazil in Jacksonville, Fla., beginning 1 February.

ATPWorldTour.com caught up with Isner during Tuesday’s pre-draw press conference, discussing his passion for team competitions, the importance for home ties to rotate cities and more…

Being a University of Georgia graduate, you’re very familiar with the annual college football game hosted in Jacksonvillebetween your Bulldogs and the Florida Gators. Have you attended the ‘The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party’ before?

I have been to the game. It’s crazy. The stadium is split exactly 50/50 with the tickets, so one side of the stadium is all red and the other side is all blue. It’s a very unique experience and it’s also a pivotal game for both teams.

I haven’t been able to recently, as the last four years, I’ve been in Europe playing.

That’s a bit unfortunate, but I always catch iton TV. As a former standout NCAA player, how much do you enjoy the team aspect the Davis Cup offers, an environment you thrived in while playing in Athens, Ga.?

I love playing in a team

atmosphere. I’ve always considered myself to be a team guy, even though I’m stuck in an individual sport. So I always enjoy playing for a

“I love playing in a team atmosphere. I’ve always considered myself to be a team guy, even though I’m stuck in an individual sport. So I always enjoy playing for a team”

team. That’s why I played so much basketball growing up as well. It’s one of the reasons I enjoyed college so much and I went there all four years, because I didn’t want to leave.

Here in Davis Cup, I’ve played some of the best matches of my career. Playing for a team, playing for something bigger than myself, really seems to bring out the best in me.

Given the size of the United States, how important is it that Davis Cup home ties rotate cities to serve different markets, especially those that are looking to increase exposure to tennis?

I think we’ve seen in the past, when we’ve had home ties, they haven’t been in huge markets.

We’ve played in Birmingham, in Austin, which was a big one since Andy Roddick was from there. We’ve been to WinstonSalem and now it’s come to Jacksonville. So you don’t see too many ties in huge cities, which I think is better. It seems

that you get more support in the smaller markets.

Obviously Jacksonville is not a small town, but it’s not as a big as some of the other cities we could have played in.

What are you most looking forward to most about playing your first home tie, having performed so well on the road in 2012 in stadiums that were against you, and now having the chance to feed off a crowd that will be right behind you?

It’s going to be special for me. Every Davis Cup tie I’ve gone to, I’ve hopped on a plane and flown across an ocean. This one, I got in my car and drove three hours, so it’s different. I’m sure on Friday, there will be some nerves, but it’s up to me to fight through those and play my best. I just need to perform like I have in the past during Davis Cup.

Tyson supports Armstrong M

IKE TYSON is one of the more controversial athletes ever to compete in the United States. He has had his share of detractors over the years, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that according to a report on NewYork.cbslocal.com Tuesday morning, he has come out in support of Lance Armstrong, the latest athlete to suffer a monumental fall from grace.

Of course Armstrong has been under suspicion for years of being a cheater, and his recent admission to the

•Tyson

charges have left him in a position that nobody would envy. In an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey last week, Armstrong confessed to the multiple lies he has been telling for the length of his career.

The disgraced American icon seemingly had few, if any, people willing to stand behind him.

Enter Mike Tyson, a man who has served a prison term and bit off part of a competitor's ear, just to name a couple of his less than bright spots over the past years. He is coming out in support of his friend Lance Armstrong.

During an appearance on WLNY-TV’s The Couch Tuesday morning, Tyson said he believes Armstrong will persevere.

“He is an awesome human being,” Tyson said. “We’re all human beings, we’re all going to make mistakes.

We’re not perfect, and neither is Lance.”

A little reluctant to call Armstrong a "cheater," Tyson added that he feels it is necessary for others to join him in support of the fallen cyclist who was recently stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles.

“I think that people that are his friends, should still be his friends,” Tyson said. “He’s going to get bashed for awhile, so if you’re truly his

friend, try to help him absorb the blows.”

Suffering from a long list of difficulties in his own life, Mike Tyson is uniquely qualified to speak on the matter. He believes as long as Lance Armstrong remains resilient, eventually the hard times will pass.

“He’s gonna come out, he’s gonna stay strong, and he’s

going to get over this,” Tyson said.

It's noble of Tyson to show support for his friend in a time of need when seemingly the entire world has abandoned him.

However, it's hard to feel sorry for Armstrong considering all the damage he has incurred was self inflicted.

Chilton: I am ready for F1

N

EW Marussia driver Max Chilton believes that he is ready to step up to Formula One. The Brit enjoyed a successful 2012 in the GP2 series, claiming two race wins, impressing enough to take Charles Pic’s position with the team.

At just 21, many speculated that it may be too much, too soon for Chilton, but he is confident of success: “I wouldn’t have wanted to make the step up if I wasn’t ready,” he told Sky Sports.

“I believe after my last year in GP2 with two wins and two pole positions I am ready and when I got behind the wheel in Abu Dhabi for practice I felt comfortable and that is the main thing – I know I can do it.

“After three long, hard seasons in F1 the team are yet to score a point and if I can score their first points then that will be an incredible feeling.

“Hopefully if testing goes

well we can get that done early on in the season and then I can change my targets as we go.”

•Chilton

•Isner

Garcia eyes a win at the Dubai desert classic

L

ESS THAN three years ago, Sergio Garcia was mired in a slump so prolonged that he missed out on the 2010 Ryder Cup team and saw his Official World Golf Ranking fall as low as 85th. He moped around the golf course and at one point talked of giving up the game altogether.

But rather than walking away, the former No. 2ranked Spaniard said Wednesday he used those dark days in 2009 and 2010 as an inspiration to find his way back. He has won twice in each of the past two years and a victory this week at the Dubai Desert Classic could propel him back into the top 10.

He is up to No. 14 in the latest rankings, after finishing second at last week's Qatar Masters, a shot behind Chris Wood.

"Excited. It's been two good years," Garcia said. "But more than anything, I'm excited because I know how I'm feeling. I know how my attitude is on the course. I know how my will is to try to do things to get better.

"We had a good start of the season, which is always nice.

So I just want to make sure that everything stays the same.

Because I'm going to have bad weeks, but if I can manage to stay with the right attitude, even on the bad weeks, it's going to make the year go so easy and so much better."

His return to form has also stoked talk of Garcia finally winning a major -- something he has come agonizingly close to on several occasions.

Garcia has twice been in the final group with Tiger Woods (U.S. Open at Bethpage, British

Open at Hoylake), the runnerup at age 19 at Medinah, in a playoff at Carnoustie in 2007, and a runner-up to Padraig Harrington at Oakland Hills in the 1998 PGA Championship.

The 33-year-old Garcia brushed aside talk of a major victory, saying he will just keep playing golf and let the results speak for themselves.

"My form, I feel pretty good about it," Garcia said. "Do I feel like it's the best I've played my career? Probably not. But I feel fairly good for the most part."

After winning THE PLAYERS Championship in November 2008, Garcia went 2 years without a top-three finish. It would be almost three years before he would win again, on either the PGA TOUR or European Tour. His ranking, a career-best No. 2 in 2009, plunged as low as 85.

•Garcia

16

THE NATION TUESDAY, FEBUARY 1, 2013

NATION SPORT

•Frederic Kanoute in Mali’s Jersey

‘New generation can lift Mali’ T

HE ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations has so far seen a rejuvenated Mali impress during the group phase, edging out Niger 1-0 in the opener and drawing with Congo DR 1-1 to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with South Africa on Saturday.

Skippered by former Barcelona star Seydou Keita and featuring a host of

"I believe a breakthrough will come soon.

Our country is going through a difficult period and there are of course some urgent problems to tackle. But a great performance in the Cup of Nations will give a sense of hope for our brothers and sisters in Mali"

talented youngsters, the Eagles remain on target to surpass their last-four finish in the 2004 edition.

Their amazing run in the continental campaign nine years ago, of course, was largely attributed to striking-ace Frederic Kanoute. The French-born forward was on target four times, including opening the scoring in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat of Guinea as his side stormed into the semi-finals. Although a fourgoal tally saw him finish tournament joint top-scorer alongside the likes of Patrick Mboma and Jay-Jay Okocha, their 4-0 semi-final loss to Morocco and failure to take the continental crown still cuts deep.

"Our failure to win the African title and to qualify for a World Cup is the biggest disappointments of my career," the 35-year-old marksman told FIFA.com. "But that is life.

Although I am not playing for the national team anymore, I hope this young generation can achieve these goals."

A great performance in the Cup of Nations will give a sense of hope for our brothers and sisters in Mali.

Having seen his side's brilliant display thus far, Kanoute is hoping Mali continue to show form on the African scene and bring a smile to the citizens of his conflict-troubled nation.

"I believe a breakthrough will come soon," he said. “Our country is going through a difficult period and there are of course some urgent problems to tackle. But a great performance in the Cup of Nations will give a sense of hope for our brothers and sisters in Mali."

The continental final competition, according to Kanoute, provides the Malians with a chance to not only inspire the people through their performances, but also to prepare for the forthcoming second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazil where they will open against Rwanda on 22 March.

"Qualifying for a world cup is always a long and hard process,” he said. “Football in Africa has made great progress over recent years so all the teams are competitive. With so many sides battling for only a few qualifying spots, there is no easy games. But inside me I believe Mali can make it through [to our first FIFA World Cup] at the God's will."

International retirement After his eye-catching showing at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, the towering striker went on to feature significantly for Mali on the road to Germany 2006, with the side progressing to the final round only to crash out due, in part, to their away form. Kanoute scored eight times during their bid for FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 qualification, but

•Frederic Kanoute celebrating with country teammate and clubside, Seydou Keita

again a lack of consistency cost them dearly as they stumbled at the final hurdle.

At club level, after spells with the likes of Lyon, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, Kanoute spent seven seasons with Sevilla during which he racked up 88 goals in 209 appearances. He departed for pastures new last June, joining Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan.

"My time in Sevilla was wonderful, personally and professionally," said Kanoute, who, in 2007, was the first player born outside the continent to win the African Player of the year award. "But after my contract expired, I wanted to take new challenges in life so I moved to China. I am happy in Beijing and will give my best to my new team."

Asked about the goals he has set

for the coming year, he acknowledged he is now focusing on his club career having called time on his national team career after their failed campaign for South Africa 2010.

"I hope I'll be able to help Beijing as much as possible, scoring goals in my second season and helping the team improve with my experiences,” he said. “I'd like to win a title with the capital club."

Despite his international retirement, Kanoute conceded Mali remains a special source of pride. "I gave my best when I played for Mali, and representing the national team was always my biggest pride,” said Kanoute. “Although I have decided to retire from international football in order to make way for the youngsters, I will always support the Mali team, even in a different way."

16

EUROPEAN

NATION SPORT

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBUARY 1, 2013

Shittu crashes to Barnsley in League

D

•Robinho

Robinho welcomes Balotelli to Milan A

C Milan attacker Robinho is confident that Mario Balotelli will succeed with the club and

help the team move in the right direction.

The Italy international will undergo a medical at the San

Siro side to complete his move back to Serie A from Manchester City, and the Brazilian is looking forward

Shanghai dispute Drogba move to Galatasaray

D

IDIER DROGBA is still under contract at Shanghai Shenhua and had no right to sign with Galatasaray this week, the Chinese club have claimed.

The Istanbul giants confirmed the signing of the Ivorian icon on an 18-month deal on Monday, with the

•Drogba

estimated transfer fee set at six million euros and a signing-on fee of four million euros going straight to the veteran striker.

However, Shanghai, for whom the veteran striker signed after leaving Chelsea in the summer, have claimed that they will report the Turkish champions to FIFA over the transfer.

In a statement issued on their official website Shenhua say they are 'shocked' with the deal and it has 'violated' Drogba's two-and-a-half year contract.

"The club are deeply shocked," the statement read.

"Drogba is still a Shanghai Shenhua member as the contract between the two parties is still within its period of validity," it added.

"Shanghai Shenhua are ready to gather evidence and submit the findings to FIFA in order to protect its interests."

Drogba is currently at the

Africa Cup of Nations with his national side, who eased into the quarter-final stage of the tournament with two wins in their first two group matches.

He has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Shanghai.

Galatasary are yet to respond to the Shanghai's statemen.

W

international goalkeeper last August when he made his bow against Italy, coming after he was first choice for Team GB's Olympic side in London.

Southampton remain the only club to have lodged a firm bid for Butland, with

getting better. There are still plenty of games to go and every three points will help us move up the table," he said.

"The beginning of the campaign wasn't good, and once more the Italian league is proving to be difficult, but at the moment we're experiencing a good run of form in this crucial point of the season, and with 16 games to go anything is possible."

Milan have climbed to fifth spot in the table following their good results in recent weeks.

Fernandez departing for La Liga

G

ETAFE are on the verge of signing Napoli defender Federico Fernandez on loan for the rest of the season.

According to Gianlucadimarzio.com, the Partenopei are willing to allow the 23-year-old to leave and gain key first team experience.

The Argentine international has appeared just once in Serie A for the San Paolo side this season, featuring as a late substitute against Palermo two weeks ago.

Blues wait on Butland offer

ITH Petr Cech f i r m l y commanding the gloves at Stamford Bridge - as well as Henrique Hilario, Ross Turnbull and hot prospect Thibaut Courtois, on loan at Atletico Madrid, in reserve - Butland would expect to play back-up at Stamford Bridge.

However, there does remain the prospect of Chelsea loaning the promising goalkeeper back to Birmingham should any bid materialise over the next 35 hours.

It promises to be a fascinating close to the window with several suitors, including the likes of Liverpool, Everton, Fulham and Newcastle, having been linked to Butland - who became England's youngest-ever

to teaming up with his new team-mate.

"Balotelli is a great player and will definitely help the squad. We are happy he has arrived and we are all going to welcome him. Let’s hope he does well for Milan," Robinho told Milan Channel.

The Brazilian then went on to discuss Milan's chances in Serie A, and stressed they are at a crucial stage of the season as they chase a Champions League spot.

"There's enthusiasm in the changing room and we're

their £6m move knocked back last summer.

But cash-strapped Blues' financial situation has worsened since then and it is no secret they are in need of funds as they look to stave off the possible future threat of administration.

He was a key figure in the Champions League at times last season though for the Vesuviani and has shown that he is a more than capable player.

However, with Paolo

ANNY SHITTU was forced to come down from the high of knocking Premiership side, Aston Villa, out of the FA Cup, when they lost 2-0 to Barnsley in a Championship game at Oakwell stadium.

Jason Scotland scored on his debut as Barnsley moved off the bottom of the Championship by beating Millwall.

Scotland, who has signed until the end of the season following his release from Ipswich, came off the bench to score with a firm strike from 12-yards, after 67 minutes.

Chris Dagnall gave Barnsley the lead after 56 minutes, when he lifted the ball over Millwall keeper David Forde.

The win means Barnsley are now only four points behind fourth-bottom Ipswich.

Play-off chasing Millwall have managed just one win from their last seven games

•Shittu

Cannavaro returning after having his six-month ban for failing to report attempts at match fixing overturned, his arrival back on the side means chances will be even fewer for Fernandez to appear.

Yun SukBriand set for Monaco loan young joins QPR YON forward Jimmy in place at Monaco.

L

Briand is set to join Monaco on loan until the end of the season, according to L’Equipe.

Briand, 27, was not present at Lyon’s training centre Tola Vologe this morning, which is enough to suggest that the player is leaving les Gones for Monaco.

L’Equipe understands that the player was undergoing a medical at Stade Louis II ahead of his move to the Principality.

The Ligue 2 side have an option to buy the forward outright at the end of the loan and they are almost certainly going to exercise the clause.

Briand was recently linked with a move to Besiktas, but he was ultimately tempted by the ambitious project that is

The French giants, who are widely tipped to gain promotion to Ligue 1 at the end of the season, are also set to wrap up a deal for Ajaccio defender Carl Medjani.

•Briand

THE 22-year-old was a key member of the South Korean Olympic squad that took bronze at London 2012, before then going on to make his full international debut in October.

Yun has been linked to a number of clubs in recent times, including west London rivals Fulham, but has joined QPR on for an undisclosed fee from KLeague side Chunnam Dragons.

The left-back has been granted a work permit and will be eligible to play for the Rs once he obtains a visa.

Yun joins fellow January acquisitions Loic Remy and Tal Ben Haim at Loftus Road, where he links up with countryman Park Ji-sung.

Emanuelson heading for Fulham

T •Butland

HE 26-year-old left-sider has sunk down the pecking order under Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri in recent months and now the club has sanctioned a loan move.

Emanuelson, who joined Milan

in 2011, is now on his way to London to undergo a medical.

"I will finish the season with a loan deal," he told De Telegraaf. "I have worked in a very good way with him (Martin Jol) at Ajax and am happy as he gives me the chance.

"Martin has a lot of confidence in me and that's what I need right now. At AC Milan I ended up on the bench from nowhere and I was really shocked with that. The previous two months were hard.

"At my age it is important to play week in, week out."

INSTALLATION

PROJECT

DISASTER

Community celebrates ruler

Dickson boosts security

Rainstorm wrecks town

Benue

46

Bayelsa

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

F

W

IFE of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun has lifted the spirits of the aged and needy. At the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the state capital, they benefitted from various services she initiated.

The main auditorium hall of the Centre was filled to capacity with more than 1,000 needy, aged men and women drawn from various backgrounds across the 20 local government areas in the state. As early as 7am, these senior citizens had made their way to the centre to partake in the free medical screening and referral services, ranging from diabetes test to dental screening.

48

Page 17

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

•One of the beneficiaries in her old house OR some, the agony of widowhood has given way in Imo State.

Well-furnished two-bedroom flats have replaced their old mud houses, courtesy wife of the state governor, Mrs Nneoma Okorocha.

The houses were built under her poverty alleviation initiative tagged She Need a Roof Project (SNARP).

The programme which is in line with the Rescue Mission Agenda of the state government, according to the governor’s wife, was designed to ensure that at least one indigent widow in each of the 27 Local Government Areas of the state got a one- or two- bedroom apartment depending on the size of her family.

Mrs Okorocha said SNARP seeks to provide shelter for the poorest of the poor families living in shanties across the state, with a view of giving them a sense of belonging and putting a smile on their faces.

Inaugurating the buildings at Ngor-Okpala Council Area of the

Ondo

46

•One of the new buildings

New homes for widows Okorocha’s wife houses the needy From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

state, Governor Rochas Okorocha, described the initiative as a step in the right direction, adding it will help in the fight against poverty in the state.

He said the state government is committed to the eradication of poverty in the state.

The initiative, he said further, is a way to appreciate the people of the state, especially the less privileged, for their maximum support for his administration, during and after the last gubernatorial election.

In her remarks, Mrs. Okorocha said she was motivated by her passion to improve the lives of the indigent and the less privileged in society and called on wealthy indi-

viduals to show care and support the poor among them.

She noted that the essence of living is being able to touch the lives of the downtrodden positively and thanked God for the realisation of the project.

In their remarks, the member representing Ngor-Okpala in the state House of Assembly, Chief Ememka Nwofor, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Soronnadi Njoku, the former Caretaker Committee Chairman, NgorOkpala Local Government Area, Chief Toby Ekechi, commended the governor’s wife for the gesture, assuring of their continued support for the state government.

The beneficiaries, Mrs. Ngozi Alozie and Agatha Alozie, could not

hide their joy as they broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the ecstasy of their new status.

Chorusing their appreciations, the duo said: “We can’t thank Her Excellency enough; we feel like we are day-dreaming. Words are not enough to express how we feel. We pray God to reward her accordingly”.

The people of the community were also stunned by the magnanimity and were full of thanks for Mrs Okorocha, who they described as the hope of the poor and downtrodden.

Also in Umudumoma Umueleke in Ehime Mbano and Umuorji Umuokwe of Eziawo in Oru West Council Areas, it was jubilation all through as more widows benefit

from the SNARP initiative.

Two indigent widows, Mrs. Helen Anyanwu and Mrs. Ann Iroegbulem got a two-bedroom apartment each, built and fully equipped by the governor’s wife.

The member representing Ehime Mbano in the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Kingsley Dimiaku and his Oru East counterpart, M. Greg. Okemili, a lawyer, as well as the state chairman of All People’s Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Marshall Okafor Anyanwu, extolled the passion of the governor’s wife for the poor in the society.

The beneficiaries, Mrs. Helen Anyanwu and Mrs. Ann Iroegbulem lauded the governor’s wife for opening a new chapter in their lives and prayed God to continue to protect and bless her and her family.

Their children were also full of praises for Mrs. Okorocha.

Amosun’s wife celebrates the aged The senior citizens were brought together under the programme called UPLIFTing the Aged, an initiative of the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun. Many analysts have described the initiative as one of the most important steps in Ogun State to give the elderly people a sense of belonging and make them happier.

With the increasing number of the needy senior citizens in Ogun State, a regular forum like, this many believed, would afford the less privileged but almost helpless people who in their prime had contributed

to the development of the society.

Knowing how dear the elderly are to her husband, Mrs. Amosun invited more than 1,000 senior citizens across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State to join Governor Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) in celebrating his 55th birthday anniversary.

As expected, the governor is usually overjoyed to see the elders. This year’s programme was more colourful than that of last year.

As many of these senior citizens recounted their wonderful experiences, the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State walked into the hall, and

went round to exchange handshake and identify with the aged, assuring them that they are not forgotten.

According to her, “Every one has the desire to grow older. Ageing is a gift from God and our elderly persons deserve to be taken care of. Our desire is to fill in the gap of fulfilling the social needs of vulnerable elderly people who are lonely, who lose touch with their environment, who struggle hard in their daily activities, who are down-hearted and who need daily basic health care.”

Mrs. Amosun explained that ageing is not a big issue, but “we should

make it a point of duty to take care of the vulnerable older persons, this informed our decision to embark on this initiative called UPLIFTing the Aged.”

Indeed, this is one area the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State has recorded a major feat by offering a helping hand to the elderly people to lift them up and make them happier. Thus, she advocated for better welfare package for the elderly people in our society, describing the aged as very important •Continued on Page 45

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBUARY 1, 2013

18

Delta proposes N10b rescue programme

Bayelsa boosts security

B

•Governor Dickson

I

AYELSA State government says 13 emergency response buildings worth millions of naira built in some designated areas of the state are ready for commissioning.

The buildings are located at Oloibiri, Ogbia town, Opume, Opume-Ogbia Town-Otuabagi junction, Emeyal 1/ Otuoke junction and Otuasega/Shell Camp junction.

Other locations include Onuebum, Agbura, Okaki/Yenegwe junction, Igbogene/Okolobiri/Glory Drive roundabout, Okordia-Zarama market, Opokuma junction and Sagbama junction.

Conducting newsmen round some of the project sites as part of activities mark-

Lawmaker lifts constituents

N a bid to improve living standard at the grassroots, a lawmaker representing Ibadan North in the House of Representatives, Hon Abiodun Awoleye has embarked on a free technical education programme for members of his constituency through the Hon. Awoleye Technical and Vocational Centre (HATAVEC).

The lawmaker said during the orientation programme for the trainers and first batch of 500 students of the center that the motive was to ensure that rural dwellers felt the impact of the ACN-led present administration in the state.

He stressed the need for the provision of workable and functional training and vocational materials for the people in his constitu-

•Hon Awoleye

By Jeremiah Oke

ency, adding that the intention of the programme was to see that adults and young school leavers are self-dependent and employable in both the public and private sectors in the country.

He said: “The programme is designed to be a continuous exercise and at the end of each batch, the beneficiaries would be provided with necessary equipment to start their own businesses.

“In addition to this empowerment program, 50 students will also be enrolled for NABTEB examination for May/June 2013 examination. The successful candidates in the examination have the opportunities of either to continue with their technical education in tertiary institutions of their choice or choose to seek employment with the certificate in either public or private sectors.

“In fact, the focus of the centre is to see students achieving in terms of being self reliant”.

Earlier, the coordinator of the programme, Engr.Tajudeen Olaoye urged the first batch of the students to be serious with the programme, as only the serious ones would benefit from it.

He explained that the programme would be supervised and evaluated by credible bodies and that only the students that are outstanding in supervision and evaluation test would be empowered. “ The programme shall empower you freely through skill acquisition, as well as through the needed facilities and equipment to set up your own businesses and some students shall also be empowered through NABTEB examination”, he said.

‘We ‘ll ensure best practices’

T

HE Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, has paid a courtesy visit to the Tin-Can Island Port to ascertain the physical level of development in the port.

The Group Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of Sifax Group (owners of Ports and Cargo Handling Services Ltd.), Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, received him.

Afolabi in company of his management team, took the CG on a tour of the facilities at the terminal, showing him the array of newly acquired equipment at the terminal within the six years of taking over of operations and management of terminal ‘C’ of the Tin-Can

Island port. These equipment include the recently acquired 10 brand newRTGs and six shore Cranes, amongst others.

The Comptroller-General in company of some of his lieutenants, including the CAC of Tin-can, Compt. Tunji Aremu, Deputy Comtoller General , amongst others, were full of praises for Ports and Cargo Handling Services for the level of investment and transformation of the terminal.

He promised that business in Nigerian ports will be done in line with the best practices in the world, especially as the Nigerian Customs Services takes over from the destination inspection agencies, starting from this year .

Bayelsa ing Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration’s one year in office, the State Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Fred Obua, said the projects were borne out of government’s desire to provide adequate security for lives and property as well make the environment conducive for investors and their inestments to flourish.

If the state is adequately secured, according to the commissioner, it would encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the state and shore up the economic profile of the state.

According to him, in order to further strengthen the existing security network in the state,” the state governor directed this Ministry to construct emergency response buildings at the designated locations in the state” As part of the achievements of the administration in the last one year, the commissioner disclosed that a number of projects had been completed under his ministry.

They are the reconstruction of a modern Police officers’ mess, emergency response /security buildings, renovation of the state security service quarters, and fencing and landscaping of Presidential Lodge.

The ongoing projects are; reconstruction of traditional rulers council building, construction of gateway entrance, glory land drive and Igbogene boundary and completion of Abandoned Talented Childrens’ School Quarters for use by the Federal University, Otuoke.

•Governor Uduaghan

Firm fetes SOS children

C

HILDREN of the SOS Children’s Village Isolo in Lagos State were in high spirits penultimate week as the Management and staff of Philly and Mools Group, a conglomerate of companies visited the school to celebrate its annual thanksgiving with the children and encourage them that tomorrow holds the hope for a better and brighter future for them.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the group, Mr Niyi Oguntoyiobo, said: “This is the true essence of thanksgiving. To give back to the society and to celebrate with the children who cannot afford to own the same things that we may be privileged to own. The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to show appreciation, thanksgiving and understanding that our position in life is a privilege”

He further stated that though the event was the the first of its kind for the company, there would be many to come. “We expect that we’ll be able to partner with them for sustainability on long term objectives, and plan that it would get bigger as we go on, such that we would get to a point where we will also give back to various charities across the globe, especially on the African Continent,” Oguntoyinbo said.

The guests were briefed by Biodun Adejola, Stock Controller, SOS Children’s Village during an informative session before the presentation of the various food items, household provisions of large quantity and good quality to the village. He briefed in painstaking detail the history and operational procedures of the village.

Members of staff of the group were later taken on a tour of a neat, well-planned premise of the village. They interacted with the children in their “homes” with their caregivers (mothers), getting first-hand information about the village, the children and activities within the village.

Delta affected.

Besides, he said 220 primary schools and 84 secondary schools were damaged, 357 fish farms destroyed, while 753 market stores were affected.

Prof. Orubu who described the flood as the worst in the last 50 years, said the cost of road maintenance was not accommodated in the report.

He, however, recommended immediate fumigation and construction of deep well water in the villages affected by the flood.

Calling for the rehabilitation of failed portions of roads in the rural areas, Prof Orubu suggested the supply of farm implements and machines to farmers.

Prof. Orubu said the committee recommended for improved weather forecasting system to ensure accuracy in predictions as well as cross country management of rivers to check flooding.

Orubu, who said the committee’s report was divided into short and long term, stated that the committee was optimistic that when all natural water channels were opened up, flooding in the state would be minimised.

The chairman of the Technical Committee and Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) in his remarks before the presentation of the report, said more mud houses were destroyed during the flood disaster and requested the state government to establish a database that would vividly capture the depth of the flood disaster.

•Some of the beneficiaries at the event

Council gives free UTME forms O fewer than 100 students seeking admission into higher institutions from the Eti-Osa Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area have received the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) forms from the council.

Presenting the forms to the admission seek-

N

‘Beware of sycophants’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T • Chairman,Apapa Local Government Area, Hon Ayodeji Joseph presenting a free JAMB form to Master Adesanya Azeez. With them are Miss Kike Balogun, HOD Education and Hon Kamaldeen Olasode, Supervision for Education

P

Police launch code of conduct

LATEAU State Commissioner of Police Mr Chris Olakpe has launched the new Inspector General (IG) professional code of conduct in the state.

Olakpe, a former Force Public Relations Officer, noted that the importance of the code as stipulated, emphasised the need for officers and men to avail themselves of the content aimed at instilling discipline in the force.

He said: “A professional standard behaviour towards members of the public as stipulated by the code must be strictly adhered to,to portray us as public servants not as masters; we ought to deliver quality Police service, that is accessible to the generality of the people to enable members of the public build a lasting trust in the Police”.

Olakpe called on officers and men to see the security challenge in the state as a call to duty,

Prayer programme

•Alhaji Abdullahi (left)with some Customs officials during the visit

T

HE Technical Committee on Flood Impact Assessment set up by the Delta State government has said that about N10 billion naira was required for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by flood as well as resettlement of victims of the flood that devastated the state last year.

At a public presentation of its report in Asaba, Prof Chris Orubu who presented the report on behalf of the Technical Committee, disclosed that 231 communities in 12 local government areas of the state were adversely

47

THE seventy two hours prayer and fasting session of the Revolution Fire Christian Ministry Incorporated has begun. It is tagged: ‘My condition must change prayer mountain. The venue is the church auditorium 1, Bankole Close,Ojodu Abiodun Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos. The programme ends on Sunday, February 3.

Speaking on the programme, the General Overseer, Prophet Emma Nwazao said the it would provide recovery for stolen virtues, finances and all bad conditions would change for the better.

By Jude Isiguzo

stressing that the business of policing and security is the responsibility of all and that no single individual or organisation has the monopoly of security knowledge.

The IGP Mohammed Abubarkar, launched the professional code of conduct for the officers of the Nigeria Police in Abuja •Olakpe on January 10 and directed all command commissioners to do same in their various commands.

It was gathered at that time that the purpose of a code of conduct is to provide every policeman with a set of guiding principles and standard of behaviour on or off duty.

The city of Jos has enjoyed relative peace since Olakpe took over as Commissioner of Police.

Police sources at the command disclosed to The Nation that Olakpe is doing everything to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

HE Jama’atul Islamic Society of Nigeria has urged the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to be wary of sycophants who have no business being in government.

The Islamic group in a statement signed by its secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani in Ibadan, said the governor should not listen to praise singers that are out to deceive him .

They group was reacting to an interview granted by the sacked former Vice-Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Abass Oloko by a national daily, He recalled that Oloko was not a member of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) again in the state following his alleged wrong behaviours.

The interview, the group said, was aimed at appeasing some authorities, especially the governor to pardon him of his arrogant attitude.

It specifically noted that Oloko assaulted his boss, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold and was arraingned in court for assault, adding that he has been pleading with Governor Ajimobi so that the court case against him pending in the state High Court will be withdrawn.

•From left: President/CEO, AIC Group, Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, Legal Adviser to AIC, Mr Kayode Oladele and Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr Olatunji Calcrick at a soft landing settlement over a land between AIC Group and Federal Airport Authority PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU (FAAN) at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Cleric urges faith in God

C

HRISTIANS have been advised to demonstrate faith in God in all they do in order to obtain His blessings.

Parish Priest of St Peter’s Catholic Church Ejigbo Lagos State Rev. Fr Gabriel Iheanacho gave the advice during the investiture of some members of the Order of the Knight of St Mulumba Nigeria (KSM) Idimu sub-council at the church’s auditorium.

Fr Iheanacho said that faith is a veritable instrument with which Christians triumph over the machinations of the devil. He maintained that “when we put our trust and faith in God, there is no kind of adversity that could overwhelm us because God watches over those who trust in Him.”

Describing the Order of the Knight of St Mulumba as a group formed by the Church and recognised by God for the continuation of the work of Christ to sanctify the world, the cleric said those member Knights inaugurated into the Second Degree of the Order of Knight of St Mulumba were soldiers of the Church who defends her faith and doctrines at all times.

He urged them to be humble and poor in spirit, adding that “it is a sign of pride and arrogance to condemn what one doesn’t know about. There is dignity in humility.” He said that Knighthood, especially that of St Mulumba was approved by all the Catholic Bishops as an Order rooted in faith. On faith as a weapon against the devil, Rev. Fr Iheanacho said that “it is only by faith

By Musa Odoshimokhe

ing students, the council chairman, Hon. Rasaq Adeniji, said the gesture was to position the younger generation in the area to favourably compete with their counterparts elsewhere in terms of self development.

Adeniji stated that his administration had pledged to vigorously pursue policies that would lead to the development of the council in socio-economic and political relevance.

He said: “This educational programme will transform our LCDA in areas of human endeavour. This is equally hinged on our resolve to run a government of accountability, transparency and honesty.”

He recalled that the administration’s resolve to put the education sector on priority list led to the renovation and upgrading of some schools in the council. “It is important to refresh our memory that in November last year, we carried out some major work at the Aunty Ayo Comprehensive High School, Keffi Road.”

The chairman maintained that in consolidating the progress made in the education sector, the council could not do anything less than what it achieved in the out-gone years rather it would advance the gains so far recorded.

“Let me remind you that today’s distribution is not the first of its kind under this administration and I hereby promise that the gesture will be a continuous process. Government will not lose focus in bringing more development.” that one can please God. We interact and worship God by faith. The primary work of members of the Knighthood is to defend the faith that unites us with Christ. This faith makes heaven too close to us “The divinity of the Lord and Master is not perceptible to the mortal eyes. Those who operate by faith are friends of God.” On the significance of the sword given to the member Knight, Fr Iheanacho said it is not to be used as St Peter used his sword to cut off the ear of one of those who came to arrest Jesus.

“Rather, you will use it as a symbolic instrument of war against enemies of Christ and His Church. It is to be used to cut off anything that inhibits the spread of the work of God. You will use it to reprimand, correct, educate, encourage and teach those whose actions tend to rubbish the sanctity of the word of God.

Community kicks against imposition of monarch HE Iboro community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State

T

has kicked against the imposition of a traditional ruler for the community. The town has been without a king since the demise of Oba Samuel Adebowale Bakare eight years ago.

It was gathered that some soldiers invaded the town penultimate week, to foil the ratification of Prince Salako Abayomi Olufalo, one of the contestants, as the Aboro of Iboro.

The invasion was believed to have been carried out by a prominent citizen in the state purportedly in support a retired police officer among the contestants.

Speaking on the issue, the Oluwo of Iboro, Chief Daniel Fateru said: “Majority of the residents especially the kingmakers have unanimously agreed to pick Salako way back in 2007 but because Adebesin, who is from the same Agunloye Ruling House as Salako;

headed for the court, the reason why we could not have the Oba until this latest foist” He urged the state government to call the kingmakers to order, saying what the town needs is a vibrant and well focused candidate that share the vision of the Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

In the same vein, the Otunba of Iboro, Chief Reuben Ajayi said the deployment of soldiers in the community to suppress people’s voice is against democracy.

In a recent meeting of kingmakers, elders youths, women and community leaders, all kicked against imposition of a king. Present at the meeting were: High Chief Ezekiel Akani Idowu Odebuyi, the Odofin of Iboro, Head of Kingmakers, Chief James Oluyemi Onijide, Chief Imam of Iboro Alhaji Mutairu from Ojalemo Family, Women Leader, Madam Raliatu Fagbemiro, among others.

•From left Worthy Brothers Johnson O. Thomas, Fabian Ewendu, Charles Adekoya, Christopher Ikiseh and Francis Ojo at the event.

THE NATION FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2013

19

COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Capital Oil versus Access Bank •Is it right for a Nigerian court to stop anyone free access to justice in England?

T

HERE was a startling twist in the legal tangle between Capital Oil and Gas Limited and its Managing Director, Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, and Access Bank Plc and Coscharis Motors, over a disputed N10 billion loan the bank claimed to have granted the company.

A Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the bank to discontinue a suit it filed against the other party at a London High Court of Justice in relation to issues pending before the Nigerian court. According to the ruling by Justice Okon Abang, the bank has 48 hours to comply, and is expected to produce the “notice of discontinuance of all processes before the English court” at the next hearing date on February 4.

Furthermore, he restrained the bank from enforcing the English court’s order

‘At stake is someone’s fundamental right, which is a free access to justice. A local court should not frustrate a universal quest for truth and justice.

If the bank took its case to a court with jurisdiction, even if abroad, can it be said, then, to have erred in its quest for justice? This is a question that has to be answered and it would be interesting to see how the judicial knot will be untied’

against Ubah; and added, rather superfluously, that Ubah and his company could “seek leave of the court to commence contempt proceedings” against the bank, and demand damages. While the ruling is open to appeal, it is not clear yet what steps the bank might take in reaction to it.

Ubah and his company had challenged a worldwide order (mareva injunction) by the English court on November 9 last year, freezing assets worth $133.5 million belonging to the party in England and Wales.

This order was said to be contrary to Abang’s, reportedly issued on the same day, restraining the other party from “interfering with the applicants’ properties and/or business interest, pending the final determination of this suit.” In the suit in question, Ubah is seeking, among other things, a declaration that there was no “privity or contract and/or direct customer/banker relationship between him along with his company, and Access Bank.” On the other hand, the bank had alleged in its London suit that the defendants fraudulently diverted the petroleum products it financed under the joint venture agreement between Capital Oil and Coscharis Motors.

Justice Abang concurred with Ubah’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who reportedly argued that, in seeking the English court’s freezing order in respect of a matter that happened in Nigeria, the bank “ridiculed the Nigerian judiciary” and demonstrated disrespect for the restraining order issued by the Nigerian court. Olanipekun further described the bank’s London suit as “an attempt to undermine the judicial process in Nigeria.”

With all due respect, the arguments of the learned counsel, upheld by the judge, just do not add up. To begin with, it is certainly not unusual that the bank took its case to an English court, even though this implied that the party apparently had greater confidence in the English legal system. Neither is it unreasonable, considering well-founded criticisms of the local judicial process of alleged tardiness and questionable verdicts.

In addition, speaking comparatively, the Nigerian judicial system is, regrettably, perceived as perhaps more liable to distorted justice. A case in point is the widely-publicised UK conviction and long-term imprisonment of the Nigerian ex-governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori, for corruption and money laundering. It is generally believed that he escaped justice in Nigeria because of his connections in high places.

It is significant that there is no fundamental dispute over the jurisdiction of the English court, which, indeed, makes Justice Abang’s far-reaching pronouncements even more bewildering.

At stake is someone’s fundamental right, which is a free access to justice. A local court should not frustrate a universal quest for truth and justice. If the bank took its case to a court with jurisdiction, even if abroad, can it be said, then, to have erred in its quest for justice? This is a question that has to be answered and it would be interesting to see how the judicial knot will be untied.

Brazil’s dark Sunday • The fire disaster in the south American country is a wake-up call here in Nigeria

J

ANUARY 27 would for long be a day to remember in Brazil’s annals. That was the day that about 245 Brazilians lost their lives in a nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria, after a band’s pyrotechnics show set the building ablaze.

Most of the victims died of asphyxiation or were trampled upon by others in a stampede. The club was filled beyond capacity when the fire broke out at about 2:30 a.m.

The disaster, one of the worst such in the world in about a decade, saw Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff cut short a visit to Chile, to attend to the emergency.

A similar incident happened in 2003 when fire broke out at a nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100. Another occurred in a Buenos Aires nightclub, Argentina, in 2004 that killed nearly 200. As in the recent disaster, the other incidents occurred when a band or members of the audience set the stage alight.

For a country preparing to host next year’s World Cup soccer tournament and the 2016 Summer Olympics, this incident must naturally bring its safety standards and emergency response capabilities under scrutiny. We sympathise with the government and people of Brazil over this tragic incident and wish the survivors speedy recovery.

Even as we empathise with the Brazilians, the incident should bring into sharp focus our own emergency procedures, especially as we have been caught napping on many occasions. As we have always said, tragedies will always happen even with the best of precautionary mea-

sures; but the ability to respond adequately and on time can make the difference between life and death.

From reports, it was clear a lot went wrong with the Brazilian nightclub. One, it was operating illegally as at the time of the incident. Its licence expired last August and was yet to be renewed because the nightclub has only one emergency exit. But how many nightclubs and other relaxation spots have valid licences in Nigeria? The Brazilians appear to be better off; at least they are able to capture the Kiss nightclub in their record. They even refused to renew its licence because it was yet to meet safety standards. Essentially, therefore, the problem there is lack of enforcement of the law, a thing we are also familiar with in Nigeria.

Here, we place more emphasis on revenue; once the club is able to pay the relevant fees, it could be in business, with or without emergency door or no door at all, if that is ever possible! It was clear many of the revelers in the nightclub would have escaped if there were functional emergency doors, and clearly so marked.

About 50 of them died in toilets because they mistook the doors to the toilets for emergency exits.

From reports, too, it was clear the fire extinguishers in the nightclub were for decoration as they were useless when it mattered most. Again, how many homes or institutions have functional fire extinguishers in Nigeria? Even some high-rise buildings here regard such basic facility as luxury; yet, no one cares about such terrible nonchalance until something

tragic happens.

In addition, most of our Fire Brigade stations do not have the basic tools to contain any serious fire. When they do not respond late to distress calls, they come to the scene only to join other spectators because they do not have water.

Our problems are compounded by power surge and incompetent artisans whose activities had led to many disasters one way or the other in the past.

We are more prone to disasters; and this is not something to be proud of. The Brazil nightclub fire should be a wakeup call to our authorities to get serious and address, in practical terms, the challenges that have made them experts in graveside orations arising from avoidable or badly managed disasters.

‘Even as we empathise with the Brazilians, the incident should bring into sharp focus our own emergency procedures, especially as we have been caught napping on many occasions. As we have always said, tragedies will always happen even with the best of precautionary measures; but the ability to respond adequately and on time can make the difference between life and death’

Locked into your phone • Cellphone firms have stretched copyright law to deter competition and innovation.

C

ELLPHONE users know that when they sign a contract with a mobile phone company, they’re locked into that network for the duration of the deal. What they may not know is that their phone is digitally locked to that network forever. And as of this week, they may no longer have the legal right to unlock it, even after the contract has expired. It’s just the latest example of how companies have stretched copyright law to deter competition and innovation, not protect the creators of copyrighted works.

At issue is Section 1201 of the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which bars people from circumventing a “technological measure” — e.g., a digital lock — that restricts access to a copyrighted work. Recognizing how sweeping the prohibition was, Congress instructed the Librarian of Congress to grant exemptions every three years for circumventions that enabled noninfringing uses of locked works. The government granted exemptions for mobile phone unlocking in 2006 and 2010 but not last year, ruling that consumers who wanted an unlocked phone could buy a new one or seek permission from their phone company.

The industry’s trade association contends that the locks help prevent people from taking heavily subsidized phones to rival networks before they’ve fulfilled their contracts and (presumably) repaid the subsidies. It also argues that the locks help stop middlemen from buying prepaid phones in bulk, unlocking them and then reselling them overseas. But mobile phone companies already charge hefty early termination fees for users who break their contracts, and they sell prepaid phones with considerably lower subsidies, if any. For example, Verizon gives away the HTC Rhyme smartphone with a two-year contract, but it charges $440 for a Rhyme without one.

More fundamentally, it’s hard to see the connection between the locks and the software creators that copyright law were supposed to protect. Consumers were allowed to unlock phones before the smartphone market exploded, and yet Apple went on to develop the iPhone and Google developed the rival Android software. Clearly, the point of the locks isn’t to protect Apple, Google and other creators of copyrighted phone software; it’s to protect the phone companies’ revenue streams.

That’s not what copyright law is for. Yet that’s how companies have repeatedly tried to use it in the digital era, when so many services and devices can claim copyright protection based on the software they rely on. The courts have turned back some of the more egregious efforts, such as the attempt by a printer manufacturer to use the anti-circumvention law to block a rival supplier of ink cartridges. But the government’s flub on the cellphone issue shows that it’s time for Congress to clarify that companies will have to find a more appropriate tool than copyright law to enforce their business models.

– Los Angeles 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

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Adeniyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Press Manager •Group Political Editor Udensi Chikaodi Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It baffles me when I see people channel their energy to rationalize absurd and vile courses in the guise of liberty, freedom, or emancipation. Even in the so-called most liberal societies, human behavior is regulated to protect the society and its inhabitants from the harmful effects of the excesses the liberty of expressing our freedom might exert.

Dr Pius Oyeniran Abioje of the University of Ilorin in The Nation’s letters page of January 16, titled “Lawmakers death warrant on homosexuals” stated that African leaders have used their Christo- Islamic bias to legislate laws and therefore endangered homosexuals. I find his views as self-serving and impudence to the intelligence of our leaders and their capability to take beneficial decisions on behalf of their people.

It is an affront for anyone to posit that our sense of morality is the absolute product of our holy books. Long before the advent of Christianity and Islam, Africans are known to posses’ classic virtues and high sense of responsibility which has stood the test of time beyond functional and structural evolution. Except some people are saying we are only politically liberated but still a moral colony of the West, it must be admitted by all that we are rational beings, with our own values, beliefs, and customs which has helped sustained our homogeneity for eons. We might be importing some foreign cultures which are beneficial and others detrimental to our society,

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

Still on the gay rights debate no one should challenge our collective conscience and right to filter those things we are sure will destroy us. Every society derive its laws from the peoples culture, belief, and values which are actually the pillars that define appropriate actions, why would anyone rubbish ours down to religious sentiment just because it does not serve his or her selfish purpose?

I personally do not have any problem with homosexuality or gay people, but I must admit I have issues with gay rights, why? With gay right you encourage what ordinarily some people would not

contemplate, more innocent people are disposed and made cushy disciples, and more worrisome is that you are institutionalizing what is capable of wiping out humanity.

Yes, wiping out humanity because procreation is threatened by the flourishing of same sex union. Like drug use, abortion rights, prostitution rights etc why are most nations of the world sceptical about endorsing these human preferences? I believe they know institutionalizing it will explode it and its explosion will be a threat to their existence as a people.

Homosexuality just like hetero-

sexuality and most human behaviours, is a learned orientation that can be unlearned or managed, hence the need to limit its exposure because people learn more from what they are exposed to, and young peoples’ mind is easily imprinted upon by the actions of mentors they seek to model. To the best of my knowledge, the resolve of African leaders and indeed the National Assembly is the honest reflection of our collective conscience on this issue. The effort being garnered to discredit their noble resolution in the name of religious bias is unfounded and a

S

• John Samuel Tuwan Ojo - Lagos

Abuja’s ban on mini-buses IR: The recent ban on mini buses on some routes in Abuja by the FCT administration was never intended to cause any hardship to the residents. The true situation is that the FCT minister intends a realistic delineation for mini and high capacity buses in the FCT, just like it occurs in all modern cities of the world.

It is mischievous for some persons to claim that the decision

S

of the FCT administration to ban mini-buses from operating in the city centre is borne out of conceit or any other reason. The ban has been in the pipeline since 2010 and it arose as a result of the challenges posed by the actions and operations of the mini-buses which had led to congestion in the city, persistent gridlock, and chaos from their unruly nature.

The policy is intended to reduce traffic accidents, improve security

and restore sanity on major roads and interchanges in the nation’s capital.

This policy on the restriction of the operation of mini-buses on some routes in the city is similar to the ban on motorcycles by the former FCT administration which was greeted by a negative general public uproar but in the long run it is the same general public that is commending the efforts of government. When the high

N23 billion pension fraud: What a country!

IR: Permit me to lend my voice to the public outcry against the wishy-washy judgment meted on Mr John Yakubu Yusufu, one of the police pension scam jobbers who confessed to stealing our pensioners money. The big question now is this: is it enough for the self confessed thief to say yes I stole as much as N23 billion and be asked to part with a miserable N750, 000.00 as fine and be made to go home and steal no more?

This feeling of impotent rage which has enveloped the citizenry at this judgment by Justice

cheap blackmail. But if African leaders had remained silent about this matter, they would have been guilty of negligence to protect the people they swore to defend. The bill on homosexuality in Nigeria did not in any way infringe on fundamental human rights, neither does it ratify incarceration or death penalty to anyone that is solitarily or publicly gay in Nigeria. Ipso facto, the bill is aimed at protecting the sacred institution of marriage which is the hub of the society, the paramount fountain of value transmission, and the primary source of procreation, nay the survival of the society. The bill is the most shrewd and pragmatic legislation African leaders have delivered and we support and uphold that the long arms of the law don’t spare you who seek to institutionalise that which we all abhor.

Mohammed Talba of the FCT High Court, Abuja, which is absolutely laughable, should be condemned by all.

I only hope that other judges would not ridicule the efforts of the anti-corruption agencies.

Like one Monday Ubani who registered his displeasure on the judgment, I also call for and very quickly too, an urgent amendment of the Penal Code, which he says does not impose punishment sufficient enough to deter corruption. While his legal colleague Bamidele Aturu who also spoke on the judgment in The Punch

of Tuesday January 29, said the sentence portrays Nigeria as a country that is not serious to fight corruption.

It is a known fact that the aged who have served our nation meritoriously die daily while waiting endlessly without getting paid their well earned meager pension.

I want to say emphatically that Justice Talba’s judgment is a great disservice to the strained investigation leading to the indictment of Yusufu. It is a slap on the EFCC officers who ordinarily would have been thrilled that their

hard work be rewarded by the society and its best institutions. This is indeed a shame to the judiciary.

Another big question is: What does this teach our youths or those who have their hands in the till already? I will say it simply means ‘carry go, collect enough after all, the law will only recoup a negligible portion and you will go a free man. After all, is that not what Justice Talba did to Yusufu?

Our value system has gone down indeed. Ha! We are headed for doomsday! No shame for the thief again, wahala de!

• Ngozi Austine Awka.

capacity buses commence services in the city, it will no longer be a situation of everything goes as there will be designated bus stops and the high capacity buses will be compelled by virtue of the agreement entered into with the administration to strictly adhere to picking and dropping of passengers at designated bus stops and ensuring they do not impede other road users as was the norm when mini-buses were operating in the city.

Residents of the FCT must view the new policy on transportation as bringing order back to the very chaotic situation; as no responsible and well meaning society that sincerely wants development, thrives on chaos.

The vision of Senator Bala Mohammed is to move the FCT to the next level of development and this includes the new policy for transport operation that is designed to provide an organised transport structure; which invariably is in the overriding interest of the plethora of residents of the capital city.

• Mohammed Awwalu Ibro Abuja

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 16

21

COMMENTS

Readers’parliament 21 • We are very bad people (1and 2)

Y

OUR analysis is correct.

Some parents are boastful of their ability to purchase seats for their wards to cheat at JAMB and SSCE centres. It is sad to see what our country has degenerated to. God will help us.

08023137600.

Haba Tunji. This your piece was too harsh to Nigerians. I am sure you are not residing in Nigeria.

08033754830.

Olatunji, I agree with you totally that, ‘We are very bad people.’ If Mr. ‘Integrity’Lawan Farouk could fall the way he did, then hope is not in sight for this society of ours. Look at the appointment of Dame Patience as Permanent Secretary. Very absurd. 08034053328.

Remain blessed for saying the truth. All men need to be forcefully castrated, so that we can stop breeding baboons and then let the country return to stone age.08037967898.

I wish you continue with this line of write-up. You strike a definite chord in our psychology and sociology with the message. I wake everyday with these foreboding realities of the basic Nigerian psyche. I fear for the future of this race and generation…I totally agree with your thesis. 08054967602.

Excellent piece of writing. I agree with you 100 per cent. We need to change ourselves because we are indeed very bad people.

08079890367.

“It is good to be bad and bad to be good in contemporary Nigeria,” truer words I have never read in Nigerian newspapers. Brilliant article today, Mr. Ololade! Please keep up the good work. And the

T

truth shall set us all free.

08178675967.

Thanks a lot dear. You did very well in your piece. May God bless you with more knowledge and wisdom. Amen. 08063675643.

May Almighty God bless you for telling the truth the way it is, ‘We are very bad people.’ 08037036487.

Olatunji, what you are saying cannot be disputed. What has eluded us is the way out of the quagmire. From Cyril Chinweike Eze. 08037907122.

And Patience Jonathan is now a permanent secretary. Only in Nigeira can such happen. We are very bad people indeed.

07035347838.

I have never read a more honest description of you and me. We are very horrible people. From Ehimare Ehoho. 08081322995.

May God bless you for telling us the truth. Please keep it up. Luka Jos. 08081767426.

Of course, we are very people Olatunji. In Port Harcourt where I live, it’s really the picture you painted. Success through hard work is no longer the way of life. What of teachers known b ydear patience, they are now the vampires that devour their wards. Thanks. Good piece. Ray from Port Harcourt.

08056666484.

You said it all. We are indeed very bad people. None could be worse. From Barrister Obi Anierobi.

08031157593.

Olatunji, I like your write-up. Let us be accountable for all our actions, let us stop blaming our leaders. An average Nigerian man is a criminal. Zuby from Port Harcourt.

HE widespread diffusion of ICT, particularly mobile phones is known to have the potential of bridging the digital divide as well as alleviating poverty through the direct and indirect job creation.

Mobile money has now become an imperative factor for financial inclusion and the key driver of funds from the informal sector to the formal/banking sector.

The lack of access to a broader set of financial options in rural areas represents a potential constraint to entrepreneurship and the ability to undertake socially and privately profitable investment projects. Participants are geographically scattered, financial transactions are small and rural incomes tend to be unstable.

Narrowing the digital divide is not a subject of debate. It is fundamental to the nation’s goal of becoming one of the top 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

Nigeria presently has an estimated population of 160 million people with the number of unbanked populations placed at about 70 per cent. Because it is upon this category of people that Nigeria depends for local supply of food, the agricultural sector has a huge transformational prospect in this case. It is critical and important for financial inclusion.

The cell phone is a portable, revolutionary tool. More people in the world have access to mobile phones than they have to running water, electricity, or even toilets. It comes across as a tool for bringing the rural dwellers into the mainstream economies. As of May 2012, Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications subscribers’ base hit 101.1 million. According to the African Journal of Business Management, published on 15 February, 2012, majority, about 70 per cent of the population in developing countries, particularly in Africa, live in rural areas and have no access to financial services.

08051603828.

Your article is a very good one.

Unfortunately you are talking to people who have long chosen the path of amorality. The assertion that the followership is as bad as the leadership is true. But in all climes, it is the leadership that sets the pace either for moral degeneracy or righteous living. The theory of the vital few cannot be wished away. The elites, opinion moulders and policy formulators who develop the framework for policy implementation and are supposed to enforce compliance are the first culprits. No society has only good people; what deters people from wrongdoing is the arm of the law which is supposed to be enforced by the leaders. That’s why foreigners come to Nigeria and beat traffic lights. Let’s get good leaders and things will fall in place. From Etokowoh Owoh Uyo. AKS. 08037975031.

Your ability to put reality in pure perspective is outstanding. Until Nigerians move away from pretence, egoism, deceit, avarice, hate, etc, I wonder where our religious disposition will take us. From Paul Vingil. Abuja. 08035880838.

I honestly agree with you and I pray that God endow you with wisdom, knowledge and blessedness to tell the nation the root of our problem. God bless you bro. From Wellington, Sango, Ogun State.

08060244044.

Mr. Olatunji Ololade, your write

up, ‘We are very bad people (1),’ I must confess, is the best write-up ever in this morally bankrupt and unholy entity called Nigeria. More of it, please, my brother. They will surely meet the people’s justice in 2015. May God keep more of your type for the battle ahead. Henry Oputa esq, Port Harcourt.

08033125515.

Nice piece Olatunji. We need more of your type. Self tendencies have destroyed us all. I think that Nigeria can only be better when Nigerians think better. Indeed, we are very bad people.08036851612.

Your write-up captured the sad reality of the contraption called Nigeria. You mirrored the true state of the inhabitants of this country and as sad and fearful the truth is, we are all culpable in the mess our dear country is in. More ink to your pen. From Tapshak Armstrong. Jos. 08166032757.

We are very bad people 1 says it all. Keep telling the truth. You are superb. From Kehinde Olalemi.

07063504030.

Tunji my brother, I totally agree with you. I fully understand your angst. Our society is largely populated by monkeys and baboons in human garb, primitive in thinking and bestial in deeds. I have never seen or heard of a society so depraved as ours. Until we, as a people, embrace those things that are truly important in life and jettison the mindless and blind accumu-

‘Your write-up captured the sad reality of the contraption called Nigeria. You mirrored the true state of the inhabitants of this country and as sad and fearful the truth is, we are all culpable in the mess our dear country is in. More ink to your pen.

Tapshak Armstrong. Jos. 08166032757’

lation of vanities, we are eternally doomed as a people spiritually and naturally. From Gerard Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo. Onitsha. 08023656124.

What do you have to say about the south-east of the country where people are kidnapping fellow human beings including new born babies in the name of money? And all of us claim to be Christians.

08160149957.

In fact, you have said it all and I totally agree with you. What can we do now to stop this menace and attitude of ours because each time?

From Shakiru. 08030699828.

Olatunji Ololade, since I was born in this feeble but very wicked and perverse country that is called Nigeria in 1953, I have never discerned anybody’s heart like I’ve just did yours…having gone through your humble and earnest dispositional topic, I thought I were you but of course, I’m not. This is to erase the unscrupulous position of the doubting Thomases that will oppose your write-up in anyway because Nigeria is just simply negative to the core. I’m in this position because some agents of negativity will want to counter the message of good people to this. They will want to smother this great message by which you teach all of us about how bad and wicked we are in this hopeless and worthless country we live in that is called Nigeria…A people that hails criminality are very bad people. A people that condones wicked preachers that pray for government officials who steal public money are very bad people.

A people who allow their previous leaders to walk the streets with their loots, even after these leaders have lost immunity are very bad people.

A people that have made their generation a thieving one are very bad people. 08036925729.

Why farmers need phones

By Olukayode Oyeleye In Nigerian agriculture, the women occupy a significant position numerically and in terms of volume of activities. Nigerian women farmers constitute 70 per cent of the country’s agricultural workforce and produce 80 per cent of the country’s food, yet most of them lack access to almost everything that could make farming worthwhile and gainful. They are not only susceptible to the whims and caprices of weather; they also face challenges such as lack of funds, inadequate agricultural information, inability to preserve farm produce, and poor access to the market.

Others are lack of information about crop production, pest control, treatment of animals, economic and health information.

The time has come for Nigeria, a developing country, to enhance the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the creation of meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities and poverty alleviation. Improving access to financial services, including savings accounts, can make all the difference. Women are considered good savers, and research has demonstrated that they are more likely to reinvest their savings in their families and communities.

The World Bank notes that gender equality is smart economics as it can raise productivity, improve other development outcomes, including prospects for the next generation, and contribute to more representative decision making in societies. However, various researches have shown that one of the easiest ways to enhance financial inclusion is by enhancing women’s welfare and participation in the nation’s economy.

‘If road access is a problem and farmers see their need for inputs, it means they are better off with phones that save them time, reduce their trouble and uncertainty and remove the risks of making needless trips. Some extension services can be personalised and delivered on phones’

Recognising that ICT holds great potential for rural dwellers, particularly female farmers, President Goodluck Jonathan, in his widely reported 2013 budget presentation to a joint session of the National Assembly, said his administration will give millions of mobile phones to women farmers. The president had explained that “these ministries are signing MOUs with the Ministry of Women Affairs to deliver on specific services for women.” According to him: “The Ministry of Agriculture, for example, will work with its ICT counterpart to ensure that five million women farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs receive mobile phones to be able to access information on agro-inputs through an e-wallet scheme,” and announced that “N3bn has been set aside to be disbursed to participating MDAs as incentives for them to deliver on these targets.”

Prior to that time, however, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, had announced government’s plan to distribute 10 million mobile phones to smallholder male and female farmers, beginning from 2013, in equal proportion for both genders. The minister had said that the phones would carry features such as information on climatic conditions, market prices of farm produce, extension workers and how farmers can access agricultural funds. He explained that the initiative was aimed at subsidising the cost of major agricultural inputs, such as fertiliser and seeds. “By that the farmers can get information on planting seasons. We cannot do that by newspapers, we need to have something they can relate with in local languages,” he had said.

Experts have observed that five million mobile phones in the hands of women farmers will create a platform for multiple services with the overall aim of improving the economic standing of the poor farmers. It is interesting to note that the mobile money initiative that began in Africa is being exported to other continents, including the developed countries. Other countries in the Americas and Asia are preparing to launch

their own mobile money services as well.

Around the world, millions of smallholders are facing effects of climate change. Extreme or erratic rains, flood and drought threaten their livelihoods. Most of the farmers work five hectares or less, often in remote areas.

With a population estimated at 167 million people, 25.4 million bank accounts and over 90 million phone subscribers subscribing to mobile payment, Nigeria promises to become Africa’s biggest mobile money market. The compelling needs of millions of unbanked Nigerians are expected to drive the country’s mobile money volume to surpass Kenya’s celebrated 9.5 million M-PESA subscribers among its 39 million people.

Massive use of cell phones by rural farmers can create thousands of rural jobs for some local service providers. Feedback from a group of farmers in Ondo State has shown that “they want extension to be strengthened.” By what means could that be done most easily, especially given their recognition of the fact that they need inputs and that rural road conditions need to be addressed?

They have indirectly substantiated why they need phones but were not able to establish firmly the rationale because of concerns for charging their batteries. Their problem actually presents an opportunity in the sense that a business can be spawned from this gap they have identified.

If road access is a problem and farmers see their need for inputs, it means they are better off with phones that save them time, reduce their trouble and uncertainty and remove the risks of making needless trips. Some extension services can be personalised and delivered on phones. This will make it easier to reach more beneficiaries, especially as there is a prevailing problem of low ratio of extension officers to farmers. A few will be able to serve more farmers, overcoming the logistic barriers and making a better use of time and other key resources, yet achieving more in agricultural productivity.

• Dr. Oyeleye is media aide to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

22

COMMENTS Corruption is a tree, whose branches are Of an immeasurable length: they spread Ev’rywhere; and the dew that drops from thence Hath infected some chairs and stools of authority.

——John Fletcher in: The Honest Man’s Fortune (1613; published 1647), Act III, scene 3 IGERIA’S ship of state is sinking and the capsizing ship stinks of seeming alarmingly irredeemable official corruption. It is worrisome to note that a former deputy director in the Police Pension Office connived with others still undergoing trial to steal N32billion, in a country where her Minister of Police Affairs publicly declared that over 4000 police pensioners are yet to receive their pensions for lack of funds.

The position being espoused today is not because one is anti-wealth but it is because this writer is anti-greed. This is because the business of government is gravely being unimpeded by corruption. I have nothing against the smell of rot but something against who hides the smell of rot. One Latin phrase, Corruptio optimi pessima which means: “Corruption of the best becomes the worst,” sums up the entire graft scenario in the country.

Every day, the big men in power are criminally depleting our collective till just to serve their personal end. This criminally awkward trend has been on the increase because the accomplice to the crime of corruption is frequently our own indifference until this case of John Yakubu Yusufu. Nigerians have chosen to say no, in a loud bang, to the festering sore called corruption. Now, they seem to appreciate the logic of what Edward Griffin was saying when he said that “To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism.”

John Yusufu, a former deputy director in the Police Pension Office was accused, arraigned and convicted for stealing of colossal sum of N32.8 billion pension funds, with five others. Their acts injured the felicity upon which the Nigerian society is based. The big issue is not about Yusufu’s conviction, neither was it about the confiscation of his properties. What has generated unbelievable public tumult is the condescending option of fine given him by the presiding judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Abubakar Talba. The stolen police pensioners’ commonwealth would have been enough to offset the gratuity/pensions of verifiable yet-to-be paid police pensioners across the country. Despite this cruelty of ac-

N

P

ROLOGUE: The Call of the Wild: This matter of the rather desperate return of Chief Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), keeps reminding me of Jack London’s more than a centuryold classic, The Call of the Wild. Those who are familiar with this little but hounding book will recognize that PDP and even to a larger extent, Nigeria, could well be the setting for London’s 1903 epic novel. Simplified, The Call of the Wild is about the crazed era of the gold rush of the early twentieth century when the Western world thought there was a surfeit of gold in the ice-decked Northern hemisphere.

The quest for gold in a hellish environment was brutish and ultimately futile as “In the end, the gold is washed away. It returns to the earth from which it was pried.” The Call, in summary, tells us that we humans in our frenzied pursuit of the banal, miss the essence of life.

PROGNOSIS: I had written about Kalu and his attempt to re-join his PDP cohorts late last year after the Wadata House (PDP’s Abuja head office) drama during which his state governor literally mobilized to fence him off the precincts of the building. Though the action of the Abia State governor had caused a stir, I had argued that Kalu’s desperation to regroup with a party he jettisoned about seven years earlier to found his own party, is, to say the least, embarrassing and inimical to his quest for Igbo leadership. I raised numerous questions including the fact that he would never in the life of him, have brooked the effrontery of a parallel camp in a party where he sits as a governor and leader. NEVER. And I posited that if he had a political party that captured two states in the Southeast and which Ndigbo were willing to align with had he provided the requisite leadership, and he threw it all overboard, then his leadership credentials are suspect.

One would think that Kalu would sleep over this ill-advised and utterly denigrating political gambit. Not by any chance, it seems. He must have had a most remarkable Yuletide plotting and sharpening the dah for his next political masterstroke which is to seize the Abia PDP – by any means possible. The plot matured in the New Year and by mid January,

Courts as harbinger of corruption?

Aloma Mukhtar tion and judgement against police pensioners by those in power that are responsible for stealing their commonwealth, they still rely on serving policemen to protect their lives and ill-gotten wealth. What an irony!

There is no doubt that the custodians in the Temple of Justice are the judges. They are by the rarefied inviolability of their job looked upon as revered men and women that must at all time uphold the torchlight of justice.

This perception is excepted because in such places as the United States (US) and United Kingdom among others, judges are believed to be above board. Also noteworthy is the fact that before any one can be considered fit and proper to be appointed on the Bench, he/ she must have track record of unimpeachable character. The Bench, and even the Bar,

ordinarily should not be havens to men and women with no conscience. The word conscience here is consciously used because when the law as it is might likely cause serious mischief to the society, it is expected that a judge should use his/her discretion by adhering to the dictates of his/her conscience that is the ultimate judge of human actions, because conscience is for centuries adjudged to be an open wound which only truth can heal. The truth in the use of privileged discretion by a judge in criminal and civil matters is what can heal the society from the criminality of corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism among others.

Any misuse of such discretionary powers could confirm the age long statement of that philosopher, Marcus Cicero, when he aphorised: “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment.”With due respect to His lordship of the Abuja High court, his judgement on Yesufu is nothing but an incitement to crime and an impetus to other filchers of public till that they can escape punishment from whatever criminality perpetuated against the state.

Justice Talba in the eyes of the law might be deemed to be following the provisions of the Penal Code applicable in the FCT in dishing out what he considers to be due punishment to the convict. But was he not outraged by the greed of the man? No one is advocating for the judge to bring emotion into law and adjudication; this is not allowed in legal jurisprudence. However, looking at law from the sociological context is permissible in this

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

PDP RETURN: The Orji Kalu redox

some village wags were corralled into issuing Kalu a verisimilitude of a PDP membership card. Knowing that loose brotherhood called PDP very well, you could ‘generate’ a membership card and register by any street corner if you so desperately seek to do so. It is a very loose, if not lousy confederacy, PDP. When it came out that Kalu had eventually returned to the PDP passing through an obscure bush path in his Igbere village, one only had a good laugh. This is the ultimate Orji Kalu redox - a desperate and diminishing quest for relevance; and it had to be executed secretly in a rustic, nether area of the country; far removed from the rest of the world. Say, how could this show have escaped the ubiquitous beam of the media? How could an Orji Kalu return to PDP without feasting and fanfare; without the knowledge of party leaders in the State? Again, is this how the OUK persona has shrunken?

Why wouldn’t the PDP hierarchy accord him some respect by way of a reception?

Now that kalu has ‘rejoined’ PDP through the back yard, has he publicly renounced the leadership of his party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA)? Or is it possible to be a member of one party and a leader of another? What is his message to his mass of confused followers currently trapped in PPA? Where does this leave Ndigbo and Kalu’s campaign for an Igbo to be the next president of Nigeria?

EPILOGUE: What we see here is opportun-

ism sneaking into bed with megalomania. It is indeed a call of the wild. This entire enterprise is all about three persons: Orji, Uzor and Kalu locked in a futile yet maniacal pursuit of the great ‘prize’. It is gold rush as always. Poor Abians are the grass that will be trampled in this turf fight being set up by Kalu. The sitting governor will now be distracted more than ever as he spends time, energy and resources fending off the onslaught of Kalu and his hounds and fighting for the soul of PDP in the State. Isn’t there is a certain godly virtue in stepping away from the arena, especially after you have done your bit and allowing your underlings some space to make even their own mistakes? To tarry in the arena eternally is to play god.

Kalu could have led and can still lead PPA to greatness if he was a leader. Where are honour, principle and dignity in this singular move of crawling back to PDP? This explains why few leaders have emerged from Igboland lately; most so called leaders are desperate hustlers even after being two-term governors. It is hoped that kalu would someday grow bigger than Abia, than even PDP. LAST MUG: Maku’s merry-go-round across Nigeria: Irrepressible federal information minister, Mr Labaran Maku has his job welldefined and cut out for him but we wonder why he is currently criss-crossing the country trying to do the jobs of state information com-

sphere of legal study. What social effect is Talba’s judgement going to have on the entire country and her governance? Will it dissuade others in power from stealing or further goad them to steal from our collective wealth? Where is the deterrence in the judgement?

The alleged offence is punishable under the relevant sections of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria 2007. The judge has the discretion to fine and equally sentence the convicted man but opted to give him an option of fine. This was what led to insinuations by some members of the public that the judge might have allegedly been compromised. If not, why does he give such judgement that gives him out as someone that has no belief in the often mouthed official anti-corruption war going on in the country and; empathy for the debilitating effect of corruption inflicted by powerful men on the poor masses whose wealth is being stolen with impunity.

Someone conspired with others to steal N32.8billion and the best judgement given him by our court was an option of fine of N750, 000; l doubt if Justice Talba has any conscience. His status as a judge has to be reviewed for dishing out this curiously insensitive judgement. He has flouted the rule established by the great Lord Denning(MR) in the case of Metropolitan Properties Co. Ltd v.

Lennon (1969) QB557@559 where he said: “Justice must be rooted in confidence and confidence is destroyed when right-minded people go away thinking: The judge is biased.” In the country today, there is no right thinking man that can align with the auctioned judgement of Justice Talba on this matter.

No wonder, Yusufu was compellingly rearrested by EFCC and re-arraigned on a fresh count charge of alleged fraud and failure to disclose all his assets. The world is watching how this matter will end just as it would want to know what is delaying the trial of others that conspired with convict Yusufu. The tree of corruption with contagious branches that are infecting the chairs and stools of authority in the executive, legislative, and more sadly, the judiciary must be cut and forthwith allowed to wither away. If Nigeria must witness genuine improvement, the elimination of corruption must be elevated to a state policy, not just clichés meant to give a semblance of work-in-progress by those in power. missioners and chief press secretaries. Pity, that Maku may have happened upon the dubious template used by the erstwhile occupier of that office, Prof Jerry Gana and he chose to run with it. What great pity? The no-brainer he calls the “Good Governance Tour” which takes him across the States of Nigeria must be part two of the Media Tour of about 10 years back that earned Gana no plaudits.

How can Maku deign to tour the 36 States and inspect their projects? That’s what we call Afghanistanism in journalism; he should be inspecting and showcasing federal government projects. That is his brief and he is failing at it if he must know. Even the modest efforts of his government are not adequately showcased to the public. Where are the power plants? Where are the green field refineries?

Where are the on-going airport remodelling?

Where are the FG-assisted rice plants? Where are the strategic grain silos? Where are the burgeoning new federal universities? There must be some roads being fixed by FERMA and the Ministry of Works; where are they?

Where is the monthly Nigeria Journal that was doing a bit of this sometime ago? Where is his Ministry’s weekly reports and updated website, etc? Honorable Minister there is so much on your table to do so quit chasing the wind and dabbling into other people’s job which you lack the capacity to do anyway.

What would be your legacy?

The clean-shaven criminal: if a clean visage betokens a benign heart, Mr John Yakubu Yusufu would be an angel. I have never seen a better shaven face since Gillette declared war against the male beard (don’t look up now) and other bodily hairs. Did you see his photo in the papers yesterday? He cropped even his eyebrows so clean as if to erase his guilt. Of course we all must know Yusufu now; the deputy director of Police Pension Office who admitted to stealing over N20 billion. We ask: if a mere deputy director could heft so much cash, where were his directors, permanent secretary, t he supervising minister and the auditors? What manner of man would covet so much cash and what manner of system would let him have such access?

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

23

NEWS

•L – R: Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson (left); his wife, Rachael, the Governor’s mother, Madam Goldcoast Dickson and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson dancing at the thanksgiving service to mark the Governor’s 47th birthday anniversary at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

•Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, flanked by Admin Judge Funmilayo Atilade (left) and Chairman, Committee on Procedure Rules, Justice Opeyemi Oke, at the commencement of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules... on Wednesday.

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

•Disengaged Janitorial Staff at EXXONMOBIL’s Qua Ibo Terminal protesting over the shortfalls in their terminal benefits in Eket... on Wednesday.

•Leader, AntiCorruption Network, Mr. Dino Melaye (right), presenting a petition to the Supreme Court Registrar, Mr. Sunday Olorundahunsi, on the “light sentence” given to a former Director of Police Pension, John Yakubu Yusufu during a protest in Abuja...on Wednesday.

•From left: Member, Nigerian Association of Nephrology, Dr. Istifanus Bosan; Secretary, Dr. Fatiu Arogundade and Consultant Nephrologist, Prof. Ifeoma Ullan, at a news conference on the 25th anniversary and congress of the association in Abuja... on Wednesday

•A crowd of people waiting to buy kerosine at the NNPC retail station in Dutse, Jigawa State... on Wednesday

24

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

25

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

A befitting funeral has been held for the former Primate of the Church in Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the most Revd. Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, in Odo-Owa, Ekiti State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

H

E lived an ascetic life. Though a man of influence, riches meant nothing to him if they were not spent in the service of God. The late Primate Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye used all he had for God. His family, friends and influence were for God. His funeral in his Odo-Owa, Ekiti State home town last Friday was a carnival of sorts. People came from every stratum of the society. The high and mighty; as well as ordinary folks were there in large number to honour the man that Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi described as the “NADECO Bishop” for his courage to speak truth to power during the years of military dictatorship.

The late Revd. Adetiloye died at 83. He was Primate of Nigeria from 1988 to 1999, retiring at 70 and leaving behind a worthy legacy.

The two-day funeral kicked off with a tribute session, organised by the Ekiti State government, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital. It was held a day before the burial in a hall named after the late Adetiloye.

The outpouring of emotions showed the love the people of Ekiti have for him. Almost everybody had something good to say about the late Primate, who touched many lives.

That same evening, a commendation service was held in the late Revd. Adetiloye’s country home in Odo-Owa. His home brimmed with activities. The simplicity of the place left many awestruck; they wondered the kind of person he was. Though acres of land stretched as far as the eye could see, the rustic house where he lived till he died stood on a small portion.

Residents lined the streets, stretching into kilometres. Odo-Owa had never seen such a crowd at the same time. The people stood in awe and watched as posh cars and church vehicles were streaming into the town. Those with camera phones snapped away; school pupils danced on the road to the music of a band in their entourage.

After the service, there was an all-night wake-keep, where members of the Anglican Secular sang and danced.

Earlier in the morning, when The Nation got to St Paul’s Millennium Anglican Church, Odo-Owa, venue of the funeral service, all was set for the occasion. By 8.30am, family members were already seated in the church, set for an event scheduled for 11am.

They wore purple printed wax with the inscription: “celebration of life of a great man of God.” The picture of the late Adetiloye holding his staff of office, was also on it.

An hour later, the church was filled. Every pew was occupied. White plastic chairs were placed in every available space. The tents that were erected around the church were not enough to contain the crowd. Others stood in the sun and watched. Many clergy men in black, purple and white occupied the first upper part of the church.

At the stipulated time, the remains of the late Primate were heralded by a loud shout.

A black hearse with ADETILOYE as the number plate bore the body. The late Primate’s wife, sons and grand-children accompanied the body to the church entrance where the officiating ministers received it.

The Primate of Nigeria, Revd Nicholas Okoh, who presided at the service, spoke of the selflessness of the deceased, his unwavering commitment to evangelism, which paved the way for the proliferation of

•From left: Adeola, his wife Bunmi; the widow, Titilayo and her son Doyin

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

NADECO Bishop Adetiloye departs churches in the diocese from 26 to 76. He prayed that the late Adetiloye’s legacy will endure “As a man who stood for God and for the people, he was a courageous prophet who spoke the truth and was ready to pay the price. He has struggled with man and the world and has now finished his race,” Okoh said.

The cleric said it was not for nothing that the late Revd. Adetiloye’s funeral coincided with the feast of St Paul, the great evangelist of Christendom.

Revd Peter Jasper Akinola, who took over from the late Adetiloye in March, 2000, said the relationship between them was not that of master-servant or bishop-archbishop but that of father and son.

“He was so caring and desirous of seeing me move ahead of the task God has given me. Even when I almost resigned as bishop, he held me back. Such a man wrote to powers that be on what they should do or face the wrath of God. He taught me that none could out-give God, and he gave till he gave his life,” Revd. Akinola said.

Dr Fayemi, who addressed the crowd of sympathisers from the altar, said it was not a day of mourning but of the celebration of a life which is unsparing of itself in service to God. He described the late Primate as the “NADECO Bishop” Nigeria’s version of Desmond Tutu, who never ceased to speak truth to the then military dictators in power during his tenure as Primate of Nigeria.

The governor urged the people of the state to abide by the tenets of the late Revd.

Adetiloye, who many years ago initiated the Ido Declaration for politicians and public office holders.

“Because he belonged to no political party but the party of God, we should keep striving even when he is departed, and say never again will we spill the blood of our people

‘Such a man wrote to powers that be on what they should do or face the wrath of God. He taught me that none could outgive God, and he gave till he gave his life’

•The late Adetiloye

on the altar of politics,” he said.

Recalling his days as a student at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, when the late primate was Bishop of the state, Fayemi said the late Rev Adetiloye lived on a hill.

He said: “A man of such immense spiritual and moral authority has gone to be with the Lord. He has fought a good fight, he has finished the course, he has kept the faith. Baba lived well, served well and died well.”

The widow, Titilayo, was short of words. She wept and wept and wept. She described her late husband as a man bestowed with a rare beauty of mind and grace, whose innate qualities made him a true wonder to all who asso-

ciated with him. “Always conciliatory and unsurprisingly modest.”

The first son, Adeola, said though their family life was shattered, his father gave the church everything. He described his father as a courageous man with immense faith in God, a man who used the disadvantages of the family to serve God. “To daddy, the church was number one, two, and three and in every situation he would say: ka ma yin Oluwa.(let us keep praising God).

There were tributes from President Goodluck Jonathan; Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and other bishops.

His remains were interred at the St Paul’s Millennium Church Odo-Owa, Ekiti.

At the funeral were the President, represented by Minister for Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade; Fayemi’s wife, Erelu Bisi ; Gen Adeyinka Adebayo; his son and former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former governors Ayo Fayose and Segun Oni; Justice George Oguntade; Bishop Alexander Ibezim of Awka, Bishop Iyom of Makurdi; Bishop Peter Adebiyi of Lagos West Diocese; the host Bishop Samuel Oke; Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Lagos Adebayo Akinde and Rev Akinyele Omole of Sokoto Diocese.

•More pictures on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

26

SOCIETY •Continued from page 25

•From left: Captain Olubolade; Gen Adebayo and Otunba Adebayo

•Governor Fayemi and his wife, Bisi

•Step-brother to the deceased, High Chief Obadipe Adetiloye

•Bishop Ibezim

•Fayose (right) and Secretary to the Ekiti State Government Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi

•From right: Bishop Oke; former Bishop of Ifo Rev Akin Odejide; Arch Bishop Akinde and Bishop Adebiyi

•Rev Omole (left) and Justice Oguntade

WHAT AND WHERE Convocation

A

CTIVITIES marking the golden jubilee of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) continues on Tuesday with a convocation lecture at the university’s main auditorium.

The lecture, which will be delivered by the Former Executive Chairman, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Munazali Jubril, is entitled Nigeria Higher Education: Agenda for Reform.

A pre-convocation Chancellors’ cocktail will hold at the Chancellors’ Lodge, Akoka, Lagos.

Lecture

•Loodoko Adimila of Ile-Ife, Chief Olusegun Arasanmi (left) and Isamire of Ife High Chief Johnson Awe

T

HE monthly joint Usrah (family gathering) of The Companion will hold on Sunday at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Alusa, IKeja, Lagos.

Execetive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West, Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof Daud Noibi will give a talk on the challenges at home and abroad; the experience of a Muslim Scholar in Alien Environment.

Alhaji Wale Sonaike of Courtville will be the host.

T

Birthday THANKSGIVING service marking the 70 th birthday of Mrs Olabisi Aduke Akinhanmi will hold on Wednesday at the Holy Trinity Church Hall, Mushin, Lagos.

Guests will be entertained at same venue immediately after church service.

A

Thanksgiving

T

HE annual thanksgiving service of the Celestial Church of Christ, Solution Parish, Alakuko, Lagos will hold on Sunday at the church’ auditorium.

The thanksgiving service with the theme Great Ability will be delivered by Shepherd in Charge of the church, Dr Yemi Igbalemi.

Prayer

T •Sir Simeon Oguntimehin (left) and Pastor Afolayan Daniel

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

HE monthly askar (Prayer) of The Muslim Congress (TMC) will hold on Sunday at Dawah Centre, Ijeshatedo Lagos.

The grand Mufti of the Conference for Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikirullahi Shafi will lead other Islamic clerics on the prayer.

Funeral

HE remains of the Former Lagos State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the ministry of justice, Chief Olusoji Adekunle AlBI Shoetan will be interred today at the Saint Paul’s Church, Lagos.

Guests will be entertained after the church service at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru Victoria Island, Lagos.

Launch

A

BOOK Vision and Purpose for Life Success written by Ayodeji Ben Bandipo will be presented to the public tomorrow at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Convenant Chapel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Olumide Emmanuel is expected to give talks on the occasion.

27

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

SOCIETY A send-forth was held for the outgoing Managing Director of Nigerite Limited, Mr Jean-Luc Viatour, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

T

HE Club, a moderate but exquisite hall at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos is renowned for big events, especially the ones organised by corporate organisations.

Last Saturday, it hosted another one - Nigerite family's dinner - between 7pm and 10pm.

At the centre of the ornately decorated hall was the Bar from where waiters served guests choice drinks.

The company's top echelon sat in a reserved area on the right side of the hall facing other guests.

At the extreme left was a stretch table with beautiful overlays. Various cuisines from local to Africa and foreign were spread on the table.

There was also a band dishing out good music to the admiration of the guests.

It was all for one of the brains behind the company's success. Jean-Luc Viatour, who is leaving the company this month.

Nigerite Limited was incorporated in Nigeria on April 29, 1959 as a joint venture between Etex Group of Belgium and O'dua Investment Limited of Nigeria. At over 52, the roofing and ceiling company is today the largest organisation in West Africa engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and installation of polyvinyl fibre cement, roofing and ceiling sheets, among other products.

It is a building component solution company providing employment for over 700 Nigerians.

The company is the only one in Nigeria to have won the annual award of the best kept industrial premises for over 10 times from 1993 to date.

To appreciate the dedication of Viatour, who has spent 30 years in the company, the management held a send-forth for him.

The four-in-one activity began with a visit to the headquarters of the parent company - O'dua Investment Limited of Nigeria in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Last Friday, the Board of Directors convened a special meeting at the company's office at Ogba, Lagos, where Viatour's exit was formally ratified and a new Managing Director appointed.

From there, they moved to Protea Hotel, Ikeja for a luncheon.

On Saturday when they gathered at Sheraton, it was tributes galore.

The reception featured prayers, eulogies, musical interlude, presentation of gifts and dance.

In his welcome address, the Board of Directors Chairman, Dr Femi Orebe said Viatour deserved all the honour bestowed on him.

Dr Orebe said the company cannot thank Viatour enough.

"He is leaving after ensuring that Nigerite is going into a N4.5 billion naira investment to be completed soon," he said.

He wished him well in his next endeavour.

Dr Orebe accompanied by his wife, Tina said the company had a worthy successor in Mr Albert Tenorio.

"He has served in many countries; we cannot be luckier in terms of quality personnel at our disposal," he said.

Nigerite, Dr Orebe boasted, is the most successful of all the companies founded by the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He promised the new Managing Director that the board representing over 50 million of the Yorubas would give him adequate support.

Former Chairman, Odua'a Investment Group, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi described Viatour as a friend and brother.

"He worked very hard and had a successful tenure. I'm sure the future of Nigerite is secured with the new helmsman," he said.

Adelusi-Adeluyi told Tenorio that Nigerians are warm people "open up to them and you won't regret it."

Viatour’s predecessor, Mr Thiery Dumont thanked him for improv-

•Group Managing Director and CEO Odu'a Investment Ltd, Mr Adebayo Jimoh

A diligent MD quits •Alhaja Bola Jimoh presenting a gift to Viatour

•Mr Jaen Robert

•Finance Director Mrs Olaitan Ojuroye

•From right: Dr Orebe, his wife Tina; Mrs Patricia Tenorio and her husband Mr Tenorio

•Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi and his wife, Lilian

•Prince Rafiu Adele (left) and Mr Olusola Akinwunmi

ing the company's lots.

He prayed Tenorio does better.

Tenorio described the challenge as a huge task and promised not to disappoint them.

"A man with a lot of experience is leaving; I'm grateful to him for guiding me through a new culture in Nigeria. Nigerians have been so kind to me and my wife - nice people, good culture and very warmly," he said.

Viatour, who holds a Bsc in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA from the University of Liege, Belgium could not thank the management and staff enough.

"You are all wonderful people; I will forever cherish my long years in this beautiful country. Thank you for all you have done for me, especially the gifts," he said.

There was a photo session and the night was rap up with dance.

•Marketing Director Mr Toyin Gbede (right) and Mr Dumont PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Mr Kayode Akintola of LAFARGE

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

28

United by love The Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos was filled when Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Otunba Moshood Tijani’s daughter, Oluwadamilola and Deacon John Dara’s son, Oluwagbemiro, got married. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

•The couple with the bride’s maids

T

HEY come from different backgrounds and not of the same religion. But they are united by love. The relationship that began two years ago through a friend culminated in holy matrimony – last Saturday.

Welcome to the wedding of Oluwadamilola Aminat, daughter of a Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Otunba Moshood Tijani, and Oluwagbemiro Daniel, son of Deacon John Dara.

The large turnout of family members, friends and well wishers was a pointer to the love they shared.

They looked resplendent in the chosen aso ebi of olive green and Fuschia pink lace.

They were not perturbed by their religious difference; to them, love is at work.

The day was the happiest for the couple. They were all smiles.

Earlier in the day, both families had gathered under a well-designed canopy behind the main hall of the Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, for the engagement.

Even though the ceremony was meant for a few people, the arena was later filled with guests and family members.

The crème of the society were there in numbers.

Afterwards, the bridal train moved to the main hall for the reception.

The band of Faith Music led by Ayo Ajekigbe was on stand.

Ajekigbe thrilled guests and they responded with naira notes.

As guests were danced their hearts out to music from Ajekigbe, food and drinks were served.

The beautifully dressed women from the MO Pampers Events Planner, who served as ushers, made the occasion unique. They were clad in Ankara with beads dangling on their legs.

The occasion was unique in many ways – from the table overlays to the couple’s picture, artistically designed and placed by the entrance.

Like an Egyptian wedding, there were people’s signatures on the art work – wishing the couple marital bliss. Guests registered at the entrance before moving into the main hall for the event, with security personnel at strategic places and at the entrances of the hall.

Since the couple are from different religious background, the holy solemnisation was conducted in the hall by Christian and Muslim clerics before the reception kicked off.

In his sermon, Revd. Samson Adedokun urged the couple to hold firm the rope of God and let their faith in Him be stronger for them to succeed.

“Fidelity, honesty and trust are essential in marriage, so be honest with yourselves,” he said.

“Show compassion and learn how to forgive one another, faith must be a vital part of your life if you

•Groom’s parents Alhaji Tijani and his wife Taibat

•Bride’s parents Deacon Dara and his wife

•Aremo Osoba flanked by Senator Ashafa (left) and Alhaji Danmole

•From left: Senator Muniru Muse; Senator Tinubu and Hon Wale Alawiye-King

•From left: ACN state Chairman Chief Henry Ajomale; Chief Badmus and Mr Adekunle Olayinka

•Senator Tunde Ogbeha (right) and former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Bayo Ojo PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

want a better conjugal life,” he added.

Immediately they were declared husband and wife, the Muslim clerics led by the Chief Imam of Apapa Central Mosque, Alhaji Isa Shuaib prayed for the couple.

Before the prayer was made, Ustadh Abubakar Abdulhameed urged the couple to be God-fearing and show love to one another.

The reception was emceed by Ushebene of Naija Fm Radio. Guests were thrilled with his jokes.

Senator Olugbenga Ashafa, who

chaired the reception, enjoined the couple to love one another, saying ‘love conquers all.’

“In love, they can live their life the way they want and have children that will make them happy. They should tolerate each other; coming from different backgrounds, there are bound to be differences but if they live in love they will surmount whatever problem they have,” he said.

He wished them the best of luck.

Ashafa also supervised the cutting of the cake. He pronounced the word LOVE for the cake to be cut.

He told them to feed one another which they did with joy and kisses.

Fuji maestro Dr Adewale Ayuba mounted the podium to entertain the gathering.

All took to the dance floor.

The elated bride, Oluwadamilola, described the day as her happiest.

The groom, Oluwagbenro, described the day as great.

“It is the day I have been looking forward to, it is the happiest day of my life because I am getting married to my best friend,” he said.

The bride’s mother Alhaja Taibat

Tijani, enjoined her daughter to take good care of her husband and be a good wife.

The father of the groom, Deacon Dara, said he was elated.

“I am very happy, I remember Gbemiro as a baby, it is a great joy to see him matured enough to marry today, we thank God,” he said.

Guests included Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole and Hon Rotimi Abiru among others.

29 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Vol 4. No. 1787

Heineken’s winning way Innovation is often defined in terms of technological breakthroughs. There is a growing tendency to see it more as the creation and implementation of ideas that improve existing situations, writes WALE ALABI, using Heineken as a case study.

J

OYCE Wycoff, co-founder of the Innovation Network defines innovation as “people creating value by implementing new ideas”. Eileen Dundon sees it as “the profitable implementation of strategic creativity”. In line with these definitions, the concept can be seen as proposals for products that could add value to a brand that are new to it.

In the complex world of the 21st century where consumer preferences change rapidly, marketers are often on their toes to keep pace with this development through active participation and meaningful dialogue with consumers and brand loyalists.

To some brands, it pays off; to others, it is often a Herculean task. One brand that appears to be getting it right is Heineken, the world’s leading international premium beer.

Noted for the quality of its packaging and content and for opening the world of its consumers, the brand seemed to understand the concept of brand innovation well when it unveiled a new global bottle in Nigeria.

The brand- which constantly looks for opportunities to set new world standards to provide its consumers with utmost quality- did not disappoint. It held a spectacular World Premiere of the bottle at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino in Lagos which attracted high net worth personalities. This was replicated in Ibadan.

For a brand to expand its interaction and maintain a balanced market penetration at a stable pace, it requires a robust and mutual relationship with consumers and stakeholders for success. This was the focus of Heineken when it launched the new global bottle in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It gave stakeholders the premium experience in an airport ambience in conjunction with James Bond latest movie, SkyFall.

Some of the distributors expressed optimism that the innovation behind the new global bottle would drive sales and strengthen the bond between the brand custodians and stakeholders.

Mary Odebiyi, a manager at Dacamca Nigeria Limited, one of the leading distributors, praised the new Heineken global new bottle for standing out. “The new global bottle is a very fantastic move that will help in creating more visibility for the brand, it is a well thought out process that is already bearing positive fruits. The fact that it was unveiled to consumers and distributors laid credence to its international status; it is truly the ‘Chairman’ of all beers”.

She added that the brewery industry in Nigeria is big, adding that the new bottle will expand the businesses of stakeholders because people “will appre-

ciate the beer more than what it used to be as this will translate into high volume for us as distributors. Heineken is for a unique set of consumers and the new bottle will further distinguish it from other beers”.

Chairman, Tabcon Nigeria Limited Ibadan/Abeokuta, Akinyele Oladeji said the unveiling is a way of showing the quality and leadership place of Heineken in the Nigerian market. “As for us distributors, we are excited about the new idea because it will contribute to our sales volume in the shortest time. The new packaging cannot be ignored on the shelf because of its unique look and features.”

Managing Director Ofage Enterprise Nigeria Limited, Ado Ekiti, Adegboyega Omotoyinbo, disclosed that the Heineken brand has contributed to positioning of his outlet and business in terms of return on investment and with the new innovation it will further add to the growth of the business. ”I can authoritatively confirm the type of revolution I created in the market with Heineken and other Nigerian Breweries products.”

Managing Director, Lexican Investments Limited, Ile-Ife, Omoba Adeleke Gbadebo, praise the minds behind the rebranding of Heineken and further pledged his company’s loyalty to the brand and other Nigerian Breweries products.

Regional Business Manager West, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Joseph Bodunrin, disclosed that the Heineken brand is being sold in more than 170 countries of the world and Nigeria has contributed immensely to the brand which has informed uniformity, in the sense that the brand needs to have a uniform identity worldwide which is what informed the introduction of the global new bottle into the market.

He further explained that, the brand is

1000 Heineken bottles forms a Christmas tree

an icon as the James Bond movie Skyfall it sponsored recently is. The partnership with James Bond has further driven home the uniqueness and the premiumness of the Heineken brand. He added that consumers generally have insights, which drive them to approve a brand like Heineken.

On the place of the brand and the activities in the region, Bodunrin said: “Heineken has done very well here in Ibadan even the poor know what quality is all about and they associate with Heineken a great deal, and the brand appreciates by engaging in sponsorships in term of carnival especially the Ibadan carnival which is mainly a beer event where consumer gather to enjoy the quality beer responsibly.”

Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, unveil-

‘The company has been reinventing its brands and driving innovation over the years. Heineken, he noted, is an outstanding brand in Nigeria, the fastest growing and most premium lager beer in the country, hence, the name “Chairman”. The packaging, he continued, is state of the art and a retinue of distributors will ensure that it gets to the hands of its consumers wherever they are’

ing the global bottle in Lagos, said the company has been reinventing its brands and driving innovation over the years.

Heineken, he noted, is an outstanding brand in Nigeria, the fastest growing and most premium lager beer in the country, hence, the name “Chairman”.

The packaging, he continued, is state of the art and a retinue of distributors will ensure that it gets to the hands of its consumers wherever they are.

Marketing Director Mr Walter Drenth affirmed that the new world class and innovative, proprietary bottle comes in 60cl and 33cl content. “It is a uniform Heineken bottle across the world and I am proud that Nigeria is one of the first countries to introduce this new design on a returnable bottle. This bottle is designed with true perfection to match the premium quality that Heineken always delivers”.

Taking the audience through the design features of the new bottle, Drenth stressed that it is the first bottle of its kind with a transparent label in Nigeria; he said it was deliberately achieved because “Heineken hides nothing of its premium quality. The new green neck foil is inspired by the shape of a smile and is now wrapped around a longer neck. The stylish embossment at the back is a proof of authenticity and class. Together with the modern curves it adds a tactile nature that is pleasant to touch and that improves grip”, Drenth added.

The beer market in Nigeria is still growing; competition may be keen, but, what matters is for consumers to continuously approve of a brand. There is no gainsaying the fact that Heineken will continue to have national acceptance in Nigeria.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

30

Brandnews The debate has been on since they came to the market. Some argue that they are harmful to health; others say they are not. The jury is still out on the suitability or otherwise of these drinks, reports RAJI ROTIMI SOLOMON.

Are energy drinks good for health?

A

RE energy drinks what the makers claim they are? The producers claim that they are energy boosters good for busy executives, The drums they say, are not harmful to health despite being rich in caffeine. Therein lies the problem. Those against these products say they are too high in caffeine, which excessive intake is dangerous to health.

The suitability is otherwise of these products is always a subject of debate among people. In offices, at parties, homes and joints, there is always a heated debate over the consumption of these drinks.

Now a member of the House of Representatives Yacoob BushAlebiosu is set for battle over these drinks which he claims are dangerous to health. His move has given those in the energy drinks market the shivers. What will happen to the drinks? Are they on their way out? These are some of the questions being asked.

What does Bush-Alebiosu find bad in these drinks?

According to him, they have a life threatening effect on blood pressure, heart and brain functions. The abuse of the drinks among youth might cause mid-age mortality in the nearest future. He noted that it is mixed with alcohol to serve as

suppressant, making the takers to consume more alcohol than the body can take under normal circumstances.

Depending on where they stand, not everybody agree with BushAlebiosu.

A consumer, Mayowa Oluwatomi, said: “If this is indeed dangerous to the health, then it shouldn’t have been granted sale and distribution license in the first place. How they are NAFDAC approved? Is it that the agency didn’t do its home-work before now? Secondly, I feel they should ban cigarettes instead of energy drinks, cigarettes are more dangerous to the health than caffeinated drinks. These are relevant points raised with no answers for now.

Energy drinks came into the country some years ago with Lucozade boost, this particular drink was associated with sick people who need energy supplement for them to gain strength. This was one of GlaxoSmithKline’s fast selling product.

It came first in dotted breakable bottles which later evolved to tetra paks. Orange Drugs came up with their own brand of energy drink, Passion, which came in sachets with powdery solution, an improvement to what was obtainable before.

The acceptance was wide since it was more handy and cheaper. Not too long, the market became more competitive with the influx of different brands of energy drinks in cans. The likes of Power Horse, Hype, Red bull, Hippo, Climax, Kiss, London Best, and the rest became regular features at parties, bars and clubs.

Some discoveries were made by drinkers which actually boost the popularity and sale of energy drinks in the country. These claims are not scientifically proven but they are generally accepted.

Many youth believe it works as an aphrodisiac, they believe it enhances sexual ability. Another fact that makes energy drink a toast, among youth, is the ability to mask alcohol.

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol, suppresses the alcoholic effect making a consumer drink more than his or her gauge without feeling the tipsiness.

An advertising guru, Mr. Idowu Esan, who has over the years handled several energy drink brands, gave a thorough analysis based on his opinion and experience of the drink.

He said: “Let us face it, anything that we take without caution would

always have repercussions. Water, as vital as it is to human survival, if taken without moderation would become harmful to the body.

First there is no record of death or injury traceable to the consumption of energy drink to substantiate the Reps claim. Again, all the countries that were stated to have banned energy drinks still sell and distribute.

He stressed the danger in caffeine but he forgot to highlight the advantages of caffeine. Of course everybody knows that anything that has a negative side would also have the positive side.

• Japanese researchers have shown that caffeine increases memory; • Caffeine mixed with carbs replenishes muscle glycogen concentrations faster after exercise; • Caffeine detoxes the liver and cleanses the colon when taken as a caffeine enema; • Caffeine can stimulate hair growth on balding men and women; • Caffeine relieves post workout muscle pain by 48 per cent; • Caffeine increases stamina during exercise.

These and much more are the benefits of caffeine, so it has nutritional and health benefits. Moreover, coffee contains more caffeine than en-

ergy drink, it’s not a reason to ban caffeine. Most energy drinks in Nigeria are approved by National Agency for Food and Drugs (NAFDAC), and all these they have checked and certified.

The same thing with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). To complement my points, if you check for example Power-Horse you would see an instruction that states pregnant women, children, people that are sensitive to caffeine or diabetic patients should not take the drink. These instructions are to put moderation and to reduce possible health risks that might be associated with the drink for some particular people.”

Another consumer at a bar in Egbeda, Justice Umeh said: “I mix energy drink with my spirit but it is not for suppressing the alcoholic effect but for the taste it gives me. Secondly, I want to drink alcohol and still maintain my mental alertness and I have discovered that this mixture actually does this to me. I kill two birds with a stone.”

A nutritionist, Nneka Ajomale, said caffeine actually works as antioxidant which is very good for the health if taken moderately, and surprisingly these energy drinks contain it.”

HP vs DELL Hewlett - Packard and Dell are fighting to control the computer hardware market by employing various strategies. Which firm will win the battle? RAJI ROTIMI SOLOMON asks.

H

EWLETT-Packard (HP) and Dell are two of the biggest computer hardware companies which offer products, technologies, software, solutions and services to different categories of customers. Both companies are fighting to stay alive in the computer hardware market, and are trying to outsmart each other. The major question however is: “Who is really winning?”

HP was founded in 1934 in a garage by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard while Dell (originally named PCs Limited) was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell; a student of the University of Texas. And from humble beginnings, both companies are now ranked among the world’s Fortune 500 companies, with HP ranked by Forbes as number 15 in the World’s Most Powerful Brands while Dell is ranked number 41. Despite these ratings, HP and Dell are in murky waters due to bad sales recorded in the last quarter of 2012.

The rise of HP to the apex of PC manufacturers was as a result of good mergers and acquisitions (Compaq and Palm), viral advertising campaigns, good customer service support and the success of HP as a brand. The company launched online stores which enabled customers to buy products at company price and retail stores which allow customers to have a feel of the products they are about to invest in.

It also moved manufacturing plants to Asia to enable them mass produce and reduce production costs. This market strategy was a hit, and the company won over cus-

tomers from its major competitor; Dell. Its product range of laptops, desktops and printers became synonymous with good pricing, design and performance.

However, the road downhill became eminent due to management crises, decreases in R&D investment, lack of innovation, bad acquisitions (Autonomy) and a myriad other issues. To save itself, the company cut jobs, performed internal restructuring and is also toying with the idea of selling Autonomy and EDS—subsidiaries acquired in 2011 and 2008 respectively.

In the early 90s, Dell became the king of PC manufacturers, fending off competition from IBM, Acer, Sony, HP, Toshiba etc. Its success was due to its ability to deliver individual PCs configured to customer specifications and a vibrant customer support applauded globally. To minimize the delay between order and delivery, the company sited its manufacturing plants close to its customers. This manufacturing policy reduced production costs to the minimum and made the company record huge profit margins.

However, after the resignation of Michael Dell as C.E.O, the company’s fortunes began to nosedive as major competitors moved manufacturing plants to Asia to enable them produce finer, better and cheaper PCs en mass. This move also exposed Dell’s lack of innovation and to further compound its woes, Dell’s once vibrant customer support became a shadow of itself. Customers complained, sales dwindled and ex-

From right: Managing Director, Interswitch, Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, Director, Payment Solution & VAS, Interswitch, Mr. Charles Ifedi and Head of E-Channel, First Bank Mr. Chuma Ezirim at a party to mark Interswitch’s 10th anniversary in Lagos.

ecutives lost their jobs.

Dell also shot itself in the foot by refusing to quickly change the way it received orders from consumers; a big mistake competitors capitalised on. But the biggest contributor to Dell’s impeachment as king was the failure of its brand. As Jonathan Salem Baskin rightly puts it “Dell doesn’t have DNA, or support an architecture of feelings, or own a particular emotion. It has no friends, and nobody loves it.

It makes computers, and its products look indistinguishable from those made by HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and many other manufacturers who probably share many of the same factories. So, its brand is constituted by that stuff, not the esoteric nonsense it has paid many millions of dollars to light up its conference rooms with. Every consumer product, from technology to apparel, is learning that branding

can’t attach meaning to meaningless stuff anymore, but that brands need to do unique things. Dell hasn’t stood for something in a long, long time, and it’s hard to get consumers to pay for nothing special.”

Dell’s troubles run so deep that stories of sale of the company have spread like wildfire in the media.

Another contributor to the dwindling fortunes of both companies is the boom in the mobile device market. As manufacturers like HTC, Apple and Samsung continue to improve on the processor power of their devices thereby giving them the ability to perform basic computer functions with ease, consumers have continued to favor these mobile machines. The result is a post-PC era the two PC giants didn’t see coming and are helpless against. Also, the increased popularity of cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Docs, Huddle, iCloud etc. have given more data

storage options to users of mobile devices who no longer see sense in carrying their laptops everywhere.

And as executives of both companies are busy trying to get out of the mire they’ve found themselves, pundits are asking why the PC giants allowed the mobile device boom evade them. Clearly, both companies have no answer to the innovation of mobile device manufacturers.

The winners of the duel between these two companies are consumers who wait for the two warring factions to reduce prices and offer bonuses. Also, as more manufacturers like LG and Samsung emerge, consumers now have freedom to choose between different hardware specifications offered by different manufacturers especially at reduced cost. The result is that consumers are no longer blindly loyal to both brands which have offered nothing new in terms of innovation in recent years.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Silverbird Galleria

Shopping redefined In the past, most people went to the market to buy whatever they needed.

But, that has changed as many malls have sprung up, especially in this decade.

Many now opt for the malls which stock everything for their shopping. • Story on Page 32

How to buy laptop peripheral Page 33

Choosing gifts for firms, colleagues

Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

32

SHOPPING

• Ceddi Plaza, Abuja.

S

HOPPING has taken a new dimension for many in Nigeria today. Gone are the days when people only go to the markets for their needs. Shopping now means different thing to different people.

With the advent of malls, a new trend in shopping has emerged. People now go shopping at malls not only to buy goods but for entertainment and relaxation.

In the past, aside small shops in the streets, the major place to shop was always the market where everything could be bought, especially food items. Later, the super markets started springing up. These days, much more is obtainable. One does not necessarily need to patronise the usual market even to buy grocery, as malls are developed to meet all shopping needs.

Today, shopping has gone beyond merely meeting purchasing needs. It serves much more than that. The concept of the present day shopping is an exciting one-stop shopping which presents the convenience and unique experience of retail, leisure, entertainment, movies, games and health.

The vogue is executive shopping and luxury retail. Moving forward, the fastest growing format for shops today the mallhuge, convenient and more comprehensive.

Indeed, shops have made up the new cities. Shopping has made places like India and China stand out. The United States and Europe had long set the pace but Dubai has stolen the show with the presence of the most exotic and biggest mall in the world.

Nigeria in turn is beginning to have a piece of the action. Western style shopping malls, indeed, have come to stay.

Mega Plaza in Victoria Island, Lagos is spectacular, with its highbrow style and exotic car park coupled with good service delivery. The Palms, on Eti-Osa-Lekki Expressway, Lagos, with the several shops it accommodates, gives room for great choices.

Silverbird Galleria is also exquisite with its broad vision of expansion into the Federal Capital Territory and collaboration with some state governments to take such to some states.

Many state governments are now building malls to enhance their development and tourism potential.

The E-Centre, Yaba, Lagos, has become

Shopping redefined fully established, bringing the experience of the Silverbird Galleria to Lagos Mainland. Spar Retail Centre, acclaimed the world’s largest supermarket, was opened at Lekki further enhancing grocery shopping.

The Surulere and Ikeja Shopping Malls were also opened, in addition to several others, such as Delightsome Gifts Concepts on Lagos Mainland, to bring luxury shopping closer to the people. Other cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Illorin and Enugu are not left out of the shopping revolution. The Palms mall was opened in Enugu and illorin, just as many state governments are working to develop malls in their states.

The markets are joining the fray so as not to loose customers to the shops. For instance, Lagos markets, such as Mushin, Aswani, Oshodi, Mile 12, Badagry, Iddo, Oyingbo and Balogun, among others, have remained sanitised. Unlike in the past, shoppers can now go to the markets, park their cars and shop conveniently.

Another trend within the past few years is the continued influx of Chinese goods into the country. They come in different categories, depending on who was importing them. It was even alleged that Chinese importers were colluding with Nigerian busi-

nessmen to bring in substandard products into the country.

Some markets in Nigeria were inspected by the Chinese government to ascertain the level of substandard products imported from China. There was a high-level discussion between the two governments to finetune ways of curbing the menace.

Perhaps, the most outstanding challenge being faced is that of inadequate power supply, which has impeded the development of malls and other businesses. Asides this is also the hurdle of infrastructural decay.

Furthermore, when president Goodluck Jonathan lifted ban on the importation of cars, as well as textile. It was a welcome development for many.

Not withstanding, many have proposed greater development of malls. Almost everyone who spoke to The Nation Shopping expressed optimism that the trend could only improve.

The General Manager of Mega Plaza, Victoria Island, Mr Uri Sadan, expressed optimism about the development of shopping malls adding: “What matters to us is great service delivery to fulfill optimum satisfaction of our customers. That is what the mall is all about.”

‘The concept of the present day shopping is an exciting one-stop shopping which presents the convenience and unique experience of retail, leisure, entertainment, movies, games and health.

The vogue is executive shopping and luxury retail.

Moving forward, the fastest growing format for shops today the mall-huge, convenient and more comprehensive’

General Manager, the Army Shopping Arena, Oshodi-Ikeja, Kobus Steenekamp stated that the development of shopping malls need increase, as Nigeria is a vast country with great human and material resources.

Chairman, House Committee on the Diaspora, Honourable Abike DabiriErewa, has proposed that every locality should have a mall where their shopping needs could easily be met.

Supporting this view, Chairman Coscharis Group, Mr Cosmas Maduka, said: Frankly, I think there will be more shopping malls. I think that we haven’t had enough because the truth is that human beings are like water. If you make a gutter, you see that the water will flow through it, but if you don’t, it will find its own way.

When you organise them, they follow. If you don’t, everybody will just go like flood on the street.

Part of the difficulties with some impending shopping malls in Nigeria is packing space. You can’t get to find a space where people can come in, pack and be able to shop properly.

Many neighbourhoods are supposed to have shopping malls.

If all things are equal, we should have a good shopping mall in every neighbourhood.

One-time presidential candidate Prof. Pat Utomi said countries, such as Indonesia and China, were underdeveloped like Nigeria.

But, over the years, have remained consistent with development.

Chief Biyi Durojaiye, a former Senator, who represented Ogun East Senatorial District, was more concerned with the fact that many Nigerian roads were constructed without consideration for walkways.

Humanitarian and culture custodian, Ambassador Segun Olusola, on the other hand, would love malls to develop towards meeting the needs of the elderly.

33

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

SHOPPING

Shopping Right with FROM MY MAIL BOX Dear reader,

Thanks for your comment and response to The Nation Shopping.

As always, we are poised to serve you more and give you every valuable piece of information on our finger tips.

It is really nice to see that you have been with us all through last year. Now that another year is here, we look forward to greater relationship with you.

Today is special because asides being the first Friday of the month, it is also the first Friday of the year. As we do first Friday of every month, here are some of your comments as space would enable us. Please bear with us if your comment is not published in this edition.

Thanks a million, Janice.

• Laptop

How to buy laptop peripherals

D

O you travel frequently with your laptop? Has there been a time when you needed to print a document inside the car or in the hotel room for presentation? If this is the case, then you need to shop around for peripherals to give your portable device the functionality of a desktop computer.

There are ideas on how to purchase equipments that will help fulfill your laptop needs.

You should purchase a docking station, external monitor, keyboard, mouse and other devices. Do not forget to verify if the laptop manufacturer provides an alternative for a docking station. You should look around for peripherals that match the specifications of your machine and meet its system’s requirement for connections.

In addition, check articles or read tips on how to select the right equipment and understand their uses as well.

As for the printer, you need to select one according to resolution, size and weight,

versatility, and paper-feeding methods.

Nowadays, you can shop around for high quality, yet convenient printers at affordable prices. Another important peripheral for your laptop is a card modem or external modem.

You can either purchase a new modem or just upgrade your existing one. Now, if you need a backup storage unit to be used during travel, consider purchasing a CDRW or DVD-RW drive that can run on optional batteries. In case you need a scanner on the field, find a unit that is handy.

If you want speakers during the trip, you can buy small and battery-powered speakers. For business peripherals, be sure to figure out those with appropriate cell phone connectors.

To increase your laptop’s functionality, purchase PC cards like a sound card and an Ethernet. Lastly, be sure to get equipment that can enhance your machine and make it more powerful.

JANICE NKOLI

As a retailer, I must confess that your articles have helped me a lot in understanding and knowing how to satisfy my customers. I read what you wrote on quality and I totally agree with you. James Obodo, Yenoagoa Thanks for your tips on choosing the right gifts for Christmas. I must let you know that after reading your guide, I was able to pick good gifts and they were all well received. Felicia Uti, Badagry Dear Janice, I like what you are doing on Shopping because you open my eyes to sensitive issues I would have ignored under normal circumstances. Through your works, I realise that shopping is an important aspect of life and also has its own approach. Thanks for enlightening us on the right approach to shopping. It has also helped me to make the right choices, especially this festive season. I wish you a prosperous year 2013. Yetunde Olojede, Owerri.

Thank you so much for your shopping pages. First, I would like to say Merry Christmas and happy New Year to everybody and God bless you. Thanks to you. My house was fun-filled this Christmas. The gift ideas seem great. I have a little girl. She is 11. Everything she wants goes inside a booklet of wishes that I made for her last Christmas. Sometimes, I throw in one of the erased ones to surprise her. God bless her, and I hope all of you with little children got them something that means something to them! Tricia, Enugu Thanks so much for your articles on gift ideas. You may have saved my Christmas! I had done all usual Christmas gifts to death and was at a complete loss this year! But the gifts you suggested really helped out. They were great ideas!

You made my Christmas complete. I wish you the best of the New Year.

Ugomma Onyedi, Abuja Thanks for the ideas. We are a bit low on money for gifts. So I was looking for some other ideas. From your tips, I was able to get affordable and valuable gifts. Thank you.

Mrs Chibuzor Okoro, Onitsha Dear Aunty Janice, I really appreciate the way you enlighten us on shopping.

Dear, I understood vividly all the issues you raised about shopping right for Christmas. I love you for that. Keep it up. Auwal Gadole, Plateau State Thanks for your gift ideas. You have made my Christmas worthwhile. I wish you a prosperous New Year too. Ebele Ebube, Ibadan Good articles. As a Nigerian, shopping is like a birth right. To prove this point, with the ongoing global economic recession, Nigerians are very busy acquiring properties worth-billions. For the average Nigerian, Christmas will not pass them by without changing their wardrobes. What a nation with people of insatiable want. I must not fail to tell you that your beauty is undiluted courtesy of incessant shopping ranging from good clothing to a spotless make-up. You are indeed a beauty to behold please keep it up with your motivational write up, thanks.

Godspower Harrison, Executive Protocol Services One of the motives for holding money is to make transactions. This means that shopping is inextricable! However, projections should be made to avoid festivity-shopping- cramming. This would help individuals buy high quality commodities at reduced prices that are relatively friendly, thereby playing down the supposed side effects of sky rocketing prices emanating from demand-push inflation. Merry Xmas to all readers of The Nation Newspaper and more rewarding, revamping, rejuvenating, recapitulating and invigorating New Year. Olaolu Ayoola, Architect, Corps Member

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

SHOPPING You could buy quality office gift without breaking your budget; avoid low quality gifts that can impair your image. Gifts for companies or an individuals in an establishment reflect on the image of either the giving company or person.

Choosing gifts for firms, colleagues I T is thoughtful for a boss to appreciate an employee for a job well done; and for a company to show love to another. This can motivate the employee to perform better next time and strengthen companies’ business relationships. It could be just a mug, but what is important is the motive and continuity.

According to a corporate sales gift surveyor, a large percentage of employees believe their employers spend minimal time and effort selecting gifts.

Among the most thoughtless gifts received are: a ruler, a lottery ticket, a face towel, an eraser and others.

Also, as a boss, the right office gift shows that your employees are valuable assets to you, said Mrs Moraya Ayuba, a consultant and an author.

Mrs Tochukwu Okoli, a marketing manager with one of the firms on Marina, Lagos, said: “As a boss, giving gifts to my subordinates is an opportunity to show how I feel about them and access the work they’re doing. It’s important for managers to make opportunities to retain employees in an employeedriven market.”

Most office workers only have time to shop during the holidays for their families. But, most times, they do not remember their colleagues or employees at work.

In the absence of well-defined gift-giving attitude in offices, workers are left to muddle through holidays, birthdays and a host of other gift-giving occasions,” says Mrs Modupe Shopeju, CEO Delightsome Gifts Concepts, Gbagada.

However, with the vast selection of gift ideas, comes a dizzying array of choices such as cards, calendars, company branded items, fruit food basket, flowers, plants, wine/ liquor, hand written cards for a more lasting expression of thought and not just the common cards seen everywhere, etc. Availability of our retail shops has made buying perfect office gifts easier over the years.

Essentials of buying office gifts include; checking with colleagues what kind of gifts they require so as to determine the limitations of gifts given so they don’t have to return the item.

To have a great idea of what to buy, ask your colleagues what their hobbies are because, on a personal level, it is difficult to know. Therefore, knowing what office gift to buy is a difficult challenge.

Since there are cultural differences, rules should be respected also when buying office gifts.

For instance, in China, white symbolises death, therefore, it shouldn’t be used to wrap any kind of gift.

Packing of the gift says it all; it is as important as choosing the right office gift to reflect your values on business relationships. Use the many gift-wrapping services available from retailers and shopping malls; spend time and money on wrapping.

A personally-delivered gift will help you retain your clients, and enhance your relationship with colleagues. If your gift is handy and for an individual, give it personally except if it’s a bulky one, a delivery van could be of service. This is an opportunity to connect with clients, boss, colleagues, business partners, associates, employees, employer, customers etc and to strengthen ties, and share cheers.

Adopting an attitude of giving will make the act of office gift buying less stressful.

This practice should be operational in all offices; business owners should show appreciation to hard-working employees and loyal customers from time to time.

There are many gifts choices available in retail shops today and because of that it is sometimes easier to go with simple choices like themed gift baskets. Trends evolve every year and many gift ideas for companies are rising up, and becoming very popular.

Office gifts can be addressed to an individual or could be sent to a group, department or a company.

A snack basket is a great idea for several people in an office. It might include the following: chocolates, coffee or tea gourmet, candies, seasonal fruits and other edible treats that can delight their tastes while at work.

Therefore, being the giver, you should understand the need.

However, it is more appreciated if what you are giving is a real gift of appreciation not a generic business gift such as pens, notebooks and cheap writing pads. They are the type that are boring and can tell that you didn’t put any thought into them.

Personalising is a great way to include the thought that you want to show to the person or company, and can be a good way to show respect too. With the trend of giving office gifts, even newer and expensive items are inspired as well.

These elegant gifts may be presented during the company’s annual Christmas party, Recognition Day and anniversaries. Also, a common gift during holidays is having a holiday party or dinner to celebrate the holiday time and to say thank you for the hard work all through out the year.

When giving corporate gifts, think of something that can relate to the personality of professionals.

This is a sure way to score with business executives. Choices are leather desk accessories; glass desk set accessories, imprinted gifts, office thank you gifts and other elegant business items that professionals could use in or out of their office.

Consider personalising them as well for more thoughtful effect that your receiver would surely appreciate.

Buying for the boss is also acceptable but do your research before you proceed. Appropriate gifts for bosses include; calendars, organisers, pen sets, food baskets, stationery, tea, coffee, or something along the line of relaxation squeeze balls.

Your decision is most important if you want to buy office gifts, and with our large number of stores, you’re sure to find the best deals.

Finding ideal gifts for your colleagues, bosses, and friends is an appropriate thing to do anytime.

But it has to do with a personal decision that you should make. In fact, it is very much similar to shopping for gifts for family members.

There are so many gifts that you can give; oriental pillows or rugs, personalise pens, and desk accessories like photo frames, day planners and filing cabinet Custom office gifts are also offered by many stores wherein the company logo or business name is printed on items like clocks, pens, shirts, or caps. You should be aware that not all stores offer this option.

You have to pick a reputed com-

pany that can cater to your needs.

In some states there are also restrictions when it comes to giving gifts to employees. You have to make sure you’re not violating any law or regulation, so try to give appropriate gift items. Shop around retail stores to get some ideas of what gift items can be customised.

Ordering in bulk will allow you save money. Some stores offer special discounts during the holiday season. Take advantage of these special deals. When giving gifts, you just don’t handpick them.

There are special considerations

that you should look into because your intentions might be misunderstood. Some employees prefer a cash bonus rather than receiving a custom gift.

In the recent years, the economic crunch has affected the lives of many people and because of this, most employees need extra cash.

A plan should be devised in advance. This will give you more time to prepare and decide on the best gifts too. To generate goodwill, you can organise a meeting and consult your employees about their preferences. You have to en-

courage them to share their thoughts and suggestions.

Through diplomatic means, you can come up with a solution that will benefit everyone. Gifts shouldn’t sacrifice quality for a cheaper price. As mentioned earlier, you can get the gifts at a lower price if you buy in large orders.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

C

LOSE-UP, the toothpaste brand from Unilever was recently conferred with the Product Excellence Award (PEA) in the maiden edition of the Nigeria Consumer Awards (NiCA).

The Nigeria Consumer Awards (NiCA) was instituted by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and will henceforth be an annual event, to bestow awards and honours on those who contribute to enhanced consumer welfare, thereby improving the regime of consumer protection in Nigeria.

Close Up was announced as the winner among three nominated brands in the Personal Care Products Category at the Award ceremony held recently in Abuja.

The Winners in the various categories of the awards were chosen by votes of consumers using the instruments of survey and text messages.

In guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of the process, the result of voting was verified and authenticated by an Award Verification Panel made up of highly reputable members, drawn from a cross-section of organisations, namely, the Media, Organised Private Sector, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) amongst others.

The Close Up toothpaste brand was launched into the Nigerian market in 1975 and has kept fresh and protected the mouths and teeth of millions of families across the country. In other to meet different consumer needs, Close Up comes in variants such as; Close Up Deep Action Red, Close Up Deep Action Green, Close Up, Menthol Chill, Close Up White Now, Close Up Herbal, Close Up Complete 8 and Close Up Complete 8 White.

Close Up of Excellence In May 2012, in an effort to continue to be dynamic, as well as celebrate its 38 years in the Nigerian Market, Close Up organised the Close Up Loves Naija’ campaign, which was an opportunity to show appreciation to Nigerians and give back society in various ways.

This included a CSR programme aimed at rendering assistance to some charity homes as well as an unveiling of the improved Close Up Red and Green gel variants which now gives three times fresher breath than the previous formulation and elimination of germs up to 99 per cent.

During the award ceremony, Mr Olusegun Aganga, Minister for Trade and Investment commended the CPC for organizing the Nigerian Consumer Awards and stated that the organisation must always reward products and services that excel in their areas of operation.

Also speaking at the award ceremony through a representative, Her Excellency and First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dame (Dr.) Patience Goodluck Jonathan, who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, as well as Nigeria’s First Consumer Ambassador, stated that consumers on their part must avail themselves of the opportunity to see their participation in the Nigerian Consumer Awards as an obligation that will, on a yearly basis, remind businesses that consumers are watching.

She also called on all Nigerians, particularly the Captains of Industry and entire members of the business community, to take advantage of the platform to better the lot of the average Nigerian consumer.

Six in Etisalat’s Nigerian Idol promo’s race

I

T was a day of mixed feelings and sur prises as the first six contestants to make it into the Top 12 of the third season of the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol show were chosen by the viewers. The lucky six, namely Sadeeat, Vicci, Debbie Rise, Oreoluwa Liyele A.K.A Immaculate; Kome Amagada and Job Emmanuel Idoko A.K.A Joe Emmal were among the first 20 of the Top 30 contestants who slugged it out over the past two weeks. The rest were not so lucky.

One of the major surprises was the case of Obinna Michael A.K.A Mr. Byno who did not make it through this stage of the competition. Widely regarded as a favourite, he cut a sorry figure as the results were announced. But that was the first surprise, as the duo of Moses Obi-Adigwe and Okafor Angus Sunday A.K.A Dani Angus also lost out in the voting, leaving the audience at the Dream Studio venue very disappointed.

The trio now hope to return through the wild card segment, a prerogative of the judges and the audience to bring back to the show some of the evicted contestants.

But that may be a long shot, as they will not be the only ones with such hope. They will have 20 others to contend with.

Interestingly, two of the judges, Yinka Davis and Jeffery Daniels were as shocked as the audience with the voting results that has seen some of the contestants they see as promising talents being voted out.

They advised the audience to vote more to keep their favourite contestants in the show.

Head of Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani spoke in the same vein. She said it is disappointing to see such promising talents leave the compe-

tition when the show is about to enter its peak.

She encouraged the audience and viewers at home to vote for their favourite contestants as many times as possible so that they can have more votes to make them stay in the competition.

“Thankfully, we have the wild card segment of the show which gives the judges the opportunity to bring back two evicted contestants, while viewers have the opportunity to bring back one evicted contestant,” she said.

“To vote, Etisalat subscribers can dial the number of their favourite contestant on their Etisalat line, while to vote from other networks, subscribers can send the contestant’s number via SMS to the short code 33680,” Thani said.

She congratulated those that have made it to the next stage of the competition and encouraged them put in more effort to convince the audience and viewers at home that they deserve to win the star prize of 7.5 million naira.

Meanwhile, the final group of 10 contestants performed on Sunday’s show in a bid to win the hearts of Nigerian viewers and make it into the Top 12.

Voting for the third and final 10 of the top 30 contestants continues until midnight on Wednesday, January 30. To vote, dial the number of your favourite contestant on an Etisalat line or send the contestant’s number via SMS to 33680.

Winner of this season will take home N20 million worth of prizes, including N7.5 million in cash, a brand new SUV, and a recording contract with a record label. The first runner–up will receive the sum of N1.5 million and a saloon car which will be presented by Etisalat.

35

W

AR has positives. War has negatives. It depends where you stand.

If you were around during the Nigerian civil war that consumed many lives, and left some families devastated over 40 years after, you would readily say war connotes bad omen. On the other hand, if you were on the other side, you would look in the mirror and smile because the war in question has united different tribes and tongues.

However, aside the civil war, which left a sour taste in the mouth, the regimes of some long gone military rulers fought a different kind of war in their effort to sanitise the country and keep things in their proper places. What did the strong rulers do? They thought (in their wisdom) that the problem with Nigerians and Nigeria was indiscipline, as such; Nigerians should be “disciplined”.

Therefore, they reasoned, the best way to go about it was to “force” Nigerians to behave in an orderly manner by “intimidating” them to form a long queue at the various bus stops, grocery stores, banking halls, on university campuses, everywhere, while soldiers lurked around to “discipline” any bloody civilian who contravenes the law.

Suddenly, the queue culture caught on.

The news at nine on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the nation’s TV station, was incomplete without the queue culture commercial being aired. The social scene also caught the queue bug as Fuji and Juju musicians sang about it. Popular sitcom, New Masquerade, dramatised it. “Andrew” voiced it. Students cracked jokes about it.

“The queue culture is working”, the military rulers thought, without paying particular attention to the endemic corruption in the guise of kickback, contract inflation, abandoned projects, vandalisation and arson, and other corrupt practices that characterised the democratically elected civilian regime, which that military junta toppled.

Then, that military regime thought “force” was the name of the game, thinking that it could cudgel Nigerians into participating in its war against indiscipline (WAI).

It thought with WAI, Nigeria would become a better and disciplined nation. That military regime was wrong. Why? What happened next would explain. While that military ruler was basking in its triumph and settling down to act out its next script, a coup, cooked by an insider, put an end to WAI, WAI brigades and the proponents of WAI. What is the lesson? That is not the story for today. The focus is on another war being fought by another governor. The war today is against cash. Several scholars and monetary “experts” have pontificated on the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Some said it is a policy whose time has come. Other said its time has not come. Yet, another set said for Nigeria to compete favourably with the other economies of the world in either Europe, the United States or Africa, Nigeria needs to transit from cash-based to cashless transactions.

The cashless initiative is aimed at encour-

War against cash aging more electronic-based transactions and reducing the amount of physical cash in circulation. To make its argument logical, the CBN said that the direct cost of cash management to the banking industry in 2009 was N114.5 billion with an estimated cost of N192 billion by 2012.

According to the CBN, the spiralling cash management cost, most of which is passed to customers in the form of bank charges and lending rates, is as a result of the country’s cash dominant economy. Therefore, the apex bank articulated its case; “the cashless policy would boost our economy as more money would be channelled through electronic process”.

Like the WAI experiment that failed to work from the inside out, the cashless policy is toeing the same route. The CBN has expended huge budget on the campaign in order to propagate the cashless policy, but it has not done it the way it would yield the desired result. There are still several grounds to cover. There are still several miles to go. There are still several stones left unturned. In addition, it seems the CBN is in a hurry to achieve its objectives of making Nigeria a cashless country.

To show that the CBN has not put its acts together, it has come out to change the theme from cashless to cashlite, saying that it does not intend to foster a cashless environment but it would promote an environment where the use of cash is light. To ensure this cashlite push, it has imposed sanction and limitations on banking public and corporate organisations, which is akin to “forcing” Nigerians to form a “queue at every bus stop” without first working assiduously at changing the attitude, the culture, the belief of Nigerians about carrying cash.

Until Nigerians change their attitude and belief about carrying cash, the cashless policy is doomed. However, once the CBN can put machinery in place and begin to engage the different stakeholders that would assist it to achieve behavioural change at the grassroots level, then it can begin to expect a semblance of success.

War against cash cannot be won in the boardroom with long oak table and sartorial suits and bow ties, no. War against cash would be won on the streets. Nigeria would remain a mixed economy of cash and card, not solely card. Cash is stubborn. Cash is attractive. In Europe, cash is still in vogue, maybe not as obscenely common as in Nigeria. However, in 2011 cash made up 56 per cent of all UK payments, which comes to about £262 billion.

Everybody likes cash. You do too. We all like cash. Why? It makes things easy. It is fast. Its value is clear. Everybody accepts it.

Banks, however, do not like cash because it is expensive to handle and move around.

Nevertheless, get this: war against cash cannot be won by formulating monetary policy. Anyway, there are technologies that can reduce the cost of dispensing cash. The CBN and banks should invest in such technologies and stop fighting against cash because the CBN’s war against cash is not positive.

‘The queue culture is working,” the military rulers thought, without paying particular attention to the endemic corruption in the guise of kickback, contract inflation, abandoned projects, vandalisation and arson, and other corrupt practices that characterised the democratically elected civilian regime, which that military junta toppled’

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

36

COMMENTARY

“M

ARRIAGE is part of my tradition. Whoever is capable but refuses to marry is not

part of me” Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

This article is being recalled here today due to popular demand. When it was first published in this column sometime ago, many Muslim couples in Nigeria saw it as a true mirror of their matrimonial homes.

Many others took it for a matrimonial handbook capable of serving as a guide for the conduct of their homes. Yet, many who missed the article at that time and only heard of it from others have since been calling for its repetition in this column. And because of the value it may add to Muslim homes and the role it may play in resolving conflicts in those homes, ‘The Message’ decided to re-publish it here today for the benefit of all and sundry. Here it goes: “A radical 20th century India-born British journalist and novelist, George Orwell, wrote a famous allegorical fable entitled ‘ANIMAL FARM’ in 1945. His tacit focus in that novel was mainly on the Russian revolution of 1917 which he satirised venomously. While writing the novel, that social critic never thought that any possible ripples could arise from it which might have a backlash effect on the entire human social life in the 21st century. But ironically, with the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR), in the early 1990s the real exoteric application of that book has become manifest on the entire social life of today’s mankind. This will be explained shortly.

Perhaps no institution in human life is as temporally or spiritually valuable as marriage. This is an indisputable fact across nations, races and religions. Marriage is the main axis around which the continuity of human existence on earth rotates. It is the pivotal source of decency or clear cause of malfeasance in any given society. Without marriage, human societies would have been like Orwell’s Animal Farm. And were Orwell alive today he would have probably redirected his attention towards the matrimonial homes globally.

Through the media, we read and hear of dissolution of marriages in our customary courts, everyday, as if dissolution is the main character of marriage. And the impression often created in the media through the names of the involved couples is that these dissolution affect only Muslim marriages. What is most disturbing in this development is that the local courts which dissolve those marriages were never involved in their consummation ab initio. And yet marriages dissolved daily without passing through any court are uncountable. Nowadays, the rate of dissolution of marriages is by far higher than the rate at which marriages are consummated. At least, going by the local customs of the various tribes in Nigeria one can conclude that marriages are conducted weekly throughout the country as against the daily occurrences of divorce.

There is a pertinent question here: What is the role of religion in marital life? Most marriages in our society are consummated in Mosques or Churches because majority of Nigerians claim to be Muslims or Christians. Yet the same Mosques and Churches turn their backs when those marriages begin to collapse and pretend not to know that the homes of their adherents are crumbling. Isn’t a major duty of religious bodies to maintain tranquility in the society?

How can societal tranquility be maintained without matrimonial stability?

Some people define marriage as a legalisation of intercourse and procreation of children without any reference to its divine sanctity. Others call it a social contract culturally or legally consummated between two consenting mature people of opposite genders. The latter definition is also silent on the obligation and responsibilities of such a union. In Islam, marriage is much more than both definitions.

It is on one hand, a promise made by the male gender who is soon to become the husband and on the other, a trust personified by the female gender who will soon become the wife in the custody of the husband. It (marriage) is an agreement between two families aimed at creating an avenue for continuity of social life through a common social venture jointly managed by the two representatives of both families in their bid to set up a home of their own. In the life of any serious human be-

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Muslim marital homes

•A Muslim couple

ing, three events are fundamentally essential. These are birth, marriage and death.

The three form the axis around which the entire human life rotates. All other events are peripheral.

Throughout the world today (Nigeria inclusive), marriage has become a balloon which can be casually inflated in one minute and deflated in the next minute. It has been taken for a mere chess game played for the fun of the players as well as that of the onlookers. To most Nigerians today, marriage is only as important as dining, wining, singing and dancing. And to many young couples, it is just a legitimate means of actualising sexual urge that would have been perceived as a social aberration without passing through a formal matrimonial communion.

In a public lecture delivered in Lagos sometime ago, yours sincerely compared a marital couple to a pair of scissors which has two blades. Each of those blades faces a different direction. The one faces right while the other faces left. These positions are not naturally interchangeable. Yet, with the nuptial tie knotting them together in the middle to seal their common destiny, the two blades jointly work assiduously in their move to certify the essence of that togetherness.

If you look at a pair of scissors very carefully, you will discover that the two blades therein sometimes stick closely together and sometimes stand out separately. Their meeting and parting randomly accentuate the essence of their togetherness. Through those meeting and parting, the two blades of the pair of scissors communicate effectively and mutually function dutifully. There is a marital lesson for human beings to learn from this. No husband can play the role of his wife. Neither can any wife play the role of her husband. The separation of powers in the matrimonial home has been naturally ordained.

Just as the two blades of a pair of scissors face different directions but work intimately together so should any marital couple be. If the blades stick together permanently without opening and closing, the tendency is for them to rust away and become useless to each other. And, if on the other hand, they stay apart permanently thereby leaving the scissors in permanent open position they will never be able to jointly carry out the assignment for which they are manufactured. Thus, through random meeting and parting of those blades, the pair of scissors is able to perform its duty without any hindrance. And as the blades grow older, they become weaker and less active. So is the situation with marital couples.

Unfortunately today, marriage has become like the country called Nigeria where projects are hurriedly executed to satisfy the secret (under the table) terms of contract without any consideration for the quality

and maintenance of such projects. When two young people of different genders and backgrounds are coming together to form a couple, they hardly think of the implications of such a union in terms of individual differences and the possible challenges that may emanate from those differences.

Young couples of today perceive love either from beauty point of view or from endowed wealth or even from pleasure of sexual intercourse. And that is a way of turning infatuation or possession of material wealth or sexual enjoyment into love which is usually the cause of marital collapse.

In marriage, love develops only gradually with mutual understanding especially when it becomes evident that one spouse accommodates the weaknesses of the other through tolerance and compromise. The attraction which beauty or wealth or intercourse engenders can only at best generate tentative LIKENESS and not LOVE in the real sense. This is where the foundation of divorce is often laid even before the consummation of marriage. There is nothing called love in a matrimonial home in the absence of thorough study and understanding of each other as well as compromises and tolerance. It is not enough to claim mutual understanding through mutual study during courtship. No matter how long it may last, the period of courtship can never be enough for any couple to fully understand each other. That period is usually to impress each other while the tendency to pretend is often disguised.

Marriage is a serious business which must be seriously negotiated initially by the concerned couples and their parents. At the courtship stage, the concerned couple must not only discuss the modalities of coming together as husband and wife they must also negotiate the factors of sustaining their marriage through proper maintenance of the home. Any marriage without a programme of maintenance and sustenance will become like dew used by a farmer for watering crops into fruition.

In his recommendation to men searching for wives, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Wives are married on the basis of four factors: beauty, wealth, family background and faith”. He however emphasised (Islamic) FAITH as the strongest factor for Muslim couples. He did not recommend such factors to women knowing the difficulties that women might face in making choice of men but he strongly recommended that a woman’s consent in a marriage involving her be considered as germane. The Prophet then concluded that any marriage without such consent is invalid.

Marriages are globally collapsing at an alarming rate today because couples and their families have closed their eyes to two key factors in maintaining the matrimonial home. These factors are COMMUNICATION and MUTUAL RESPECT. No marriage can ever survive or succeed without a thorough pre-marital counselling by parents, guardians or religious clerics who must not only tutor potential couples but also demonstrate practically to them how marriages are sustained using their own marriages as examples. Newly married couples often dream of building their homes on the models of certain older couples in the society. The consummators of new marriages in the Muslim community must be part of those models.

There can be no matrimonial peace in the absence of adequate communication between husband and wife based on mutual respect. Nothing signals the collapse of a marriage more than the breakdown of communication in the home. A marriage

without communication is like a house without door. Of course, the children from such homes are mostly the victims of any ensued divorce. If a marriage is initiated and consummated with communication, how can anybody think that such a marriage can be sustained without communication?

The real essence of marriage is for husband and wife to disagree in order to agree, not the other way round. And in the process of disagreeing or agreeing, communication is the only key instrument without which the home can never remain intact.

Any couple that closes the matrimonial door to communication has surely opened that door for divorce. Even divorce, whether through mutual agreement or through court injunction, must be communicated in one way or another to both parties.

In Islam, one of the most potent ways of ventilating communication in the home is to worship and pray together at least twice in a day (morning and evening). A Muslim husband must at least be knowledgeable enough to lead his family in Salat and to preach and pray for such family daily.

Through such worship and prayer, many knotty matrimonial issues are untied. And besides, the children will learn to be goodmannered and to resolve disagreements among themselves. That is why Muslims are urged to acquire knowledge about their religion. The spate of divorce in any society today is much higher among the ignorant couples than the knowledgeable ones.

By remaining indifferent to the rate of divorce among Nigerian Muslims, the Mosques are shirking one of their foremost responsibilities. It has been said repeatedly in this column that Mosques are not meant for Salat alone. As a matter of fact, Salat can be observed congregationally or individually anywhere that is clean and not necessarily in a building called Mosque. A Mosque in Islam does not have to be a building if its purpose is just to observe Salat. That is why Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “the entire earth has been made the Mosque for Muslims once it is purified”.

One of the fundamental duties of a Mosque is to sanitise the society by finding resolution to conflicts. And since no conflict can be more devastating to any society than that of the matrimonial homes it becomes incumbent on every Mosque to have a Conflict Resolution Committee constituted by learned scholars and headed by an Islamic jurist.

As a duty, the Imam of the Mosque must also be well educated enough to educate the congregation in his Mosque on the need to take their matrimonial conflicts to the Mosques or Shari’ah courts where such conflicts can be solemnly resolved rather than to customary courts where marriages are dissolved with fiat. Matrimonial conflicts are not new to any modern society.

What seems new and worrisome about them is the geometric leap they are taking these days.

The very first conflict in human history was over marriage. And that was the conflict between the first and second sons of Adam (Qabil and Habil) otherwise known as Cain and Abel over the choice of wife.

And the genesis of the perennial disagreement between Muslims and non-Muslims of Semitic origin in the world today was the matrimonial rivalry between the two wives of Prophet Ibrahim, Zahrah and Hajarah, (Sarah and Hagar).

If the Mosques cannot resolve conflicts arising from the marriages they once consummated to save Muslim homes, what other conflicts can they claim to be resolving? It is embarrassingly shameful to see hundreds of Muslim marriages demolished by customary courts while the Mosques keep aloof.

Today, Nigerian society is prone to danger of insecurity mostly because of matrimonial instability. And the more marriages are consummated, the more matrimonial homes crumble. Who, then, will save the society by saving our matrimonial homes? That is the biggest question of this time which is begging for a very positive answer. The security of Nigeria as a country depends very much on the stability of matrimonial homes. That is why emphasis should rather be laid on stability of homes than on distribution of contraceptives for the purpose of reducing procreation. There can be no peaceful nation without peaceful homes. God bless our homes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

37

SOCIETY

The wedding Fatiah between Omobolaji Sikiru of The Nation and Olayemi Ogunjobi was held at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque’s Hall, Surulere, Lagos. YETUNDE BASHIR and JUMOKE IDOWU were there.

Their day of joy T was a joyous day for the families of Sikiru and Ogunjobi when their children, Omobolaji Mufutaudeen and Olayemi Azeezah, got married.

To the lovebirds, there was no better day to rejoice and be happy than their wedding day.

It was a two-in-one event consisting of the engagement and wedding Fatiah.

The engagement was held at the Sam Shonibare Community Centre, Surulere, Lagos.

The families were decked in their best attires.

It was declared open by Alhaja Rasheedat Banjoko.

The groom, dazzling in agbada, danced to the hall. He was accompanied by his friends to perform the traditional rite of seeking Olayemi’s hand in marriage.

They were received with joy, and the bride’s family showered blessings on him.

Olayemi was a delight to behold. She appeared lovely in her iro and buba with red aso-oke headgear to match. She was equally accompanied by her friends to the hall.

The bride, who knelt before her parents for prayers, shed tears of joy.

After the ceremony, the train moved to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Ajao Road Surulere, Lagos.

Alhaji Abudulatif Ibrahim opened the wedding Fatiah with prayers.

The officiating minister, Sheikh Mustapha Agbaji, urged the couple to be friends and work

together for the success of their union.

The cleric prayed for their conjugal bliss. He urged their parents to allow them coordinate their affairs without interference.

Shortly after the Nikah, guests re-converged at the Sam Shonibare Community Centre for the reception.

They looked stunning in their aso-ebi attire of blue and yellow. The hall was decorated in consonance with the colours of the day.

The couple danced into the hall with the bridal train.

The occasion was chaired by Justice Kazeem Alogba, who urged the couple to be prayerful, saying only prayer leads to success in marriage.

“Settle down to establish a serious relationship you will talk to yourself all the time particularly in the night, God will guide you through your life; as your parents celebrate with you, do the same to your children,” he said.

Justice Alogba supervised the cutting of the cake.

The couple fed themselves.

For Omobolaji, it was a glorious moment.

“She is my friend and very respectable woman.

We attended the same school, later we became friends and I thank God it ended this way, I am excited”, he said.

Olayemi did not hide her feelings as she declared Omobolaji as the best man for her.

“He is the best man for me, he is loving and kind,” she said.

•Bride’s Mother Alhaja Airat Ajetunmobi

•Justice Alogba

I

•The couple Omobolaji and Olayemi

•Groom’s parents Mr Sikiru Fehintola and his wife Basirat

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

Glitz at Pastor’s daughter’s wedding Former Miss Adepeju Adebiyi, a banker with NEXIM Bank, Abuja and her beau, Boluwaji Morebise got married at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Divine Glory, Provincial Headquarters, Okota, Lagos. AKEEM ALAWOKI writes

S

HE was the cynosure of all eyes as she catwalked with her father into the waiting hands of her handsome beau, Boluwaji Morebise. Decked in a white flowing gown with the top decorated with sequins, former Miss Adepeju Adebiyi, a banker with NEXIM Bank, Abuja, looked stunning.

The day was her happiest no doubt. Her broad smiles were infectious.

For Adepeju, the daughter of a retired banker and Zonal Pastor-in-charge of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ikotun Area, Pastor Olufemi Adebiyi, it was a dream come through.

She could not wait to say ‘I do’ after a courtship that lasted six years.

The wedding took place at the RCCG, Divine Glory, Provincial Headquarters, Okota, Lagos.

The expansive church auditorium could not contain family members, well wishers and members of RCCG, who thronged the venue to felicitate with the Adebiyis.

As early as 7am, the Olubi Event Centre in Okota welcomed the Morebises from Ode-Irele in Ondo State and the Adebiyis from Ifaki-Ekiti for the traditional engagement. Engagement over, the wedding train moved to the church auditorium within the same vicinity. Though it was a Christian gathering where things were done in moderation, the turn out attested to the fact that the Adebiyis are well loved by all.

The choir was at its best - they churned out beautiful songs to the admiration of the congre-

gation.

In his sermon, Pastor Adewale Owolabi, Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Hope Area, admonished the couple to care for each other and forgive at all times.

Having observed the rituals of the Holy Matrimony, Pastor Owolabi at exactly 12:15 pm, pronounced Adepeju and Boluwaji husband and wife.

The church shouted ‘halleluyah’!

The couple and their immediate family members were ushered into the room where Adepeju signed her life to Boluwaji. The congregation erupted in a joyous celebration as the mother of the bride, Mrs. Adebiyi, danced back into the waiting hands of well wishers.

Again, guests were taken back to the Olubi Event Centre where they were treated to a lavish reception. There was food in abundance while fruit champagne and drinks flowed freely. Harmony G Band was at its best. dishing out Christian and contemporary music that kept guests on their feet for many hours.

In his admonition, the event’s chairman, Mr. Jacob Falore, congratulated the couple for making their families proud.

“Today is your day and I am happy for you.

Marriage is not a bed of roses and that is why you have to work at it and put God first in your home. There are things you have to be wary of considering the divorce rate. In the olden days, couples celebrated decades of marriage but reverse is the case in this jet age,” Falore said.

•The couple Adepeju and Boluwaji

He drew the couple’s attention to three important things in marriage: Patience, perseverance and prayer. These, he said, work in the background.

“Again, you need to trust and forgive each other because two of you are from two different backgrounds. Try and spend quality time with each other,” he said.

Falore prayed that the marriage will be fruit-

ful.

The couple later performed their first assignment, feeding each other. As a well- brought up woman, Adepeju knelt to feed her husband. Of course, this earned her a round of applause from the guests. Harmony G band ushered them onto the dancing floor and they were later joined by the family and church members. The well-attended wedding was rounded off at 4pm while the band played music till later in the evening.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

38

S OCIETY

•Adefeso receiving a certificate from Mrs Adeola Yesufu

•Revd Bako and his wife, Adejumoke

•Sir Ukeje and his wife, Florence

•Prof Akinfeleye and his wife, Carol

A church’s golden call The Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi-Araba, held a banquet to mark its golden jubilee at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

I

T was a day of praise and thanksgiving for parishioners of the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi-Araba, Lagos on January 18. The church rolled out the drums to celebrate five decades of achievements. It left no stone unturned to ensure that it was a memorable one.

To guests, it was not only a day to give glory to God, but also a night full of fun and relaxation, having the church outside the church. It was more like a family gathering.

Invited guests felt the unity among members.

The dinner featured fund raising and awards to the founding fathers, deserving members and donors outside the church.

Purple and gold were the colours on display, and they reflected in the chairs and table overlays. The tables were numbered, but there was no special sitting arrangement.

Many men dressed in suits; not minding that it was a working day, the women wore dinner gowns. The Reverends were different - the white lapel pins around their necks stood them out.

Guests relished the gospel music by the choir of the chapel, which entertained them in a very delightful manner. Thus, before the commencement of the programme, it was not a bore waiting. To them, it was a time of relaxation. The music and food were good; the setting relaxing. They wined, dined and chatted.

Revd. Tunde Osho led the opening prayer and Gboyeya Adebajo was the emcee.

Soon after, the first part of the business of the evening began with donations.

The head of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), Mrs Adeola Azeez, who supervised the session, said the funds would ensure the unique legacy of the chapel does not die.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Revd George Bako, in an interview with The Nation, gave a rundown of the chapel.

He said the Chapel was founded 50 years ago as a place of worship for the staff of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the College of Medicine. It has since become an interdenominational chapel hav-

ing expanded beyond its original frontier.

Revd Bako, who was also the former Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, said: “We are family at the chapel and part and parcel of each other. The chain of events was scheduled to run for three weeks because we have a unique way of democracy. We try to satisfy everyone and we brought in representatives from each fellowship group in the church. They aired their views in the council and came up with very many ideas.”

On the dinner, Revd Bako said it was to raise funds to make an impact, not only on the spiritual life of its members but to those in the immediate community. This, the cleric said, has helped them touch many lives beyond expectation.

As soon as dinner was served, Adejobi called the awardees to the podium to collect their plaques and certificates. As the citation of each was read, those familiar with them nodded in concurrence.

The awardees were Revd. Ola Ajayi; the late Ade Adefeso, former Catering Manager of LUTH and Vice-Chairman of the Chapel’s committee for 13 years; former lecturer of Physiotherapy, University of Birmingham and a consultant in LUTH, Sir Ukeje Onyemaechi; Chief Olusegun Ogubosu (aka the silent worker); former principal of Holy Child College, Ikoyi and Community Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs Adebisi Adeyeye; Deaconess Olanrewaju Olagbemi aka SSS, (Sunday School Supervisor) and Dr Ireti Sanni.

When Mr Christopher Nwosu was called to take his award, the hall erupted in applause. He is an all rounder who does the general work of the church all day.

Mr. Femi Ayodele, an architect, who redesigned the chapel, received his award. He promised to keep using his talent for God. A post hummus award was given to Venerable Olaitan, one of the founders of the church.

He was a vessel of history in the chapel.

Present at the occasion were Head of Department, Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye; Pro-

•Prof Gabriel Odia and his wife, Mercy

•Mr Gbemiga Delano and his wife, Adebimpe

prietress, Fountain Heights Secondary School, Mrs Adebimpe Delano; Rev Kunle Olaitan; Prof Michael Ajomo; the secretary of the Board of Trustees, Chukwudu Ilogu (SAN); Rev Oluwatoyin Olumo; Rev Alote Papo; Rev Oyinlola Ajayi; and Rev Ayo Richards.

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

Among activities held within the three weeks of the celebration were a symposium, charity donations to the LUTH, breakfast fellowships, lecture and thanksgiving, health walk, family day, musical concert, choir contest, youth drama, as well as other things done to impact their immediate community.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

39

C ELEBRITY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

The Ngwa Festival Day organised by the Ngwa Patriotic Forum has been held at Ngwa High School, Aba, Abia State. SUNNY NWANKWO reports.

Celebration of culture, unity

Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013 (4)

T

I

HOUGH it was a windy day, the people of Ngwa land defied the storm and the scorching sun to join the Ngwa Patriotic Forum (NPF), a socio-cultural organisation of Ngwa extraction, to realise a dream they had nurtured for two years.

The Ngwa Festival Day, a brainchild of NPF, according to some of the guests, could not have come at a better time than now when most Nigerian and Igbo cultures are being threatened by globalisation.

A time when many youths can no longer speak their mother tongues.

It was a day that brought Ngwa indigenes from different religious, political, social, academic and economic backgrounds together.

The event kicked off at 4pm with the arrival of the royal father of the day, Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu Eze Bernard Enweremadu and his entourage at Ngwa High School, Aba, venue for the programme.

Some of the awardees were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr Chinyere Nyerere and Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu.

The festival was not all about celebrating Ngwa culture; it was also a day to put smiles on the faces of the indigent as about 100 of them were empowered with bursaries and nonrefundable take-off grants of N50,000 each to support their small businesses.

Highlights of the event, aside the presentation of awards, was the Itu Manya ritual by Eze Enweremadu and other traditional rulers for the peace and progress of Ngwa land.

Cultural troupes spiced up the event.

Speaking to The Nation, Senator Nwogu noted that most Ngwa cultural heritages had gone into extinction for reasons unknown, thanking the forum for its laudable initiative in rejuvenating cultural consciousness among the people.

She called for unity among Ngwa indigenes at home and in the Diaspora, noting that with unity, her people can overcome ethnic, social, religious and economic challenges.

She described the empowerment of 100 Ngwa undergraduates and artisans as an effort to help the state and the Federal Government to promote literacy among Abia youths.

“Our people have come to realise that everything must not be left for the government alone. We want to help the indigent ones who will require some level of educational assistance

•Senator Abaribe receiving a plaque from Chief Okey Ahiwe

•Chief Wogu (left) receiving an award from Chief Peter Nwaguru

•Senator Nwogu displaying her plaque

and that is what we have done today,” she said.

Experts have said that, by 2050, Igbo language will be in extinction. But Wogu had a different view about that.

He described Ngwa language as one that has outgrown extinction even when language experts have blacklisted Igbo language, saying it would

CONVOCATION •Dr John Ekundayo of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (left) who just bagged a doctorate degree in Organisational Management at Tun Abdul Razak University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia receiving a plaque from the Chancellor, YABhg Tun Sarji Abdul Hamid during the convocation.

go into extinction in no distant time.

Wogu said Ngwa has a rich culture and the language is so unique that, there are things said in Ngwa language that one cannot translate into any other Igbo language.

He said being honoured by his people was a great privilege because of the platform for such recognition.

T is another beautiful day, so I welcome you to your column on public speaking. Since this year began, we have been trying to give ourselves the right start for the task ahead. Considering that this column is on public AMODU LANRE OLAOLU (Ph.D) speaking and not general motivasospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. tional speaking, we have been fo07034737394 cusing on how our communication can be better this New Year.

Today, we will start with a summary of what we have discussed so far and then we will conclude with two additional points as I promised last week.

In the first article in this series, we noted that a lot of people see the New Year as being very important because it offers them a fresh start in areas of their lives in which they feel they need a change. Based on this, we said that it is necessary to set a fresh agenda for our communication in various areas of our lives so that we can become better people.

In the part two of the series, we emphasized that time was moving so fast that if we were waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen, we would find ourselves in December before knowing it. Time waits for no one. Once, we were celebrating the New Year, now, we are almost crossing into February. That is the same way the entire year will pass by, but it must not pass us by without us making specific marks of success. That is the reason we need to take responsibility.

Last week, we examined two areas in which we need to set communication agenda for ourselves. The first area we discussed was our personal lives. No matter how reserved we think we are, we still need people to survive. Everyone needs people. Hence, the amount of success we record in our relationships with other people is a function of the quality of our communication with them. If we make “contribution” the objective of communicating with people (that is, always seeking to add to people) and we respect them, they will value us. Don’t be the type of person that is so absolved by yourself that all you talk about when you are with people is yourself. People will get tired of you easily and start to avoid you.

Today, we will conclude by considering two more areas in which you need to set communication agenda this year. The first area is your academics and the second is your career.

•Academics: if you are a worker, you may feel that this is not applicable to you. But if you consider that we are all in a life-long learning process, you may have a second thought. For students, it is extremely important to develop an effective communication system this year. If you have worked really hard in the past and your results did not justify your efforts, then you need to change your strategy. I believe that it is not enough to study a subject, it is perhaps more important to study the teacher. Some teachers don’t like lengthy explanations in exams while some others would not be satisfied until you use several pages. Some teachers like their students to study beyond what is taught in class while some others would not give you the mark unless you give them exactly what they gave you in their notes.

This crystallizes the fact that no two people are the same. You must learn to communicate with each teacher on his/her own terms. It is not about what you feel like writing but what needs to be written.

Again, some students are very intelligent in oral discussions but they are just not good enough on paper. If you fall in this category, task yourself to write five times more than you are required in class and have people read it for you. As they correct you, learn what it takes to communicate your ideas to other people. Some students are really good but their hand writings are not legible; of course, the teacher has to read first before he appreciates their brilliance. If you are one of those, don’t be ashamed to learn to write better. The most important thing is for you to succeed.

•Career: the workplace is a very dynamic place. It is very important that you learn to communicate with three important categories of people; your superiors, your colleagues and your juniors. Mutual respect is one of the best ways to communicate friendship. When it comes to your superiors, they read both your spoken and unspoken cues. They can tell when you don’t like the job, when you don’t like them, when you are being lazy etc. The best way to impress your superiors this year is to change your attitude to your work; love what you do (even if you have plans to move on soon).

Your colleagues are also very important because you work with them on the same team a lot. Don’t be the type of person who would like to succeed at the expense of others, or they will work against you. Communicate respect and appreciation and you will find it easy to work with them.

As for your juniors, if you underestimate them, it is at your own expense.

We have heard several cases of junior staff hiding the files of their superiors thereby making it impossible for them to be promoted. I think the lesson here is that we should never look down on them. If you care for and respect them, they will go out of their way to help you if ever you need their help.

Dr. Amodu lectures at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

40

SOCIETY Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Najeem Salaam and Senator Mudashir Hussain were on Sunday decorated with a turban as Asiwaju Adeen and Bashorun Adeen by the Ejigbo Muslim Community. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

•From left: Hon Salaam, his wives, Alhaja Adebimpe and Alhaja Muheebat; Senator Hussain and his wife, Alhaja Risikat

•Alhaja Aregbesola (left) and Hon Omidiran

•Oba Lawal (left) and Oba Oyesosin

•Alhaji Ajisafe (left) and Hon Yusuf

•Alhaji Adeoti (left) and Alhaji Oyetola

•Wife of the Chief of Staff, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola (left) and wife of SSG Alhaja Mujidat Adeoti

E

JIGBO, a famous town in Yorubaland and the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area, is one of the oldest councils in Osun State.

The ancient town, which is about 40 kilometres to Osogbo, the state capital, was founded by Akinjole Ogiyan (abbreviation of “Ogiriniyan”), after the old Oyo Empire. Ogiyan, a descendant of Oduduwa from the ruling family in Ile-Ife, and his brothers, particularly Akire, the founder of Ikire-Ile, left Ile-lfe with Oranyan (Oranmiyan) – the founder of old Oyo, to establish their own town.

The name – Ejigbo – historians said, was carved from “Ejigbo Mekun,” a market in Ile-Ife. Farming is the traditional source of livelihood in Ejigbo but modernisation has taken farming activities in the town to a world-class level. There are large poultry, fishery livestock and farms in the town. In 2008, Ejigbo was ranked the highest producer of cat fish in Osun State.

On Sunday, two of its prominent sons were honoured with chieftaincy titles by the Muslim community.

They are the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, and Senator Mudashir Hussain. They were decorated with turban as Asiwaju Adeen and Bashorun Adeen of Ejigbo Central Mosque.

By 11am, the sprawling city was agog with guests from far and inside. The guests were forced to park their posh cars at a distance and walk to the venue. Their automobiles were put in the care of security operatives who were stationed at strategic points.

At the heart of the town, where the central mosque is located, politicians, industrialists, government officials, legislators and community leaders, among others gathered.

It was a fun-filled atmosphere. Itinerant drummers dazzled with the talking drums. Commercial motorcyclists and petty traders made brisk business.

Vessels unto honour The arrival of the President-General of league of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Mustapha Ajisafe, signalled the beginning of the ceremony.

After the opening prayer, the compere invited the Chief Imam of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Alhaji Taofeeq Ahmed, the guest lecturer, to the podium.

In his lecture entitled: The Challenges of Muslim Leadership, he said leadership is about service.

Alhaji Ahmed, an engineer, enjoined Salaam and Hussain to see their new titles as challenges and a clarion call to do more in the service to humanity.

Immediately after the lecture, selected Muslim clerics filed out to decorate the new chiefs.

The ‘homeboys’ rose as the crowd shouted Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).

Salaam, decked in white jalabia, took the first turn, as Asiwaju Adeen. His two wives - Alhaja Adebimpe and Alhaja Muheebat – watched keenly as the clerics decorated him with the turbaned.

Hussain, wearing the same white jalabia, moved to the front with his wife, Alhaja Risikat.

Interestingly, their wives were decked in the same chocolate lace material, yellow Ipele, red headgear and jewelry dangling on their necks, ears, hands and legs.

Sheikh Ajisafe enjoined the duo to be good ambassadors of Islam, their community, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.

The title, he said, is a trust which they would account for on the day of judgement.

“Be wary of your activities as Muslims; never engage in activities that would spell doom for you before Allah. Discharge your responsibilities as elected officers and peoples’ leaders. May

Allah help you to succeed,” he said.

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, praised the Muslim community for honouring the duo.

Represented by Hon. Lasun Yusuf, a member of the House of Representatives, Arisekola-Alao praised the Ejigbo Muslim community for recognising the leadership qualities of Salaam and Husain, stressing that the duo have what it takes to lead.

He said: “Hon Salaam is a leader of men. He is humble and humane, and his choice as a Muslim leader is a right decision. Besides, Senator Husain’s vast knowledge of the Quran and exposure would be an asset to the Muslim community not only in Ejigbo, but the state.”

The wife of Osun State Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola restated confidence in the ability of the duo to live above board.

She urged them not to relent in impacting on their constituencies.

This, she said, would make the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. She enjoined women to support their husbands.

She said: “What we are seeing today is a reflection of a good home exemplified in the lives of the Speaker and the Senator; without this, no one can appreciate them outside.”

In their paraphernalia of office, Salaam and Husain re-appeared in a red Arabian cap with white foil turban coupled with Islamic royal blue robe called ‘Alkinba.’ They got a standing ovation as guests shouted Sheu! Sheu!

Salaam thanked the community for the honour.

He described as sheer hypocrisy for some people to hide under any religion to unleash violence.

Every religion, he said, preaches morals and love of one another.

“All known religions preach peace, good neighbourliness and moral values. So, it is alien to Islam as well as other religions to have some pretenders preaching violence, killings people of other faith, and destruction of government institutions,” he said.

The head of Osun State parliament enjoined clerics to intensify the preaching of peace and love.

Hussain stressed that those preaching violence and hate are not Muslims, noting that Allah has made it clear in the Quran that He superintends all faiths, by not making them one.

The Bashorun Adeen said the country’s law recognises the freedom of choice of religion of an individual citizen, arguing that it is a crime for anyone to use religion to unleash violence on the state, insisting that those who were using religion to campaign for violence in the North have a different agenda.

Guests were later entertained at the Unity College, Ejigbo. Fuji maestro, Adewale Ayuba kept them on the dancing floor for a long time.

Among the dignitaries at the event were House of Representative member Hon. Ayo Omidiran; Secretary to Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Senator Gbenga Obadara; Hon. Rotimi Makinde; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowunoula Oyesosin; Olobu of Ilobu Oba Ashiru Olaniyan among other traditional rulers.

Expectedly Salami’s colleagues were led to the event by Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye; former Speakers of Osun Assembly, Prof Mojeed Alabi; Hon Wale Afolabi and Hon Adejare Bello; Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola; ACN leader Alhaji Fatai Diekola; Hon Kehinde Lamolu among other dignitaries.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

41

42

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

43

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

2015: Who succeeds Suswam?

The race to the State House, Makurdi, is taking shape. Aspirants are back on the drawing board.

Correspondent UJA EMMANUEL writes on the contenders and pretenders in the governorship race and the politics of zoning in Benue State.

T

HE next general elections will hold in Benue State in 2015. But political actors are already oiling their political machinery in preparation for the contest.

The battle is between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is waxing stronger in the state.

The most contentious issue on the front burner today is which geo-political zone will produce the next governor of the state.

There are three senatorial zone in the state.

Tiv ethnic group has two senatorial zones; Zone A and B, which spread across the 14 local governments. The zone has the highest population. Zone C is dominated by the Idomas, Senate President David Mark’s kinsmen.

Actually, Zone C is the second largest tribe in Benue. It has nine local governments. Out of this number, Idomas have seven and the remaining two; Obi and Oju councils; consist Igede.

The bone of contention between Tivs and Idomas is that, since the creation of Benue from Plateau State more than 30 years , the governorship has been rotating between Zone A and B, leaving Idomas in the cold.

Senator Mark and his kinsmen are determined to change the tide against the Tiv people in 2015. The Senate President is relying on two things; the creation of states and constitutional amendment.

However, Tiv is not a united tribe. In the Tiv nation are divisive interests and which section of the tribe should fill the slot is another issue.

Tiv has local governments and two senatorial zones. The race is divided into five ruling houses of “Ya na wan igbian” ( eat and give your brother). They are Kwande, Jechira,Jemgba, Sankera and Minda. Among these five ruling houses, Kwande has produced a governor in the person of the late Mr.Aper Aku. The late Rev. Moses Adasu was from Jechira, Senator George Akume hails from Jemgba and Mr. Gabriel Suswam is from Sankera bloc. But no politician from Minda has occupied the Government

House, Makurdi.

However, there is a group among the Tivs, Kperev, which has claimed that, since the paramount ruler of the Tiv people,Tor -Tiv, Dr. Alfred Akawe Torkula hails from Minda, another ruling house should produce the governor. This fierce battle has been going on among the Tivs and their Idoma brothers are waiting patiently to benefit from the political struggle. The refrain is of “when they drag a bag, it will tear.

The zoning war notwithstanding, those itching to succeed Governor Gabriel Suswam are busy with their underground moves and lobby ahead of 2015.

Dr. Tivlumun Nyitse He is the Permanent Secretary in the Government House. He was a reporter with the defunct Concord Newspaper. He is soft spoken and unassuming. Being a Permanent Secretary has put him in a position of advantage. He is from Guma local government and he belongs to the Minda political bloc.

Hon. John Tondo He is the Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Benue State and the youngest among the spirants. He clocked 38 recently, and the calculation is that Governor Suswam will hand over power to a more younger person, so that he may have a measure of control over him.

Tondo’s strength lies in the bloc support of the youths, who are his admirers and followers. Being from Guma and Minda makes him a candidate to watch. However, he is concentrating on his current assignment as a cabinet member.

Dr.Samuel Ortom He is the Minister of State for Trade and Investment. He has not shown interest in the race, but a group of politicians from the

•Suswam

•Mark

three senatorial zones have formed a pressure group for the purpose of selling his candidature.

Chief Ortom has kept mute. He has explained that his preoccupation now is how he can make an impact as a minister, adding that he must clear with his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan before joining the race.

Eyes are on the minister. Many believe that he is a good candidate, having garnered experience on the political field. He had served as the chairman of Guma local government and party secretary. But he achieved a leap in politics the day he became a minister.

West local government area and, by extension, Minda political block.

Felix Atume The renowned engineer is the registrar ofthe Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).A graduate of the famous Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, he is a former Commissioner for Works in Benue State. The soft-spoken engineer is gradually warming his way into the heart of Benue electorate and has positioned himself to take over the mantle of leadership from Suswam. He is from Gwer

Simon Anchaver He is the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Benue State chapter. His entry into the race is a surprise to many people.which he has declared openly surprised many. But he has gone far with his consultation. The engineer has almost concluded a tour of the 23 local governments.

He is moving at a fast pace, ahead of others. He is from Gwer local government area.

Others in the line are Professor David Ker, Alex Adum, Simon Aondona and Akange Audu, all from Minda.

Judging by the array of aspirants, it is going to be a tough battle, but the question is how far can some of these spirants go? Only time will tell.

The feeling in Benue State is that the Idomas have their game plan built around their leader, Senator Mark. There is that feeling that, if state creation would be possible, a new state may be carved out for this populous tribe. If this happens, the 2015 calculations may be altered.

Furore over council polls in Gombe

Kuku: Transformation on course

PPOSITION parties have threatened to take `the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC) to court, if it insists on collecting entry fees for candidates for the proposed council polls in the state.

The election is slated for February 23, 2013. But party leaders have decried the guidelines, saying that they have violated grassroots democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition parties, the chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Audu Baba Kwami, said although they were ready to present candidates for the exercise, the disagreement should be settled. His party is ready to participate in the election as it is in the process of screening its candidates, he said.

Kwami said the protesting parties will not pay the N500,000 required by the commission from the chairmanship candidates, N250,000 from their

Rejecting the notion that President Jonathan is not decisive enough, he explained that there was no way he could have resolved insecurity the way former President Olusegun Obasanjo did it in Odi village.

Kuku described the members of Boko Haram sect as invincible agitators on the rampage, stressing that the President could not go after the invincible bombers.

The Special Adviser recalled that the decision to wipe out Odi by the previous administration did not achieve the motive of bringing the culprits to book.

He said it was a double tragedy for the villagers who were displaced because the innocent people suffered for the sins of culprits who had fled the area.

Kuku pointed out that none of those who attacked security agents were apprehended or affected by the retaliatory measure, maintaining that the decision was ill-advised.

He solicited for understanding for the style of the President, who he described as a silent achiever.

Kuku said: “Today, the train moves from Lagos to Kano. The revatalisation of the railway is on.

People are not paying attention to

O

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

running mates an 150,000 from councillorship candidates.

Kwami, a lawyer, said: “We are ready and have screened our candidates and we will send the list to them (GOSIEC), but we will not pay that money. If because of this we will be disqualified from contesting, we will go to court. That is our stand”.

However, reacting to the development, GOSIEC Commissioner for Public Affairs and Information, Mr. Abare Usman Daba, said the law had already been signed by the State House of Assembly, adding that it is binding on the parties.

He denied the allegation that the commission had become a revenue generating organ of the state government through the fees. He said the practise is not restricted to Gombe Stat.

“It is one of the guidelines that GOSIEC will enforce. The parties are not ignorant. They know that the law exists”.

•Kuku

P

RESIDENTIAL Adviser on Niger Delta Matters Kingsley Kuku has declared that the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is on course.

He said many Nigerians have not taken the pains to vet the record of the government in the critical sectors of infrastructural development, aviation, transport and petroleum sectors.

Kuku, who spoke with reporters in Lagos lamented that the reaction to the security situation in the country have coloured the peoples’ perception about the performance of the administration.

this. Also, the Minister of Aviation is doing a lot of turn-around maintenance at the airports, so that our airports can meet the world standard.

“The Minister of Petroleum is facing challenges because she has refused to do things as they were done in the past when incompetent contractors would sell contracts to middlemen, collect the money and that was the end of the contract”.

Urging Nigerians to support the administration, Kuku said the President’s style should not be mistaken as a weakness.

He praised Dr. Jonathan for sustaining the amnesty programme as one of the legacies of his predecessor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Kuku said the amnesty programme has restored peace to the troubled Niger Delta, adding that the Southsouth states have been enjoying increased revenue earnings because oil exploration and exploitation have not been disrupted.

However, the Special Adviser disclosed that the amnesty programme will end in 2015, urging the states to set up empowerment schemes for women and youths with special concerns in the zone.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

44

POLITICS Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi spoke with reporters on the Governors’ Forum position on revenue allocation, local government autonomy and other national issues. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘How much does Nigeria earn from oil?’

I

T has been alleged by Senator Smart Adeyemi that the Governors’ Forum is frustrating the constitution review. Also, Prof. Jubril Aminu has said that the forum is oppressive and that it should be scrapped.

Who is the forum oppressing? To the best of my knowledge, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum is not written in any constitution. It is a voluntary body; funded voluntarily, attended voluntarily by members. Its decisions are not binding on the country. Its resolutions are shared with the press from time to time. It is always driven, not by politics. If it is driven by politics, I will not be saying this. I am not a member of the political party that is the majority in the Governors’ Forum. It is only things that we agree that we push collectively. There are lot of things that governors do that they don’t do together. So, I don’t know how anyone will come by the conclusion that we are frustrating the country, oppressing the President and not allowing the constitution review process to progress.

This is a federation, and in a federation, as a political scientist now, and not as a governor, we have two federating units. When you have two federating units, they are not subordinate units. They are coordinate units. That is the language we use in political science. It means that they are sovereign, and if you are a sovereign, this notion that the federal government is the one protecting the nation against the excesses of rascals, criminals at the state level, who Nigeria must be protected from, is feeding bottle federalism. It is totally absurd and nonsensical because I don’t know of any federation in the world that operates that way. In the United States, the President cannot relate to the governor of California or the governor of Massachusetts, who is from his own political party that way. If he crosses the line, they will tell him that, ‘Mr. President, are you really sure of what you are doing?’ You cannot hijack the powers of a coordinate federal unit. But that is what happens here, and because governors are not the most popular public office holders, people confuse logic with logicality.

On the issue we have raised fundamental questions, what people refer to as state police, our argument has not be about state police. The media describe it as state police. It is about multi-level police. We have never been against the federal police. We have said that the federal police has its own role in a federation. State police has its own role. Local police has its own role. Even, the university campus police has its role in that multi-level approach to security, particularly law enforcement. But everybody refuse to take our line. They insist on federal police. I don’t know any governor that has ever said that the federal police is unacceptable and unwanted. We have always asked for a multi-level police force to tackle our security challenge. The other issue is our interpretation of the Section 162 of the constitution. We have a religious interpretation of it in the Governors’ Forum, which is why we are in court on about four cases.

Sectionn162 of the constitution makes it very clear. Every penny that comes to the coffers of the Nigerian state goes into only one account, the Federation Account. Not JP Morgan, not Citibank. Because we run this federalism as a unitary state; of course, our authoritarian military past is affecting us; people do not pay fidelity to this critical issue. Monies are collected

by NNPC. We don’t even know the amount. No governor in this coun-

try can tell you how much this country earns in a daily basis. I am part of an entity. There should be accountability and transparency, and nobody gives me a full picture of what we earn. Governors have raised these issues at every forum. We have four cases in the Supreme Court. The federal government has been requesting for an out of court settlements in the cases. Do someone who oppresses you go to the court to seek reprieve?

We are the ones being oppressed and nobody is coming to our aid. May be, we have not sufficiently made it clear that the states are the ones being oppressed by the federal government. That is actually what is happening. Some people are used to collecting money in an unaccountable manner. Let us render it to the Nigerian people. We like what Ngozi, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has been doing by publishing what goes to us. That is fine. Our people should know what we get so that they can monitor us. We too want to know the actual money earned by the Nigerian state to which we belong, so that we can also challenge it with our own independent analysis.

People should support us, instead of haranguing us.

What is your reaction to the clamour for local government autonomy.

Now, you talk about local government autonomy. The argument of states has been validated by those who were architects of local government reforms in this country. Two of them have spoken recently. I find it very insightful and interesting. Alhaji Dasuki and Prof. Mabogunje talked about the scrapping of the local government to the view to let each state decide how they want to run their local government structure. Local government has been smuggled in through various subterfuge to what they call a tier of government. In my own political science book, a tier of government is not a federating unit.

This country has two federating units and it is not the business of Abuja to be listing the number and names of local governments in the constitution.

The American constitution that I have seen is 34 pages, plus the amendment.

When you fix a federal road in America, the state can toll it and get a contribution of up to 80 percent from the federal government, and the state decides which road to toll and which not to toll. There are federal government roads that I am fixing. In the first instance, why should there be roads called federal government roads? Adjoining roads, yes, because the federal government is responsible for interboundary issues. But when it gets to my state, it should be my road.

How far about the Southwest regional integration agenda? Is the outcome of the governorship poll in Ondo State not going to slow it down?

It is about development, it is not about politics. Governance and development are different from partisan politics. There is nothing in the book that says that we must all belong to one party for integration to thrive. And I have never said that.

What I have always said is that it is, of course, easier, if we all belong to the same party and we respect the ideology and manifesto of our party

•Dr. Fayemi

to work together. The people of Ondo also belong to this same region. The feel the pains Ekiti people feel. They have the same issues that we have.

Even if the political leadership there is reluctant about integration on account of not belonging to a particular political party, the people may not necessarily share that view. To the best of my knowledge, I don’t think the governor, in all fairness to him, is averse to regional integration. The meetings of Oodua, he has been present there. When we held integration meeting, he was here with us.

We also over-play this political difference. At the end of the day, it is about improving the lot of our people. I have had cause to pray Ondo programme on Abiye. Ekiti runs a unique social security programme that Osun has sent people to understudy. Ondo is interested in all these because they have elderly people in the state too and they have them in their own party who will be saying to them, ‘how much is the allocation to Ekiti that they can give money to the old people?’ Why can’t be do the same here too. So, the pressure is both from below and above. That is the nature of integration. The other point I will like to make is that integration does not necessarily fail because one leg of its membership is reluctant. If you look at the integration experience in Europe, for a long time, it was driven by France and Germany. Britain was always reluctant. In referendum after referendum, they refused until Churchill became the Prime Minister of Britain. That was when they joined the EU. An EU of two became an EU of six, and nine, and now it is an EU of 27 states because the benefits far outweigh the losses to those who are members. Greece is being bailed out of its crisis now because it is a member of EU. That is on a country wide situation. But in our own case, regionalism is not to take power from anybody. What we have argued is that we should have a mechanism that can stand between states and the federal and have a commission to which we all belong, a secretariat that brings out this comparative advantages and also where we can pull our

resources together to do things. If I do roads, how much do I have in Ekiti?

But imagine a situation where we need an alternative road to Lagos because Lagos is a big market for us and we are discussing it and we don’t want to go through this road block of federal government road. Is there no way that we can build a road that goes through all of our states that we can put a rail to Lagos, which is one of our large markets? The rudiments of that are beginning to happen. There is a road the governments of Ogun and Osun are working on now that will bye-pass Ibadan, straight to Ago-Owu, and come out in Ijebu, and they find their way to Lagos, if Lagos is the destination. We can also take the advantage of Ondo’s link to the sea because the gas pipeline is easier in Ogun/ Ondo border, to help us achieve faster development because energy is a key problem for us. Even, those of us ACN governors are committed to integration, but there is a degree also. Without a doubt, we want it to work, but there always drivers in every agenda of that nature. As you have drivers, you also have people who want to be part of it and ensure that we derive maximum benefit from our cooperation. It is a challenge, but I don’t think it is fair to say that the government of Ondo under our brother, Dr. Mimiko, is not interested in the integration. It will not be a fair assessment.

What is your reaction to your endorsement for a second term by some leaders and groups in Ekiti State?

It is a humbling experience. I was not a party to what they were doing. I have not announced to anyone that I am running for a second term. I think I just have to take it as a fact of political life. It does not play much on my approach to politics. I think we are only mid way into the tenure. Some politicians may intend to do that kind of thing, mid way into their tenures. But for me, I still have a long way to go to fulfill the promises I made to people.

Many of the promises are being fulfilled. Some are not fulfilled to the level I would have loved to see by mid term.

But essentially, we still have a lot of work to do. Politics will happen. It is a fact of life. But governance should not

‘Because we run this federalism as a unitary state; of course, our authoritarian military past is affecting us; people do not pay fidelity to this critical issue. Monies are collected by NNPC. We don’t even know the amount. No governor in this country can tell you how much this country earns in a daily basis’

be sacrificed on the altar of politics.

Party men will always do what they want to do. It is within their right to decide on how they will pursue their own political agenda. But I don’t want to be distracted by that.

In running Ekiti State, what have been your major constraints?

One of the first things I learned in graduate school and also read in one of Chief Awolowo’s books is that educated people are easy to govern, but very difficult to manage. The reason is simple. Everybody knows what is going on. We are 2.5 people working in this state and you can almost reach a conclusion that those 2.5 people are up to the task of assessing you as governors themselves. They all have opinions on what the governor is doing well and not doing well, how he should handle a particular issue and he is not doing that. I don’t want to jump into the conclusion that that does not occur in other places too. But I think there are few places that are challenging to run than Ekiti State. Because the resourses are also very limited, you are bound to have difficulties. I have just met with the Council of Obas and taken a very tough decision that most governors avoided before now.

You can call it a folly on my part or courage, depending on which side of the pendulum you belong to. There were communities that have been agitating for autonomy in this state for so long. Past governors have avoided it because of the political implications in communities that did not want them to be independent and in communities that are becoming independent. But we discovered that every process that ought to have been followed had been followed. Some of these communities went as far as the Supreme Court and judgment had been given. Yet, previous governments had been reluctant to do anything about it. I granted those communities autonomy. Of course, within those communities, there were joys and gratitude. Interestingly, the communities they were leaving are, politically speaking, larger communities; more populated and more damaging, if I don’t manage that situation properly. It is not about bread and butter issue. It is not about putting structures in schools or tarring roads.

Within a period of one month, they started calling me ‘Governor Autonomy’. I have been taken to the court by one of the communities. When you have people who are well informed, probably wrongly informed in some cases, they tend to create a lot of distractions for the government. I think that is the greatest challenge that I face here. But what has also helped me is that educated people are easy to govern. We made pledges to the people.

They never believed that any governor could come and fulfill them, especially paying benefits to elderly people. The elderly people would say ‘he doesn’t know me and he gave me money, I don’t understand it”. Having done that for one year now, they know that we are serious. A laptop per child initiative in secondary school is unprecedented. Akwa Ibom is not even doing it. Delta and Rivers are not doing it. This is the only state in Nigeria that gives computers to secondary school students. You will see a lot of computer laboratories in other states, but not one laptop per child that we do here. As people have come to believe that government can be trusted, I think it is a critical components of reclaiming governance in Nigeria. A damage has been done to the social contract between the governed and the government. The governors have failed to fulfill the pledges made to the people. The people have deserted the government. When you desert government, charlatans take over and they cannot be controlled and you all have yourselves to blame for disconnecting from affairs that should concern you. I really think that is the greatest challenge. It was last week that I described my state as the most prolific rumour mill in the country.

45

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Carnival queen tackles teenage pregnacy

B

EYOND the glitz and glamour of the crown, the new Carnival Carnival queen, Sophia Dijeh, has pledged to tackle teenage challenges, among which are pregnacies, rape and even incest.

Take the case of the girl whose mother slipped away into eternity when she was a little child. She was raped by her dad at the age of 14, who had since remarried. Her stepmother is hardly in the picture. She sought succour at The Refuge, a shelter founded by Her Excellency Obioma Liyel-Imoke, wife of the Cross River State Governor.

Through Mother’s against child abandonment another of Imoke’s initiatives, she went back to school under their sponsorship and hopes to be a lecturer in the near future.

She is a 13 year old orphan who thought she was in love with a 20 year old bricklayer. She got pregnant and was thrown out by her uncle. She is being cared for at The Refuge. While she says she’s in love and consented to being in an amorous relationship with this man, the man in question could be charged for statutory rape.

Sometimes in addition to poverty, teenage pregnancies do emanate from cultural issues. Granted, MACA provides succour to some of the young girls affected, but, the real challenge for MACA may be getting society to change their mindsets on certain cultural issues that may encourage this act. In addition to this, they would have the arduous task of

By Enuma Chigbo

dealing with occultism and incest, which are also socio-cultural issues.

A case in point is the pathetic story of Mary Akpan (not her real name), who was housed at The Refuge, a while back. She would have been stoned perhaps to death by some irate members of her village as her pregnancy was considered a taboo.

It was an affront to a supposed impeccable image of the village - an outright sacrilege. The man with whom she shared her moments of secret passion and pleasure, which almost turned lethal, had slipped into oblivion. Obviously, this harsh judgement had eluded him.

These are some of the responsibilities of the Carnival Calabar Queen.

Underneath the glitz and glamour, the queen is saddled with the unglamorous task of preaching abstinence to young ladies, some of whom already have contrary mindsets. The ladies have no form of livelihood and sell their bodies for paltry naira notes that are fast depreciating to the US dollar; some of them try and earn a living by hawking fruit and other commodities under harsh weather conditions.

They end up being lured into the beds of not very affluent and morally decadent men who rob them of their dignity.

There still is the issue of how to effectively deal with the babies born under the earlier mentioned circum-

•The queen flanked by first- and second-runners-up stances – rape, incest, statutory rape, etc. Almost 100 babies born at The Refuge are being fostered in warm and loving environments.

MACA works closely with the Ministry of Social Welfare to ensure that the incessant cases of abandoned babies can be reduced to the barest minimum.

Amosun’s wife celebrates the aged •Continued from Page 17 people that should be catered for.

“The aged people in our midst deserve to be revered and taken care of to ensure their longevity.

We have responsibility as younger generation to take care of our aged who have contributed their quotas to the development of our society,” she said.

The Governor of Ogun State, who also doubled as the ‘birthday boy,’ used the occasion to reiterate his support to boost the standard of living of the citizenry by providing modern infrastructure facilities that would cut across all the three senatorial districts in the state.

He noted that the achievements recorded in the state were due to the benevolent of the Almighty God and the support of the people of Ogun State who have been patient and cooperative with his government.

According to him, “There could not have been any better gift for my birthday than the support l got from the good people of Ogun State, the one given me during the commissioning of the Ibara/ Sokori overhead bridge. By the help of God and patience of our people we would continue to touch every facet of our economy.”

The governor added that his government would continue to restore hope to the people of the state by vigorously pursuing its five-cardinal point agenda, which include urban renewal, affordable health care delivery, qualitative education, good infrastructure among others.

Last year, the UPLIFTing the Aged programme gave the senior citizens items like blankets, rice, cash and among other. This year, the

•Mrs Amosun with the aged Wife of the Governor, stepped up her campaign for the better life for the elderly people by giving them items like mattresses, pillows, garri, rice, groundnut oil and token cash gift.

Shortly after the maiden edition in 2012, Mrs. Amosun identified 100 needy aged citizens and put them on a monthly package in which they get some essential commodities and a stipend of N5,000 on a monthly basis, delivered to them, to assist them in their daily lives. On January 25, 2013, the Wife of the Governor adopted another

set of 200 aged people who were initially beneficiaries of the Feed the Elderly Foundation in IjebuOde. Memories of this event will linger in the minds of the aged in Ogun State as Mrs. Amosun assured them of more welfare package in the future. Many of the senior citizens who spoke at the event expressed their joy and happiness over the kind gesture of the Wife of the Governor. They prayed for the first family in Ogun State for God’s continuous guidance and protection.

The Carnival Calabar Queen pageant now in its sixth year has produced six exemplary queens who have played their roles quite effectively as MACA ambassadors.

Sophia Dijeh, the newly crowned queen, aspires to strengthen the abstinence awareness campaign. A final year student of Theatre and Me-

dia studies in the University of Calabar, Dijeh hopes to campaign more creatively against pre marital sex and its consequences through drama and other forms of performing arts.

•Chigbo, a journalist, sent this piece from Calabar

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

46

Community celebrates ruler

A

DIKPO London, as the ancient Tiv town is known, which is also headquarters of Kwande local government council in Benue state, was agog following the installation of Chief Hillary Ikima, as its third traditional ruler (Ter Kwande).

The colourful event began with procession of second-class chiefs in Tiv land, popular called Uter, who accompanied the Ter to the public square, venue of the occasion.

The Uter were clad in their Tiv attire of Anger, Ikpa abwar atar (bag with strips ) and cap to match.

At the public square all other second-class chiefs in the 14 Tiv local governments were seated except Chief Ikima, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan (UI), who was specially dressed in Tiv Attire, and given Iwange (spear), Asa (beads) and white Tsa. Shortly after, the procession commenced led by royal drummers, followed by district and kindred heads including Kasev Kwande (Kwande wives), the Ter was led by a half-naked damsel dancing to the beat of the royal drums.

The traditional ruler took some royal steps and embraced his wife before sitting beside her for the commencement of the brief but colourful ceremony.

T

RADITIONAL rulers in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have backed Oba Rilwan Akiolu on the restriction on Obas in land matters in the state.

Oba Akiolu, who chairs the Lagos State Council of Obas, at a council meeting, warned all tarditional rulers to steer clear of all land matters or incur his wrath.

The paramount ruler of Lagos promised to hand over any erring Oba caught in shoddy land deals to the police, adding that he would use his position and weight to ensure that such Oba goes to jail.

Seven traditional rulers in IbejuLekki gathered at Oko-Olomi, Bogije area of Ibeju-Lekki to express their support and apprecia-

•Kasev Kwande during the procession From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

The rich culture and tradition of the ancient Kwande people, who are also the custodians of Tiv culture and religion (SWEM)

was on display at the occasion which had many dignitaries in attendance from all over the country.

Highpoint of the occasion was the traditional oath-taking by the traditional ruler and paying of homage by sons and daughters

of Kwande and other ethnic groups within and around Kwande local government.

A prominent son of Kwande Robert Tyough described the event as very significant, which he said will unite the people of Kwande in order to build a

greater society.

The Minister of State for Trade and investment, Chief Samuel Ortom, in his remark described Kwande people as unique and advised them to rally round their traditional ruler and build a better community and the state.

Traditional rulers back Akiolu on land ban tion of the “bold step Oba Akiolu has taken to curb the incessant forceful acquisition of land in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State by certain traditional rulers, acting in connivance with top unscrupulous Lagos State government officials.”

In attendance were Baale of Ekutu, Baale Adegunwa Adeboyejo, Baale of Oko-Olomi, Baale Segun Muda Eleku, Baale of Olomu, Baale Babatunde Kufuli, Baale of Otunla, Baale Kayode Sanbakiu Otunla, Chairman of Committee of Omo Oba Ogunfayo, Prince Miniru Raji, Prince Wasiu Olayiwola Apena,

Adele of Oko-Olomi, Prince Oluwatoyin Mojeed Bakare and her husband, Mr. Oluwafemi Bakare.

They alleged that their families had been exercising right of ownership on large tracts of land in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos until recently when an entire “stranger” was imposed on them as Oba. Ever since, they continued, the whole area has known no peace as the Oba had allegedly been making efforts to take over their land, including using the police to arrest, intimidate, harass and oppress them.

The volatile situation, according

to the aggrieved families, has led to series of court cases including suit No. M/381/2012 and suit No. LD/1946/2012. The families alleged that despite an order of the court restraining the parties to maintain peace, their opponent allegedly stormed Oko-Olomi with armed thugs last year and in the process, one Ismail was shot and narrowly escaped death. The matter, according to the family, is still under investigation by the homicide section (D4) at state CID, Panti, Lagos.

The family also alleged that on December 12, 2012, a team of policemen stormed Oko-Olomi under the pretext of looking for armed robbers, but unleashed a reign of

terror on innocent citizens. At the end of the exercise, 17 people were arrested but were released two days later when the police could not pin anything on them.

Consequently, the families appealed to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to institute a probe into alleged illegal appropriation of land by certain officials of the state Bureau of Lands with the active connivance of some traditional rulers in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state.

The families were particularly piqued by the alleged excision of hectares of land to a particular paramount traditional ruler in the area, who they said is not a traditional land owner of the area.

They alleged that their families had been exercising right of ownership on large tracts of land in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos until recently when an entire “stranger” was imposed on them as Oba

•Council Manager, Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, Mr Ige Onala; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon Abraham Aina; Vice-Chairman, Hon Ismail Bello and Supervisor for Health, Hon Folake Bakare at the stakeholders’ forum on 2013 Budget at the secretariat

48

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

The incident has rendered me homeless. I can no longer sleep in the house built with my sweat. Where would I get about N500,000 to re-roof the house? At this period, I don’t have money and that is why I want government to urgently come to my aid so that I will stop hanging around

Rainstorm wrecks Ondo town

R

ESIDENTS of the ancient town of Owo will not forget Monday, January 22, 2013 in a hurry.

On that day, many had retired to their homes to rest after the day’s hard work having no inkling of the looming disaster.

At about 7.30 p.m., it started to rain. Although it lasted for a short time, the accompanying destructive windstorm wreaked havoc on the community.

Being the second rain of the year in this area, many thought it would reduce the heat which has become unbearable in many homes.

But within 30 minutes of the torrent, the people began to count their losses .The destruction left them devastated. At least, no fewer than 200 houses were seriously affected by the storm.

Some of the areas affected by the rainstorm were Oke-Ogun, Ehinogbe, Uka, Aruwajoye, Idanakin and Fajuyi. While some of the houses were partially affected, many had their roofs blown off.

Some vehicles were also trapped under trees felled by the forceful rainstorm. Even electricity poles were not spared. This has thrown the entire community into total darkness.

Mostly affected were houses belonging to the aged who survive on charity.

The General Hospital, Owo Stadium, Methodist High School, St. Catherine Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, and Methodist Church were also affected.

Commercial activities were also affected on major streets like OkeOgun, Iloro, Ehin-Ogbe, and Uka as the roofs of many shops in the area were blown off by the rainstorm.

While inspecting the affected areas, the Commissioner for Special Duties in the state, Niran SuleAkinsuyi, lamented the extent of damage caused by the storm.

He called on relevant authorities and agencies of government to come to the aid of the affected people as many of them had been ren-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

dered homeless.

A member representing Owo State Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Ayo Arowele, noted that many of the people have been rendered homeless.

He appealed to the Federal Government, National Emergency Management Authority, the state government, and other concerned bodies to assist the people in their quest to rebuild their homes and shops destroyed by the rainstorm.

The Bishop of Owo Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria Rev. Solomon Adegbite also appealed to the state and Federal Governments to come to the aid of the people.

The state Deputy Governor, Ali Olanusi also visited the area to ascertain the extent of damage. He was accompanied by top government functionaries and the paramount ruler of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida. He described the incident as shocking.

The Deputy Governor, who also visited Olowo’s palace commiserated with the monarch, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi, even as he assured the victims of prompt response from government.

He said: “We have gone round to assess the extent of damage. We are going to compile the names of those affected and measure the extent of damage to see how we can assist them.

But most of the victims are urging government to urgently carry out its planned assistance as most of them have been rendered homeless.

One of such people is Francis Oladiji whose house roofs were completely blown off. This has forced him to seek refuge elsewhere.

His words: “The incident has rendered me homeless. I can no longer sleep in the house built with my sweat. Where would I get about N500, 000 to re-roof the house? At this period, I don’t have

•One of the buildings destroyed by the storm money and that is why I want government to urgently come to my aid so that I will stop hanging around.”

The case of Samuel Adeja at Oke Ogun is, however, pathetic as he lost two houses to the incident. The roofs of the houses were completely blown off.

“I want to make passionate ap-

peal to government to quickly come to our aid. This is an issue that should be given urgent attention.

“We are left with no option than to beg for assistance because this disaster is beyond us. It is a calamity that must not be treated with levity.”

Meanwhile, officials of the Power

Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have started replacing the electricity poles affected by the storm.

Some of the members of staff were seen at Oke-Ogun area cleaning up the damaged poles to ensure that electricity is restored to the community.

Ondo begins SURE-P implementation

T

HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Ondo State has begun implementation of the Federal Government’s Subsidy Removal Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in the state.

The coordinator of NDE in the state, Mr. Olaitan Olayinka, said 40 community leaders would be representing each local government area

•Free treatment for people living with disability at Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State by a medical team after receiving cash assistance under Katsina State Poverty Reduction Scheme.

PHOTO:NAN

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

in sourcing community projects.

He said the desk officers and supervisors would work with various communities to ensure effective implementation of the SURE-P and execution of community projects such as construction of culverts, markets, school buildings and others.

According to Olayinka, 3,000 unemployed people cut across all the local government areas would benefit from the community service scheme (CSS) which would involve joint execution of projects with oil subsidy removal fund in the communities.

He said the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) will provide job opportunities for 1,000 graduates, adding that interested youths could log on to the directorate’s website for registration.

The coordinator also said that the desk officers of the NDE’s Graduate Coaching Scheme (GCS) would train youths who had deficiency in their West African Examination Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), the General Certificate on Education (GCE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation

Board (JAMB) examinations.

The chairman of the State Implementation Committee of SURE-P, Mr. Adedayo Omolafe, commended the Federal Government for coming up with the programme.

He said: “At least, in four years, the Federal Government would have given job opportunities to 20,000 people in each state of the federation.’’

“Young unemployed people should avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Federal Government to alleviate the hardship engendered by the partial removal of subsidy by the government.

One of the desk officers, Mr. Ezekiel Fasonu from Ilaje Local Government Area, said that government should ensure the sustainability of the projects so that it could reach out to more communities.

Mr. Festus Abayori, who represented Akoko South East Local Government Area, however, expressed concern over proper implementation of the programme. He pointed out that the NDE should ensure proper monitoring to achieve success.

Participants at the programme would earn between N10,000 and N18,000 monthly.

At least, in four years, the Federal Government would have given job opportunities to 20,000 people in each state of the federation… Young unemployed people should avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Federal Government to alleviate the hardship engendered by the partial removal of subsidy by the government

49

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

AGRO-BUSINESS

Expert makes case for pastoral farming T

HE Federal Government has been urged to support pastoralists to enable them contribute to economic development.

An animal production specialist, Prof Abiodun Adeloye, said more support for pastoral communities would boost food security.

According to him, pastoralists need special grazing reserves where they can spend time and allow their cattle to move around.

Adeloye, who is of the Depart-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

ment of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, said grazing reserves would boost livestock population, reduce herding and seasonal migration, and enhance interaction among farmers, pastoralists, and rural dwellers.

At grazing reserves, the government would give each settler of land. Depending on the herd size and the capacity of the land, the settler is expected to pay rent.

Adeloye said in those reservs

there are water points to spread the cattle to avoid pressure. He said what the pastoralists in the north need are large water points along tracks.

This, according to him,would mitigate adverse effects of drought and alleviate the suffering of livestock farmers.

In most areas of the country, grazing reserves are not within the reach of about three-quarters of the herders.About 60 per cent of migrant pastoralists, who use the grazing reserves keep to the

same reserves yearly. The number and the distribution of the grazing reserves are grossly insufficient for livestock farming. Good reserves that attract many pastoral farmers are overcrowded and there is strain of infrastructure. Animals that charged into the reserve literally drink the water in the dams and outgrow pasture resources.

About 35 per cent of land that was cultivable 50 years ago is now desert in Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano,

Katsina, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

Nomads travel long distances in search of grazing land, and are headed back.

The livelihoods of some 15 million pastoralists in the North are threatened by decreasing access to water and pasture — shortages linked to climate change.

Tensions linked to pastoralistfarmer disputes have been mounting in recent months in several states.

Govt urged to invest on seafoods

A

DON, Prof Martins Antekhai, has urged on the government and private sector to create new uses for seafood products.

Antekhai, who is of Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University (LASU), emphasised the importance of the fishing industry to the economy in creating job and creating and generating revenue.

He harped on the need to promote aquaculture sub-sector as a catalyst to empower communities.

Antekhai said fishermen should be assisted in marketing and training techniques. These include, running trainings to boost hygienic fish handling, financial management, entrepreneurship and marketing.

Antekhai said the emphasis of the government should be towards enhancing fishery resources and pro-

duction to alleviate poverty through self-employment.

He said the government should assist fishermen to meet the country’s huge demand for animal protein and contribute to foreign exchange.

To boost national production, Antekhai implored the government and the private sector to increase the productivity of fish farms, reduce post-harvest losses and encourage exporters to invest in integrated fish farms.

He said improved productivity, quality, and increased processing skills would have a positive impact on the price of the local fish.

Stressing the need to preserve sea products, the don advised coastal communities and fishermen to use local methods to preserve fish and other sea foods.

How to boost food production

T

HE German Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, IlseAigner, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General José Graziano da Silva have called for a significant increase in responsible investments in agriculture to eradicate hunger and feed a growing world population.

Investments in agriculture are still too low in those regions where rural poverty and hunger are most severe, Aigner and Graziano da Silva stressed during a meeting ahead of the Berlin Summit.

“We need to concentrate our efforts on the farmers. Farmers are the key players in the rural environment and here lies the greatest potential for generating added value – both in terms of economic development and in guaranteeing food security in these countries,” said Aigner. “ The German government spends over 700 million euros each year on food security and rural development in developing countries.

One of the goals here is to achieve sustainable yield increases. This is done by promoting locally based training and education, for example, and we have initiated a number of important agricultural training schemes.

“Agricultural investment has

long shown itself to be one of the most effective and sustainable means for reducing hunger and poverty. We need to invest more.

And, equally as important, we need to invest better,” said Graziano da Silva. “It is up to national governments, assisted by the international community, to create conditions where farmers can invest more and to increase their own investments in ways that generate economic and social benefits, as well as environmentally sustainable results.”

At present, around 870 million of the world’s poorest people, or one in eight, are suffering from hunger and have inadequate access to food.

Most of them live in rural areas in developing countries.

Aigner and Graziano da Silva underlined that farmers need a supportive environment that makes agriculture attractive for investments. They need good governance, clear and fair incentives, and access to good infrastructure, public services and information in rural areas. National governments should ensure that these conditions are in place.

Good governance of large-scale investments, often by international investors, is necessary to ensure that the rights and livelihoods of local communities are protected and the degradation of natural resources is avoided.

• Boniface (right) and another farmer on his cassava farm.

F

ARMERS have praised the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, for giving them improved cassava seedlings.

The dissemination of the improved varieties is part of efforts by the Federal Government under its Agricultural Transformation Agenda to boost cassava production and the incomes of farmers.

In Benue State, home of cassava production, farmers said they expect good yields from cassava this year.

“With these improved varieties, we are hopeful of improved yields,” said Och’ Otukpo, Dr John Eimonye. ”We commend IITA and the Federal Government for initiating this programme,” he added.

Another farmer, Mr Boniface Eyimoga, who cultivated 15 hectares of cassava with the improved varieties, noted that the programme is making positive impact.

“As soon as we cultivated cassava, several people in the community joined.There is a kind of positive influence that the programme is having on cassava growing areas.

More people are seeing the potential in cassava and they want to be part of it,” he explained.

Farmers praise IITA for improved cassava varieties He lauded the initiative, adding that it would create more opportunities for the youth and women in the communities.

“When we talk of agricultural revolution, this is one of the ways to achieve it. It is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Like in Benue State, several parts of Nigeria last year received improved planting materials.

In the last 45 years, IITA, working with national partners, have developed more than 40 improved cassava varieties with potential yields ranging from 20 to 40 tons per hectare as opposed to traditional varieties that give farmers less than 10 tons per hectare.

A scientist, Dr Richardson Okechukwu, who coordinates cassava transformation activities at IITA, said the deployment of the varieties would help Nigeria to maintain its leadership position in Africa, and create wealth for farmers. It would also ensure that the

demand for roots by industries does not affect food security of Nigeria. “We are glad that farmers are getting these varieties in the country,” he added.

In the early 2000, IITA played a similar role under the Presidential Initiative on Cassava. Then, the institute provided farmers access to improved planting materials.

These efforts pushed cassava production by 10 million tons in six years, making Nigeria the largest producer of cassava.

IITA Deputy Director-General for Partnerships and Capacity Development, Dr Kenton Dashiell,said IITA would continue to deploy its technologies to help the country maintain its lead in cassava production. “What we are looking at in this project is to narrow the yield gap,” Dashiell said.

He added that farmers were key stakeholders in the cassava transformation programme of the government, and that IITA recognises them in its research agenda.

Global demand for agric machines set to rise

W

ORLD demand for agricultural equipment is expected to increase 6.7 percent per year through 2016 to $173.5 billion.

An international report said growth will be driven primarily by sales gains in rapidly developing nations — particularly China, Brazil, and India — as these countries continue to mechanise their agricultural sectors.

According to the report, popu-

lation expansion and strong economic growth in these nations will put increasing pressure on their agricultural sectors to become more efficient and productive, resulting in a rise in farm machinery sales.

The report said the Central and South America region will post strong sales gains through 2016 as well, powered by growth in Brazil and other countries with large, increasingly mechanized agricultural sectors, including Argentina

• A woman selling tomatoes at a roadside grocery stall in Jos. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

50

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

AGRO-BUSINESS

FADAMA disburses N2.4m to groups in Ebonyi

T

HE Ebonyi FADAMA 3 Coordinating Office has disbursed N2.4 million to 12 of its user groups from the 13 local government areas of the state.

The Project Coordinator, Dr Cletus Nwakpu, made this known in Abakaliki.

He said the exercise had brought the amount disbursed to the groups and community associa-

Stories by Daniel Essiet

tions in the state since 2009 to N450 million.

He said previous disbursements were well used by the beneficiaries, adding that more than 666 subprojects were initiated by the groups and associations. He said 586 of the projects had been completed, while 74 were on-going.

He said the beneficiaries showed “unbridled enthusiasm” to com-

plete them soon.

“I, therefore, urge the beneficiaries of this disbursement to ensure it is utilised judiciously to implement intended sub-projects and other purposes,” he said.

According to him, FADAMA’s involvement in poultry assisted in realising the state government’s objective of reducing the cost of produce in the state.

“More than 256 poultry farms

have been inaugurated by FADAMA groups and associations and are supported by the government.

“During last year’s yuletide, prices of poultry produce were reduced in the market from N1,800 to N1,000 due to influx of our produce into the market,” he said.

He said the office would intensify its monitoring to ensure that the beneficiaries judiciously used the funds.

“The beneficiaries should assist us in ensuring that those who divert such funds are checked to ensure the success of the programme.

“This would ensure that the lega-

cies of the programme will be sustained beyond its expected remaining one year period,” he said.

Executive Director, British American Tobacco Foundation, Mr Gbenga Ibikunle, said it was collaborating with rural farmers in Ebonyi to improve their economic status.

“We improve their capacity in rice planting and this enhances their income to become self-sufficient,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Nwinyi Onwe, thanked the office for the fund and promised to ensure its judicious utilisation.

Why rice mills fail

T

• From left: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Bukar Tijjani during a meeting in Abuja.

Fed Govt to provide feeds, fingerlings to farmers

T

HE Federal Government has pledged to provide fish feeds and fingerlings to boost fish production in the country.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, said artisan fish farmers would benefit from the deal.

Tijani, who spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the officials of the Nigerian Union of Fishermen and Seafood dealers (NUFAS), said the ministry had reviewed the registration forms for farmers under the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) to provide fish feeds and fingerlings to the farmers.

The minister noted: “Without fishery, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) was incomplete”.Tijani said that the FAO had recognised the fish sub-sector as the fastest growing sub-sector in the country’s food security quota.

“Bayelsa, Kogi states and other flood affected areas will be given free input first, while others will receive fish feeds at 50 per cent subsidy but free fingerlings.”

He listed outboard engines, fish nets, twines and water testing kit, among other input, to be provided also at subsidised rates to the farmers to boost production.

The minister also said that the programme was expected to boost the

supply of additional 200,000 tonnes of fish and additional number of job opportunities in the sub-sector.

Earlier, the All farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) called for the inclusion of livestock and fish farmers in the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme because of their contribution to the development of the economy. GES is the Federal Government’s fertiliser and seed subsidy programme, which it developed with the private sector to boost access to agricultural input by farmers.The conditions of the e-wallet scheme required a farmer to be registered under the GES and repay 50 per cent of the cost of farm input, while the federal and state governments would pay the 50 per cent balance at 25 per cent each.

Speaking on access to loan facilities to the fish farmers, Tijani said the ministry was working out modalities with some banks to facilitate the farmers’ access to loans.

He also said the Jonathan administration was working with NIMASA, Nigerian Navy, Customs and some international bodies to curb the high level of sea piracy.

He further said the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Ministry of Environment were working to tackle oil spillage in the Niger Delta because it is affecting fish-

LG spends N1m on livestock vaccination

A

UYO Local Government Council in Jigawa State has spent N1 million on the vaccination of livestock in the area.

The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Muhammadu Danjani, made this known when he received the executives of the ‘Miyetti Allah’ Cattle Breeders Association who visited him in his office in Auyo.

Danjani said vaccination was aimed to providing healthy meat and milk for people’s consumption.

He charged the cattle breeders in

the council to always live in peace with farmers and the people of the area.

He said there would be no development in any society that lacked peace and unity among the people.

Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Malam Hamza Umaru, commended the state government and the council for the vaccination.

Umaru also lauded both levels of government for providing drugs in all the veterinary clinics across the state.

ing.

According to him, the ministry will also work with the FCT Department of Agriculture to expand the FCT fish market and also establish a fish estate.

Earlier, President of NUFAS,Mr Anthony Ashagye, reiterated the union’s readiness to partner with the ministry to achieve the objective of ATA. “The transformation agenda of Mr President, the MDGs’ target of 2015 and the Vision 20:2020 can be achieved if the core fishermen and fish farmers were carried along in the policy and management.

“NUFAS is ready to partner with the ministry to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of fish to reduce diseases and death in the society in line with the ATA,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, NUFAS officials and other directors of the ministry attended the meeting.

HE Emir of Dass in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bilyaminu Ohtman, has attributed the failure of rice mills in his domain to “human error and neglect”.

Othman also said the rice mills failed after several attempts because of lack of government’s commitment to develop the agricultural sector.

The monarch spoke during the inauguration of the Rice Processing Centre initiated by TAKDAN Women Fadama Users Group in Dass, headquarters of Dass Local Government.

He said three rice mills established in the area, including that of the Better Life for Rural Women during the regime of Ibrahim Babangida, collapsed due to human errors and neglect.

The monarch encouraged the various women groups struggling to establish rice mills in the area centre and pledged to support them.

He advised the TAKDAN group against sharing the profits realised from the venture, but to reserve certain percentage that could be used as maintenance cost to enable them to sustain the centre.

Othman,however, commended the state Fadama III Project for assisting the centre with funds, which had enabled the group to establish the centre and called on other associations to emulate the women group.

Earlier, the Secretary of the group, Hajiya Hajara Bello, told the gathering that the centre, which was established in 2008, started its activities manually until it was registered last year as Fadama Users Group with the state Fadama III Project.

Bello said the group secured a grant from the FADAMA, which approved 85 per cent of the cost of the project and the group contributed 15 per cent of the total cost.

She added that the centre has modern machines that do not

only process rice, but also destone it, adding that products of the centre compete favourably with foreign rice in the market.

The state Coordinator of Fadama III Project, Dr Ali Garba, said the project allocated N12 million to the centre while the group contributed N3 million.

Garba described the centre as one of the best in the Northeast.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Tasiu Abubakar, said a such venture could reduce the country’s dependence on foreign rice as stated in the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Abubakar was represented by the Programme Manager, state Agricultural Development Authority, Dr Aliyu Gital.

Meanwhile, more than 40 participants from 19 African countries have benefited from a training on integrated rice management practices that are crucial to bridge yield gaps in farmers’ fields.

The course was organised by the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) at its Regional Centre in Saint Louis, Senegal. It was supported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), which has been sponsoring it since 2009.

AfricaRice Director-General, Dr Papa Abdoulaye Seck, said: “There is a desperate lack of trained capacity in rice R&D in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are grateful to BADEA for supporting our capacity-building efforts to help create a new generation of rice research and extension professionals in the continent through quality and gender-balanced training.”

The training was targeted at rice researchers and extensionists, especially those who are linked to the activities of the Africa Rice Task Forces and Rice Sector Development Hubs.

It was conducted in separate sessions for Anglophone and Francophone participants.

Group pegs crate of eggs at N650

T

HE Plateau Chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has fixed the price of a crate of eggs at N650.

The association took the decision at its monthly congress in Jos, following threats by middlemen to force down the price of eggs to N550 per crate.

Its Chairman, Mr Julius Gusan, said the step was necessary if farmers must make profit against the background of increased price of feeds and the activities of middlemen.

“The price of feeds has been on the rise since last year without commensurate rise in the price of eggs. This is not good for our farmers who are in the business to make profit.

“To make matters worse, the

middlemen have continued to sap the efforts of the farmers by determining the price of our eggs to the disadvantage of the farmers and the consumers.

“I want to assure you that PAN is out to change that. As an association whose main objective is to protect the interest of its members, it is our legitimate right to set price for our products. “ I am happy we have achieved that today and henceforth, we will continue to take some level of control over the prices of our products,’’ he said.

Gusan called on all poultry farmers in Plateau to adhere strictly to the resolution and warned that any farmer found selling below the approved price would be sanctioned.

He said the association was

working with the Plateau Ministry of Agriculture to sustain the industry by ensuring its profitability.

“We are working with the Plateau Ministry of Agriculture to fashion out a way of stabilising the price of eggs that would be profitable to the farmers and affordable to the consumers.

“The Plateau Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Steven Barko, has promised to assist the association by instituting a task force that will sanction any erring farmer, who sells below the benchmark, “ he said.

He called on farmers, who are yet to register with the association to do so as their interest would be better protected if they worked as a group.

Adebayor slams Mbombela pitch

52

T

OGO striker Emmanuel Adebayor has slammed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the local organising committee for the state of the pitch at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

The Tottenham Hotspur player complained about the sandy and bumpy surface after Togo drew 1-1 against Tunisia on Wednesday to reach the playoffs of the continental competition for the first time.

They face Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Zambia captain Chris Katongo had also spoken out earlier in the week about the uneven field which made it difficult for teams to play their normal passing games.

"Once again we are in Africa – AFCON is a big tournament for Africa –the whole world is watching this. You can't play on a pitch like this," Adebayor said.

"The stadium is one of the best I have played in, but to be honest with you, I'm very sorry, but it's a disgrace for our continent to be playing on this pitch when its on the TV around the world.

"CAF has to sort things out, to solve the problem. At the end of the day we are all Africans and we have to be honest with ourselves – it's a beautiful stadium but the pitch is not good.

"Those people that watch the game in Europe, they will be sending SMS's to me tonight asking me, 'are you playing in •Adebayor the bush or what?'. It's a disgrace to our continent, we can do better."

Alain Traore out with thigh injury

Friday, February 1, 2013

Keita ready for Bafana B

M

•Keita

ali midfielder Seydou Keita has acknowledged the clash with host 2013 Africa Cup of Nations hosts South Africa will be difficult because of the home support set to accompany Bafana Bafana, but that the 1996 winners would have their back more to the wall.

“I must confess that it wouldn’t be an easy encounter because we’re facing the host nation South Africa.

Eleven years ago we were in the same situation when we hosted the tournament in Mali,” Keita told Supersport.com.

URKINA Faso’s joy at reaching the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations was tempered on “Hosting an AFCON generates a Thursday after leading scorer lot of ambition and support, and Alain Traore was ruled out of the also inspires the host team to excel. rest of the tournament with a thigh However, it heaps much pressure injury. on the home side.

Traore left the field just 10 “We, the Eagles, are a young minutes into the 0-0 draw with team and we have achieved our Zambia in the final round of Group main objective of the tournament C games on Tuesday. He pulled a which was reaching the knockout left thigh muscle, Burkina Faso’s stage. Now, the next possible step team doctor said. is to cross the quarterfinals into the The Lorient forward scored three semis. We are not scared of South goals in the group stage to be the Africa. We’ll play against them like tournament’s leading scorer as we have been doing so far,” the 33- Burkina Faso made the second year-old, who now plays for round for just the second time, and Chinese club Dalian Aerbin, said. the first since 1998.

But he was stretchered off early against Zambia and won’t be part of the quarter-final against Togo on Sunday.

“My AFCON tournament is finished,” Traore told the African Cup website on Thursday. “It has been a long wait for us to qualify for the quarter-finals after such a long time, but my injury has spoiled the enjoyment a little.”

Traore came to the African Cup after a month-long injury lay-off.

He appeared as a substitute in Burkina Faso’s opening game against Nigeria and scored a late equaliser, then grabbed two goals in the 4-0 win over Ethiopia.

“Alain’s chances of continuing in this Nations Cup are minus 10 per cent,” team doctor Romaric Toe said.

•Trabelsi

Tunisia bitter at ouster

A I

FTER showing reluctance

travel South Africa T’s to bitter “ . to That’s how b e c ahead u s e coach of “safety Tunisia concerns”, Emmanuel Adebayor Sami Trabelsi has allegedly been victim described what hethe and his of a robbery at his Sunbeing City Hotel – players felt after along with hisAFCON. Togo teammates. ousted from reports that The TheMTNFootball Carthage Eagles ended Hawks werematch robbedatshortly after their third the their arrival in South Africa for tournament withCup. a 1-1 draw the Africa Nations against The Togo detailsand of that the was case are not enough unknown at for thisthem point,toalthough squalify. ome cash and personal “It’s very bitter to leave thebeen belongings are said to have tournament at the group taken. stage.

We had of "Police aremany conducting an opportunities therefore during this investigation, we are

game but were very unlucky and now we out of the tournament” Sami said after that match. ” We studied Togo good, but to win these games you have to score and we did not except by penalty and that is not enough to qualify” he added.

Tunisia came third at their group D with four points from one victory over Algeria , one draw and one defeat from Ivory Coast.

Fellow Arab rival Algeria came fourth one point.

PHOTO PANORAMA

•Burkinabe players celebrating •Messi •Mbesuma

•Farouk Ben Mustapha of Tunisia and Aymen Mathlouthi of Tunisia console Khaled Mouelhi of Tunisia after their loss

•Dejected Zambian fans

•Togolese fans

•Efe Ambrose celebrates in front of TV camera

•South African national soccer team players in a training session at People's Park in Durban, S/Africa, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

53

NEWS

Conduct referendum in Bakassi, Reps tell Jonathan

T

HE House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to conduct a referendum to allow Bakassi residents decide if they would remain citizens of Cameroon or Nigeria.

The House also ruled that in as much as the National Assembly was yet to ratify the said agreement that ceded Bakassi to Cameroon, the contentious area would remain Nigerian territory.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

These resolutions were sequel to a motion brought before the House by a member, Essien Ayi (PDP-Cross River).

Members also faulted the United Nations Green Tree Agreement, which facilitated the handing over of the Peninsula to Cameroon.

Ayi said the Federal Government ought to appreciate the

rights of the people to self-determination by virtue of which they should determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

He said: “Bakassi people deserve to be given a platform to exercise their right to self-determination which is an inalienable right provided in Article 1 of the 1966 International Convention on Civil and Politi-

cal Rights.

“Several referenda were held across the globe at different times for the purposes of protecting the fundamental human rights of the citizens involved, for example, a referendum was held from January 915, 2011 in Southern Sudan where the Republic of Southern Sudan opted out of Sudan.

“In Egypt, a referendum was also held on March 19, last year

and same in Switzerland in June last year, among others.”

He said the incessant and blatant violations, frequent extra-judicial killings and incarceration by the Cameroonian Authority, is regrettable.

House Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (ACN-Lagos) said the ICJ judgment and Green Tree Agreement was not binding on Nigeria.

“As long as Bakassi is still in

the constitution, we can go ahead and hold a referendum there.”

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who presided over plenary, yesterday said Bakkassi still remains in Nigeria.

Tambuwal declared the handover as “physical, but illegal”.

He quoted sections 12, 8, 1(4) and 4 of the 1999 Constitution to buttress his ruling.

Asaba Airport contract ‘is N27.7b’

D

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said the actual contract value of the Asaba International Airport is N27.7 billion.

The governor said the contract of demolishing the hills at the Airport site was part of the initial contract cost of the airport.

He said there was no new contract awarded for the demolition of the hills but that two more contractors were engaged to assist in bringing down the hills.

“Some people wrote a petition on the cost of the airport. I want to tell you that the contract value of the airport is N27.7 billion.

“There is no new contract cost for demolishing the hills of the Airport site.

“What we did was to invite two other contractors to join the main contractor to demolish the hills. The cost was all included in the contract cost of N27.7 billion.”

Uduaghan announced that the Section A of the UghelliAsaba dualisation would be terminated and re-awarded to a new contractor within the week.

Edo warns on HIV/AIDS cure claims From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

T

HE Edo State Government yesterday warned citizens to be wary of dubious persons who claim to have the cure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

It said: “HIV/AIDS is real and it’s not a matter that can be cured by native doctors or other persons who make dubious claims.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, gave the warning when the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) visited him at the Government House.

“The prevalence rate is still very high at 5.3 per cent. Our goal is zero per cent, especially on mother to child transmission so that we can set a standard for the nation.

“It is regrettable that many people, especially males, don’t want to be tested; it is so unfortunate.

“We still need to do a lot of work by catching them young because AIDS is real and it’s not a matter that can be cured by native doctors or other persons who make dubious claims.”

Jega: I’m not aware of Reps’ invitation From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has denied knowledge of the invitation by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Account.

The committee on Wednesday resolved to issue warrants for the arrest of Jega and the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Festus Odumegwu, for ignoring several invitations to defend queries raised on their audited accounts.

In a letter to the committee’s Chairman, Solomon Olamilekan, entitled ‘Re: Threat of Arrest Warrant’, Jega, who promised to be available at the next scheduled sitting, explained that he had travelled out of the country for a while and only returned to office early this week.

The letter reads: “I learnt from the media this morning that your honourable committee has resolved to issue an arrest warrant on me, following my failure to appear before it at its scheduled sitting on Wednesday, January 30th, 2013.

“The resolution, obviously, was borne out of the anger of committee members over my unfortunate absence at the Wednesday sitting. It is, thus, perfectly understandable.

“Permit me to say, however, that my failure to respond to your committee’s invitation was wholly unintended and regrettable. I had travelled out of the country for a while and only returned to office early this week; and there was apparently a communication gap that made me unaware of the invitation to appear before the honourable committee on Wednesday.

“Rest assured, sir, that there is no reason or intention to be disrespectful to the committee, or shun its summons. God permitting, I shall be readily available at the next scheduled sitting.

“Once again, be assured of my highest esteem for your good self and all members of the committee.”

Speaking at the end of the committee meeting on Wednesday, Olamilekan said Jega and Odumegwu “have refused to show up despite several invitations extended to them. Anyone who occupies public office must show due diligence and accountability and this the parliament will demand of them whether they like it or not.”

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan with pupils who won Ipads in a literary session held at the Government House, Asaba, ...yesterday.

Niger Deltans ‘responsible’ for rot in region, says Orubebe

M

INISTER of Niger Delta Affairs Elder Godsday Orubebe yesterday said the challenges of providing infrastructure for the Niger Delta were “deliberately or ignorantly caused by the people of the region”.

Orubebe said disruption of projects by youths and excessive demands on contractors by communities and individuals constituted serious problems in the implementation of projects in the region.

The minister spoke in Benin City, the Edo State capital, at a lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

He spoke on the topic: “The Challenges of Regional Development in Nigeria: The case of

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Niger Delta.”

Orubebe said contracts awarded to local contractors were either abandoned or poorly implemented.

He said non-indigenous contractors were often not allowed to implement projects and programmes in the region.

“In the desire to empower local contractors and achieve the local content policy, the ministry often awards contracts to indigenes of communities where projects are located.

“It is sad to note that most of such projects are either abandoned or poorly implemented.”

The minister said the terrain

in most parts of Niger Delta made infrastructure development a difficult task.

Orubebe said advanced technology required for such projects was not available in the country.

He also said the annual budget for the Niger Delta Ministry was “grossly inadequate.”

Orubebe, however, explained that for regional development to thrive, the existing revenue allocation formula needs to be adjusted.

His words: “I agree with the popular opinion that the nonobservance of the principle of fiscal federalism in the country deprives the regions of the resources they need for development.”

•Orubebe

The minister said there was need for economic integration of states in the region to work in synergy with the ministry.

On the controversial EastWest Road, Orubebe said the project was stalled because of inadequate funding but that it has reached 53 per cent level of completion.

Vice-Chancellor Prof.

Osayuki Oshodin said the lecture series were geared towards public education and enlightenment.

Communal crisis victims plead for assistance

T

HE people of Adadama in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, who were displaced by the alleged invasion of their community by the Amagu Community in Ebonyi State, have appealed to the state and Federal Government to resolve the crisis.

Adadama indigenes fled their community and are in temporary relief camps.

Speaking with reporters, they said although they were victims, they would still pursue peace and not war.

At the Itigidi Camp, the Village Head of Aki Igbone, Emmanuel Ekpe, said the unprovoked attack by the Ameagu people was a primitive approach to resolving issues.

Ekpe said their main concern was for the government to resolve the matter so they

Lawmakers call for resolution of dispute

T

HE Cross River State House of Assembly has called for a speedy resolution of the land dispute between the state and Ebonyi State.

The lawmakers also want the state to deploy security operatives in Adadama community .

Adadama community in Abi Local Government of Cross River State was allegedly invaded by Amaegu community on January 19.

Eleven people were killed and over 2,000 displaced.

The position of the House was contained in a five-point resolution adopted after deFrom Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

can return to their home.

“Even if we are fed eggs every minute we cannot be comfortable as drinking garri in our own homes,” he said.

Elder Emmanuel Elemi Ibana said the people desired

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

liberations on boundary clashes between the two states.

The lawmaker representing Abi State Constituency, John Gaul Lebo, condemned the killings.

He said: “The coordinated nature of the attack and the use of sophisticated assault rifles, pick-ups and buses to invade Cross River is a pointer to the fact that this attack was planned and funded.”

The lawmaker said the reaction and response of the Ebonyi State Government has heightened suspicion that the attack was sponsored. to return home as soon as the ally want to take my children assurance of peace is given to home.”

John Etom at Ajere Beach them by the government.

Mrs Maggi Etim Bassey, a Camp said the people’s dispomother of four, said though sition for peace should not be the host communities have taken for granted as they are been helpful, they still desire warriors, who could defend themselves against any agto return home.

Mrs Jenny Ewa said: “I re- gression.

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-1-13

Market cap rises by 19.2%

I

NVESTORS at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday increased their stakes-demanding additional 81.67 million shares or 19.23 per cent.

This translated to a total of 506.331 million shares worth N3.269 billion traded in 6,884 deals, indicating an increase from 424.661 million shares worth N3.850 billion exchanged in 6,505 deals.

Operators attributed this development to the expected injection of some funds into the capital market following the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to transfer $1 billion from oil revenue savings for sharing among the three tiers of the government. These funds are expected to be used by the state governors for various ‘people-oriented projects’ in their states.

Sectorally, the market for a while has not recorded high volume of transactions in a total of five sectors in one day. Yesterday, the Financial Services sector led the activities table with

By Tonia Osundolire

359.465 million shares worth N2.140 billion across 3,789 deals.

This was followed by the Conglomerates with 42.295 million shares worth N121.035 million exchanged in 230 deals. Others, which followed closely were Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods and Services with 32.352 million shares, 29.855 million shares and 24.378 million shares respectively.

Although the Oil & Gas sector trailed but distantly with 9.881 million shares worth N102.670 million in 410 deals. Oando was the major contributor with 4.636 million shares representing 46.92 per cent of the sector’s total transactions.

However, volume of activities recorded by major players in the market, also recorded corresponding high prices.

On the price movement tables 40 recorded gains, while the number of losers increased by one to 26.

Prestige Assurance Company, which led the losers’ chart on Wednesday moved to the gainers’ side to lead with N0.06 gain to close at N0.66. It was followed by Royal Exchange with N0.06 to close at N0.67.

Others on the top 10 were Transcorp, Wema Bank, Bagco, AIICO, Flourmills, Red Star Express, Eterna Oil & Gas and Fort Oil. On the losers’ side, 11 stocks out of the 25 closed with depreciation on their value. These include International Breweries, Unity Bank, UACN, John Holt, CAP, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Honeywell Flour, Zenith Bank, Oando, NAHCO and Dangote Cement.

Specifically, International Breweries led the table with a drop of N2.49 to close at N22.71 followed by Unity Bank with a drop of N0.07 to close at N0.65. Also on the top 10 table were Unity Bank, Custodian and Allied Insurance, Presco, UACN, Cutix, CCNN, Morison, John Holt CAP. Yesterday, the All-Share index rose by 37.74 points or 0.12 per cent from 31,815.45 to 31,853.19 points while market capitalisation appreciated by N12 billion from N10.179 trillion to close at N10.191trillion.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-1-13

55

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

MONEY LINK Standard Bank’s costs weigh on profit

S

TANDARD Bank will press ahead with expensive plans to open another 30 branches in sub-Saharan Africa this year, aiming to cash in on booming loan and deposit growth even as the costs of such investment hit its bottom line.

Africa’s biggest bank by assets, Standard is 20 per cent owned by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. It blamed a belowforecast nine per cent increase in first-half profit on costs of investment.

“It really has been growing rapidly and we’ve continued to invest, which is part of the reason for the cost growth that you’ve seen,” Chief Executive Jacko Maree told Reuters Insider, referring to its 16 operations across the continent.

“But if you look at the profitability in Africa you saw the profits growing by some 80 per cent, just looking at the on-theground banks on the continent, which is a very big jump.”

He pledged to do all he could to control spending after a 17 per cent rise in the six months to the end of June but said costs would continue to climb as the bank seeks to cash in on an estimated 30-40 per cent rise in loans and deposits across the continent.

Foreign reserves add $900m in two weeks

N

IGERIA’S foreign reserves rose to $45.91 billion on January 30, adding $900 million within two weeks. The reserves had on January 18, stood at $45.004 billion, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website had shown.

The reserves had maintained a steady rise from $45.263billion on January 21; $45.35billion on January 22; $45.425billion on January 23 and $45.78billion on January 28.

The reserves had gained

The apex bank had consistently maintained that inflow into the reserves was not consistent with the oil prices and, this underscore the need for tighter fiscal controls around oil revenues.

Analysts at Afrinvest said the CBN needs to build up adequate external reserves to satisfy the genuine needs for foreign exchange as such is consistent with the increase in the growth in economic activity. It will equally assist in conserving resources and withstanding external

Stories by Collins Nweze

nearly $10 billion in the last six months. It was $36.35 billion on August 7; rose to $36.41 in August 8; $36.46 in August 9 and $36.51 in August 10. It had dropped to $36.36 billion in July 20, from $37.19 billion four weeks earlier, losing about $830 million within these period.

The foreign currency reserves rose to $68 billion in August 2008 before the global financial crises impacted negatively on it.

MasterCard $605m profit exceeds estimates

M

ASTERCARD Incorporated yesterday posted fourthquarter profit that beat analysts’ estimates as customers made more purchases.

Net income excluding litigation charges increased 18 per cent to $605 million, or $4.86 a share, from $514 million, or $4.03, a year earlier, the Purchase, New Yorkbased company said in a statement obtained by Bloomberg.

“It was a solid quarter capping a really solid year despite the economic challenges,” MasterCard Chief Financial Officer Martina Hund-Mejean said.

Chief Executive Officer Ajay Banga is fending off competitors Visa Incorporated and Shanghai-based China UnionPay as he seeks a larger share of the electronic payments processing market.

Banga is targeting develop-

•Targets developing countries ing countries such as Myanmar, Ghana, Nigeria and Angola for growth amid a global consumer shift from cash to plastic. “We are gaining traction in our United States credit business with some recent wins, continuing to experience momentum in our mobile initiatives around the world, and securing important business in emerging markets such as Africa and Brazil,” Banga said.

Profit comparisons were skewed by a $770 million expense tied to settling litigation with merchants taken in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Including that cost, earnings a year earlier were $19 million, or 15 cents a share.

MasterCard’s total revenue increased 9.7 per cent to $1.9 billion, beating the Bloomberg

forecast of $1.89 billion. Worldwide spending on MasterCardand Maestro-branded cards climbed 13 per cent to $727 bil-

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

P

RIVATE equity firm, Jacana, has disclosed plans to target Nigerian and Ethiopian investors to raise $75 million for fresh investments.

The firm told Reuters that the fund would come from mostly development finance institutions and invest about $1 million to $5 million in each target company.

Chief Executive Officer, Ja-

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 31-1-13

SYMBOL PRESTIGE ROYALEX TRANSCORP WEMABANK BAGCO AIICO FLOURMILL REDSTAREX ETERNA FO

O/PRICE 0.60 0.61 1.19 0.79 2.61 0.77 85.05 3.35 4.64 15.94

C/PRICE 0.66 0.67 1.30 0.86 2.80 0.82 89.90 3.54 4.87 16.73

CHANGE 0.06 0.06 0.11 0.07 0.19 0.05 4.85 0.19 0.23 0.79

INTBREW UNITYBNK CUSTODYINS PRESCO UACN CUTIX CCNN MORISON JOHNHOLT CAP

O/PRICE 25.20 0.72 1.96 28.79 50.30 1.60 10.75 2.71 1.78 31.90

C/PRICE 22.71 0.65 1.77 26.00 47.00 1.52 10.22 2.58 1.70 30.61

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

Current Before

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

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

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

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

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 137.03 142.61 0.80 1.13 0.96 100.00 1,000.00 1,786.50 13.74 1.39 1.87 10,491.42

9.08 1.00 136.62 142.02 0.78 1.13 0.95 100.00 1,000.00 1,785.11 13.07 1.33 1.80 10,192.01

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

NIBOR Tenor

NSE CAP Index

Name

CHANGE 2.49 0.07 0.19 2.79 3.30 0.08 0.53 0.13 0.08 1.29

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 31-1-13

SYMBOL

He said the emergence of small and mid-sized companies is essential for the creation of jobs for Africa’s expanding population and can provide a basis for stronger economic growth.

The fund could support domestic suppliers of consumer goods looking to tap into the continent’s burgeoning middle class that has money to spend, he said.

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

cana, Simon Merchant, said the group also plans to attract a wider range of investors including pension funds and wealthy individuals in the United States and Europe over the next five to 10 years.

He said the planned fund, will equally target businesses operating in at least eight African nations, especially Ethiopia and Nigeria.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

was urgent need to pursue policies that would foster macro-economic stability, economic diversification as well as encouraging foreign capital inflows. It said a higher rate of retention of oil revenues should facilitate the efforts at maintaining exchange rate stability as an antidote to imported inflation without excessive reliance on monetary tightening measures.

DATA BANK

Tenor

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

lion, based on local currencies, the company said. Processed transactions jumped 20 per cent to $9.2 billion.

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

Nigeria, Ethiopia to push private equity firm’s $75m drive

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

shocks.

The apex bank has also said there was urgent need to pursue policies that would foster macro-economic stability, economic diversification as well as encouraging foreign capital inflows.

It said a higher rate of retention of oil revenues should facilitate the efforts at maintaining exchange rate stability as an antidote to imported inflation without excessive reliance on monetary tightening measures.

The CBN also said there

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

57

NEWS

Obi to demolish illegal structures to save roads T

HERE was tension yesterday in Onitsha when Anambra State Governor Peter Obi ordered the recovery of roads and streets encroached upon by land speculators in Nkpor, Onitsha and other cities in the state.

The governor said areas originally designed as roads and streets would be recovered and reopened to the public.

Obi spoke after inspecting Dimude Street, which linked Ukpo Street, Nkpor, but was blocked and closed by land speculators, following the building of structures on the

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

road.

The governor said such structures would be demolished.

He wondered why some people were building on existing public roads and causing traffic congestion and other difficulties to fellow residents.

Obi regretted that such illegalities were perpetrated in collusion with some govern-

ment officials, adding that the administration would reclaim all such roads.

The government has started removing illegal structures and obstructions on Agulu Avenue, Nkpor, and its environs.

Obi said yesterday the exercise would be extended to all parts of Idemili North, Onitsha North and South, Awka and Nnewi South Local Governments.

The governor gave the oc-

Ogun may probe Olu of Itori From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

T •Obi

cupants hours to remove the structures from New Tarzan Junction through Agulu Avenue, old Motor Tyres Amagu and Mercedes Avenue, all in Nkpor.

Ogun truck owners get Feb 28 deadline

T

HE Ogun State Government has ordered owners of 2,000 trucks abandoned at Gateway Trailers Parks in Ogere on the Lagos/ Ibadan expressway to remove

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

them on or before February 28.

It said failure to comply with the directive would attract stiff sanctions.

The government said it is losing a lot of money daily to truck owners and drivers, who did not only dump their trucks at the park, but also deny others space in the facility.

Court fines ex-Imo council chief, others for Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abuja delaying justice has fined a former

A

Chairman of Orsu North Development Area of Imo State, Damian Santa-Okpara, and two others for attempting to delay the course of justice.

They are on trial for giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The court fined them N15,000.

The three accused had informed the IGP that Chief Nelson Janel-Okpara had kidnapped the children of one of the accused, Edwin Obiezue, and torched his house.

But following investigation, it was discovered that the three accused hid the children at Chokocho, a village in Rivers State.

This led to their arraignment.

The defence counsel, Mr. Benjamin Nwanegbo, asked for an adjournment to enable him study the record of proceedings.

Opposing the motion, the prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Okedi said the request for an adjournment was a deliberate ploy to delay the dispensation of justice.

He urged Nwanegbo to lay the foundation for cross-examination to justify the movement of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Ishaku Hamman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), from Jalingo to Abuja.

Ruling on the motion for an adjournment, the Chief Magistrate, Lamido Kabir, said the trial had suffered several, setbacks in the last four years on the side of the accused.

The trial was adjourned till March 4 for accelerated hearing.

It said the park’s operations would soon be restructured.

Speaking with reporters at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital, General Manager of the Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB) Ayo Ogunsolu said over 2,000 trucks were abandoned in the parks.

At the meeting were operatives of the Department State Service (DSS), Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the traffic unit of the state government – TRACE and representatives of transport unions, as well as the Hausa and Igbo communities.

Ogunsolu said the government collects N500 per vehicle for 24 hours parking space, adding that the state may be losing about N1 million daily because of the abandoned trucks.

HERE are indications that the Ogun State Government may probe the Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, over allegations of financial impropriety made by some Baales in his domain.

Oba Akamo was reinstated last week after three months suspension.

He was suspended last October for “fighting” with the Baale of Lapeleke, Chief Adisa Akinremi.

While he was on suspension, the Baales went to the Governor’s Office to protest alleged financial misappropriation by him.

Speaking with reporters in an interview, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo said: “We could not do anything then on the claims by some Baale’s that the Olu of Itori misappropriated funds meant for them because the Olu was on suspension. But now that he has been reinstated, we will ask him to respond to the allegations.”

Police warn vehicle owners

T

THE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of accident and abandoned vehicles parked at Ijanikin Division to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 21 days of this publication.

The vehicles are, Toyota Celica car black BK415APP, Mazda 323 car ash FK657AA, Mazda 323 Black AT914BDG, Mezdez Benz 230 light blue AM202EKY and BMW car blue marked AG 586KPE.

Funeral for ex-teacher Olabode Feb 23

•The late Mrs. Olabode

MADAM Victoria Omobayode Olabode is dead. She was 78. A devout Christian and native of Ado-Ekiti, Madam Olabode served God passionately until her death. She worked as a school teacher and retired meritoriously from service in 1996.

A statement from the family spokesman, Mr. Olajide Adeleye, said the body of the late madam Victoria Olabode, who died in Ogbomoso on January 17, has been deposited at the Anatomy Department of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, from where she will be moved to Ado-Ekiti for funeral on February 23.

The late Madam Olabode is survived by children and grand children, among whom are Mrs. Folasade Olaiya; Mrs. Bamidele Agbii; Pastor Bolanle Obarewon and Pastor Olumuyiwa Olabode.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

NEWS

Brazil fire: Tighter control on night clubs

T

HE governor of Brazil’s most populous state, Sao Paulo, has ordered tighter inspections of all venues, including nightclubs, cinemas and theatres.

The measure follows a fire that killed 235 people at a nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria on Sunday.

Meanwhile, more than 20 survivors who were thought to have escaped unharmed have been admitted to hospital.

Doctors say they are suffering from chemical pneumonia — a respiratory disease caused by inhaling toxic fumes.

There are now 141 patients in various hospitals, of which more than 70 are in critical condition, authorities say.

The deadliest fire in Brazil for half a century has led to widespread calls for tighter legislation and controls for venues.

In Sao Paulo state, firefighters were due to launch a so-called Maximum Prevention operation on Wednesday evening.

The action was announced by the state’s governor, Geraldo Alckmin, who said it would involve around 300 teams of firefighters.

The sweep is to target nightclubs with an area of more than 1,000 sq metres at first, but

should gradually be broadened to all of Sao Paulo’s night venues, such as cinemas, restaurants and theatres.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Sao Paulo city, Fernando Haddad, has announced he intends to make available online the licensing status of all the state capital’s nightclubs.

On Tuesday, the police chief in Santa Maria, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, said that the fire was caused by cheap fireworks meant for outdoor use.

Marcelo Arigony, who is also heading the investigation, said the band playing in the nightclub had chosen not to buy more expensive indoor flares.

Earlier, a court froze the assets of the owners of the Kiss nightclub and four people were arrested in connection with the disaster.

One of those detained is the co-owner of the nightclub.

A member of the band, Gurizada Fandangueira, blamed by Arigony for starting the fire, has also been arrested.

Although the investigation seems to be moving quickly, legal experts believe it is likely to be some time before those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.

Bayelsa ALGON dismisses alleged deduction of council funds

T

HE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Bayelsa State has faulted the alleged claim that the Executive is tinkering with councils’ monthly allocation.

Briefing reporters yester day, its Chairman, Waribugo Sylva, described the claim by some politicians as untrue.

Sylva said the administration ensures that funds for the councils are released to them.

He said although there are some statutory deductions made by the state government, the funds of the local governments are duly coordinated and disbursed under the Joint Account Committee (JAC) .

Flanked by two council chairmen, Felix Bonny Ayah

(Southern Ijaw) and Obirikuma Yousuo (Brass), Sylva said the funds meant for the councils are remitted into the JAC account and meetings are held between the state and council officials to allocate funds to councils.

The ALGON Chairman said the statutory deductions include teachers’ salaries, pension fund,common services, medical workers dues and security demands.

“The money into the councils’ accounts are judiciously used for development projects.”

“When the present administration came in, it gave us a charge that we have to prioritise the way we spend our money.

“That it should be geared towards execution of meaningful projects.”

The Bayelsa ALGON chairman said the Ministry of Local Government has agreed to be the supervising ministry for the spending of the funds. ”The mechanism was put in place to ensure that the restoration agenda of the government is fulfilled in the local governments.

“It is a control mechanism to optimise the meagre allocation that comes to the councils.”

He challenged the rumourmongers to visit the councils and verify the performance of the council chairmen.

“We have keyed into the government’s plan and have become performance oriented.”

Suntai will soon return to Nigeria, says Jang

P

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang has said that Taraba State Governor, Mr Danbaba Suntai, “will soon return to Nigeria.’’

Suntai has been in a German hospital since October last year following his involvement in an air crash.

Jang, who visited Suntai in Germany, was speaking with reporters shortly after his arrival at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos. The governor was in Germany for a three-week official trip.

He said: “ Governor Suntai was ``doing very well. When I visited him in the hospital in Germany, we even strolled outside and discussed a lot of issues.

“He is fast recovering and will soon return to resume work.’’

Jang said that he also visited Mozambique where its President, Mr Armando Guebuza, indicated interest in discussing with President Goodluck Jonathan “on some oil exploration matters.

“The Mozambican leader told me that he was looking forward to meeting with Jonathan to discuss on how Nigeria can help them in gas exploration.

“Nigeria’s High Commissioner to that country, Mrs Matilda Kwashe, is from Plateau and we were happy to find that she was helping to shore up bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Mozambique.’’

Jang described the trip as “very successful and fruitful,’’ adding that, it availed him of the opportunity to woo more investors to exploit the abundant opportunities in Plateau.

Activist seeks abolition of Civil Defence in Ondo

A

RIGHTS activist, Morakinyo Ogele has called for the scrapping of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State for their alleged unlawful activities. Ogele said the recent of such activities was the purported attack on some journalists.

He made the call in a “letter of protest” to the Senate, through its President, David Mark. The activist cited the attack on journalists to include that of a reporter of the Ondo State-based “Adaba FM” by NSCDC men on January 22 at the venue of the sitting of the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

In Ogele’s letter, copies of which were sent to Olu Abolurin of the National Headquarters of the NSCDC, Abuja and the Ondo State

By Eric Ikhilae

Commandant of the corps, he alleged that the Ondo State command has taken it as a routine to arrest, torture, molest and intimidate innocent citizens, a practice, he said, was causing “panic within the state.”

The Commandant, while reacting to the allegation, told The Nation on the telephone that his command has not deployed any of its men in the tribunal venue since it began sitting. He said the allegations by Ogele are unfounded.

PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FIRE OFFICERS OF OYO STATE This is to notify the general public that the above-named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 THE TRUSTESS ARE: 1. Alhaji Lekan Adeleye 2. Elder Emmanuel L. Kolade, JP 3. Mr Michael O. Adeoye 4. Mr Kolawole Ajao 5. Mr Olukayode Oladejo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote the interest of fire officers in Oyo State in terms of assisting retired fire officers Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Alhaji Lekan Adeleye

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

NEWS

Brazil fire: Tighter control on night clubs

T

HE governor of Brazil’s most populous state, Sao Paulo, has ordered tighter inspections of all venues, including nightclubs, cinemas and theatres.

The measure follows a fire that killed 235 people at a nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria on Sunday.

Meanwhile, more than 20 survivors who were thought to have escaped unharmed have been admitted to hospital.

Doctors say they are suffering from chemical pneumonia — a respiratory disease caused by inhaling toxic fumes.

There are now 141 patients in various hospitals, of which more than 70 are in critical condition, authorities say.

The deadliest fire in Brazil for half a century has led to widespread calls for tighter legislation and controls for venues.

In Sao Paulo state, firefighters were due to launch a so-called Maximum Prevention operation on Wednesday evening.

The action was announced by the state’s governor, Geraldo Alckmin, who said it would involve around 300 teams of firefighters.

The sweep is to target nightclubs with an area of more than 1,000 sq metres at first, but

should gradually be broadened to all of Sao Paulo’s night venues, such as cinemas, restaurants and theatres.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Sao Paulo city, Fernando Haddad, has announced he intends to make available online the licensing status of all the state capital’s nightclubs.

On Tuesday, the police chief in Santa Maria, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, said that the fire was caused by cheap fireworks meant for outdoor use.

Marcelo Arigony, who is also heading the investigation, said the band playing in the nightclub had chosen not to buy more expensive indoor flares.

Earlier, a court froze the assets of the owners of the Kiss nightclub and four people were arrested in connection with the disaster.

One of those detained is the co-owner of the nightclub.

A member of the band, Gurizada Fandangueira, blamed by Arigony for starting the fire, has also been arrested.

Although the investigation seems to be moving quickly, legal experts believe it is likely to be some time before those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.

Bayelsa ALGON dismisses alleged deduction of council funds

T

HE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Bayelsa State has faulted the alleged claim that the Executive is tinkering with councils’ monthly allocation.

Briefing reporters yester day, its Chairman, Waribugo Sylva, described the claim by some politicians as untrue.

Sylva said the administration ensures that funds for the councils are released to them.

He said although there are some statutory deductions made by the state government, the funds of the local governments are duly coordinated and disbursed under the Joint Account Committee (JAC) .

Flanked by two council chairmen, Felix Bonny Ayah

(Southern Ijaw) and Obirikuma Yousuo (Brass), Sylva said the funds meant for the councils are remitted into the JAC account and meetings are held between the state and council officials to allocate funds to councils.

The ALGON Chairman said the statutory deductions include teachers’ salaries, pension fund,common services, medical workers dues and security demands.

“The money into the councils’ accounts are judiciously used for development projects.”

“When the present administration came in, it gave us a charge that we have to prioritise the way we spend our money.

“That it should be geared towards execution of meaningful projects.”

The Bayelsa ALGON chairman said the Ministry of Local Government has agreed to be the supervising ministry for the spending of the funds. ”The mechanism was put in place to ensure that the restoration agenda of the government is fulfilled in the local governments.

“It is a control mechanism to optimise the meagre allocation that comes to the councils.”

He challenged the rumourmongers to visit the councils and verify the performance of the council chairmen.

“We have keyed into the government’s plan and have become performance oriented.”

Suntai will soon return to Nigeria, says Jang

P

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang has said that Taraba State Governor, Mr Danbaba Suntai, “will soon return to Nigeria.’’

Suntai has been in a German hospital since October last year following his involvement in an air crash.

Jang, who visited Suntai in Germany, was speaking with reporters shortly after his arrival at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos. The governor was in Germany for a three-week official trip.

He said: “ Governor Suntai was ``doing very well. When I visited him in the hospital in Germany, we even strolled outside and discussed a lot of issues.

“He is fast recovering and will soon return to resume work.’’

Jang said that he also visited Mozambique where its President, Mr Armando Guebuza, indicated interest in discussing with President Goodluck Jonathan “on some oil exploration matters.

“The Mozambican leader told me that he was looking forward to meeting with Jonathan to discuss on how Nigeria can help them in gas exploration.

“Nigeria’s High Commissioner to that country, Mrs Matilda Kwashe, is from Plateau and we were happy to find that she was helping to shore up bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Mozambique.’’

Jang described the trip as “very successful and fruitful,’’ adding that, it availed him of the opportunity to woo more investors to exploit the abundant opportunities in Plateau.

Activist seeks abolition of Civil Defence in Ondo

A

RIGHTS activist, Morakinyo Ogele has called for the scrapping of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State for their alleged unlawful activities. Ogele said the recent of such activities was the purported attack on some journalists.

He made the call in a “letter of protest” to the Senate, through its President, David Mark. The activist cited the attack on journalists to include that of a reporter of the Ondo State-based “Adaba FM” by NSCDC men on January 22 at the venue of the sitting of the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

In Ogele’s letter, copies of which were sent to Olu Abolurin of the National Headquarters of the NSCDC, Abuja and the Ondo State

By Eric Ikhilae

Commandant of the corps, he alleged that the Ondo State command has taken it as a routine to arrest, torture, molest and intimidate innocent citizens, a practice, he said, was causing “panic within the state.”

The Commandant, while reacting to the allegation, told The Nation on the telephone that his command has not deployed any of its men in the tribunal venue since it began sitting. He said the allegations by Ogele are unfounded.

PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED FIRE OFFICERS OF OYO STATE This is to notify the general public that the above-named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 THE TRUSTESS ARE: 1. Alhaji Lekan Adeleye 2. Elder Emmanuel L. Kolade, JP 3. Mr Michael O. Adeoye 4. Mr Kolawole Ajao 5. Mr Olukayode Oladejo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote the interest of fire officers in Oyo State in terms of assisting retired fire officers Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Alhaji Lekan Adeleye

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

59

NEWS MOSOP hails judgment against Shell

T

HE Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has hailed the Dutch Court for finding Shell guilty of oil spill.

The umbrella body of the Ogoni said it shares in the disappointment of Niger Delta farmers on Wednesday’s judgment at the Netherlands’ court.

It lauded the courageous Nigerian farmers from Goi in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ikot AdaUdo in Akwa Ibom State and Oruma in Bayelsa State, who took the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to court in The Hague, Netherlands, for oil spills that contaminated their environment, including fish ponds and farmlands.

MOSOP, through its President, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, hailed the court’s judgment in the case of the farmer from Ikot Ada-Udo,

•Seeks appeal in other cases From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

in which Shell was held liable for the oil spill that devastated his farmland and fish ponds.

“MOSOP also shares the disappointment of three of the farmers, whose cases were dismissed by the court in the Netherlands. In our view, the court may have reached this conclusion based on its failure to compel Shell to provide necessary information regarding oil spills and its management in the Niger Delta, as requested by the litigants.

“Courts of law are temples of justice and all parties to a suit are expected to provide all necessary evidence that would aid the court in arriving at a just conclusion.

“MOSOP believes that the entire process that culminated in this decision by the court sets a precedent that would

help rewrite the way multinational oil companies conduct businesses in the Niger Delta.

“This case sets a global template for holding multinational oil corporations accountable for their impunity and atrocities in resource rich, but poor countries, especially in the global South.

“It also provides alternative avenues for local communities to ventilate their grievances, considering that it takes on the average ten years in the first instance to conclude a case against oil multinational companies before Nigerian courts,” it said.

MOSOP added that it stood in solidarity with local communities in the Niger Delta and would do everything within its powers, including collaborating with other groups, to support the farmers to appeal the judgment.

Lawan, Emenalo face charge today Continued from page 4

Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime conspired between yourselves and with each other to corruptly obtain the sum of $3million for yourselves from Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited as inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the House of Representatives AdHoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime’s Report and did cause the House of Representatives to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the said list and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) (c) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1) of the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk...corruptly asked for $3million for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited on account of intention to afterwards show favour to the said Mr. Femi Otedola by removing the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (a) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1) of the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk... corruptly agreed to accept the sum of $3million for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola , the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 17 (1) of the same Act. “That you Hon. Farouk... corruptly obtained $500,000 for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola , the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited as an inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (1) (a) of The Corrupt Practices

Court strikes out Lawan’s objections

A

N Abuja High Court has struck out Farouk Lawan’s objection to the suit filed by Mr. Femi Otedola and his company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company.

In the suit filed before Justice Peter Kekemeke, Otedola is claiming one hundred billion naira (N100B) as general damages for acts of intimidation, loss of good-will and patronages occasioned by the bribery incident.

He is claiming another one hundred and fifty billion naira (N150B) against the defendants as exemplary damages for their alleged oppressive and arbitrary actions against him and his company.

Otedola and his company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company (co-plaintiff) are also challenging the alleged move by the House to re-list his company among the oil firms already indicted for allegedly defrauding the federal government.

Justice Kekemeke in his ruling held that Tambuwal and Lawan cannot hide under Immunity to shield themselves from legal action for the alleged wrongful acts carried against the plaintiff.

Otedola, in a 28-paragraph statement of claim averred that he became distressed by Lawan’s persistent phone calls threatening him that his company would be included in the list of indicted oil importers unless he paid the $3 million and reported the unlawful demands to security agencies who told him to play along by giving marked money to Lawan so as to gather evidence in the nefarious activities of the Lawmaker.

and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 17 (1) of the same Act. “That you Mr. Emenalo Boniface, while being a public officer , an Assistant Director and Secretary of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime sometime in April 2012 or or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did, while acting in the course of your official duty as Secretary of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime corruptly asked for the sum of $3million for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola , the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited on account of afterwards showing favour to the said Mr. Femi Otedola by by removing the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) (a) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1) of the same Act. “That you Mr. Emenalo Boniface...was offered gratification by Mr. Femi Otedola , the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and you failed to report the offer of gratification to any officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and

Other Related Offences Commission or any police officer and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 23(1) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 23 (3) of the same Act. “That you Mr. Emenalo Boniface...received the sum of $120,000 as gratification from Mr. Femi Otedola , the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited in order to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited from the report of the said House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 (a) (ii) of The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 23 (3) of the same Act.” The Nation learnt that Otedola will not face trial because he reported every stage of the saga to security agencies.

A source, who was part of the investigation, said: “Otedola did what a patriotic citizen should do by reporting the entire bribery process to security agencies.

“It was after discharging his duty that security agencies mandated him to play along with Lawan and Emenalo.

“It would amount to double jeopardy to prosecute a citizen who raised the alarm on outright case of corruption. So, Otedola will not face trial at all.”

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

61

62

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

THE NATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Teacher quality and student outcome

•Minister of Education Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i

‘If we take education seriously, and if the future success of our children, and thus of our nation is important to us, then it must be reflected in the emphasis that we place on teacher preparation and teacher quality’

can make learning pleasant. They must exhibit energy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness, and never cease to learn themselves. A teacher who ceases to learn becomes irrelevant.” This last point cannot be stated more forcefully. And the question is,” what is the state of our teacher preparation?” And “what is the quality of our teacher cadre?”

If we take education seriously, and if the future success of our children, and thus of our nation is important to us, then it must be reflected in the emphasis that we place on teacher preparation and teacher quality. This is not just a task for the government; it is equally the task of the teacher’s union. And it is the focus of attention and efforts in nations that we have considered advanced in the matter of educational attainments.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) recently released a report on teacher preparation and teacher quality. In her foreword to the report titled “Raising the Bar: Aligning and elevating teacher preparation and the teaching profession,” Randi Weingarten, AFT

President comes out forcefully against what she refers to as a “common rite of passage, whereby newly minted teachers are tossed the keys to their classrooms, expected to figure things out, and left to see if they (and their students) sink or swim. Such a haphazard approach to the complex and crucial enterprise of educating children is wholly inadequate. It’s unfair to both students and teachers, who want and need to be well-prepared to teach from their first day on the job.” In the case of this country, we are worse off. For what we do is toss our classroom keys to anyone—trained or not—and we leave them to see if they and their students sink or swim. How many of our classroom teachers are trained teachers? How many have adequate (not to talk of superior) knowledge of the subjects they teach?

It is interesting to note that the AFT is the professional organisation of teachers in the United States. It doesn’t see itself as just a trade organisation only interested in the struggle for the welfare of its members. It

RIPPLES REPS PROTEST N32B PENSION SCAM JUDGMENT–News

...and let’s not forget LAWAN’s $620,000, too

VOL.8 NO.2,389

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

HE four most crucial pieces indispensable to the all-important task of educating our children include the parent, the government, the teacher, and the student.

My comments in the last four weeks have focused on the government and its responsibility to educate citizens. Last week, I dealt with the need for a public-private partnership for which the public sector has to provide leadership and direction. Some may be troubled by the disproportionate focus on government in this matter. After all, parents who brought children in the world ought to be responsible for their upbringing, and some are against the provision of free education at any level precisely on the basis of such reasoning. I think that they are wrong but I will not pause to pursue this argument here. Today, I take on one of the other pieces in the puzzle, namely the teacher.

I should start with a confession. Having been a teacher all my life, I have a bias in favour of the profession because I have not had a sustained experience of any other. One of the greatest joys of a teacher is to be pulled aside by a former student who you now don’t remember and who has apparently done well, and be reminded that you were his or her teacher. This is why, for me, student outcome is the most important affirmation of the teacher’s success. The joy of a teacher, the motivator-in-chief, is the achievement of his or her students. I see myself in the accomplishment of the students that pass through me and that is why I make extra efforts, many times beyond the call of duty and at the expense of personal welfare, to ensure that my students have the quality of instruction from me that puts them in the path of success. This was what I received from my teachers. It is what teaching is about.

Teaching is often referred to as the noble profession. If education is about molding the nation, the teacher is the most important molder and the nation’s children are the clay.

If we continue with the metaphor of the potter and the clay, it is instructive to note that the quality of the pottery depends on the quality of the potter. Is the potter knowledgeable in what she does? Is she patient? Is her aesthetic sense so trained that she appreciates beauty and pursues it? Then the works of her hands should be of high quality. So it is with the teacher as the potter of the nation.

As I went through my first training as a Grade III teacher, I was exposed to a large number of literatures on teacher preparation.

In 1962, Randall Butisingh, a life-long teacher, wrote that a “teacher must know that he or she is teaching, not only a subject, but a child. A good teacher, by his or her methods will be able to motivate the pupil, waken his interest, and arouse his curiosity. Teachers

‘Where are the power plants? Where are the green field refineries? Where are the on-going airport remodelling? Where are the FG-assisted rice plants? Where are the strategic grain silos? Where are the burgeoning new federal universities?’

HARDBALL

I

N their effort to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition taking place in South Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria kept Nigerians so much on edge that when they finally booked a place, everyone shrugged, including their compatriots. It was therefore no surprise that in their not-so-comprehensive defeat of the Ethiopian team, Nigerians gave their lacklustre team grudging plaudits, uneasy about what embarrassment the more technically solid Cote d’Ivoire team could cause us in a few days to come. If this unease is whispered in Nigerians’ living rooms, football commentators from elsewhere are less bashful. One of them, FIFA man and former publisher of African Football magazine, Emmanuel Maradas, spoke so candidly about the Eagles’ shortcomings that it left many proud Nigerians shamefaced and desperate.

According to the Vanguard newspaper, Maradas believed the Eagles stood no chance of going anywhere in the on-going soccer fiesta. In the next round, he was quoted to have said specifically, “Cote d’Ivoire will beat Nigeria because you have no chance.

You’ll struggle.”

Hear his unsparing analysis: “Your team is not solid, and it has no star player. It is just an ordinary team. I feel sad to see Nigeria which used to be a powerhouse present a mediocre squad. They have played poorly

AFCON: Writing Super Eagles off and only managed to escape the disgrace of being beaten in the first round. I feel sad because this is the same country that had star players like Kanu, Babayaro, Oliseh, Okocha, and the list is endless.” Maradas was so stunned by the decline in Nigerian football that he asked rhetorically what had become of the great footballing country. And that precisely is the most important question of the last few decades.

Maradas might have been prompted by football to wonder what came over us. But considering the way he asked the weighty question, he seemed to also imply that the problem with Nigeria transcended football or sports generally. Again, hear his distressed complaint: “What is the problem with Nigeria? Are you saying that out of the millions of people in Nigeria, you cannot get up to seven star players? What is the problem with Nigeria? This is a country that I love so much, a country of the greats in African football. Nigeria should not struggle in any group in African football…Eagles have fallen. A country with so much and millions of people cannot raise a dreaded squad; no, it

STEVE OSUJI

also recognises that as a professional organisation, it has to worry about its end product—the student outcome. This is why it insists on “raising the bar” of the teaching profession. Consider the following recommendations from the organisation: First, it recommends that the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards must take the leading role in bringing together all stakeholders to define a “rigorous entry bar for beginning teachers, just as it has established a process for becoming an accomplished board-certified teacher.”

Second, the AFT recommends an entry bar for the profession that must include “rigorous preparation” and “a demonstration of teaching ability through performance assessment.” Third, it recommends that the “process of establishing the bar and ensuring its professional standards are maintained should involve all stakeholders but be driven by teachers and teacher educators.” In other words, what AFT is recommending for the teaching profession is akin to what lawyers and physicians have in place for their professions. No lawyer is allowed to practice unless he or she passes the Bar. No doctor is allowed to practice unless he or she is certified by the Board of Physicians.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has the responsibility to move the teaching profession forward not by standing in the way of reasonable standards but by leading the effort to improve teacher standard and thus student outcome. Some recent stories on positions taken by the NUT against specific actions of state governments suggest a rethinking of the organisation on its role as the champion of the noble profession. In one such story, the Bauchi State chapter of the organisation went on strike for three weeks in protest against the decision of the state government to “send about 5,000 unqualified teachers back to school.” If it was established that these 5,000 were truly unqualified, and they were being sent back to school for proper qualification, why would an organisation that promotes quality teaching protest such a decision? And why would the union stand against continuous evaluation and assessment of the classroom effectiveness of teachers through periodic testing?

Surely, governments need to work with the NUT and other professional organisations in coming up with policy measures for the improvement of teaching in our schools. But in the final analysis, it is the responsibility of the government, as the custodian of the public trust, to promote quality education through appropriate policies to ensure successful students outcome.

•For comments, send SMS to 08082036515

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above is a shame.”

It is clear Maradas’ reflections on Nigerian football go beyond football. The way he mourned our decline, and, according to the newspaper, the way he gestured, he seemed to indicate the world expected so much more from Nigeria in all fields. By limiting his comments to football, Maradas was apparently simply being diplomatic. He wanted Nigeria to provide leadership, especially with its endowment and population, but he is deeply mortified it is unable to rise to any level of acclaim. But if it is any comfort to Maradas, he must be told that most Nigerians, minus those in government, also ask the same question: What has become of us?

And so far, there has been no consensus on what went wrong. However, there is consensus on the physical manifestations of those things that are wrong with us – the incompetence, the waste, the mediocrity, the nepotism, the lack of passion for the country etc.

In any case, whatever the outcome of the match between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, Mr Maradas’ question will still be valid. For the problems we confront as a nation are so weighty and pernicious that except we confront them boldly and intelligently, the morass will persist, and both the country and its leaders will continue to make an ass of themselves internationally.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO